Here is my final review for Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. I made sure this is spoiler free!!!!
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Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is by far, the most exciting, artistic, thrilling, mind blowing show of the Winter 2011 Season, and may go as far as being the Anime of the Year for me. Studio SHAFT made this show a stunning, breathtaking production that captures everyone’s hearts and knew exactly how to catch the fans completely off guard. One of the things I am thrilled with Studio SHAFT the most was that because they weren’t satisfied with how the production for the final two episodes were turning out, they decided they were going to put it on hold to give the animators and the team more time to make the finale one hell of a memorable one.
Story & Plot: 10/10
The plot in Mahou Shoujo Madoka is almost impossible to predict. The unexpected sharp turns of events, and a sense of realism took this show to a whole new level. If you think this is going to be another one of those happy-go-lucky typical magical girls who has this cute companion who drives them nuts, you’re dead wrong. If you think this is a show for little girls, you’re dead wrong again. In fact this is one of the biggest issues going around Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica within the first two episodes it had most people thinking that it was going to be like every other magical girl series. For example, our own bloggers pre-impressions, the screen-cap above.
But, by episode three – my god, if you haven’t watch episode 3, go and watch it and tell me exactly what you think. Do you still think this is the same magical girl series you thought it was going to turn out as?
Episode 3 was the bomb that exploded in social media, and before anyone knew it, Mahou Shoujo Madoka became everyone’s favorite (at least for most people in the Anime Fandom). As soon as the word got out that, “HEY HEY! LISTEN, HAVE YOU WATCHED MAHOU SHOUJO MADOKA? OMG, GO WATCH IT! IT’S SO DARK, SO SHOCKING, YOU MUST WATCH IT!” people finally decided to take a look at it themselves.
Now what is Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica’s plot? It’s revolves a girl named Madoka who encounters Kyubey, a creature who creates contracts with humans to turn them into Puellas Magicas in exchange to grant their wish. However, Madoka discovers the dark truth about what it really means by becoming a Puella and witness cruel fate unfold for anyone who forms a contract with Kyubey…
What? Were you expecting me to say more? Heck no, I am not going to spoil this amazing series for you anymore, if you want to know what other shocking turn of events happen, WATCH IT!
Characters and Development: 10/10
Crap, how am I supposed to judge this without spoiling you people?
Mahou Shoujo Madoka characters were all likable. They all had their unique personalities that clashed against each other, their own complicated past, all underwent serious, dramatic character development. The key things about these characters was what kind of Wish they made when they made a contract with Kyubey. Their wish reflected them as a person. I would give you an example but that’ll spoil you.
Animation Quality: 9/10
If you have been following ANYONE who has been blogging this series despite not having not watched it yet, you should already be well aware that Studio SHAFT’s animation is another one of the special things about this show. They were very creative when it came down to animating and designing the character. The artistic crafty side has been something Studio SHAFT have been adding into most of their projects for the last few years in particular, a good example would be Bakemonogatari. In this production the characters designs are more ‘sketchy’ which help this show stand out. However, the interesting technique they used was that the character design changed depending on the mood and situation. Another thing that SHAFT succeeded while animating this was using symbolism that played a key role to have the audience look at the bigger picture and purposely added extra unique angles to certain sequences.
OST: 9/10
The one thing I love about Mahou Shoujo Madoka’s OST is that it’s very original and memorable. The tracks for the witches when they go off and hunt, it helped set the eerie mood in place, it’s real thriller if you ask me. It’s also something I wouldn’t mind listening to because the track are really good. As for the OP is bright and bubbly while the ED is cold and dark, both are wonderful.
Recommendation: Mahou Shoujo Madoka is a MUST watch anime. You’re missing out big time if you don’t think this can blow you away.
