Madoka Magica, Not Your Mother’s Magical Girl
Madoka Magica redefines the Magical Girl Anime sub-genre. In many cases it stays true to the idea of the genre. There are girls under the age of 18 gaining super powers and wearing cute little Lolita-esque costumes. This show was clearly made with the intent to bring some legitimacy to a genre which is rife with adorable concepts and, for lack of better term, bull**it danger.
Let’s start with the art style. At first, it can be a little hard to adapt to because while the character design is the same neo-CLAMP-esque design we see from all anime, the fight system and otherworldly combat space inhabited by the witches is completely mixed media (A fact that is both a bit jarring and rarely if ever used). They do a fantastic job of creating a new and invigorating artistic elements to the tried and true animation style of anime from the past decade, but does so in such a way that we can still transition into it. The entire show isn’t mixed media, just the fantastical elements.
The story itself is VERY advanced. Many of the subplots in Sailor Moon were very sophisticated and interesting as is the incorporation of ballet Librettos and music in an anime like Princess Tutu, however none of them have a really dangerous element. In Madoka Magica, the danger is so palpable and scary. As much as you want to see the title character gain magical powers, each episode makes you really question whether power is such a good thing for her to have, especially when characters start dying. It’s not that Magical Girl stories don’t discuss death but Madoka Magica will kill characters in mid-fight. The story gives you a real sense that yes in fact these girls are in constant danger. I won’t include any spoilers but there’s lots of time displacement, and the last four episodes show an extreme amount of sophistication.
Though the visuals might turn some viewers heads away from the project, Madoka Magica really delivers when it comes to a damn good story that breaks all the rules and tropes while still acknowledging they exist. It also shows that women can be badass in a way that is not condescending and really puts the Magical Girl sub-genre in perspective. This is one anime that everyone should check out. It will make you wish there was more in the best possible ways… just be careful what you wish for.
