Staff Pick
Puella Magi Madoka Magica was the first series to deconstruct the magical girl genre, taking the fight between hope and despair to some of its darker conclusions. It has all the delightful trimmings you should expect from the broader category — the friendships, the transformations, the pretty outfits, the cute talking animal friend — except with an underlying sinister logic that cuts to the heart of our societal tropes about sacrificing young girls to ward off our own destruction. Among both profundity and fluff alike, the relationship between the star-crossed Madoka and Homura is a love story of truly cosmic proportions. Recommended By Cosima C., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Mami's warm personality has made it difficult for her to adjust to her solitary life as a magical girl, where survival often takes precedence over kindness. When she meets Kyouko Sakura, a fellow lone wolf, she is excited at the prospect of working together with another magical girl and forging a friendship built on ultimate trust. But many are the sacrifices all magical girls must make, and the consequences of Kyouko's choice are only just becoming clear to her. When the pain becomes unbearable, will Kyouko remain standing beside Mami as a force for the greater good...?
Synopsis
When a new girl joins her class, Madoka Kaname feels she recognizes the mysterious, dark-haired transfer student from one of her dreams...a dream where she is approached by a cat-like creature who offers Madoka an opportunity to change destiny. Madoka had always thought magic was the stuff of fantasy...until she sees the transfer student fighting with the very cat-being from her dream! And just like in Madoka's dream, the cat gives her a choice: Will Madoka become a Puella Magi in exchange for her dearest desire? What will be the cost of having her wish come true?
About the Author
Magica Quartet is a team formed of members of anime production studios SHAFT and Aniplex who came together to create "Puella Magi Madoka Magica." Members include Iwakami Atsuhiro, Akiyuki Shinbo, Gen Urobuchi, and Ume Aoki, who is also the creator behind "Sunshine Sketch."