Negima!?

This is Gansis' and Shaft's foray into Ken Akamatsu's Negima world, and my first real dive into the franchise. I've heard that fans weren't that into this series, which makes me a bit sad because despite its flaws (especially during broadcast), this is some of Shaft's best work.

I've actually seen an anime adaptation of Akamatsu's handiwork before, on recommendation from a friend: Love Hina. That was a ridiculous and yet sweetly sappy sort-of-harem romance that threw in as much fanservice it could without getting spanked by Japan's television networks. Oh, and the anime radically differed from the manga, I learned later. Oh well, the OVA ... finale tied up the story nicely and Hocchan was great in her early starring role. I avoided the first Negima! anime because a 31-girl harem involving a boy younger than them wasn't appealing to me.

When this series first popped up, I was like, "Oh, great, another season of Negima... wait, what's with the question mark?" Then I saw that Shaft was doing the animation, and by this time I knew they were a capable studio. I dive into the TV broadcast, and I discover that this is like an animated variety show, but way more fun than the ones on Japanese TV (which are basically reality shows, but with ridiculous dares given to washed-up comedians and actors... and this genre is handily beaten by big-time TV stars going to interesting places and eating, because Japan), and not lacking at all in the drama or character department.

As far as story goes, I'm usually not a huge fan of "we're winding up for a plot twist... but not this week" style of story writing, but because of the ample comedic scenes and great chemistry even among some of the lesser-known students, I was distracted enough to not care. The show is roughly split up into 4 arcs: the prologue (getting to know the girls, especially Asuna and Eva), the secret identity arc, the false school arc, and the epilogue. The way the story foreshadowed the final boss and yet made you fervently wish it wasn't that person lent a genuinely tragic tone to the overall drama.

The magic system is comprised of "temporary" Pactio contracts and whatever other magic that wizards use. The Pactio system, sealed by a kiss and providing one of 3 cards (armor/rare, cosplay, and "dud"), is the more interesting of the two, and naturally receives the most focus. While the armor or cosplay cards are generally desirable, the "dud" card serves multiple purposes beyond comic relief-- they are a fun expression of each girl (especially for the second opening credits song), and are a critical plot device just before the climactic episodes of the show.

When Shaft is able to wrangle the key animators needed to draw a shot, it's usually either a great expression of the story at that point, or the key animators goofing off (both are OK in my book). Being an early Shaft production, there are still frames substituting for more difficult animation cuts. Some of these filler frames they used are silly, spelling out "mambo" in the opening credits with various girls (or Suka ("Dud") with Motsu and Shichimi) when the final version shots are of girls doing a synchronized swimming dive, or twins doing a bumping dance. Some of the shot designs will look familiar to those who have seen the ef series, like dividing the screen into black and white halves with magical writing in one half.

While the final animation for the opening credits is fantastic, the disc release doesn't always use the same audio as the broadcast-- some episodes would have groups other than Negi/Asuna/Konoka/Setsuna singing, but the disc release used that group as the default, and the lyrics are actually different when the second verse (spoken dialogue over music) is used. I wish I could have the different opening songs/dialogue and the final animation, and I'm not 100% sure whose fault that is, Shaft's or Funimation's. This is probably because the intended final version is far more complicated than they could pull off-- I'm thinking they wanted to feature every single "team" in Negi's class plus Anya and Nekane like how massive idol groups like AKB48 splits up into groups or "units". And if you collect all the different versions of "1000% Sparking!" sung by each group of voice actresses, you can hear unique mini-dramas in the second verse. Awesome, to be sure, but a bit more than they could handle, and it relies too heavily on the otaku Japanese collector.

There are a few ending themes as well, the main one being "A-Li-Ya!" (which, like 1000% Sparking!, has versions sung by every team in the show) whose arrangements made it easy on the voice actresses singing it, and was accompanied by a fun mini-sketch involving 4 girls playing percussion instruments. The other ending theme played during the first arc of the show, and it was a nice relaxing number. The BGM is mostly fun to listen to, especially 2 "derp scene" tracks.

I'm rewatching the series now (lost count how many times this is), and I'm still unearthing new things. For instance, the explorer helmets are styled after each character's "dud" card in the library scene, except Konoka (but you can assume her getup is Australian). And yes, Negi has that "dud" card of sorts, but only for one still shot. The little extras like the (fake) sentai series Baka Rangers, or a little South Park parody featuring Nekane, or a reprise of the first Negima opening credits song at a pivotal scene in the show pack the show, all maximize replay value. This is quintessential Shaft animation, and I love it to bits.

So I went back and tried to watch series 1. While (allegedly) faithful to the original, it felt like dragging an anvil compared to Gansis/Shaft's production. I also watched the official sequel, UQ Holder. Same thing, the dialogue and the slow pace feel like the show never raised the anchor before setting sail. The way Gansis and Shaft made sure there was always "light" in the production, whether it's lighthearted moments or hope even in hopeless situations made this show, well, magical for me.

Season 2 begins with heightened drama, continuing directly from where Season 1 left off. It explores Negi's father's intense battle with a vampire, injecting an epic quality into the storyline. The narrative then shifts to Negi receiving the assignment to teach in Japan, establishing a more serious tone compared to Season 1.

It introduces all 31 girls at once, creating a whirlwind of personalities. Remembering names becomes challenging, with some characters lacking depth. Asuna's character may seem less appealing due to perceived foolishness. It delves deeper into character backgrounds, enhancing lovability, with exceptions.

The initial focus on a vampire plot sidelines Asuna, leading to suspenseful episodes before ... exploring her magical contract. Character contracts' pacing is more distributed, contributing to a more coherent narrative.

Despite initial promise, repetitive humor and unexpected plot turns hinder the show. The climax is ambiguous, leaning more towards filler than substantial development.

The animation style shifts noticeably, resembling an OVA with detailed characters and unique camera angles. Opening and ending sequences indicate a substantial budget, though not improving the main storyline.

A narrator feels unnecessary, adding a cheesy element. In conclusion, Season 2 offers a different comedic tone, with an erratic and unconventional approach, providing an intriguing alternative for those seeking a different comedic experience.

Story: What fucking story there was nothing its shit. There is a nine year who is also a wizard and also a professor. There are seventeen year olds going to an all girls middle school. Normally I put a buffer in case somethings worse and put 2 but this was awful. 1/10

Art: Same as all the other bullshit. 2/10

Sound: I fucking hated it. It was the worst just all of a sudden the most appalling music i ever heard in my entire life. Their trying to put funny business in like look at this funny thing but its not ... its stupid i hate it i hate it its bullshit. 1/10

Character: Boring predictable stupid fucking... dumb simple. They had like 30 characters and like 25 different personality traits so they put part of one in everyone. 2/10

Enjoyment: Some times really bad things are just fun to watch like sand sharks, their sharks that go through sand. Thats great but this is just sad its not fun its awful and it's awful that people like it thats the worst part. 1/10

Overall: Im really really upset that they removed the nurse. If they kept the nurse character, instant ten. She had gigantic tits. Impossible but great. 1/10