STORY: 10
This series is only 12 episodes long, but it doesn't mess around. It manages to tell one of the most complex and engrossing stories in any anime, rivaling Code Geass, which, mind you, is 4 times as long. It's pacing is excellent and only occasionally going into BS territory, the infodump on Kyubey's relationship with humans is the only one that comes to mind. The ending, while confusing on a first watch, is still clear enough to understand and is incredibly satsifying, and is so good it warrants a second viewing.
ART: 8
While the character designs are versatile and endearing and the animation very fluid. The off-focus "Meguca" designs, especially during early episodes, are quite laughable. Also Shaft's signature weird camera angles are not really my cup of tea, including THE DRAMATIC PAN UP, and not to mention THE WORLD- FAMOUS SHAFT HEAD TURN. The frequent art style changes are subtle but noticible, from live-action cotton monsters and wallpaper monsters. Also the "Screw You, Shadows" art style is also a staple. If you don't like creepy camera angles and live-action cotton monsters this anime is probably not for you.
On the plus side, the use of lighting and color in this series is an artistic treat. Unless your watching some bootleg stream from the TV version, the backgrounds are also very appealing eye candy.
SOUND: 9
Yuki Kajura is at her prime here with the soundtrack. While some of the soundtrack is in her somewhat predictable Orchestra and Choir style prevalent in SAO (I have yet to watch it) and F/Z, she also employs lighter styles in this surprisingly dense OST and it certainly sets the mood perfectly. The first ED nearly makes my ears bleed tho.
Concerning the Dubs/Subs argument, I watched my first and second runs completely subbed, but I actually watched most of this run dubbed. The dub is actually pretty good and fits the personalities well, but the delivery is occasionally awkward, particularly the pronounciation of "Akemi" and "Magical Girl", I prefer the sub, but if you want to watch it dubbed it's a perfectly suitable alternative.
CHARACTER: 10
The series goes for quality over quantity. With around 10 important characters, 6 of them being the magical girls and Kyubey, it leaves plenty of room for characterization and learning more. Most of the characters are utilized well and serve some purpose. I'm too lazy to mention the characters in detail, but they are well-developed and kick a lot of rear in the process. Except Hitomi, because she's just whiny. "Omigosh! Gurls can't love gurls!".
FINAL VERDICT
You'll laugh, you'll tear up, you'll squeal in cuteness, you'll cheer, and most of all, root for good to prevail.
10/10
RECOMMENDATION: VERY HIGH
NEXT TIME: Kanon '06. God help us all
