Where to start with Madoka Magica? Well, I planned on watching this series a long time ago, but the main image it transmits is that it's a kinda childish and girlishy anime. Boy, how could I be so wrong?
I finally watched it and I regret I hadn't done that earlier.
I'll try to portrait my reaction troughtout some episodes:
After episode 1: Oh, I was right, this is just a girlish and simple anime...
After episode 2: Right, this is trippy as well.
After episode 3: Okay, this is getting interesting (and dark).
After finishing episode 12: Mind = Blown. I was never fooled like this before! (In the good way)
* Story:
As I have stated above, this is NOT the typical Mahou Shoujo genre anime, and its target audience is definately not little girls. This anime is actually dark and has a bizarre and heavy atmosphere on many occasions.
The story develops extremely well for a 12-episodes series. It doesn't feel dragged nor rushed at any time.
* Animation and sound:
This anime is made by Shaft, so you can expect lots of their characteristic animation style and unique camera angles.
The first impression of character design may not be the best, but you can easily get used to it and realize they were made like that on purpose.
There is also the use of an awesome animation style everytime the characters enter the realm of a witch, it's hard to explain in words but the final result is a unique art style.
The Opening for this show is ClariS, by Connect and it fits the "Mahou Shoujo" genre well, but as I said above, the main atmosphere of this series is pretty dark, so I gotta say the Ending song for the majority of the episodes is the one that fits this anime perfectly: Magia, by Kalafina. The OST is awesome and full of emotional songs.
* Character:
The cast of characters on this show is not really big, so the character development is well made throughout the 12 episodes. Each character develops in interesting ways towards the events of the series. I must say none of the characters of this show follows usual patterns.
* Overall:
Don't make the same mistake I did, don't postpone to watch this. Don't get fooled by the image you may have of the Mahou Shoujo genre here (Like judging a book by its cover).
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika is for me a masterpiece and made to my top 5 anime of all time.
Final score: 10/10
