Do not be mislead by the apparently cherry and optimistic tone of the art design or even the tone of the first few episodes. This show is about as dark as they come. Yet part of the enjoyment comes from seeing just how dark it gets. The contrast between the first episodes and those that proceed it is the difference between the light and dark side of the moon. This might be jarring for some, yet be fascinating to others. The story, as previously stated, is a deconstruction of the the magical girl genre. It involves viciously tearing apart the genre and replacing the bright optimism and hopefulness with dark angst and cold tragedy. It is told in a way that it starts out with strict adherence to the same plot elements and characters that make up many of the genre. But as the story progresses darker and darker elements are added until you have a product wildly different than its subject matter, and winds up completely destroying some tropes you might take for granted. Despite it being a deconstruction much of the plot revolves heavily on your suspension of disbelief. With key plot points that are expect to be swallowed with little more explanation other than that is how it is. That and MAGIC, of course. This would not be so distracting if it weren't for the fact that the story frequently provides explanations to question that would be left blank in other magic girl shows.
Be wary of spoilers for this one; as plot twists and revelations are as frequent as they are jarring. Yet despite its apparent darkness there is a heart present amidst the constant death and betrayal. Even with its commitment to deconstruction the shows has depth and meaning behind the darkness. The script is sharply written and tells the story admirably and is largely unblemished; making its occasional resort to clunky exposition and stilted dialog all the more distracting. Yet the emotions are conveyed and the story is told well even with these flaws.
The characters themselves are easily the weakest part of the story. With only one, maybe two, developed beyond the simple caricatures they are originally presented as. Here lies the main fault of the story. Despite the fact it viciously tears apart most of the tropes and cliches associated with the genre, it leave the characters largely alone. Where the opportunity could have been used to present more realistic and complex characters in the proceedings and see how they would react to the powers and responsibilities of a magic girl. The show instead chooses to take the same characters of others in the genre with the only major change being the level of tragedy that they are exposed to. Shaft appears to have wanted to explore the psychological effects the story would have on these characters, but this also falls flat. Since the characters are underdeveloped to being with they lack the complexity to show any stages of depression beyond simple grief. Despite the harrowing events that take place the grief rarely compounds on the characters. With previous tragedies seeming to be tossed aside as soon as something else equally heartbreaking occurs. With that said I may be over exemplifying the faults of what is a solid and fascinating tragedy to behold.
The Art of Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is easily its strongest point. The ‘real world’ is in a more traditional anime style, with cute characters why hyperexaggerated cheekbones, eyes, and hair. With the locals being spacious artistic feats that look to be ripped strait from architectural digest. The animation is crisp and fluid and remains consistent thoughout its run. But where it really shines is in their other worldly designs for the witches’ mazes. Each possessing a radically different art style. These range the gambit from children's drawing, a mix of 2-D and 3-D visuals. Obvious effort has went into the creation of these locals with many details presented that add depth and back story to the locals and the characters behind them. This is a treat that should not be missed, with the beauty on display.
The sound design, while not quite as strong as the visuals are superb. The effects work are fantastic and fit the other worldly visuals perfectly. The soundtrack is also excellent. Simultaneously haunting invigorating it fits the show perfectly, with a mix a chorus work and synthesisers and fully orchestrated works. The opening theme however is a generic j-pop tune with odd art that is used mostly as contrast for the proceedings. The rest of remarkable soundtrack far greater than what might be expected.
Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica is a rare treat to be treasured. Its rare for deconstruction of this magnitude to come along, that not only alters its genre, it transcends it. While the weak characters and spotty script might hold it back from legendary status it wishes to achieve, this is none the less an excellent show for those of the genre and anime in general.
