Today’s pick for the 31 Days of Anime was not part of my original list. I absorbed it just recently and it had to be mentioned. Puella Magi Madoka Magica, or “Magical Girl Madoka Magica” is one of those anime. What I mean is that more so than normal, this one will divide fans into love and hate groups. Personally, I relally liked the show but there are parts that I truly despise while being unable to stop watching. If you are the type that connects with characters, then you will catch a really bad case of the feels watching this. You have been warned.
It is hard to say where our story begins. Kyubey (seen above) is of a race of emotionless beings that have the self-appointed task of saving the universe. It is a long explanation but just bear with me that they are trying to keep the universe from burning itself out. To this end, they have discovered a way to harness the vast amount of energy contained within human emotion; specifically that of adolescent girls. In exchange for one wish (and there is nothing they cannot wish for), eligible candidates become magical girls and fight against beings known as witches. Witches exist only to curse normal people. Left unchecked, when you see people commit suicide or mass outbreaks of violence, it is often due to a witch’s kiss (curse).
What starts as a cute anime about friendship quickly devolves into doses of horror, trauma, despair and anxiety. Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a social commentary and that is primarily why it is one of those anime. If you enjoy messed up situations, you definitely want to see this. It is readily available for purchase, but rather ridiculously priced. I would recommend watching it on Crunchyroll or something first. Also know that the show is twelve episodes long and then there are three movies. Each movie is at least two hours long. The first two are basically the TV series and there is very little left out. The third movie continues where the series ended. How you watch is up to you.
