Puella Magi Madoka Magica Discussion Thread

[Suwako Moriya]

Because clearly the series has a winning formula! Maybe. The concept and some of the people behind it at the very least interest me. Let's see if this series can be magical!

ANN Entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=12120)

Official Site 1 (http://www.aniplex.co.jp/lineup/anime/madokamagica/)

Official Site 2 (http://www.madoka-magica.com/)



Note
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[Onikirimaru]

I'm looking forward to this a lot since I really enjoyed the Phantom DVD game and the Black lagoon novel (both by Urobuchi Gen).

[Fudce]

That looks remarkably interesting. I did the now rare-for-me step of watching episode one live, despite how bad the quality was, and it looked colourful and looks to be jumping straight into the story rather than slowly introducing characters.

The music was noticeable but not overly dominating, and yes - Madoka is as cute as she appears to be.

[Suwako Moriya]

There can be no doubt that this is a Shaft series.:P

I approve of the "transformation" in the opening.

I wonder if the set up phase will be done by episode 2 or not.

Off to a decent start based on the initial watch.


That looks remarkably interesting. I did the now rare-for-me step of watching episode one live, despite how bad the quality was, and it looked colourful and looks to be jumping straight into the story rather than slowly introducing characters.

Heh, depending on how plausible it is and how good the show is, I try to watch all the episodes live.

Although I may have to make a decision in regards to two shows, since they at the same time. The two shows being this and Infinite Stratos.

[Fudce]

That looks remarkably interesting. I did the now rare-for-me step of watching episode one live, despite how bad the quality was, and it looked colourful and looks to be jumping straight into the story rather than slowly introducing characters.

Heh, depending on how plausible it is and how good the show is, I try to watch all the episodes live.

Although I may have to make a decision in regards to two shows, since they at the same time. The two shows being this and Infinite Stratos.

I probably wont due to work and other factors - but it's totally a priority watch.

[angelx03]

DAT OP sequence!!! :blush:

So the magical girl transformation sequence are actually powered by.....? :knowitall:

[Fudce]

So the magical girl transformation sequence are actually powered by.....? :knowitall:

The characters are designed by Ume Aoki... you think she'd want anything else?

[TheGreenMan]

DAT OP sequence!!! :blush:

So the magical girl transformation sequence are actually powered by.....? :knowitall:


Fuck the rest of the anime OPs this year. THIS IS THE BEST ONE. Madoka crying at the beginning of the OP gets to me. I'll hug you!

Anyone notice that only three of the girls at a top the tower at the end? Where's Homura?

[MelancholicMariya]

Good God, that opening is amazing. The animation was amazing and the song was amazing too.

But that's a given, ClariS and all.

[DiGiKerot]

Well, that's definitely the show I expected to be made by the people who made it.

Which is in absolutely no way a complaint.

[Fencedude]

Hmm...so Homura's not on the same side, precisely, as Mami? And by extension Madoka and Miki. Curious.

Also the opening bit was amazing, looked very BRSish. And that song! THAT SONG!

Oh god.

[Fencedude]

Anyone notice that only three of the girls at a top the tower at the end? Where's Homura?

Off being a...villain? It seems.

Though of course, I'm sure its far more complicated than it appears.

A friend of mine has already posited a truly nutty theory (in spoiler tags, just so people won't get their brain warped too soon): Homura is Madoka from the future, and has come back to try to prevent whatever happened to her

[Draneor]

OK. It's official. I don't get Shaft. I don't know why, but their backgrounds are just so distracting from what I want to look at (the characters). The music is really nice though. And the spell effects weren't bad.

Hey, the animation in the opening isn't half bad. Same goes for the middle part.

OK. Now I feel like I'm tripping out again.

In short, I like the music, seiyuu, and the real world animation, the character designs are growing on me, and I can't stand the trippy magic world.

I have the feeling that Homura isn't actually the villain. Rather, I don't trust the spiral-headed blonde one. I just hope the show doesn't get too serious (that is, people dying).

[Fencedude]

gic world.

I have the feeling that Homura isn't actually the villain. Rather, I don't trust the spiral-headed blonde one. I just hope the show doesn't get too serious (that is, people dying).

No way! What could possibly be suspicious about her?

*cough*

*wheez*

[cress2000]

Color me interested in seeing where this goes. I like the trippiness, and the soundtrack is pretty awesome.

Wonder if the lack of a traditional ED is just for this episode or for the whole series.

[Fencedude]

Color me interested in seeing where this goes. I like the trippiness, and the soundtrack is pretty awesome.

Wonder if the lack of a traditional ED is just for this episode or for the whole series.

Just this episode.

The ED song is the song that played during the battle in the beginning

[LelouchLamperouge]

... I can't stand the trippy magic world.

... I just hope the show doesn't get too serious (that is, people dying).

The opening song was okay as well as the animation, didn't care much for the little nudity that was in there though, repulsive. The animation before then was gorgeous. Character designs are lovely. I loved the trippy magic world. It was certainly unique, original and very Shaft. Shinbo doesn't need to lay off the crack... ever. I'm hoping the series goes darker, as that would be very Shinbo-like and precisely what I want out of this series. A dark atmosphere and magical girl series is something I've been wanting for years.

Here's hoping Shaft doesn't screw this up and be misleading and make it some cutesy magical girl moe moe kyun anime. It has started off with great potential to be something worth my continued time.

[Fencedude]

The opening song was okay as well as the animation, didn't care much for the little nudity that was in there though, repulsive.

Seriously? I mean, really? That counts as "repulsive"?

[Draneor]

OK. So basically we have completely different opinions, desires, and expectations from this show. That's cool. What I don't get is why you quoted me.

Seriously? I mean, really? That counts as "repulsive"?

The nerve of a mahou shoujo including non-detailed nudity. It's unprecedented. If humans were meant to be nude at any point, why would we be born with clothes on?

[LelouchLamperouge]

The opening song was okay as well as the animation, didn't care much for the little nudity that was in there though, repulsive.

Seriously? I mean, really? That counts as "repulsive"?

Yes? I'm entitled to what I think is repulsive and what isn't. I usually don't have issues with nudity but I'd kinda prefer it if they were quite a bit older.

[LelouchLamperouge]

What I don't get is why you quoted me.


I'm still trying to figure out this threaded thread nonsense.

[Fencedude]

The opening song was okay as well as the animation, didn't care much for the little nudity that was in there though, repulsive.

Seriously? I mean, really? That counts as "repulsive"?

Yes? I'm entitled to what I think is repulsive and what isn't. I usually don't have issues with nudity but I'd kinda prefer it if they were quite a bit older.

Eh, whatever.

I just think "repulsive" is a hilarious overreaction. Seriously, no one will think less of you for not VIGOROUSLY OBJECTING to things. We won't judge you a horrible person for it.

[Fencedude]

What I don't get is why you quoted me.


I'm still trying to figure out this threaded thread nonsense.

Post you want to respond to. Click "Quote".

Thats not hard. If you don't want to include the text of the person you are responding to (like if you just want to make general statements), just delete it from the textbox.

[strangefour]

-Black and white. Contrast. Running. Artistic madness.
-Kick ass rock theme!
-Magical Lyrical Hidamari... Time to "make friends"!
-MAKE THE CONTRACT!
-Future Madoka symmetrically docks to give Madoka Mahou Powah!
-Nice Frank Llyod Wrightian house.
-So many mirrors. So many camera angles.
-*kiss* *kiss* 8highfive* So long milf~
-The girl of her dreams just walked into Madoka's life. I guess now she'll have to fight Akemi's seven evil exs.
-Akemi is a strange girl. But she has her eyes on Madoka.
-Poor little magical weasel.
-Oh Homura. I guess Madoka will have to "make friends" the hard way.
-Butterflys ripping the fabric of reality?
-Mustached puffballs? What the hell? This show just went insane.
-Mahou Musket Battalion Barrage! hehehe

something will explode watching this. No wideface |_________| But otherwise holy hamsters in a handbasket to heaven was that was a great first episode.

[strangefour]

gic world.

I have the feeling that Homura isn't actually the villain. Rather, I don't trust the spiral-headed blonde one. I just hope the show doesn't get too serious (that is, people dying).

No way! What could possibly be suspicious about her?

*cough*

*wheez*

The cutest one being *gasp* evil? That's impossible that could never. Happen. Never ever ever ever. [Considered finding cute/evil image examples from other shows but it would take too long/be spoilers.] But yeah. Blonde drills is clearly playing for the eventual Big Bad's team. Since Homura is the Fate Tesstarossa OTP for Madoka.

[HitokiriShadow]

Whut. The first magical girl transformation scene we see is NOT the main character? WTF. You... you can't do that!! It's not allowed! .... My world has been shattered, I don't know what to believe in anymore.

Fascinating opening episode. Its... very dark. Homura has some very ominous words for Madoka, the other magical girl threatens to kill Homura, and then there's that opening scene and that bizarre.... whatever that Madoka and Miki were trapped in when Mami showed up. Oh, and Miki didn't seem to hear the Kyube, but then after Mami shows up, Kyube suddenly decides Miki is a chosen one too. And this is after Homura has been none too subtlely suggesting that Kyube is bad news. Hmmm....

The few seconds of the ED I heard in the preview clip sounded great and the longer version in the opening scene doesn't disappoint. I'll almost definitely be getting the CD for that. The show had some very good, and very atmospheric music in general. It's also.... very, very SHAFT and that's a good thing.

[strangefour]

The opening song was okay as well as the animation, didn't care much for the little nudity that was in there though, repulsive.

Seriously? I mean, really? That counts as "repulsive"?

Yes? I'm entitled to what I think is repulsive and what isn't. I usually don't have issues with nudity but I'd kinda prefer it if they were quite a bit older.

Eh, whatever.

I just think "repulsive" is a hilarious overreaction. Seriously, no one will think less of you for not VIGOROUSLY OBJECTING to things. We won't judge you a horrible person for it.

Heck no this wasn't repulsive. This was nice and tame and simple and kinda cute. The were no drawn nipples. No lingering shots on nipple or crotch area. No damn creepy zoom ins to erogenous zones. *shiver* Magical girl shows can be really creepy sometimes. But this OP was just random symbolic cute.

But I expect there will be bathing scenes in this show sometime. Possibly with colored bath scents and singing.

[HitokiriShadow]

But I expect there will be bathing scenes in this show sometime. Possibly with colored bath scents and singing.

Then they'll insert Diathnode crystals into each other to power up!

[Fencedude]

But I expect there will be bathing scenes in this show sometime. Possibly with colored bath scents and singing.

Then they'll insert Diathnode crystals into each other to power up!

BAHAHAHAHA

Yes!

[EmperorBrandon]

I wonder... is Madoka's father a stay-at-home dad? Well, he looked kind of domestic with the apron and all, and mom is a career woman. I thought that was neat whatever the case. :)

Seems interesting so far, and I like the character design style.

[Nork22]

Aside from the fact you are watching a Shaft show, I enjoyed the music a lot more than what's going on in the first episode. Another Yuki Kajiura soundtrack I should get. Still it's worth watching, since it has a certain type of animosity in the atmosphere (and I hope someone will die).

[Sly05]

Wow, that was cool. Definitely liking the dark atmosphere. Shinbo's visual style worked great here to make the magical world (or whatever it is supposed to be) deliciously creepy. The music direction also stands out as excellent. This episode has me really hyped for the rest of the series.

[TheGreenMan]

You're having a really bad day when a BUILDING is thrown in your FACE.
Yes, help your wife, Madoka!
Crying Madoka is OP=BAD SHIT COMING.
BEST. OP. THIS. SEASON.
High five!
Sayaka will make Madoka her wife! I APPROVE.
Sayaka reminds me so much of Ritsu.
Oh mysterious transfer student...
It's Hitagi...only younger.
Sayaka and Madoka go to the mall...to get violin boy's CD.
Magical animal. Check.
They get trapped in Hot Topic!
Ara~ How did I figure that Mami would be a ara ara girl.
Mami's transformation! It rocks. Definitely different than we're used to seeing.
UNLIMITED GUN WORKS!
Oh...dear...god, that LOOK that Mami gives Homura. RAPE TIME!

This how definitely blew my face off. The music, the designs, the darkness of it all.

[ilmaestro]

Oh man, I was kind of excited for the show just on the premise and the SHAFTiness, but that pretty much blew me away.

The opening, as so many people have mentioned, the incredible visual concoctions of the "other" world (whatever it is), the delicious character art and subtle animation, the hugely enigmatic actions and words of Homura and also Mami, outstanding central performance from Yuuki Aoi... I think they delivered on most all of their pre-show promises inside one episode. If it delivers on even half of it over the rest of the series, it could be pretty special.

[Ashyukun]

A friend of mine has already posited a truly nutty theory (in spoiler tags, just so people won't get their brain warped too soon): Homura is Madoka from the future, and has come back to try to prevent whatever happened to her
I could totally see that being the case. That would be all kinds of awesome if it ends up being the case. That would also mean that, potentially Mami and Kyube are not entirely the 'good guys' that they're made out to be so far.

Not a single thing about the actual episode contradicted how spectacular I was expecting this to be. It's nice when things live up to the expectations I have for them. I expect that this will be in its own SHAFT-y way as fantastic as PanSto was last season for Gainax.

[ilmaestro]

That would also mean that, potentially Mami and Kyube are not entirely the 'good guys' that they're made out to be so far.
Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that she "just happened to be passing by" at that time. That said, I felt pretty bad for Kyube during the episode - as maniacally worrying as its facial expression is, its wounds looked nasty raw.

[Fencedude]

That would also mean that, potentially Mami and Kyube are not entirely the 'good guys' that they're made out to be so far.
Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that she "just happened to be passing by" at that time. That said, I felt pretty bad for Kyube during the episode - as maniacally worrying as its facial expression is, its wounds looked nasty raw.

What, she's just a passing through Magical Girl, whats suspicious about that?

[ilmaestro]

That would also mean that, potentially Mami and Kyube are not entirely the 'good guys' that they're made out to be so far.
Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that she "just happened to be passing by" at that time. That said, I felt pretty bad for Kyube during the episode - as maniacally worrying as its facial expression is, its wounds looked nasty raw.

What, she's just a passing through Magical Girl, whats suspicious about that?
The only thing that would still make me say "nothing at all" is that I have total faith in SHAFT to do nothing that would be straightforward enough for me to guess at with this series. ^^;

[strangefour]

That would also mean that, potentially Mami and Kyube are not entirely the 'good guys' that they're made out to be so far.
Yes, I'm not entirely convinced that she "just happened to be passing by" at that time. That said, I felt pretty bad for Kyube during the episode - as maniacally worrying as its facial expression is, its wounds looked nasty raw.

What, she's just a passing through Magical Girl, whats suspicious about that?

ONORE MADOKA!

[Fencedude]

ONORE MADOKA!

TORISUGARI NO MAHOU SHOUJO

[Fudce]

UNLIMITED GUN WORKS!

I'd call it "Guns of Babylon" rather than "Unlimited Gun Works". :P

[bear]

gic world.

I have the feeling that Homura isn't actually the villain. Rather, I don't trust the spiral-headed blonde one. I just hope the show doesn't get too serious (that is, people dying).

No way! What could possibly be suspicious about her?

*cough*

*wheez*

Kundere vs Yandere? Blondie did threaten to kill Homura.

It's that little furry creature that I don't trust. Contract huh? Could I let my lawyer look at that?

[aku.chan]

Wow, I'm not sure what I was expecting from this show, but it still amazed me.

[TheGreenMan]

I really like Madoka's house. So many windows! And a greenhouse!

[TAS]

It's that little furry creature that I don't trust. Contract huh? Could I let my lawyer look at that?
Any wish? I'd expect lots of attached strings... or is it like the monkeys paw maybe.

[TheGreenMan]

Watching this a couple more times, I do believe I see a reference to Bakemonogatari. When Homura is talking to Madoka in the classroom, we get a close up of Homura's face when she askes Madoka to take her to the nurses office. The angle and the way her head looks cocked to the side, and her expression looks exactly like a similar scene of Hitagi from Bakemono.

[something]

First Winter 2011 episode I'm watching. Might as well start with what will presumably be the best.

Episode 1:

- I'm 1.5 seconds in and it's already very Shaft.
- Well, shit. Yeah. I'll be shocked if anything tops Madoka this season. I'm already feeling like this ought to be a perfect blend of Shaft's style with magical girling. Visually stunning. Although I don't expect it to be this dark very often.

- Haha, having to wake their mom up. She reacts like a vampire.
- Holy shit that is an interesting bathroom.
- So yeah, seiyuu. YUUUUKI AOOOOIII!!! And awesome, mom is Gotou Yuuko!
- Madoka's school uniform is really nicely designed.

- Now to meet her friends! Miki Sayaka (Kitamura Eri~) is going to take Madoka as her wife!
- I wonder who it is at Shaft that's responsible for the ridiculously unique sense of architecture. Obviously the staff is almost entirely carryovers from Bake.
- Akemi Homura arrives. Yes, the girl of your dreams is now in your class! It'll be a battle to the death between Akemi and Miki to see who will be your bride!
- Oh god, Saitou Chiwa pulling out her Hitagi again is so perfect for Akemi.

- Fffff, Madoka asks how Akemi knows she's the class nurse, Akemi doesn't reply right away, Madoka lets out this adorable, barly-audible whimper. Yuuki Aoiiiiii <3
- Heh, man, this show is just screaming "LOOK! Look how much like Bakemonogatari this show is [stylistically]! Buy it! OH GOD PLEASE BUY IT! We want to crack 10k for once!" Which of course is fine, and I can pretty much guarantee I'll be making my contribution towards that goal...
- Homura (let's switch to given names! Homura/Sayaka/Mami!) looks pretty... upset? Annoyed?
- And is warning Madoka off of becoming a magical girl, it sounds like.

- Sayaka is overcome with moe!
- Akemi is attacking the critter!

And whaaaaaat the hell. So Shafty. So awesome. I was also really expecting Hitomi to be the blond mage but it doesn't seem to be the case. But that was fantastic. OP and ED both, and it's nice to see Claris score twice in a row between this and OreImo.

[something]

I do believe I see a reference to Bakemonogatari
"The entire visual aesthetic"? Well, except character designs.

Not that that's a bad thing.

[Shiroi Hane]

I really like Madoka's house. So many windows! And a greenhouse!
..and a bathroom the size of a swimming pool. Was there even a bath in there?

[Isuzu Inugami]

I do believe I see a reference to Bakemonogatari
"The entire visual aesthetic"? Well, except character designs.

Not that that's a bad thing.

Well, but that's SHAFT, right? I mean, you can see that asthetic already developing in PaniPoni and Negima!?. [Heh, ending a sentence with the title Negima!? is punctuationally fraught!] I wouldn't chalk it up as some effort to emulate Bakemonogatari.

Anyway, creepy magical world is creepy! Mysterious agendas are mysterious! Luscious episode is so very, very luscious! I'm in my happy place.

[something]

Well, but that's SHAFT, right? I mean, you can see that asthetic already developing in PaniPoni and Negima!?.
Bakemonogatari has a style distinct from other recent works like Arashi or Arakawa, while Madoka is far, far, far closer to it. Whether it's an attempt to make a direct mental association in the viewer's heads or not I don't think it matters. I was being largely facetious in making it sound manipulative, and at any rate I adore it so it wouldn't bother me regardless. More likely it's just a matter of certain staff members wanting to use that style as opposed to an Arashi or Arakawa or Hidamari but the resemblance is still extensive to my eyes. Which, again, isn't a complaint.

[Fencedude]

Well, but that's SHAFT, right? I mean, you can see that asthetic already developing in PaniPoni and Negima!?.
Bakemonogatari has a style distinct from other recent works like Arashi or Arakawa, while Madoka is far, far, far closer to it. Whether it's an attempt to make a direct mental association in the viewer's heads or not I don't think it matters. I was being largely facetious in making it sound manipulative, and at any rate I adore it so it wouldn't bother me regardless. More likely it's just a matter of certain staff members wanting to use that style as opposed to an Arashi or Arakawa or Hidamari but the resemblance is still extensive to my eyes. Which, again, isn't a complaint.

Indeed.

Good example, compare the exteriors of the schools. While certainly different, they could easily have been by the same architect.

[Westlo]

Good first episode, Madoka's mum was total win, hope she gets to steal more scenes though I doubt it... music was pretty good, won't reach the heights of Kara no Kyoukai but looks on track to surpass Pandora Hearts fairly easily. I was also thinking that Hitomi was going to be the one to come back for some reason.. Curious to see how this plays out.. kinda inclined to think one way but they might expect you do that....

Well, but that's SHAFT, right? I mean, you can see that asthetic already developing in PaniPoni and Negima!?.
Bakemonogatari has a style distinct from other recent works like Arashi or Arakawa, while Madoka is far, far, far closer to it. Whether it's an attempt to make a direct mental association in the viewer's heads or not I don't think it matters.

Atsuhiro Iwakami the producer who pulled this together was also the producer of Bakemonogatari so I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.. heck honestly during the first scene I was expecting Hitagi to start falling down... oh and Iwakami is also the producer of OreNo... so you know what that means lol..

Aniplex are swinging for the fences lately.. Angel Beats before and now Madoka Magica and Fractale with Anohana and Dog Days to come, they're really trying to get a lot of original properties going.

And that's in addition to their successful adaptions like Bakemonogatari, Kara no Kyoukai, Durarara!!, OreNo, FMA Brotherhood, Working!! etc

[William K]

Well, very Shafty and dark first episode. Will be interesting to see how this goes.

Anyone think it's a coincidence that Madoka's teacher is voiced by Iwao Junko (CCS's Tomoyo)? I believe it's her first appearance in an anime since My-Otome.

[something]

Aniplex are swinging for the fences lately.. Angel Beats before and now Madoka Magica and Fractale with Anohana and Dog Days to come, they're really trying to get a lot of original properties going.
And that's in addition to their successful adaptions like Bakemonogatari, Kara no Kyoukai, Durarara!!, OreNo, FMA Brotherhood, Working!! etc
For as long as I've been buying (7 anime seasons including this one) I have purchased at least one Aniplex title every season except for Fall '09 and they made up for that by getting 3 of 3 in Winter '10.

Their domination over my collection is pretty intense, and it never seems to stop. Bake in Summer 09, Drrr, Hidamari and SoraWoto in Winter '10, AB! in Spring '10, SW2 in Summer '10, OreImo and Zakuro in Fall '10 and now at the very least Madoka in Winter '11 and maybe more if I get Fractale.

And pretty much every one of those has a really nice looking release and most have nice extras. So I'm always very, very happy when I hear that Aniplex is handling a title.

I'm not sure if any other distributors come close for me... maybe Pony Canyon? Probably still well behind.

[Fudce]

Two episodes in and still no titular transformation? I know Madoka Magica is doing things other than going by the book, but I want to see Madoka's transformation already!

Regardless it's still going good. A lot of exposition in this episode and even more kickassery by Mami. This time she shows us exactly where she's hiding all of those guns, and shows us the biggest gun in her arsenal.

I'm beginning to wonder if Kyubei is invisible? I don't understand raws but nobody was really responding to him sitting on Madoka's shoulder all day... also Hitomi is getting a bit more distant from Sayaka & Madoka. Good think for the two new magical girl's relationship - bad thing for fans of Hitomi perhaps?

[DiGiKerot]

I'm beginning to wonder if Kyubei is invisible? I don't understand raws but nobody was really responding to him sitting on Madoka's shoulder all day... also Hitomi is getting a bit more distant from Sayaka & Madoka. Good think for the two new magical girl's relationship - bad thing for fans of Hitomi perhaps?

My Japanese isn't great, but it's pointed out on several occasions during the episode that only the magical girl/magical girl candidate characters in the show are able to see Kyubei. I think the first occasion was when she was in the bathroom with her mother, which leads her to reiterate the point when she meets with Sayaka and Hitomi later on (it's why Sayaka freaks out a bit - she doesn't realise that Hitomi can't see him).

[EmperorBrandon]

I loved Hitomi's scenes this episode, since they were pretty amusing. :) Shame the other two friends have to keep secrets from her. I'm wondering if she will find out at some point. The show is settling in quite nicely for me as far as characters and interest in the story goes.

[Fencedude]

Haha...Hitomi thinks Madoka and Maki are an item. I support this position!

Mami was pretty epic during that fight, I can't wait to see what Madoka, Miki and Homura can do.

I assume we're going to learn that hunting witches isn't as good an activity as Mami would like them to think though...

[bear]

Mami was pretty epic during that fight, I can't wait to see what Madoka, Miki and Homura can do.

She could try using a magical machine gun instead of single shots or is she just showing off? ;)


I assume we're going to learn that hunting witches isn't as good an activity as Mami would like them to think though...

Still don't trust this "any wish" deal.

Homura doesn't seem to be totally on the dark side. What else does the witch seed do beside recharge the magical battery?

[Fencedude]

Oh yeah, and for those keeping track, last time was GATES OF BABYLON, while this time was UNLIMITED MUSKET WORKS

[mellowrg2]

Mami was pretty epic during that fight, I can't wait to see what Madoka, Miki and Homura can do.

She could try using a magical machine gun instead of single shots or is she just showing off? ;)


I assume we're going to learn that hunting witches isn't as good an activity as Mami would like them to think though...

Still don't trust this "any wish" deal.

Homura doesn't seem to be totally on the dark side. What else does the witch seed do beside recharge the magical battery?

I'm guessing that Witches are in fact magical girls whose soul gems have turned black

[Fencedude]

I'm guessing that Witches are in fact magical girls whose soul gems have turned black

That certainly seems plausible to me. Mami definitely wasn't telling the entire story though.

Anyone else think that Madoka's mom is a ripe target for being affected by a Witch? Also her rant in the bathroom actually was kinda scary...

[mellowrg2]

I'm guessing that Witches are in fact magical girls whose soul gems have turned black

That certainly seems plausible to me. Mami definitely wasn't telling the entire story though.

Anyone else think that Madoka's mom is a ripe target for being affected by a Witch? Also her rant in the bathroom actually was kinda scary...

I won't be surprised if one of the hidden clauses is "oh, if you become a mahou shoujo expect witches to target you, your family and your friends"

[Fencedude]

I won't be surprised if one of the hidden clauses is "oh, if you become a mahou shoujo expect witches to target you, your family and your friends"

Do note that Mami, who's somewhere in the viscinity of 15, lives alone. In a rather nice apartment.

So yeah.

Also, I was impressed by how much thought Miki's putting into the wish aspect. Which notably Madoka isn't.

[HitokiriShadow]

Madoka *still* hasn't transformed by the end of the second episode. That's pretty impressive.

Anyway, Mami's fight against the witch was pretty awesome. And the ED song playing during it just kicked it to another level.

[HitokiriShadow]

Anyone else think that Madoka's mom is a ripe target for being affected by a Witch? Also her rant in the bathroom actually was kinda scary...

At first I thought the lady that jumped off the roof *was* Madoka's mom.

Anyway, Madoka and her mom have a rather strange relationship. They act more like sisters than parent and child. Also, that bathroom if freaking huge (its larger than most anime characters' bedrooms) and its absolutely covered in mirrors.

[bear]

Anyone else think that Madoka's mom is a ripe target for being affected by a Witch? Also her rant in the bathroom actually was kinda scary...

If they haven't targeted her already....

[Gildor]

Anyway, Madoka and her mom have a rather strange relationship. They act more like sisters than parent and child. Also, that bathroom if freaking huge (its larger than most anime characters' bedrooms) and its absolutely covered in mirrors.

Yes, I noticed that also. In fact, I wonder if there is something with all these large walls of glass. The school just seems to have glass boxes as classrooms. Interesting concept in a show, but a terrible idea for a real school. Way too distracting, especially for younger kids.

[Fudce]

Oh yeah, and for those keeping track, last time was GATES OF BABYLON, while this time was UNLIMITED MUSKET WORKS

Unlimited muskets do work - but only once and then they're thrown away (or used as clubs).

The rewatch with subs was worth the wait. I really want to know what Homura wished for, because it clearly backfired onto her badly.

[aku.chan]

My poor computer does not like wacky magical world in HD :(

Having an unlimited number of one-shot muskets instead of one musket with unlimited shots seems like a really stupid idea, but it does make battles entertaining.

Was it just me, or did that Witch Seed suck darkness out of that Soul Gem to re-charge it? If it did, I don't think I like the implications.

[HitokiriShadow]

Was it just me, or did that Witch Seed suck darkness out of that Soul Gem to re-charge it? If it did, I don't think I like the implications.

Yeah, that's what it did.

[regz91]

Writer Gen Urobuchi has been putting up some interesting stuff up on Twitter that sheds some light on how much things can change between the screenplay and the final episode. I hope he really plans to make this a weekly thing.

For episode 1, he wrote:


"Mami transforms into a Puella Magi. Madoka and Sayaka are overwhelmed by its brightness." "Mami takes her gun and fires it like a machine gun. The familiars are unable to dodge and are wiped out instantly." I only wrote these two lines in my scenario, but the finished product turned out like that!

This is why working on an anime is so fun, I can't stand it.

"It's a magical musket so rapid-fire is OK", was about the extent of my thinking, but I take my hat off to the idea that "No, muskets are single-fire only so let's just add more guns!"

When working with Shaft-san, I don't know what's going to happen until they're finished, so I'm also trembling with excitement.


For episode 2, he wrote:


So, for this week's Writer: "Bwuh?! I heard nothing about this, Director-san!!" corner . . . Mami-sempai's Victorious Finish Tea Time. I didn't come up with any of this! It's like the victory pose in a fighting game - it's much too beautifully elegant!

If I had that kind of sense, I'm sure her line during her magical beatdown would have been "This is my fatality!!"


As for the show itself, right now it's more or less relying on the visuals and direction while the writing slowly lays down the foundation for what definitely looks to be a great show. That said, that entire scene on the rooftop with Sayaka is PURE Urobuchi, beginning to touch upon the moral conflicts that he's so famous for.

[Sly05]

So, for this week's Writer: "Bwuh?! I heard nothing about this, Director-san!!" corner . . . Mami-sempai's Victorious Finish Tea Time. I didn't come up with any of this! It's like the victory pose in a fighting game - it's much too beautifully elegant!

That was my favourite part of the battle. Victory tea is definitely a significant perk for being a magical girl. The whole battle was absolutely stunning. I love Mami's one shot musket attacks.

[Fudce]

So, for this week's Writer: "Bwuh?! I heard nothing about this, Director-san!!" corner . . . Mami-sempai's Victorious Finish Tea Time. I didn't come up with any of this! It's like the victory pose in a fighting game - it's much too beautifully elegant!

That was my favourite part of the battle. Victory tea is definitely a significant perk for being a magical girl. The whole battle was absolutely stunning. I love Mami's one shot musket attacks.

The whole "Use and throwaway" motif of using muskets in battle really gave her the look of a veteran and skilled fighter. It was really effective of showing us - the people who are used to Divine Shooters from every angle and Precure Marble Screws taken where the sun doesn't shine - just how clinical she is in the dealing of the critters and then the epic fight with the end-of-level boss.

She even had her own Starlight Breaker to finish it off.

[Sly05]

Homura doesn't seem to be totally on the dark side. What else does the witch seed do beside recharge the magical battery?
It wouldn't surprise me if magical girls turn into witches if their magic eggs run out of energy. I suspect Mami might be recruiting other magical girls and letting them turn into witches so she can harvest their energy.

[Sly05]

The whole "Use and throwaway" motif of using muskets in battle really gave her the look of a veteran and skilled fighter.

Plus the universal law that the coolness of weapons is directly proportional to their quantity multiplied by their size.

[Ashyukun]

It wouldn't surprise me if magical girls turn into witches if their magic eggs run out of energy. I suspect Mami might be recruiting other magical girls and letting them turn into witches so she can harvest their energy.
I was thinking something along those lines too- the witch's seed looked suspiciously like the magic egg, just smaller. At a guess, 'darkness' or the likes accumulates in it over time and they have to use the witch's seeds to remove it- and if they don't, turn into witches themselves.

There's a whole lot of questions that I think would be wise for Madoka to be asking... are there other wish-granting creatures? If not- their furry 'friend' should be able to tell them a good bit about Homura. What was up with that 'dream' at the beginning- ask Kyube about that, since he was in it too. Also, they said that the witches were born of contracts involving curses- does that mean Kyube has been responsible for the creation of witches too? Or are there evil invisible telepathic critters like him that make them?

It will be really interesting to see what ends up happening to make Madoka make the contract and a wish... I'll be completely unsurprised if it's something that happens with her friends/family that forces her to make a wish to save them- something that could have been set up by someone else to push her into needing to use the wish. The same could be said for Sayaka... but I expect that she might make a wish on something much more trivial just to be able to help Madoka out (or the opposite case- Sayaka needs the wish and Madoka wants to help her fight).

This show is crazy good though on just about every level- I'm loving it.

[Fencedude]

It will be really interesting to see what ends up happening to make Madoka make the contract and a wish... I'll be completely unsurprised if it's something that happens with her friends/family that forces her to make a wish to save them- something that could have been set up by someone else to push her into needing to use the wish. The same could be said for Sayaka... but I expect that she might make a wish on something much more trivial just to be able to help Madoka out (or the opposite case- Sayaka needs the wish and Madoka wants to help her fight).

Well, Sayaka's already put much more thought into this, and as she was talking to Madoka about it, they flashed meaningfully to a woman in a hospital bed.

[Ashyukun]

Well, Sayaka's already put much more thought into this, and as she was talking to Madoka about it, they flashed meaningfully to a woman in a hospital bed.
Yeah, that was obviously important, we just don't know why now. But I still think that something will force Madoka's hand.

Kind of a pity Homura didn't answer her question.... ;P

[strangefour]

-Mobile suit Qubele-- Kyubey says, 'I'll grant a wish, if you kill the witch."
-Mama doesn't even have to think about her wish. Mama is determined!
-Yes! They went that far in just one day.
-"Girl's can't do that. It's forbidden love." Buuuulllshiiiit.
-Hehehe. Madoka is doodling magical girl outfit designs in her note book.
-Sayaka: "I brought a bat!" Madoka: "I brought pretty pictures." :3

-Witch worlds are wonderfully demented.
-Peppy song. Muskets that fall out of a skirt. Witch hunting, ready... GO!
-Killing a witch beast with a ludicrously huge huge made from a little ribbon and finishing a 10 point landing with a cup of tea. Mami is fashionable evil.
-"Or so I thought. . ." BUM BUM BUM!

-Next episode: "Just walk away." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ttKJwvFIgw)

So far this is an artistically eyecatching magical girl show. Crazy witch zones, soft color pallets, cute character designs (needs more wideface). Which is all helping to keep me watching. Mahou shoujo isn't really my favorite genre (Nanoha being the exception to the rule). But fun so far.

Mami is totally evil.

[Fencedude]

Watching the episode again, a few things I noted.

First, I wonder just who this (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Redhead.jpg) is.

Secondly, same person? (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Violinist.jpg)

Thirdly, gratuitous Faust (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Faust.jpg)

[DiGiKerot]

Homura doesn't seem to be totally on the dark side. What else does the witch seed do beside recharge the magical battery?
It wouldn't surprise me if magical girls turn into witches if their magic eggs run out of energy. I suspect Mami might be recruiting other magical girls and letting them turn into witches so she can harvest their energy.

Presuming something like this is the case, I have to wonder if Kyubey actually has the power to grant any wishes at all. I mean, it all sounds like some kind of bizarre magical girl pyramid scheme, relying on girls "happily dumb" enough to fall for it, that'll eventually only benefit the one at the top of the pyramid. Which would be Kyubey.

I mean, what happens to the last magical girl left when there's possibly no Grief Seeds left to cleanse her soul after the defeat of the final witch?

[bear]

Thirdly, gratuitous Faust (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Faust.jpg)
We know who Faust made a deal with. Ominous to say the least.

[bear]

It will be really interesting to see what ends up happening to make Madoka make the contract and a wish... I'll be completely unsurprised if it's something that happens with her friends/family that forces her to make a wish to save them- something that could have been set up by someone else to push her into needing to use the wish. The same could be said for Sayaka... but I expect that she might make a wish on something much more trivial just to be able to help Madoka out (or the opposite case- Sayaka needs the wish and Madoka wants to help her fight).


The dream at the beginning shows who I think is Homura fighting. Madoka hasn't made the contract at that time. If this is actually a foretelling then it looks like Madoka holds back on making the contract and Homura is one of the good guys. Sayaka looks more like someone who would like the adventure since she brought the baseball bat so maybe she makes the deal first. I have a feeling that the wish has unintended consequences which is why Homura is trying to dissuade them.

[Shiroi Hane]

Secondly, same person? (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Violinist.jpg)
I don't know, but it still bothers me that they seem to be carrying a baby in their knees.

[FredOrAlive]

Secondly, same person? (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Violinist.jpg)
I don't know, but it still bothers me that they seem to be carrying a baby in their knees.

It's really kinda obviously the same person as he only turns up in a flash frame in the opening with Sayaka and then in a flashback by Sayaka. The way his sheets are drawn in the flashback does look rather weird though.

---

Generally my thought on the series after two episodes (first post, hope this isn't wrong to do this here):

This whole "one wish for your soul" thing does seem extremely dodgy especially with the whole relation between the grief seeds and the soul gems, and what did Homura turn down when offered the defunct grief seed?

We seem to be ever so slightly in the future with the rather futuristic (and large) house Madoka has, but especially the school with it's huge amounts of glass walls and interactive whiteboards that aren't using (front) projectors for the screen (although they are rather pixellated).

It does seem so far that the notional "good guys" are somewhat obviously going not to be entirely good (and vice versa).

The whole alternate reality bits are just weird, but in a good way.

The use of infinite numbers of single shot muskets is just cool really, and the whole "I've just blown a big huge thing to bits, so I'll land perfectly with a cup of tea in my hands" is just great.

[HitokiriShadow]

Generally my thought on the series after two episodes (first post, hope this isn't wrong to do this here):

The episode 2 sub-thread is the correct place to post if you want to talk about both episodes and you responded to an episode 2 post, so you did it right.

[Ashyukun]

This whole "one wish for your soul" thing does seem extremely dodgy especially with the whole relation between the grief seeds and the soul gems, and what did Homura turn down when offered the defunct grief seed?

It still could have been used to 'refresh' an egg (presuming Mami wasn't lying), so Homura could have used it on hers (which presumably needs it just like Mami's) so it wasn't totally defunct. My best guess as to what she 'turned down' was being a part of whatever Mami is up to- so far presumably trying to get Madoka and Sayaka to make contracts and become magical girls, to what end we can only speculate at this point.

[HitokiriShadow]

This whole "one wish for your soul" thing does seem extremely dodgy especially with the whole relation between the grief seeds and the soul gems, and what did Homura turn down when offered the defunct grief seed?

It still could have been used to 'refresh' an egg (presuming Mami wasn't lying), so Homura could have used it on hers (which presumably needs it just like Mami's) so it wasn't totally defunct. My best guess as to what she 'turned down' was being a part of whatever Mami is up to- so far presumably trying to get Madoka and Sayaka to make contracts and become magical girls, to what end we can only speculate at this point.

It's also possible her reason for refusing has nothing to do with the nature of the eggs, and she just doesn't want to take a handout from someone she views as an enemy.

[Fencedude]

It's also possible her reason for refusing has nothing to do with the nature of the eggs, and she just doesn't want to take a handout from someone she views as an enemy.

I'm thinking its this, more than anything else.

Though I'm sure things aren't so cut and dried regarding the Grief Seeds.

[Ashyukun]

It's also possible her reason for refusing has nothing to do with the nature of the eggs, and she just doesn't want to take a handout from someone she views as an enemy.

I'm thinking its this, more than anything else.

Though I'm sure things aren't so cut and dried regarding the Grief Seeds.
Oh, I agree- I think it was far more about what accepting it from Mami implied than what it was/could be used for.

And I doubt that ANYTHING about this show well be remotely 'cut and dried', which is why I'm enjoying it so much.

[bear]

The use of infinite numbers of single shot muskets is just cool really, and the whole "I've just blown a big huge thing to bits, so I'll land perfectly with a cup of tea in my hands" is just great.

Five yard penalty for showboating, err tea drinking!;)

[something]

Episode 2:

- Let's learn more about magical girling!
- Madoka makes an offhand comment to her mom about becoming company president. Madoka, do you know what you've just done?
- For some reason I like that the critter talks without moving its mouth, or even moving at all. It just stares and smiles.
- Join you for some witch hunting? Sure, why not?

- Oh good, they can just talk telepathically instead of having to constantly whisper to themselves in public.
- Haha, Hitomi don't be silly, forbidden love is the best kind.
- So that's why Homura was warning Madoka off becoming a magical girl. Well, the surface reason anyway.
- ...Madoka's drawings are a little creepy...

- Interesting topic brought up by Sayaka. Should they be happy or sad that they can't come up with something? Does that mean they live full lives as it is, or do they just have no dreams?
- A Homura appears! Mami takes up a sniping position.
- What wish did you make? Madoka, that's not a question you ask people.

- Shintani Ryouko amuses me as Hitomi.
- Hahah, yeah, Madoka is already choosing outfits.
- Madoka doesn't think Homura is so bad. C'mon, talk about her sad eyes! Do it!

- On the prowl for some witches.
- And one is found! After stopping a suicide attempt anyway.
- Another awesome Witch-world sequence. Normally I'd be put off by such an extensive amount of... ... ... ...whatever the fuck this is, but Madoka makes it work. Best part was totally Mami dropping a shitload of guns and grabbing them one by one to fire. But, girl, you should work on conjuring up something other than single shot rifles.
- Oh and great music again too. I wonder when it'll get to be a real ED? Not that I mind it playing over the episode instead. An extra 90 seconds of Madoka is always welcome.

I wonder how far into the series we'll see the opening scene? Can't be too late, since that seems to be the point where Madoka decides to become a magical girl. Assuming it plays out exactly like that, since it was just a dream.

Man, Madoka and Merry are going to be neck and neck this season. They're both so damn good. Absolutely loved this episode.

[something]

Presuming something like this is the case, I have to wonder if Kyubey actually has the power to grant any wishes at all. I mean, it all sounds like some kind of bizarre magical girl pyramid scheme, relying on girls "happily dumb" enough to fall for it, that'll eventually only benefit the one at the top of the pyramid. Which would be Kyubey.
I mean, what happens to the last magical girl left when there's possibly no Grief Seeds left to cleanse her soul after the defeat of the final witch?
Heh, magical girl pyramid scheme. I do have a bit of a hard time imagining Kyubey really being at the top of such a thing, but it would be a nice twist.

Certainly the idea of a dwindling magical power caught my attention upon watching this episode. If you can only replenish your power by fighting, you need to keep fighting. And fight more and more. If the source of the witch eggs is indeed other magical girls, then... yeah, the entire thing gets pretty dark and creepy. And awesome.

[something]

Writer Gen Urobuchi has been putting up some interesting stuff up on Twitter that sheds some light on how much things can change between the screenplay and the final episode. I hope he really plans to make this a weekly thing.
For episode 1, he wrote:
"It's a magical musket so rapid-fire is OK", was about the extent of my thinking, but I take my hat off to the idea that "No, muskets are single-fire only so let's just add more guns!"
So, for this week's Writer: "Bwuh?! I heard nothing about this, Director-san!!" corner . . . Mami-sempai's Victorious Finish Tea Time.
"Let's just add more guns!" Bwhahah. And yeah, somehow I must have deleted a line unintentionally in my post, but Mami Tea Time was fucking epic. Clearly, it sounds like Shaft is adding many and wonderful things to the original script, which I'm sure was already awesome as it is.

[something]

Secondly, same person? (http://fencedude.com/Madoka/Violinist.jpg)I don't know, but it still bothers me that they seem to be carrying a baby in their knees.
Haha, oops, when I first saw that scene I was momentarily glancing down to eat some macaroni, so I thought it was a pregnant woman... I was thinking maybe Sayaka's mother died in childbirth. :sd: Clearly not the case!

[Fencedude]

- ...Madoka's drawings are a little creepy...

Apparently those were actually drawn by Yuuki Aoi.

...just be glad they weren't drawn by Kobayashi Yuu (http://videogames.techfresh.net/yu-kobayashi-with-her-scary-drawing/). Maybe she's working on the Witch World sequences...

(also, Kobayashi Yuu is hot. Just sayin')

[MelancholicMariya]

- ...Madoka's drawings are a little creepy...

Apparently those were actually drawn by Yuuki Aoi.

...just be glad they weren't drawn by Kobayashi Yuu (http://videogames.techfresh.net/yu-kobayashi-with-her-scary-drawing/). Maybe she's working on the Witch World sequences...

That explains the drawing at the end of a certain Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei episode where Kaere (who she voices) drawn a really obscure picture.

Not that if I was given this picture I'd say "Take it back" I'd keep it forever.

(also, Kobayashi Yuu is hot. Just sayin')
Oh yeah sure yes. Definitely. She's gorgeous.

[Shiroi Hane]

I've seen a bunch of Kobayashi's "art" in Negima books. Yeah.

[TnAdct1]

...just be glad they weren't drawn by Kobayashi Yuu (http://videogames.techfresh.net/yu-kobayashi-with-her-scary-drawing/). Maybe she's working on the Witch World sequences...

That explains the drawing at the end of a certain Zan Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei episode where Kaere (who she voices) drawn a really obscure picture.

I've seen a bunch of Kobayashi's "art" in Negima books. Yeah.
That's one thing that Shinbou seems to be doing: if Yuu Kobayashi is voicing a character in an anime he's directing, he'll always try to incorporate her "art" somewhere in the series.

Speaking of recurring themes in Shinbou's SHAFT anime: besides finally seeing Madoka and Sayaka's mahou shoujo forms (come on SHAFT, they should have finally transformed by now, as this show is only going to be 12 episodes long :angry: ), anyone else wondering when the obligatory Shichimi and Motsu cameo is going to take place? :sdsmiley:

[TheGreenMan]

Mami proves once again that's she's a bad ass mahou shoujo. Actually, she's somewhat fucking scary.
The witch looks like Salvatore Dali's nightmare.
I love how the guns come out of her skirt.
Why does that gun sequence with Mami picking up and firing each gun remind me of Bayonetta?
Yes, Madoka, win Homura over and make her your waifu!
Jason is in the ending shot! Quick, Mami--kill him!

[Mafty Allegro]

Going into Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the creators' intent seemed to be clear in their desire to go for something grand and in wanting to shake up the "Magical Girl" genre. After watching/experiencing the first two, it's certainly on track to get there. From opening moments of the first episode and through the second, there is this palpable sense of that you are witnessing something epic in the making--not in the oft-used sense, but that you truly are observing something great at play. I don't know when was the last time I ever got that from the get-go with an anime.

One thing I liked from the first two episodes was that they don't seem to be trying to hide suspicion or pulling the wool over your eyes and make it seem like it will be a surprise when something bad will occur. It feels more like a matter of "when" and "how bad", and not "if". The magical girl dilemma is at the heart of the show and being built up in Faustian terms, which is a refreshing and welcome narrative. I don't trust Kyube and Mami in the slightest, but I can also see how easily Madoka and Sayaka could be swooned by their power, even if they necessary don't need it or a wish (Why just "one" offered? And why does the simplistically cute, but equally uneasy, Kyube even need them?). And with the information on the Grief Seeds and power "recharging" (more like "cleansing"…), I wouldn't be surprised to learn that the "Witches" are actually magical girls that have already past their limits, which would certainly spin a whole new view on the "hunts" and slayings. Homura may be the inner voice of reason and, oddly enough, the most trustworthy of the magic bunch, but who knows how far you can go completely trust her, either.

Shinbo is at his Shinbo-iest with the Bakemonogatari-esque "real world" design and the beyond-words "Witch-world" design, the funkiest he's probably done since The SoulTaker (and that pales in comparison to what's here), with the Witches themselves being beyond even that. It's incredibly creative and really propels the mystery and otherworldliness of the magic and what's going on behind-the-scenes. Yuki Kajiura's score might rank up there with Kara no Kyoukai's, with Kalafina's Magia telegraphing the show's epicness whenever it plays (really good OP by ClariS, too). Also, Takahiro Kishida's sketch-style character design work works great in a "Magical Girl" setting, regardless of the atmosphere.

Madoka Magica is off to a stunning start. It's shocking to see just how good and on point it already is. Elements may be familiar, but there is a twist to them and an air of unpredictability to the show. The first ep. was great and while the second may have been a bit too talky for the bulk of it, it still had plenty of interesting things to keep it intriguing (hard to get bored with those Witch designs, anyway ;) ). It really has me anticipating each coming episode…

[Shiroi Hane]

I love how the guns come out of her skirt
At least it isn't an entire stationery store ^^;

[KomoriKiri]

Going into Puella Magi Madoka Magica, the creators' intent seemed to be clear in their desire to go for something grand and in wanting to shake up the "Magical Girl" genre.

Heh. I've been wondering if we'll get any shout-outs to show that someone in the studio has read Sailor Nothing (http://www.pixelscapes.com/sailornothing/).

KomoriKiri
"I hate it when they go human on you. Enemies are not supposed to do that."
-- Croaker ("The White Rose")

[TheGreenMan]

I just realized that three of the Hidamari girls, or should I say seriyuu, are in this: Sae, Hiro, and Miyako.

Someone did a nice pic of them: Site NSFW:

http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/833891/blonde_hair-blue_hair-brown_hair-glasses-goto_yuko

[EmperorBrandon]

I just realized that three of the Hidamari girls, or should I say seriyuu, are in this: Sae, Hiro, and Miyako.

I thought of that after the first episode. It makes me wonder when an Asumi Kana-voice character will appear (hopefully it will happen). :)

[DenpaWa]

Mami proves once again that's she's a bad ass mahou shoujo. Actually, she's somewhat fucking scary.

She's charming when she wants to be. The whole "ending a big fight with a cup of tea" may have been intended to look cool to the other two girls so they'd be more inclined to join up.

Why does that gun sequence with Mami picking up and firing each gun remind me of Bayonetta?I was reminded of the woman with a 1,000 swords in Katanagatari!

[DiGiKerot]

:eek:

(I think that adequately sums it up...)

[Fudce]

:eek:

(I think that adequately sums it up...)

...

[bluesilo]

Can't wait to see this episode. This is my favorite show of the season.

[bear]

:eek:

(I think that adequately sums it up...)

...

Oh that's just cruel... I swore I wouldn't look at the raw now I'm really curious.

[Fencedude]

:eek:

(I think that adequately sums it up...)

But...wha...huh...how...why...

I...

It may take me a while to compose myself.

[Fencedude]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

[Fudce]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

I'd love for that to happen - but I hope it isn't something as easy as Madoka's wish with no strings attatched. Not for a second that I think Madoka Magica would pull that trick next episode, it's set itself up well and I can't see it falling into a pitfall like that quite so easily.

[Fencedude]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

I'd love for that to happen - but I hope it isn't something as easy as Madoka's wish with no strings attatched. Not for a second that I think Madoka Magica would pull that trick next episode, it's set itself up well and I can't see it falling into a pitfall like that quite so easily.

No strings? Of course there will be strings.

And of course, by making the wish, Madoka would irrevocably set herself down the same course Mami took.

Also I'd be fascinated to find out the exact words of Mami's wish.

[Ashyukun]

Holy crap! I expected something different out of this show, but not THAT!

I can't think it will be permanent though... unless they're going to change the OP with the three of them together and transformed. Guess we'll find out fairly quickly next episode, at least with regards to the OP.

Seriously though.... just... holy crap. :eek:

[Fencedude]

Revival wishes are never, ever a good idea.

Remember who wrote this, and where we are in the story. It only gets worse from here.

I kinda feel like shit for doubting her before though.

[angelx03]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

Who wants to bet she'll come back as a zombified witch?!! :P

[Fencedude]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

Who wants to bet she'll come back as a zombified witch?!! :P

We have that in another show this season.

[Ashyukun]

Revival wishes are never, ever a good idea.

Remember who wrote this, and where we are in the story. It only gets worse from here.

I kinda feel like shit for doubting her before though.
Oh, of course- there's little doubt that it's going to get MUCH worse. I don't think many of us with much experience were doubting that it would. Hell, just how it opened up in Madoka's dream should have been an indicator of that.

Still... I'm not wholly convinced that even in the face of this that Mami's intents were purely in the best interests of the others- though I don't doubt that what happened was unplanned.

[Fencedude]

Oh, of course- there's little doubt that it's going to get MUCH worse. I don't think many of us with much experience were doubting that it would. Hell, just how it opened up in Madoka's dream should have been an indicator of that.

Still... I'm not wholly convinced that even in the face of this that Mami's intents were purely in the best interests of the others- though I don't doubt that what happened was unplanned.

Well, unplanned by Mami. Kyubey on the other hand...

I'd say I don't trust him as far as I could through him...but I could probably throw him pretty far. So lets just say that I don't trust the fuzzball at all.

Oh yeah, and the circumstances that led to Mami's wish weren't at all coercive, were they? And he totally didn't immediately leap onto what happened to Mami to get Madoka and Sayaka to contract.

[Sly05]

And I thought Mami was going to turn out to be evil. Hats off to Shaft for the big twist in this episode. It felt like the episode was not going to end well with the focus on Mami's backstory and Homura's warning about the strength of the witch but I had my doubts they were going to pull off something so drastic so early on. The stakes have been upped considerably. Fantastic stuff. The other shows this season are going to have a hard time topping this.

There's also a real end sequence this episode showing what I presume will be all the magical girls. If so, that means the pony-tailed girl from the op will also be one. With what happened in this episode, I wonder how many will manage to survive the rest of the series?

[Ashyukun]

Well, unplanned by Mami. Kyubey on the other hand...

I'd say I don't trust him as far as I could through him...but I could probably throw him pretty far. So lets just say that I don't trust the fuzzball at all.

Oh yeah, and the circumstances that led to Mami's wish weren't at all coercive, were they? And he totally didn't immediately leap onto what happened to Mami to get Madoka and Sayaka to contract.
You've got a good point there, I'll not deny that.

I'll have to go back and check later, but was it Kyube who said that the witch's egg didn't look like it would go active for a while or was that one of the girls?

Either way, or whatever is really going on- this show is absolutely fantastic. It's a real crime this isn't being streamed... hopefully somebody will pick it up and release the Blu-Rays here.

[regz91]

So. The question now is...can Mami be wished back?

They just devoted an entire episode to establishing that Madoka:

a) really, really looks up to Mami
b) is completely at a loss as to what to wish for

So, obviously her wish will be to bring Mami back. It will all go horribly wrong, of course.

Poor Urobuchi. It's clear he wanted so badly for people to be open to the possibility that this would be a light-hearted show, but nobody bought it. I don't feel TOO bad, since he did basically lie to us, but I can see how it must suck for everybody to be on to you all the time.

(It didn't help that EVERYBODY on staff besides him was dropping huge hints that things would go south. When everybody who worked on the show goes "This is going to be a dark show", and the one guy who has a reputation for darkness goes "Uh, no it's not?", people can see the writing on the wall.)

I would imagine things will calm down a little for the next few episodes, if only because there just aren't enough characters on the show to keep doing this constantly. But that's fine, the staff had its fun, now it's time for the show to really get into things. The writing has just been top notch - perhaps even more than that ending, what remains with me is the scene at the beginning where the three of them discuss wishes. I really want to see them get even more into it next episode - and it'll surely go badly for them, since it's now clear that Mami was the voice of reason this whole time, and now they're stuck with Kyubey, who despite his weaselly claim to Madoka is obviously not impartial.

[Sly05]

(It didn't help that EVERYBODY on staff besides him was dropping huge hints that things would go south. When everybody who worked on the show goes "This is going to be a dark show", and the one guy who has a reputation for darkness goes "Uh, no it's not?", people can see the writing on the wall.)

The first three minutes of episode one were enough to make it clear the series was going to go in a pretty dark direction. If they were trying to hide it, they didn't do a very job as dark apocalyptic world doesn't exactly scream sunshine and lollipops. :P

[Fencedude]

(It didn't help that EVERYBODY on staff besides him was dropping huge hints that things would go south. When everybody who worked on the show goes "This is going to be a dark show", and the one guy who has a reputation for darkness goes "Uh, no it's not?", people can see the writing on the wall.)

The first three minutes of episode one were enough to make it clear the series was going to go in a pretty dark direction. If they were trying to hide it, they didn't do a very job as dark apocalyptic world doesn't exactly scream sunshine and lollipops. :P

There's a difference between "dark" and "One of the main characters just got her head bitten off"

[Sly05]

There's a difference between "dark" and "One of the main characters just got her head bitten off"

Hehe, true. Though I'm sure most of us were expecting things not to go well for our protagonists, gruesome death by episode three definitely caught me off guard. I was referring more to regz91's comment that Urobuchi was hoping people were expecting a light-hearted show (which I did, until the first scene of episode one).

[UEHacker]

There's a difference between "dark" and "One of the main characters just got her head bitten off"

Hehe, true. Though I'm sure most of us were expecting things not to go well for our protagonists, gruesome death by episode three definitely caught me off guard. I was referring more to regz91's comment that Urobuchi was hoping people were expecting a light-hearted show (which I did, until the first scene of episode one).

Just finished episode 3. Wow is all I can really say about it. This makes me wonder if we're due for a new OP soon since it's a shaft show.

[Sly05]

This makes me wonder if we're due for a new OP soon since it's a shaft show.
Hmm, I didn't consider that possibility but it would be a welcome one for sure.

[HitokiriShadow]

Oh man, Mami just keeps getting more awesome each episode. I didn't think she could get any more bad ass, but then this episode when she first transforms and starts her attack, she actually is, in fact, even more awesome than before. Then that fight with the actual witch, she really kicked some----

.
..
.................... 0_0

Uh, well, that was..... very unexpected. And very brutal. They spare us the nasty details that Madoka and Sayaka had to see, but..... Mami got her head bitten off, they make that painfully clear. And you get to see Mami's face immediately before, as she realizes her death is imminent, and then you get to hear the witch going to down on her corpse.

Well damn. And Mami was looking like she was going to be a really awesome bad guy. They removed any doubt that she had ulterior motives for getting Madoka and Sayaka involved, though she also seemed pretty genuine in her reaction to Madoka's "you're not alone anymore". And then.... that.

[HitokiriShadow]

I kinda feel like shit for doubting her before though.

Er, this episode proved us right on that though. I mean, I guess that earlier scene between her and Homura is open to interpretation, but to me, it basically confirmed that she had less that benevolent motives for getting Madoka and Sayaka involved.

[strangefour]

-That's a dangerous looking CD player.
-You want him to play again. But don't make the wish, it will only lead to a path of pain.

-So Mami got caught in a chaotic battle and little creepy animal spared her life. "Do you want the power?"
-It wants your wishes. It upon them. Ia! Ia! Kyubey ftagn!
-Rules? "Do you want the power?"
-Mom is an alcoholic.

-Battlecake!
-That is an adorable witch.
-Uhh... GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
-
-
-

I was right about the pain...

[bear]

:eek:

(I think that adequately sums it up...)

Wow, oh wow. From a cutesy OP to this. Talk about cutting the legs out from under the viewer. One minute, "Ah, she's not alone anymore!" to "Oh shit!". How much darker can this get? It's only the third episode. Uta-Kata at least built up to it slowly.

Mami's wish wasn't to die so she essentially was given no choice by the little rat. I wonder what Homura's wish was? I'm beginning to think that once Kyubey's targeted you, if you don't sign up he's going to put you in a position where you're going to want to make a wish to stop something bad from happening. We can guess how that's going to turn out.

Then again, this writer is down right evil. He's liable to throw some other twist into this. Mami becomes a witch leaving the girls faced with having to kill their friend?? Shudder.

[Mafty Allegro]

O.O

I know this show was going to be a dark twist on the Magical Girl genre, and I'm not a cursing man…but oh s***!!!

It didn't taking me by surprise, per se, that something like that occurred in this type of show, but at the same time, I was still too stunned to completely register what just happened to Mami. At first, when Homura was released, it looked like maybe she broke out in time to save her, or perhaps that Mami pulled out a trick (or gun) up her sleeve and stopped it…

…and then you see her dangling by the neck as her head was clenched between the Witch's teeth.

:eek:

To think that the girls would get physically hurt was a given, and that there might be casualties was a possiblity, but like that (and to her, no less)?! In retrospect, the writing was on the wall the whole episode, but it looked like they were just telling her story early and throwing a wrench in the viewer's suspicion of her as completely untrustworthy. Granted, she still did after her talk with Homura, despite her own wrenching story and apparently positive turn towards the end (which was a warming moment), but at the same time, it was hard to imagine Mami would have bitten the dust like she did (Gai didn't even see that one coming…). Her arrogance was her undoing, to a degree as she brushed off Homura's warning…and she was so bada** here, too.

I sure didn't like that serpent-in-the-Garden tone Kyube had when he essentially threw Mami under the bus (or fed her to a Witch, your choice…[/wrong]) to tempt Madoka with the thought her being more powerful than her. In spite of some of his more trusting words earlier, there was always that, his all-too-convenient first appearance in front of Mami, and his quick recruiting of the girls following Mami's death (though I don't believe that event was by design) to keep him in the realm of being completely untrustworthy, although I am intrigued by him perhaps not being the one pulling all of the strings, serving mostly as a recruiter for a higher power. But at this point, who's to say that he'll be alive by the halfway point of the series, much less by the end of the next episode?

Having the upbeat OP and the dark, gothic ED serves very well in accentuating the duel nature of the show's Magical Girl story. The latter is really effective in selling the gloominess of it all, and I think it was only appropriate for it to bow now after what happened in the episode. However, with the "Miracles and Magic"(sp) title of the next, I would not be terribly surprised if Mami is Dragonball'd to life--at the great expense of someone else's life or the wisher.

[regz91]

For months, Gen Urobuchi has insisted on his Twitter account that this was the start of a whole new path for him, that he was leaving his past behind and becoming a "healing writer". He took offense at the (highly amusing) nickname "Chidamari Sketch", and even went so far as to ban all gloomy talk from his Twitter account and focus only on happy thoughts.

Today, he comes clean:


And now, for the long-awaited defendant's reply -

"So, just what was all that about the healing writer Urobuchi"? The truth is, we had talked about concealing the name of the story editor/writer for the pre-publicity materials. But then we had that leak in the spring and our plans were ruined. But even so, the director was looking forward to the surprised reactions of the audience . . .

So, I felt it was my fault that everybody could tell what was going to happen, so I took it upon myself to put out this fire and help mislead everyone. I put in a lot of effort, but in the end it totally didn't change anything.

Anyway, now it's a huge weight off my shoulders. Everyone, thank you for everything! From now on I will go back to being the regular Urobuchi!


(For people who may not remember, last April 1st the entire core staff of Madoka Magica was leaked, as well as the Magical Girl concept. Most people dismissed it as an April Fools joke since the combination of names was so implausible.)

So, with that he has shredded the last faint hopes that he might genuinely have intended to write something upbeat. I'm sure the few people who were still holding out for some sort of miracle ending will be devastated.

That said . . . I do think quite a few people go a little overboard thinking Urobuchi is nothing but monsters ripping off girls' heads. He has that in him, sure, and that's become his reputation. But he's also capable of pretty inspiring, uplifting stuff, if you look at his work beyond Song of Saya and Fate/Zero. I know people will read his confession and immediately assume it means everyone will die horrible deaths, but I would still give it 50/50 odds this show ends with a "happy" ending . . . just keeping in mind what a "happy" ending means for him. For comparison, I would say Blassreiter and the game version of Phantom had "happy" endings, and I wouldn't look for Madoka Magica to go beyond that.

[FredOrAlive]

This makes me wonder if we're due for a new OP soon since it's a shaft show.
Hmm, I didn't consider that possibility but it would be a welcome one for sure.

Well, seeing as Mami does feature quite a bit in the current opening, I'd guess at least they might tweak it a bit to remove her, although if they do or if they didn't we'd probably end up with a long discussion about how they're trying the bluff / double bluff us.

Mami does also feature in the end credits, although unlike the other silhouettes she's kneeling when everyone else is standing up. I'd guess it means she's dead (or at least somewhat dead), although again we're three episodes into a series and trying to second guess how things will go.

[Sly05]

But he's also capable of pretty inspiring, uplifting stuff, if you look at his work beyond Song of Saya and Fate/Zero. I know people will read his confession and immediately assume it means everyone will die horrible deaths, but I would still give it 50/50 odds this show ends with a "happy" ending . . . just keeping in mind what a "happy" ending means for him.

Thanks for the informative post. I didn't realize he also did Saya no Uta though I hope Madoka doesn't get quite that bleak (or have the monster rapes).

[FredOrAlive]

-That's a dangerous looking CD player.

I'm not sure if it would be that dangerous to people (althouth somewhat ill advised), CDs don't spin that fast really (at least not at 1x / CD audio speed). But the player we're shown would be a crap design as stuff outside the player (like say, bedsheets) could either slow the disc down (and cause playback problems), or just get the disc scratched and so on.

[Mafty Allegro]

That said . . . I do think quite a few people go a little overboard thinking Urobuchi is nothing but monsters ripping off girls' heads. He has that in him, sure, and that's become his reputation. But he's also capable of pretty inspiring, uplifting stuff, if you look at his work beyond Song of Saya and Fate/Zero. I know people will read his confession and immediately assume it means everyone will die horrible deaths, but I would still give it 50/50 odds this show ends with a "happy" ending . . . just keeping in mind what a "happy" ending means for him. For comparison, I would say Blassreiter and the game version of Phantom had "happy" endings, and I wouldn't look for Madoka Magica to go beyond that.

Well, it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility for Madoka Magica to go the depressing route and come out with an uplifting or positive ending (i.e. as done with Wolf's Rain, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, My-HiME, Now and Then, Here and There and Dennou Coil). I think it may be heading in that direction (albeit not *that* positive) in a sort of self-discovery way for the lead, but I think we'll be getting more TEXHNOLYZE before we get to some Blassreiter or Diebuster level of feel-good at the end. And in most of those titles, there was a bittersweet element to their endings, which I think would only be appropriate--thus far--for Madoka Magica.

[Shiroi Hane]

At first, when Homura was released, it looked like maybe she broke out in time to save her, or perhaps that Mami pulled out a trick (or gun) up her sleeve and stopped it…

…and then you see her dangling by the neck as her head was clenched between the Witch's teeth.
I didn't think they left any doubt as to why Homura was released.

[TheGreenMan]

Wow...Shinbo/Urobuchi you bastards. Goddamn. You're not shitting around with this show are you?

Episode 4: Both miracles and magic exist? Hmmmm....

[TheGreenMan]

Then again, this writer is down right evil. He's liable to throw some other twist into this. Mami becomes a witch leaving the girls faced with having to kill their friend?? Shudder.

Please. That's one of the worst magical girl cliche's ever...no, it is the worst.

[Mafty Allegro]

At first, when Homura was released, it looked like maybe she broke out in time to save her, or perhaps that Mami pulled out a trick (or gun) up her sleeve and stopped it…

…and then you see her dangling by the neck as her head was clenched between the Witch's teeth.
I didn't think they left any doubt as to why Homura was released.

At the very moment her bindings unwound, I thought Homura broke free herself (aside from Mami having a trick), and that the scene might have taken place a few seconds before the Witch lunged over Mami. But once she expressed surprise at her release, it started to sink in. Everything in that span of time moved so quick, that before I could fully accept Mami's probable fate, the confirmation was shown right there.

[DiGiKerot]

I kinda feel like shit for doubting her before though.

Yeah, as deliciously malevolent as it would be to have Madoka use her one wish to revive someone who doesn't hold exactly the best of intentions towards her, I'm willing to give Mami the benefit of the doubt right now (assuming, you know, reviving her is within Kyubeys domain).

Also, someone needs to tell Homura that telling Sayaka and Madoka that something isn't their business because they aren't magical girls isn't the best way to incentivise them not to become them.

On something of a more random note, has anyone noticed that they keep changing the art surrounding the transformation sequence in the OP? I thought I was imagining it for a while there...

Not that there's anything particularly interesting about it, and I'm sure it means nothing. It's just kind of odd...

-edit- Huh, someone on one of the other forums I read just pointed out that's there's actually loads of minor tweaks throughout the OP of the "you'd probably wouldn't notice unless you play them at the same time" variety. How curious...

[TheGreenMan]

Kyuubei had absolutely no reaction to Mami being killed, even thought Mami said he was her friend. I really Kyuubei gets fried over a spit. He/she has no reaction to anything, except to act cute. EVVVILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

[TheGreenMan]

Huh. Did anyone notice, that in the ED, when Madoka walks past Homura, Homura turns and reaches out to her?

[TheGreenMan]

Site NSFW:

http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/835875/blonde_hair-brown_hair-hidamari_sketch-mahou_shouj

I wonder if this has anything to do with Ame being unhappy about Mami being killed?

[Isuzu Inugami]

-Madoka's mom is fantastic. She should have her own show! And, uhh...

...

Yeah....

The bindings on Homura dissolving was a fantastically horrible moment. Like a cold nail to the gut.



Also I'd be fascinated to find out the exact words of Mami's wish.

I can see that as one "out" for them--if she wished not to die, was it a one-time thing, or is it continuing? I'll be disappointed if she shows up perfectly fine next episode on that basis--then again, I'd be pretty shocked if this staff took such an easy way out.

Sinister thought: Do you suppose Kyuube may have engineered Mami's car accident in the same way he may have engineered Sayaka being in the vicinity when the witch manifested?

[something]

I was already basically 98% spoiled a few days ago on what happens by, of all things, a piece of Hidamari Sketch fanart. Just avoiding Madoka clearly isn't enough, I guess I need to disable my danbooru Hidamari RSS feed for the next few months too. Oh well, I was waiting to see if maybe I'd forget but that won't happen, so let's get this over with. :sd:

Episode 3:

- ...Hospital room? It looked normal from the outside but apparently it's about a thousand square feet, carpeted, and fetted with a vast library.
- And the guy is not a relative, but rather some guy she clearly likes. It's a bit hard to judge ages in this but he doesn't seem much older than her. The flashback implies he is though.

- Mami warns them of danger! ...Yeah that sounds a bit different already knowing what happens to her.
- Oh wow, Kyubey, you ambulance chaser. Evil!! Show up on the scene of accidents with dying girls and get your mahou shoujo that way. How utterly devious. (Okay it's not necessarily that evil but I wouldn't be surprised.)
- Making a wish for other people. It sounds noble but I have a feeling it could be more trouble for those people than you'd think.
- "The sooner the better for me." Translation: "Fuck your angst, I need MEAT." >_>
- Oh god, that stare. With the shadowed face... so creepy.

- Mom is drunk. Madoka is adorable in a ponytail.
- Homura confronts Mami. Briefly. Homura always comes out looking like the weak one in these confrontations.

- So wait, why do you need a cellphone when you have Kyubey? Hmm I think there was something about limited range in episode two, I guess.
- Kyubey is coming off as exceptionally predatory in this episode. Sure he stays behind with Sayaka... this is a prime chance to score another minion.
- Yeah, no need to hurry. Sayaka won't become a magical girl if Mami arrives to save them.
- Waffo!
- So is it fair to say Mami is throwing up all kinds of death flags when I already know she pulls a "mentor death"?

And there she goes. I bet it would be really awesome to feel surprised right about now! Now normally I'd say "we didn't see a corpse up close, so she's not dead" but the body that fells to the ground was very clearly headless. If she comes back as anything, it'll be as a witch.

Though Madoka still has a wish. I don't know if wishes can bring back the dead though (probably not), and based on Madoka and Homura being the obvious lead characters, Madoka's wish is much more likely to involve Homura.

Well, being spoiled sucks the surprise and thus enjoyment out of it but it was still obviously an incredibly well-done episode anyway. Now the real shit starts... I wonder how far off the opening scene is? I thought maybe it would happen next episode, building off a cliffhanger in this episode, but since it didn't it'll probably be at least 2 episodes off yet. Though that puts our mahou shoujo protagonist at almost the mid-point before actually becoming a mahou shoujo. Interesting.

Real ED is simplistic, but just feels appropriate right now.

[something]

Still... I'm not wholly convinced that even in the face of this that Mami's intents were purely in the best interests of the others- though I don't doubt that what happened was unplanned.
I think her inner monologue removes any chance whatsoever that she intended harm.

If there is one rule to proper writing, it's that inner monologues can not be lies unless insanity or possession or multiple-personalities have been made an explicit plot point beforehand. When a character says something in their own head, with nobody listening in, it has to be how they truly feel. Having Mami gushing to herself about how genuinely happy she is about working with Madoka as simply a fourth wall breaking deception tactic would be the laziest, clumsiest sort of writing. If you want a character's motives to stay mysterious, you can't have them flat out tell the audience what they're thinking via inner monologue and then go "just kidding, we lied!".

So, yeah. Mami was genuinely happy to work with Madoka. Mami was genuinely lonely. Mami needed friends.

Though I suppose what she really needs right now is a head.

[Glorian]

Now the real shit starts... I wonder how far off the opening scene is? I thought maybe it would happen next episode, building off a cliffhanger in this episode, but since it didn't it'll probably be at least 2 episodes off yet. Though that puts our mahou shoujo protagonist at almost the mid-point before actually becoming a mahou shoujo. Interesting.

Everyone seems to be assuming that the dream in the first episode is something that will be happening fairly soon, but I was wondering if it might be even further off, like closer to the end of the show. That probably would be really unlikely, and it would be extremely unconventional, but something about the atmosphere of that dream sort of screamed climax or near the climax to me.

[something]

Everyone seems to be assuming that the dream in the first episode is something that will be happening fairly soon, but I was wondering if it might be even further off, like closer to the end of the show.
While the show is trying to be "different", it'd be a bit silly to have the lead character never transform until the end. I don't say that because "that's how mahou shoujo has to be!" but because there's not a whole lot Madoka can do until she becomes a magical girl. I really like her, but so far she's had almost no part in actually driving the plot. That's going to have to change eventually, although I do expect Sayaka to transform first.

[Ashyukun]

I think her inner monologue removes any chance whatsoever that she intended harm.

If there is one rule to proper writing, it's that inner monologues can not be lies unless insanity or possession or multiple-personalities have been made an explicit plot point beforehand. When a character says something in their own head, with nobody listening in, it has to be how they truly feel. Having Mami gushing to herself about how genuinely happy she is about working with Madoka as simply a fourth wall breaking deception tactic would be the laziest, clumsiest sort of writing. If you want a character's motives to stay mysterious, you can't have them flat out tell the audience what they're thinking via inner monologue and then go "just kidding, we lied!".

So, yeah. Mami was genuinely happy to work with Madoka. Mami was genuinely lonely. Mami needed friends.

Though I suppose what she really needs right now is a head.
I'm not doubting that she was genuinely happy to have friends and possible allied magical girls, as you said her inner dialog confirmed that- but there's still quite possibly a good bit that she wasn't telling them regarding the nature of the magical girls and witches.

Of course, it's also quite possible that she herself didn't know quite everything- though her conversation with Homura by the fountain the previous night seemed to indicate there was definitely more to things than she was telling the two newbies...

Regarding Kyubey and Mami's wish... I had much the same thought as some others with regards to wondering if he'd had anything to do with the accident that should have killed her. Normal people can't see him though or that we know of interact with him, so I don't know how he'd have pulled it off though...

[something]

Awww, when you do it like this (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-495.html), it seems so much less disturbing. =D

[Fencedude]

Regarding Kyubey and Mami's wish... I had much the same thought as some others with regards to wondering if he'd had anything to do with the accident that should have killed her. Normal people can't see him though or that we know of interact with him, so I don't know how he'd have pulled it off though...

While I doubt we'll ever find out for sure, Mami's wish was quite likely "I don't want to die alone". For the ultimate it irony.

And that you really, really need to be careful when making wishes.

[bear]

And there she goes. I bet it would be really awesome to feel surprised right about now! Now normally I'd say "we didn't see a corpse up close, so she's not dead" but the body that fells to the ground was very clearly headless. If she comes back as anything, it'll be as a witch.

Though Madoka still has a wish. I don't know if wishes can bring back the dead though (probably not), and based on Madoka and Homura being the obvious lead characters, Madoka's wish is much more likely to involve Homura.


Hmmm, maybe Mami was brought back by Sayaka but she is brought back as a witch. I don't think wishes work out that well so something bad is likely to happen by wishing.

Mami did threaten Homura multiple times. Makes you wonder about her goodness. Why the animosity between the two?

Possibly Sayaka is dead by the time the dream represents. Could Homura be fighting Sayaka or Mami as a witch? Put's Madoka in a real quandary if that's the case.

[something]

-edit- Huh, someone on one of the other forums I read just pointed out that's there's actually loads of minor tweaks throughout the OP of the "you'd probably wouldn't notice unless you play them at the same time" variety. How curious...
So let's play them at the same time! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7_DAgGZZ-E) =D

Upper Left = Ep 1
Lower Left = Ep 2
Lower Right = Ep 3

0:00-0:20 - Cosmetic change. Colors are a darker green in episode 3.
0:21-0:33 - No change. All the dreams are the same.
0:34-0:43 - No change. Madoka rolling around in bed.
0:44-0:48 - Modest change. As "other Madoka" hugs Madoka, there are more bubbles in episode two, while episode three totally changes it to lots of swirling runes and other effects.
0:49-1:00 - Cosmetic change. Delicious symmetrical docking scene is the same but the pink effects in episode three are pinker and a little more detailed.
1:01-1:02 - Cosmetic change. Most shots in the series are identical but the street coloring is darker in ep 3 in the umbrella shot.
1:03-1:07 - Cosmetic change. Madoka shots, as she starts running more of the staircase in the background is visible. Just looks like they pulled the camera back slightly and moved the foreground railings.
1:08-1:13 - Cosmetic change. Madoka bursts outside and the background and foreground scenery are both shifted to a little, both left-right and up-down.
1:14-1:21 - No change. Madoka on her back with the cat. Well maybe the sky color is a bit lighter in ep 3, but that can easily be from the source videos being different.
1:22-1:22 - Cosmetic change. Shot of the city at sunset with Madoka through the fence. There's more fence in the foreground for ep 3.
1:23-1:27 - Cosmetic change. Pan up past Homura to the moon, which is much whiter in ep 3.
1:28-1:30 - Cosmetic change. Transformed Sayaka, Madoka and Mami on the tower. Camera is significantly more zoomed out to start with in ep 3.

Okay, everything looks to me simply like Shaft finalizing a credit sequence with some different coloring and camera placement tweaks. The double-Madoka scene got the most significant changes, but still just coloring and a different background. Nothing of any actual story significance whatsoever. Kind of disappointing, I went almost frame by frame hoping to stumble on something awesome. =P

[something]

Episode 4: Both miracles and magic exist? Hmmmm....
Of course, episode three was "I'm not scared of anything anymore" and we saw how that turned out... so I'm more than a little wary of these miracles. :sd:

[GundamWingMan]

Just watched the first three episodes. Beyond the trippy, Dali like sequences, this is one seriously freaky show, and what happened at the end of the third episode really took me by surprise. Cute magical girl shows aren't supposed to be THIS malevolent! Damn! Can't wait to watch more! Got a feeling things are only going to get even more messed up from here!

[Fencedude]

Just watched the first three episodes. Beyond the trippy, Dali like sequences, this is one seriously freaky show, and what happened at the end of the third episode really took me by surprise. Cute magical girl shows aren't supposed to be THIS malevolent! Damn! Can't wait to watch more! Got a feeling things are only going to get even more messed up from here!

Please follow the posting guidelines in the first post. Always use "Quote" to respond to an appropriate episode subthread (in this case episode 3), never use "Post Reply"

[Glorian]

Everyone seems to be assuming that the dream in the first episode is something that will be happening fairly soon, but I was wondering if it might be even further off, like closer to the end of the show.
While the show is trying to be "different", it'd be a bit silly to have the lead character never transform until the end. I don't say that because "that's how mahou shoujo has to be!" but because there's not a whole lot Madoka can do until she becomes a magical girl. I really like her, but so far she's had almost no part in actually driving the plot. That's going to have to change eventually, although I do expect Sayaka to transform first.

You're right that Madoka has sort of just drifted along until now and needs to have some role in driving the plot. However, I wasn't referring to the possibility of her just drifting along with no major role until the end; I was considering the possibility of her actively trying her best not to make a wish and be bound by it. If Kyube (or however you spell the mascot's creature's name) turns out to be actively malicious (like causing car accidents and/or manipulating people into making contracts), not going along could have some gruesome consequences, like escalating bad situations until you feel forced to make a wish. Deliberately refusing to wish could turn out to be a major driving factor in of itself.

Not saying that's what I think will happen, as I have no idea. I was just considering the possibility.

[ilmaestro]

There's a difference between "dark" and "One of the main characters just got her head bitten off"
Well, I would so much say "difference" as "doesn't necessarily mean". With the way people were talking about this show before it started, and the general atmosphere and crazy witch-realm, I was totally expecting character death somewhere.

I also don't entirely buy Mami as a "nice" person at heart. Sure, you have to agree that she probably wasn't straight up lying about being lonely, or being happy that Madoka said she would stay with her, but I don't think the question of her being "good" or "evil" (for want of less simplistic terms to use) was really cleared up.

[TheGreenMan]

How the episode should have ended:

Site NSFW:
http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836852/4koma-arm_up-comic-d-rev_g-kaname_madoka-kyuubee-m

[bear]

How the episode should have ended:

Site NSFW:
http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836852/4koma-arm_up-comic-d-rev_g-kaname_madoka-kyuubee-m

Geez, was there ever a cute mascot that was as hated this early in a show as the little rat Kyube? ;)

[Suwako Moriya]

I love how Sayaka decided to start carrying a bat as a weapon. For whatever reason, it amused me.

Haha...Hitomi thinks Madoka and Maki are an item. I support this position!

I shall support the position as well because the pairing is a matter of destiny!

Mami was pretty epic during that fight, I can't wait to see what Madoka, Miki and Homura can do.

The way Mami used the guns was indeed nice to watch.

[Ashyukun]

How the episode should have ended:

Site NSFW:
http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836852/4koma-arm_up-comic-d-rev_g-kaname_madoka-kyuubee-m

Geez, was there ever a cute mascot that was as hated this early in a show as the little rat Kyube? ;)
Most of the time, the cute mascots aren't legitimate candidates for the most evil character in the show, either... ;) Most of the time they're just annoying, not seriously potentially eeeeviiiiiil..... they're just annoying and you want them to die for that, not 'we think it was either directly or indirectly responsible for killing off one of he main characters'...

And while Kyube IS 'cute', there's also a definite creepiness to him/it too which can't have been accidental.

[DiGiKerot]

Okay, everything looks to me simply like Shaft finalizing a credit sequence with some different coloring and camera placement tweaks. The double-Madoka scene got the most significant changes, but still just coloring and a different background. Nothing of any actual story significance whatsoever. Kind of disappointing, I went almost frame by frame hoping to stumble on something awesome. =P

Well, I did say "minor tweaks" :sd:

I don't know, the fact that it's both the OP sequence and the nature of some of the tweaks (the increasingly elaborate transformations and the fact that the running sequence seems to be taking her further than in did previously) still makes me wonder if there's something up with it. I mean, OP sequences are normally the most meticulously crafted part of a show from the start, so for them to be tweaking it without purpose at even an early stage seems odd.

Suppose we'll have a better idea if there's anything different again this week.

(Also, I totally lol'd at the fact that they removed the rune over Madokas crotch between the OP1 and OP2 transformation sequence)

[Suwako Moriya]

Darn it! You could have at least let Mami last one more episode. I'm not even sure I want to know how things could get worse.:sweat:

As for Kyube, I definitely am suspicious of him, but at the same time part of me would be kind of annoyed if it was a simple as "I'm actually evil" and there's nothing else to it.

[Ashyukun]

I mean, OP sequences are normally the most meticulously crafted part of a show from the start, so for them to be tweaking it without purpose at even an early stage seems odd.

Were this show being produced by ANYONE whose name was not 'SHAFT', I'd be tempted to agree with you. However... this is SHAFT we're talking about here. 'Ooops we're not finished' should part of their company motto... :sweat:

[something]

I don't know, the fact that it's both the OP sequence and the nature of some of the tweaks (the increasingly elaborate transformations and the fact that the running sequence seems to be taking her further than in did previously) still makes me wonder if there's something up with it. I mean, OP sequences are normally the most meticulously crafted part of a show from the start, so for them to be tweaking it without purpose at even an early stage seems odd.
1 and 2 were virtually identical, so until more changes happen it's hard to say it means anything. This is the same studio that didn't finalize OP/EDs for Hidamari 3 until like halfway through the show.

If 4 has as much of a change as between 2 and 3 then we might have something - and changing OPs is definitely a Shaft trademark - but right now I really think that eps 1-2 were just not finalized versions. At the very least I expect them to do something with Mami.

[strangefour]

Awww, when you do it like this (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-495.html), it seems so much less disturbing. =D

NO NO NO NO NO!

Okay well the Gundam bit is amusing. Still very sad. Yellow died!

[ilmaestro]

And while Kyube IS 'cute', there's also a definite creepiness to him/it too which can't have been accidental.
His mouth not moving is ace for this.

Will be interesting to see Homura's reaction towards him after this... she had him pretty badly wounded back in episode 1, so she's obviously not his biggest fan anyway.

[Fencedude]

And while Kyube IS 'cute', there's also a definite creepiness to him/it too which can't have been accidental.
His mouth not moving is ace for this.

Will be interesting to see Homura's reaction towards him after this... she had him pretty badly wounded back in episode 1, so she's obviously not his biggest fan anyway.

While I'm pretty sure Homura would like nothing more than to squash Kyubey under her boot heel, Madoka probably wouldn't be very happy with that. Madoka currently has a much higher opinion of Kyubey than she does Homura.

[ilmaestro]

I definitely agree. Her doing it anyway, or even him "selling" that she was trying to do it, might cause some things to happen.

[TheGreenMan]

Awww, when you do it like this (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-495.html), it seems so much less disturbing. =D

NO NO NO NO NO!

Okay well the Gundam bit is amusing. Still very sad. Yellow died!

Good god, the fanart is getting out of control with this scene. Milky Holmes is parodied (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836860/440-akechi_kokoro-bear-mahou_shoujo_madoka_magica-), Hidamari Sketch (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/837052/charlotte_-madoka_magica-death-eating-hidamari_ske) Site NSFW!

[Fencedude]

Awww, when you do it like this (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-495.html), it seems so much less disturbing. =D

NO NO NO NO NO!

Okay well the Gundam bit is amusing. Still very sad. Yellow died!

Good god, the fanart is getting out of control with this scene. Milky Holmes is parodied (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836860/440-akechi_kokoro-bear-mahou_shoujo_madoka_magica-), Hidamari Sketch (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/837052/charlotte_-madoka_magica-death-eating-hidamari_ske) Site NSFW!

I rather like the Final Shooting (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836300/) version.

[TAS]

Revival wishes are never, ever a good idea.

I'm getting that Monkey's paw feeling again...

[TheGreenMan]

Revival wishes are never, ever a good idea.

I'm getting that Monkey's paw feeling again...

I think there are other ways she could revive...she could have wished never to die...she could come back evil (I really, really hope not--like I said earlier in the thread, I really really hate that magical girl cliche of one of the girls' friends turning evil).

[Ashyukun]

I think there are only ways she could revive...she could have wished never to die...she could come back evil (I really, really hope not--like I said earlier in the thread, I really really hate that magical girl cliche of one of the girls' friends turning evil).
I dunno... Kyubey has implied that he can make ANY wish come true, so I wouldn't put it past his being able to do so. But they've also made quite a point that the intent and probably exact wording of the wish is of major importance, so it's pretty much certain to have unexpected repercussions that will bode well for everyone. Of course, I think that will be the case even if Madoka doesn't wish Mami back to life, but it would be almost certain if it were something as major as a resurrection...

[Shiroi Hane]

It could go this way: "OK my bad, so I didn't actually ask you to being her back exactly as she was... but why did you reincarnate her as a water flea?"

[TheGreenMan]

Revival wishes are never, ever a good idea.

I'm getting that Monkey's paw feeling again...

Pipiru piru piru pipiru pi!

[Mafty Allegro]

Not sure if anyone has picked up on this, but the official site has cards (http://www.madoka-magica.com/special/dic/card1.html) on the "cute" Witches and their minions, along with some useful information on them. I can only imagine how well the real ones would do in the U.S. when the show eventually comes to Nicktoons or The Hub… ;)

As for a Mami revival, while I do hope they let her be (even though she was a cool and intriguing character), I wouldn't be too upset over it as long as they make good use of it. For example, maybe she would go through a personality change for the better, but ultimately die again soon after, or she comes back without any powers and go from there with her character. Regardless, I'd rather be left with the impact and message from the events in Ep. 3 and let that sink in for the girls and the rest of the show.

And even if she did come back to life, it looks like Homura will be Madoka's mentor-of-sorts after the cover for the Magia single was released a few weeks ago. Make of that all what you will…

[TheGreenMan]

I noticed the thing about Faust. Great, just great. I guess this reinforces that Kyuubei is really, really goddamned evil.

[regz91]

Urobuchi recently had a fun Twitter exchange with Ei Aoki, the current director of Hourou Musuko and the upcoming director of Urobuchi's own Fate/Zero.

Urobuchi:
I watched up to episode 2 of Hourou Musuko! Wouldn't everything be solved if Chiba-san and Takatsuki-san teamed up and threw themselves at Nitori-kun? I mentioned this but got beaten up for it. Also, Sarashina-san is just so dependable, I got worried that she might die by episode 3 or something.

Aoki:
Hourou Musuko's Aoki is a kind-hearted director. More to the point, you tricked me! You goddamned tricked me! Taking the head of an innocent girl . . . you're a truly horrible person!

Urobuchi:
For comparison, I'm more like the Sarlacc from Star Wars Episode 6! It's producer Iwakami, the man who threw Umesu's (Ume Aoki) characters down to me who is the true evil!

[Mafty Allegro]

Urobuchi recently had a fun Twitter exchange with Ei Aoki, the current director of Hourou Musuko and the upcoming director of Urobuchi's own Fate/Zero.

Urobuchi:
I watched up to episode 2 of Hourou Musuko! Wouldn't everything be solved if Chiba-san and Takatsuki-san teamed up and threw themselves at Nitori-kun? I mentioned this but got beaten up for it. Also, Sarashina-san is just so dependable, I got worried that she might die by episode 3 or something.

Aoki:
Hourou Musuko's Aoki is a kind-hearted director. More to the point, you tricked me! You goddamned tricked me! Taking the head of an innocent girl . . . you're a truly horrible person!

Urobuchi:
For comparison, I'm more like the Sarlacc from Star Wars Episode 6! It's producer Iwakami, the man who threw Umesu's (Ume Aoki) characters down to me who is the true evil!

Way to pass the buck… :laugh:

As for Ume Aoki's designs, the show works better having characters that look cute and magical girl-ish than something that telegraphs the dark nature of the show, like having more realistic or mature-looking characters (and thus ruining the intentional dichotomy).

[Fudce]

So we get Magical Sayaka before we get Magical Madoka? No surprise there then, but we also get to see redhead speak for the first time, and she's voiced by Ai Nonaka apparantly.

Oh. And Kyubey?

Evil.

[Suwako Moriya]

So we get Magical Sayaka before we get Magical Madoka? No surprise there then, but we also get to see redhead speak for the first time, and she's voiced by Ai Nonaka apparantly.

Oh. And Kyubey?

Evil.


I get the distinct feeling that the moment Madoka transforms is the moment where things truly become terrible. I speak as if things aren't bad now, but....

Also, I wonder if Kyubey will have true form or something along those lines.

As for the redhead, it was interesting to hear her speak. Although she gives me a bad feeling. Actually, I think I should be suspecting everyone, including Madoka herself.:sweat:

[TnAdct1]

we also get to see redhead speak for the first time, and she's voiced by Ai Nonaka apparantly.
(starts waiting for fanart depicting Magical Kyouko with Ichijou eyes)

[Fencedude]

Uhh wow, Nonaka Ai, playing against type a bit?

Anyway, good episode, the different ways in which Madoka and Sayaka reacted to the events was telling.

Things are only going to get more and more complicated from here it seems.

[Fencedude]

There will apparently be three manga versions of the show.

One will be Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica, and will just basically be a manga version of the story. Nothing special here.

Another is Mahou Shoujo Kazumi Magica ~the innocent malice~, which involves an amnesiac girl named Kazumi who knows nothing but her name and the fact that she's a Magical Girl. Official site is here (http://www.dokidokivisual.com/madokamagica/kazumi/), I believe its first chapter just came out the other day, but I know nothing further about it. Other than that the subtitle is not very subtle about things.

The third is Mahou Shoujo Oriko Magica, which will apparently start after the TV Anime ends.

[Fencedude]

There is a Wiki (http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Main_Page) being maintained by the users of several sites (notably /a/), compiling all the information and speculation about the series. Well worth looking into if you are curious about some of the more obscure references.

It should go without saying that spoilers are everywhere, so avoid it unless you are up to date on the show.

[UEHacker]

Uhh wow, Nonaka Ai, playing against type a bit?

Anyway, good episode, the different ways in which Madoka and Sayaka reacted to the events was telling.

Things are only going to get more and more complicated from here it seems.

Indeed, not to mention the impending fights that are on the horizon.

[bear]

So we get Magical Sayaka before we get Magical Madoka? No surprise there then, but we also get to see redhead speak for the first time, and she's voiced by Ai Nonaka apparantly.

Oh. And Kyubey?

Evil.

Oh, I think he's waaay beyond simply that.

No surprises. It was pretty much telegraphed what was going to happen with Sayaka and Madoka. Homura isn't bad just trapped by her wish. I wonder when we're going to get to see the consequences of her wish.

Great, not only do they fight the witches but each other for territory. Must be bad if you can't get the Grief Seeds or somesuch. May explain Mami's threats against Homura.

[Shiroi Hane]

Is it me or did Sayaka get a personality transplant along with her powers?

[Fencedude]

Is it me or did Sayaka get a personality transplant along with her powers?

I think it may be more of a "well, if I'm going to do it, I might as well be gung ho about it"

Or other, less savory implications.

So, over/under on Kyouko killing Sayaka?

[UEHacker]

Is it me or did Sayaka get a personality transplant along with her powers?

I think it may be more of a "well, if I'm going to do it, I might as well be gung ho about it"

Or other, less savory implications.

So, over/under on Kyouko killing Sayaka?

I think Kyouko and Sayaka may end up fighting in the middle of a fight with a witch. Perhaps both nailing the killing blow, Kyouko proceeds to get the grief seed and Sayaka ending up unable to recharge her powers ends up becoming a witch.

[Sly05]

Kyube's timing proves to be impeccable. The choice of witch victims also seems like an obvious attempt to draw Madoka in.


Great, not only do they fight the witches but each other for territory. Must be bad if you can't get the Grief Seeds or somesuch. May explain Mami's threats against Homura.

That should add another interesting dynamic to the story. Maybe the grief seeds are needed to maintain wishes?

[Shiroi Hane]

There is a Wiki (http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Main_Page) being maintained by the users of several sites (notably /a/), compiling all the information and speculation about the series. Well worth looking into if you are curious about some of the more obscure references.

It should go without saying that spoilers are everywhere, so avoid it unless you are up to date on the show.

Oh, wow at the last image for the episode 3 rune translations:
http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Runes:Episode_3

(and this comes up right before the fight)

[Sly05]

Ooh, the translation of the runes are fun. Nothing overly telling, but they do seem to provide some insight into the personality of the witches.

[Fencedude]

There is a Wiki (http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Main_Page) being maintained by the users of several sites (notably /a/), compiling all the information and speculation about the series. Well worth looking into if you are curious about some of the more obscure references.

It should go without saying that spoilers are everywhere, so avoid it unless you are up to date on the show.

Oh, wow at the last image for the episode 3 rune translations:
http://wiki.puella-magi.net/Runes:Episode_3

(and this comes up right before the fight)

This (http://wiki.puella-magi.net/File:Ep3_Caution.png) shows up for a single frame as Mami and Madoka enter the Witch's World

[TheGreenMan]

I guess Sayaka will live through this.
Sayaka was pretty badass.
Ominous music during violin's boy "miracle."
Nonaka Ai? The seriyuu of Kafuka, "Dozu," and Shima Katase? Using a nasal bitchy voice? I thought it was Kugimiya for a second.

I love how this show is ratcheting up the craziness and darkness. Madoka was ripped apart and then almost ripped apart again.

[Fencedude]

Nonaka Ai? The seriyuu of Kafuka, "Dozu," and Shima Katase? Using a nasal bitchy voice? I thought it was Kugimiya for a second.


I was totally expecting Kugimiya. Though Nonaka seems to be taking some cues from her for this role.

[Fencedude]

I just had a thought. Perhaps this is the show that will finally bring Kirino and Kuroneko together.

Its the perfect blend of their preferences.

[regz91]

Oh, here it is. THIS is the show I've been wanting since the moment the staff was announced. I prayed, I waited, and I'm not ashamed to say there were times when I doubted, but now it's here, and it's even more glorious than I could have wished for.

What I love about Gen Urobuchi's work is not the horrific body count, which I think people put a little too much emphasis on, but the moral complexities that arise from being in such a constant life-or-death struggle. The gruesome deaths are almost just a side-effect, something that needs to happen to keep the story going in that direction. Last episode's surprise overshadowed everything else, but in this episode, the shock has abated and Urobuchi's unique style of writing takes center stage for the first time.

Sayaka really shines this episode. As the episode opens, she wishes that she were the one who was injured, since Kyosuke could do so much with his hands, and she so little. On the way to school, she successfully hides her true feelings while Madoka is an open book. And then at the hospital, she finally realizes the extent of Kyosuke's despair. That last scene was beautifully done - taken on its own, it's a rather cliche scene, but what makes it work is that scene in conjunction with the one from the previous episode. You can see Kyosuke, not as an selfish ungrateful jerk, but as a good friend who did his best to go along with Sayaka's unwittingly clumsy attempts to cheer him up, hiding his pain until he could bear no more.

Sayaka is really the star of the show now. She has unfortunately taken her first steps onto a road that Urobuchi loves to write - the good-hearted hero who makes increasingly dark choices to retain the small bit of happiness she has won. People are predicting pretty horrible fates for her, that she'll die next episode, or that Kyosuke will break her heart and she'll go mad. For me, I think it's the opposite - that she and Kyosuke will be happy together, and it's her relationship with everybody else that will slowly crumble. You can already see how it might happen between her and Madoka. She seems fine with it now, but the longer she is a Puella Magi and Madoka is not, the wider a gulf between them will grow. This episode seems to be laying the groundwork for that, as all the important character beats for both of them occur when they are apart.

Without Mami or Sayaka around, Madoka seems set to take her cues from Homura. And Homura lays down the most important rule about being a Puella Magi: this is something you do for yourself. Madoka still thinks of it as "protecting the city", and worries who will do it now that Mami is gone, but ultimately being a Puella Magi is not a job or a responsibility, it is a price that you pay because you want something, it is a sign that you are selfish.

Sayaka is portrayed as someone who is a little more mature than Madoka. Sayaka knows a little more about the world, and sees that there are things that are worth fighting for. Madoka is still innocent enough not to desire anything. I think this is going to be the driving conflict over the next few episodes.

I can't believe we get 8 more episodes of this. I'm in heaven.

[Fencedude]

Sayaka was very impressive this episode, in any number of ways. Though I'm pretty sure she'll either be killed by, or as a direct consequence of, Kyouko.

If for no other reason than that ultimately this is Madoka's show, so Sayaka is, of course, expendable.

In the end it will be Madoka, Homura, and the incredible burden that has slowly been laid upon them.

[strangefour]

-Foreboding foreshadowing! Don't say things like that Sayaka after last week >_>
-These are the best eggs ever. *sniffle*
-Damn Kyubey looks unnaturally creepy.
-The white devil left. We are free from it's cursed miracles.

-I knew that was a dangerous CD player!
-No Sayaka... no...
-AAAH! It's right there! That damn demon came back!
-Gah! Oh creepy way to dissolve to a change of art style.
-Mahou shoujo Sayaka. I hope your life as a magical girl has a happy ending.
Bad Kyoko!

-Why is Madoka's neck broken in the preview illustration?

I wonder if Madoka is to scary for Ume-sensei.

[strangefour]

I just had a thought. Perhaps this is the show that will finally bring Kirino and Kuroneko together.

Its the perfect blend of their preferences.

AHAHAHAHAHAH! So that's why this show exists in all it's weirdness. To inspire Kuroneko X Kirino. Man, it's such a terrible price to pay. Be careful what you wish for...

[TheGreenMan]

Sayaka was very impressive this episode, in any number of ways. Though I'm pretty sure she'll either be killed by, or as a direct consequence of, Kyouko.



What Sayaka said about making a mistake at the beginning of the episode makes think she'll survive--UNLESS she's killed and that drives Madoka over the edge Himeko-style and wishes both her and Mami back.

[Buckeye]

I started to watch this last week. My impression is that it feels like Satoshi Kon's version of a magical girl show. Those battle scenes feel like something out of his movies. Anyway, I am interested in seeing what becomes of these characters as so much is yet to be explained.

[bear]

I just had a thought. Perhaps this is the show that will finally bring Kirino and Kuroneko together.

Its the perfect blend of their preferences.

AHAHAHAHAHAH! So that's why this show exists in all it's weirdness. To inspire Kuroneko X Kirino. Man, it's such a terrible price to pay. Be careful what you wish for...

I just had a flashback to the ED of episode 7 where they did the dōjinshi using each other as characters.

[Fencedude]

I just had a thought. Perhaps this is the show that will finally bring Kirino and Kuroneko together.

Its the perfect blend of their preferences.

AHAHAHAHAHAH! So that's why this show exists in all it's weirdness. To inspire Kuroneko X Kirino. Man, it's such a terrible price to pay. Be careful what you wish for...

I just had a flashback to the ED of episode 7 where they did the dōjinshi using each other as characters.

Kirino is like Ume-sensei, designing this cute, fluffy characters, and then handing them and the basic plot outline to Kuroneko (who's the Urobuchi Gen equivalent) who makes their life a living hell. Oh and brutally kills Kirino's self insert character (Mami), while making her own insert character (Homura) the only voice of reason.

[DiGiKerot]

Further to last weeks discussion about the OP sequence alternations, they totally changed the colour of the title card again.

Yeah, not very exciting :sd:

Otherwise, I'm hoping the fact that there are a couple of lines in the opening that are narrated by Sayaka in retrospect are a sign that she's not going to die a prompt and hideous death. Not that I'm optimistic about that, but hey, I can always cling to fragile dreams.

[Ashyukun]

Further to last weeks discussion about the OP sequence alternations, they totally changed the colour of the title card again.

Yeah, not very exciting :sd:

Otherwise, I'm hoping the fact that there are a couple of lines in the opening that are narrated by Sayaka in retrospect are a sign that she's not going to die a prompt and hideous death. Not that I'm optimistic about that, but hey, I can always cling to fragile dreams.
I'm holding on to the same hope... but there's of course no guarantee of it not being futile. I doubt that Kyouko will succeed in killing/defeating Sayaka- I'd put Madoka stepping in and simply wishing to be a magical girl to be able to save her happening before that.

Homura is definitely a conundrum... with Kyouko's showing up at Kyubey's calling, we know he's at least in touch with or knows about a number of others- which means he SHOULD know something about Homura. But, neither of the girls have flatly asked him about her, of course.

Regarding the theory that was put forth very early on that Homura was actually Madoka from the future- I was for some reason thinking that Sayaka and Madoka were the two in the promo art that had bows- but I was wrong, Sayaka obviously has the sword, and it's Madoka and Homura that both have bow as weapons (though we've not seen Homura actually use hers, she just played Bomberman to take out the last witch). If that IS true though, she either doesn't understand causality or magic warps it such that she thinks that despite her still being around/a mahou shoujo that Madoka doesn't become one at some point.

[HitokiriShadow]

Sayaka finally makes the contract... and its made veeeeery clear that she made a big mistake in doing so. She's obviously not going to be happy with how things turn out with Kyousuke. Also, its notable that we didn't actually see her make the contract and how her wish was worded.

Oh, and to make things better, another magical girl wants to kill Sayaka.

Also, I liked what they did with the visuals and Madoka's character model in the witch scene, with her getting stretched out and split apart. Creeeeeepy.

[HitokiriShadow]

Regarding the theory that was put forth very early on that Homura was actually Madoka from the future- ... it's Madoka and Homura that both have bow as weapons

Well, Urobuchi Gen *IS* involved with the Fate/*** universe.... I would be amused if that theory was actually right.

[TheGreenMan]

The March Megami/Nyantype posters for this show are really, really, fucking cruel.

Site NSFW:
http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840852/2girls-absurdres-barefoot-bikini-blonde_hair-bunch

Really?

[TAS]

Sayaka finally makes the contract... and its made veeeeery clear that she made a big mistake in doing so. She's obviously not going to be happy with how things turn out with Kyousuke. Also, its notable that we didn't actually see her make the contract and how her wish was worded.
And Kyubey just happened to be sitting there in the window.

[DenpaWa]

Sayaka finally makes the contract... and its made veeeeery clear that she made a big mistake in doing so. She's obviously not going to be happy with how things turn out with Kyousuke. Also, its notable that we didn't actually see her make the contract and how her wish was worded.
And Kyubey just happened to be sitting there in the window.

Yeah, he does have that knack for being there when someone really wants to make a wish... :sweat:

I've wondered if the reason he spent so much time with Madoka was because he knew that Sayaka had a strong desire that was likely to lead to a contract, whereas Madoka would need more of a push.

Not to mention (though I will, anyway :)) that seeds are showing up where Sayaka and Madoka will notice them. Outside the hospital that Sayaka visits, on Madoka's friend... Just a coincidence, right?? :depressed:

[something]

Episode 4:

- Self-loathing for Sayaka. This can't be going anywhere good. Morbidly curious to see how far she falls as she agonizes over this.
- No real OP changes from what I can tell. Mami is still there...

- Madoka... ;_; When they jumped into Sayaka fretting over Kyousuke, I was slightly worried that they'd move beyond the Mami trauma too quickly, but that's clearly not the case. Poor poor Madoka. As for Sayaka, I would imagine that obsessing over Kyousuke is her way of avoiding the issue.
- And Kyuubey yet smiles. Always smiling. Always...
- Sayaka is definitely in denial. She just doesn't want to think about it at all.

- Sayaka and Madoka on the roof. Kyuubey just looks at them lke "Hay guyz what's wrong?" >_>
- Ah good, Sayaka is willing to discuss the issue with Madoka. Which is a damn good thing because as Madoka says, they're all alone now. Nobody knows what they know... nobody knows what happened to Mami. Well, except for Homura who isn't their best friend right now.
- Oh god why did I only just now realize that Kyuubey has ears coming out of his ears? Thats weird.
- An interesting note here: it sounds like Mami was something of a noble magical girl. She considered this area her territory, and so fought not just to get grief seeds but also to protect the people there? That's how I understood that exchange.
- And he takes a little dig at them - only another magical girl would be able to criticize those who only seek grief seeds. Ouch.
- Now he's adding a time limit. Pressure. Pressure. Your dream is about to walk away. Pressure. Pressure. You'll never have a chance like this again. Pressure. Pressure.
- But will Sayaka...

- No. She didn't speak up. I thought she might break here and make a contract.
- Madoka visits Mami's apartment. ;_;
- And meets Homura! She seems to expect a fight but instead Homura is being quite nice to her. Even protective.
- No corpse, no burial, no mourners. Just an eternal status of "missing". Madoka can barely stand the idea.

- "Miracles and magic do exist." Nice - after the events of episode three, the audience has it in their heads that "miracles" refers to resurrection in some way, but in reality it's Sayaka's promise to Kyousuke.
- And look who just happens to be there - as if he knew it would happen...

- Meanwhile, Hitomi has been marked by a witch. How convenient - both girls just got the push they needed to make their decisions.
- Oh wow, it's not just Hitomi. The witch is calling a small parade of sacrifices.
- Mom's advice saves the day!
- But Madoka is still trapped in a zombie flick.
- Escape!
- ...Into a dead end. And a witch. Shit.
- Well this doesn't look so good for Madoka. Where's a conniving little shit rat when you need it?
- Oh that's better. Sayaka! With her sword! Saving Madoka! But... That means...

- "This isn't what we discussed"? What had you discussed, huh?
- And oh god, Nonaka Ai as a mean magical girl? Fuck yes. Kyouko time!

What depresses me the most is that I bet Kyousuke doesn't even appreciate Sayaka for what she's done, if he even knows.

Things are only going to get worse from here. And it's going to be amazing.

[Fencedude]

- Madoka... ;_; When they jumped into Sayaka fretting over Kyousuke, I was slightly worried that they'd move beyond the Mami trauma too quickly, but that's clearly not the case. Poor poor Madoka. As for Sayaka, I would imagine that obsessing over Kyousuke is her way of avoiding the issue.

Madoka bursting into tears at the breakfast table was heartbreaking. She witnessed something horrible, has learned that the world is even more cynical and cruel that she ever could have imagined...and she can't tell anyone. Her parents would never believe her, and even if they did...what could they do? She can't unknow what she's learned. It will always be there, what she saw happen to Mami, and what she learned of the truth of the world.


- An interesting note here: it sounds like Mami was something of a noble magical girl. She considered this area her territory, and so fought not just to get grief seeds but also to protect the people there? That's how I understood that exchange.

You really get the feeling that Mami was something special, that she really was exactly what she appeared to be, and that most magical girls do not live up to her standards.


- Madoka visits Mami's apartment. ;_;
- And meets Homura! She seems to expect a fight but instead Homura is being quite nice to her. Even protective.
- No corpse, no burial, no mourners. Just an eternal status of "missing". Madoka can barely stand the idea.

You get the feeling that Homura wanted to be able to do something for Madoka, but couldn't, and even if she could, she's not capable of it. Very powerful scene.

- And look who just happens to be there - as if he knew it would happen...

Fucking creepy bastard. He knew this would happen.


- And oh god, Nonaka Ai as a mean magical girl? Fuck yes. Kyouko time!


Has Nonaka Ai ever played a character like this? And I was totally expecting Kugimiya, honestly.

[something]

The March Megami/Nyantype posters for this show are really, really, fucking cruel.
Site NSFW: http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840852/2girls-absurdres-barefoot-bikini-blonde_hair-bunch
Really?
Cruel, and yet still hot.

And damn, Mami is 80 posts up on Madoka now on danboo. Hell, Charlotte is already at 49...

[Fencedude]

The March Megami/Nyantype posters for this show are really, really, fucking cruel.
Site NSFW: http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840852/2girls-absurdres-barefoot-bikini-blonde_hair-bunch
Really?
Cruel, and yet still hot.

And damn, Mami is 80 posts up on Madoka now on danboo. Hell, Charlotte is already at 49...

She's well over half the total Madoka Magica posts now. It will be interesting to see if anyone catches her at this point, she's essentially reached Meme-status now.

[something]

Has Nonaka Ai ever played a character like this?
Not really. She's never really done an aggressive/mean type, and while Kafuka could be kinda creepy at times, it was in more of as a result of her being unnaturally cheerful while saying fucked up things.

[HitokiriShadow]

The March Megami/Nyantype posters for this show are really, really, fucking cruel.
Site NSFW: http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840852/2girls-absurdres-barefoot-bikini-blonde_hair-bunch
Really?
Cruel, and yet still hot.

And damn, Mami is 80 posts up on Madoka now on danboo. Hell, Charlotte is already at 49...

*looks* Man, there's a lot of awesome fanart of Mami.

...And some of them are a little WTF (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840768/blonde_hair-blush-bow-charlotte_-madoka_magica-chi)

And then there's lulz (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836852/4koma-arm_up-comic-d-rev_g-kaname_madoka-kyuubee-m)

Some of the 4-koma ones are pretty funny too, like Mami's first encounter with Homura. (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/837882/4koma-akemi_homura-bottle-chopsticks-comic-drill_h)

[TheGreenMan]

The March Megami/Nyantype posters for this show are really, really, fucking cruel.
Site NSFW: http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840852/2girls-absurdres-barefoot-bikini-blonde_hair-bunch
Really?
Cruel, and yet still hot.

And damn, Mami is 80 posts up on Madoka now on danboo. Hell, Charlotte is already at 49...

*looks* Man, there's a lot of awesome fanart of Mami.

...And some of them are a little WTF (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840768/blonde_hair-blush-bow-charlotte_-madoka_magica-chi)

And then there's lulz (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/836852/4koma-arm_up-comic-d-rev_g-kaname_madoka-kyuubee-m)

Some of the 4-koma ones are pretty funny too, like Mami's first encounter with Homura. (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/837882/4koma-akemi_homura-bottle-chopsticks-comic-drill_h)

4 episodes in and already 25 pages of stuff on Danbooru.

[Shiroi Hane]

There's also just plain :cry: (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/841699)

[Ashyukun]

There's also just plain :cry: (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/841699)
... Ouch. :depressed:

I'm still surprised that Madoka or Sayaka apparently haven't even ASKED if Mami could be brought back with a wish...

At the moment, I'm thinking of three possible ways Madoka's wish could go....

1. No particular catalyst except for her own devastation over what happened, or potentially realizing that Kyoko is after Sayaka because of Mami no longer controlling the 'territory', Madoka wishes Mami back to life

2. Kyoko attacks Sayaka and is getting the better of her, and Madoka simply wishes to be able to save Sayaka. Potentially after learning (likely from Kyoko gloating) that if Sayaka is defeated, she'll become a witch?

3. One of her family members- likely her Mom given how things have been set up- is caught under the influence of a Witch, and with none of the other Magical Girls coming to help on time she wishes to be able to save her family.

Something else I'm wondering... how 'permanent' are the wishes? If something happens to Sayaka (:depressed: :cry:), does Kyousuke's 'miracle' still remain, or would he suddenly go back to the way he was before?

[Shiroi Hane]

I did have a horrible idea of where the series is going and why the mahou shoujo are pitted against each other (I know other people have said similar things in the past but it never fitted together in head until now) in that grief seeds are this series' orbo:

Original witches are mahou shoujo who's soul gems have gone dark and become grief seeds. Mahou Shoujo have to defeat witches to recharge (or rather cleanse) their soul gems will eventually become a witch themselves; not only are they competing for the same resource but it is in their better interest for other mahou shoujo to fail as that will increase the resource. There's no way out of the vicious cycle since witches can also multiply by themselves so there will always be need for more mahou shoujo.

[William K]

I did have a horrible idea of where the series is going and why the mahou shoujo are pitted against each other (I know other people have said similar things in the past but it never fitted together in head until now) in that grief seeds are this series' orbo:

Original witches are mahou shoujo who's soul gems have gone dark and become grief seeds. Mahou Shoujo have to defeat witches to recharge (or rather cleanse) their soul gems will eventually become a witch themselves; not only are they competing for the same resource but it is in their better interest for other mahou shoujo to fail as that will increase the resource. There's no way out of the vicious cycle since witches can also multiply by themselves so there will always be need for more mahou shoujo.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica = Highlander with cuter clothes?

[ilmaestro]

Madoka bursting into tears at the breakfast table was heartbreaking.
Yep, absolutely the best scene this week imo, from a great mood episode.

[Ashyukun]

...And some of them are a little WTF (http://danbooru.donmai.us/post/show/840768/blonde_hair-blush-bow-charlotte_-madoka_magica-chi)

The more I think about it, the more I think that setup would have been better had it been Vivio with Kyubey and Nanoha and Fate looking on in horror...

[bluesilo]

This show just keeps getting darker and darker. It really wasn't what I was expecting going in, but I'm really enjoying it. Best show of the season easily.

[something]

Oh god, that wretched Charlotte (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-647.html) is everywhere! Not even convenience stores are safe.

[Fencedude]

Oh god, that wretched Charlotte (http://yaraon.blog109.fc2.com/blog-entry-647.html) is everywhere! Not even convenience stores are safe.

AIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

(oh, and lol at the bubble filtered Megami poster. Way better than a nude filter!)

[Mafty Allegro]

The follow-up to the events of last time were handled very well in another solid episode. Watching Madoka breakdown at the table (especially) and listening to her and Sayaka's heartfelt discussion what happened were powerful moments that said everything that needed to be said about it, which, thankfully, were not overloaded on the emotions and melodrama. Kyube, meanwhile, cranked up the pressure by coolly pulling his offer off the table, which just-so-happened to be followed up by their friend and others falling under a suicidal trance and luring Madoka's attention towards trouble. Her horrors in the warehouse were bad enough, but the ones she suffered in the Witch-world scene were something else entirely. It was a very powerful display of imagery and maybe one of the best psychological ones in recent memory. It spoke a lot of what Madoka was going through and what may become of her, and I don't think she'll be forgetting them anytime soon.

Sayaka becoming a magical girl first was somewhat surprising (great timing there, furball…), as I thought both would become one at the same time. While her moment in the sun was very cool, though I don't like what's coming over the horizon. The situation between her and Kyousuke is reminiscent of the classic "unrequited love" dynamic. It seems more like a one-way street, in that he does not necessarily feel the same way about her like she does him, and her becoming a magical girl so he could realize his dream again may turn out to be a bitter pill to swallow in the end. As for her monologue, I wouldn't put it past Urobuchi if it didn't originate from the next episode or a little past it, as I don't see her living to the end, especially if she has to tangle with Kyube's initial Mami replacement.

The talk between Homura and Madoka and the latter's visit to Mami's apartment was very good, particularly with the note on memory wipes. It further deducts from the glamor of being a magical girl--and that doesn't include the growing "drug addict" feel it is getting with the Grief Seed aspect. One good thing about the show is that while you can expect things to get grimmer or anticipate coming tragedies, you also can't totally expect what will happen with each coming episode (helped, no doubt, by the vague-ish, introspective previews). Great show, so far, with impressive production values to boot.

[something]

Replying under ep 4 subthread - you changed your subject line but replied to an ep 3 post.

Sayaka becoming a magical girl first was somewhat surprising (great timing there, furball…), as I thought both would become one at the same time.
It definitely seemed to be leading in that direction with Madoka being given her own "reason to fight" (Hitomi) right as Sayaka had her own - but we're being put off a bit longer.

What I'm wondering is whether Sayaka becoming a magical girl makes it more or less likely for Madoka to want to become one. It probably makes it more likely but only if she does it before something terrible happens to Sayaka. If Sayaka ends up badly from the impending confrontation with Kyouko, it'll probably push Madoka away from making the contract for some time. A lot rides on how literal the opening dream sequence ends up being - it's not a bad bet to say Sayaka is either dead or incapacitated by that point, and it makes it clear that at least in the dream, Madoka was not a magical girl before that point.

So I guess it's looking increasingly likely that Madoka's contract may be a few episodes off yet. I wouldn't mind waiting until episode 6 I suppose. But if it goes beyond that they'll need a very good reason and a very good role for Madoka to fill while we wait for her to attain her powers.

[Isuzu Inugami]

So I guess it's looking increasingly likely that Madoka's contract may be a few episodes off yet. I wouldn't mind waiting until episode 6 I suppose. But if it goes beyond that they'll need a very good reason and a very good role for Madoka to fill while we wait for her to attain her powers.

While the whole opening belies it, I think it might be interesting if she never became one. If the whole point of the show were to revolve around her learning not to take that step; if maybe the only way she can save the other girls is to remain mundane.

Naaah, she's already got her outfit designed.

[Mafty Allegro]

Replying under ep 4 subthread - you changed your subject line but replied to an ep 3 post.

Ah, I didn't know something like that could happen. I'll remember that next time.

What I'm wondering is whether Sayaka becoming a magical girl makes it more or less likely for Madoka to want to become one. It probably makes it more likely but only if she does it before something terrible happens to Sayaka. If Sayaka ends up badly from the impending confrontation with Kyouko, it'll probably push Madoka away from making the contract for some time. A lot rides on how literal the opening dream sequence ends up being - it's not a bad bet to say Sayaka is either dead or incapacitated by that point, and it makes it clear that at least in the dream, Madoka was not a magical girl before that point.

So I guess it's looking increasingly likely that Madoka's contract may be a few episodes off yet. I wouldn't mind waiting until episode 6 I suppose. But if it goes beyond that they'll need a very good reason and a very good role for Madoka to fill while we wait for her to attain her powers.

I was thinking either Sayaka being put into a precarious situation or her dying may force Madoka to make her decision (with, say, Sayaka gone and/or Kyouko getting killed or hurt, there would be no one protecting the area, thus leaving Madoka to take up their stead). If she's alone, perhaps that cover picture with Homura guiding her may really be a key sign of what's to come.

…One thing I forgot to point out earlier was that after the Witch was killed, some kind of blob splattered onto the floor, similar to what had happened in the previous episode. Back then, some assumed that it was the chewed-up remains of Mami, but it occured again here, where no one was shown killed (to my knowledge). It happens very quickly (and I didn't notice it until I rewound to watch Sayaka's fight again) and when you pause it prior before it hits the ground, it almost looks like a female figure. If no one was killed--and if I'm not seeing things--then could it really be the corpse of whoever the Witch once was?

[Fencedude]

You know what, Kyubey's a dick. The least he could have done was mentioned to Sayaka that there was another magical girl out there gunning for her.

Also, I just noticed that Magical Girls seem to have a mark on their left middle finger, the same finger that wears the ring that becomes the Soul Gem. Sayaka's is a blue "C", while Homura's is a purple diamond. I don't remember seeing that on Mami.

So Sayaka and Madoka find a familiar, but Kyouko stops them from killing it, because she wants it to kill some people so it can become a witch, and thus drop a Grief Seed.

They start battling, Sayaka has epic regeneration it seems, while Kyouko uses awesome spear-fu. And then, right when Madoka's about to contract to stop them, Homura arrives.

More thoughts later.

[Sly05]

You know what, Kyubey's a dick. The least he could have done was mentioned to Sayaka that there was another magical girl out there gunning for her.

Pretty much. He's really going out of his way to create situations which would force Madoka into entering a contract. I doubt he thinks of Sayaka as anything more than cannon fodder and a pawn in getting Madoka.

It's interesting that the wish a person makes influences their powers with Sayaka getting regenerative abilities for wishing to cure an injury. I wonder if Mami's power was her victory tea. :P

Homura also gets confirmed as being different than the regular magical girls and that Kyubey doesn't really know much about her. Not too surprising with what we've seen of her so far, but it does highlight the question of why she's so interested in Madoka in particular. I do think, however, she might have more success in preventing people from contracting with Kyubey if she was more open about what the consequences exactly entail. Given that all the mahou shoujo are around the same age, it is at least pretty clear that none of them survive very long (unless the contract prevents aging), but there certainly seems to be more to it than just that.

[strangefour]

-Creepy shadow there Kyubey.
-He rips the gem out of their soul? Evil magical animal sidekick!
-No regrets. *sniffle*
-Oh I thought I was just seeing things with the sunset on the rooftop, but Homura has a star on the fingernail of her mahou ring finger too. I don't remember ever noting Mami having one. Or maybe it was yellow and harder to spot than the blue and purple.
-"As fruitless as trying to raise the dead." Maybe Homura wasted her wish on such a thing? She's being honest with her feelings about magical girls, but she needs to share more concrete details.
-Kyouko is a cruel, wicked and very skilled little magical bitch.

Damn I want to strangle Kyubey every time I see his face. He may not be himself evil. He may just be a well constructed tool. A pawn. A Familiar. Just playing his part incessantly offering THE POWAH like a broken record. Creating magical girls who feed on witches who feed on people. But who feeds on the magical girls? What lies at the top of this pyramid scheme?

Man. The longer they hold out making Madoka a mahou shoujo the more it seems like she's going to be THE NANOHA.

[bear]

-"As fruitless as trying to raise the dead." Maybe Homura wasted her wish on such a thing?
Well we do know of one zombie/magical girl.....;)

Damn I want to strangle Kyubey every time I see his face. He may not be himself evil. He may just be a well constructed tool. A pawn. A Familiar. Just playing his part incessantly offering THE POWAH like a broken record. Creating magical girls who feed on witches who feed on people. But who feeds on the magical girls? What lies at the top of this pyramid scheme?

Hmmm, interesting idea. Kyubey is just a gofer for some other being? That might explain his comments about Homura. Why did he avoid spelling out what the situation was with her? Did she not make a contract with him? Maybe the contract was with his boss?

Kyubey specifically wants Madoka. Why is she more desirable than the others?

[Fencedude]

I'm going to repost something I typed up as a response to the Madoka 4&5 post on THAT Anime Blog (http://www.thatanimeblog.com/index.php/2011/02/mahou-shoujo-madoka-magica-4-and-5-separation-of-self/comment-page-1/#comment-97295), that post is highly recommended reading, by the way.

Brilliant encapsulation of how this show has twisted our expectations of what being a Mahou Shoujo means.

Plenty of times a show is touted as “revolutionizing” or “deconstructing” a concept, but very few truly live up to that hype. Evangelion (for all its flaws, and all the ink and packets of data that have been spilled over it) was one of them. I really wish I could have been an anime fan back in the mid 90s, and seen my every expectation for what a mecha series was, what it was supposed to stand for, what the most basic requirements of being a “Mecha Series” were, be utterly destroyed.

Madoka Magica did that to me in episode 3 for magical girl shows. Sure, I expected it to be dark, I expected Madoka and the others to face hard choices, and maybe even, possibly, one of them would give their life in the end, but the show completely blindsided me with what it did. I feel like I should have known, that I should have been genre savvy enough to see it, but I didn’t. And thats the point.

With these episodes, we see the final tearing down of the illusion, the ideal of what we believe Magical Girls are for. They are the hope of the world, fighting evil, large and small, while learning about themselves and growing into better people for it. The recently finished Heartcatch Precure! maybe one of the most perfect examples of this in action, watching its final episodes, shortly after episode 3 of Madoka Magica…I still greatly enjoyed them, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I was thinking “This is what Madoka wants, and its what she can never have“.

As I type this post, Secret Ambition from Nanoha StrikerS is playing in iTunes. Nanoha is another show that transformed the Magical Girl genre, but it wasn’t like this. It certainly took the concept into new directions, and did some truly surprising things, but in the end, it was really a fusion of Magical Girl with the modern concept of a Mecha Series. It showed that Magical Girl shows are truly viable when aimed at the older male audience, that we aren’t just a periphery demographic for little girl’s shows (see the aforementioned Precure series, which started this movement, entirely accidentally), and ultimately made Madoka possible.

What will Magical Girl shows look like after Madoka Magica? Will there be the barrage of clones, attempts to capture the magic again, like there were with Evangelion? What will it feel like, being in a “Post-Madoka” anime world? Will it have the lasting impact that Evangelion had? Will its influence seep back into the source, Magical Girl shows aimed at young girls? The male equivalent of those shows, the true Super Robot show, has almost completely died out post Evangelion, will the same thing happen to Magical Girl shows?

We may be witnessing a moment that literally only happens once every few decades. The last moment like this was 15 years ago. Is it truly happening again?

[TheGreenMan]

Gah...they can't make Kyuubei any more evil looking. What's with that shadow?
Sayaka doesn't regret turning into a magical girl. OH, BUT YOU WILL.
Wait, did that man with the violin use "watashi?" Polite neutral?
Huh, when Sayaka and Madoka are crossing the bridge, and exact line of cars across the lanes when by each other going in opposite directions. Lazy animation?
I LOVE Kyouko's outfit. It's sexy and cute.
That is one LONG pole.
Kyouko is fucking strong. Sayaka was pushing with all her might and Kyouko just stood there.
Homura appearing/reflecting in the water droplets is really cool. She must be fast...very very very fast to do that.
Homura to the rescue.

Homura said that resurrecting the dead was useless. Hmmmm.... Why won't she tell Madoka why it's so bad being a magical girl? Why does she have to be so dodgy.

[TheGreenMan]

[QUOTE=strangefour;1897713]


Kyubey specifically wants Madoka. Why is she more desirable than the others?

Maybe she could help him/her do something? Free him from his supposed "master."

[Fencedude]

Huh, when Sayaka and Madoka are crossing the bridge, and exact line of cars across the lanes when by each other going in opposite directions. Lazy animation?

No, SHAFT.

[regz91]

What will Magical Girl shows look like after Madoka Magica? Will there be the barrage of clones, attempts to capture the magic again, like there were with Evangelion? What will it feel like, being in a “Post-Madoka” anime world? Will it have the lasting impact that Evangelion had? Will its influence seep back into the source, Magical Girl shows aimed at young girls? The male equivalent of those shows, the true Super Robot show, has almost completely died out post Evangelion, will the same thing happen to Magical Girl shows?

I think the key difference between the Mecha genre and the Magical Girl genre is that Mecha, at least in the beginning, was a merchandise-driven genre. People made Mecha shows because they wanted to sell toys; the story is not all that important. But it's precisely because of that that there is a kind of freedom in what kinds of stories you can tell in this genre. The influence of first Gundam, then Evangelion, is that it opened people's eyes to the kinds of stories that can be told. The Mecha genre can do anything, because at its origin it is simply not tied to any specific kind of story.

I openly admit here that I don't watch Magical Girl shows, so everything I say from here on out may be way off base, but my understanding is that the Magical Girl genre is different. In general, it IS tied to a specific kind of story. That is, people simply don't make Magical Girl shows unless they intend to tell this story - if they intend to tell a different story, they just make a different show. Shinbo more or less admits this - in one interview before the show started, he said it was his idea to put "Mahou Shoujo" in the title, because otherwise people would not recognize it as a Magical Girl show.

Madoka Magica is a Magical Girl show written as if it were a dark Henshin Hero show. On the surface, the two genres are basically the same - we classify them differently because they tell different types of stories. You can have exceptions like Madoka Magica, but I don't think it's possible to fundamentally rewrite the rules of the Magical Girl genre without essentially disbanding the genre entirely and folding it into the Henshin Hero genre.

So, I think Madoka Magica will do its thing, and the rest of the Magical Girl genre will go on pretty much as it has before. If Madoka Magica has any lasting effects, I hope it is to remind other genres that this type of storytelling can still be popular, since it's been on the decline in recent years. What I desperately hope DOESN'T happen is that people simply make shallow copies of it for years afterwards. Its success is due entirely to the unique strengths of its staff - Shinbo's unique visuals combined with Urobuchi's unique sensibilities. They cannot be duplicated by any random hack, and attempts to do so will be painful to behold.

[Fencedude]

I think the key difference between the Mecha genre and the Magical Girl genre is that Mecha, at least in the beginning, was a merchandise-driven genre. People made Mecha shows because they wanted to sell toys; the story is not all that important. But it's precisely because of that that there is a kind of freedom in what kinds of stories you can tell in this genre. The influence of first Gundam, then Evangelion, is that it opened people's eyes to the kinds of stories that can be told. The Mecha genre can do anything, because at its origin it is simply not tied to any specific kind of story.

Huh? This makes no sense. How is this different from the origin of Magical Girl shows? Mecha and Magical Girls are two sides of the same coin, each started as a vehicle to sell merchandise, one to young boys (mecha) and one to young girls (Magical Girls).

Throughout the 80s and 90s, the mecha genre gradually shifted away from being purely shows meant to sell toys to children to the more otaku focus it has now. It was a long, slow process, that eventually culminated in Evangelion in '96.

A similar process has been going on with Magical Girl shows, though in this case not only is the audience aging, but the target gender is shifting as well. The current most popular Magical Girl franchise (Precure) is emblematic of this shift. While it still is the super idealistic type of series, and ostensibly aimed at middle school girls, each season has added progressively more "Otaku Bonus" aspects to it.

[bear]

I have a suspicion that Kamijou is not going to reject Sayaka as has been speculated. I'm guessing he's going to be put under the influence of a familiar/witch and jump off the roof of the hospital. Sayaka will freak out again giving Kyubey another chance to pressure Madoka.

We can also make a good guess that at some point Madoka's family will come under attack.

Weird thought. What if Homura never made a contract? What if someone else wished for her to become a Mahou Shoujo? Something along the lines of: "I want me and my best friend, Homura, to be Mahou Shoujo's but she's too stubborn to understand how great it will be, so I'll do it for her. She'll thank me later". That would certainly be irregular.