Introduction
The anime series is directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, written by Gen Urobuchi and original character designs were made by Ume Aoki.
The first ten episodes were aired in Japan on the MBS and TBS TV channels between January 6, 2011 and March 10, 2011, and were also distributed online at NicoNicoDouga, AnimeOne, and Showtime. The last two episodes were delayed until April 21, 2011 due to the 2011 Touhoku Earthquake and Tsunami.
Madoka Magica became highly popular as it was airing, which prompted fans to give nicknames such as "Madocchi", "MaMaMa" (Mahou Madoka Magica), and "Madomagi". However, despite using the magical girl genre, due to the show's unusual violence, "Chidamari Sketch" is ironically the most appropriate nickname given by the fans for this show.
A theatrical release was recently confirmed. On November 25th, A secret project is announced for the series, which it is later revealed to be an online browser game project
Synopsis
Having a beloved family, good friends, laughter and tears - these things make up an ordinary life seen everywhere. Madoka Kaname, a second grade student of Mitakihara City Middle School, lives that very life just like everyone else.
One day, Madoka experienced a very mysterious encounter.
It is unbeknownst to her whether this encounter was just a mere coincidence, or an inevitable one.
It was an encounter that will change Madoka's fate forever.
An encounter that will be the start of a new magical girl story.
(Transcript taken from the official website)
Production History
Puella Magi Madoka Magica began development after Akiyuki Shinbo expressed his desire to work on a new magical girl series to producer Atsuhiro Iwakami while they were working on Hidamari Sketch and Bakemonogatari. During its early planning stage, Iwakami decided not to adapt an existing work in order to give Shinbo more freedom in his direction style. He then contacted Gen Urobuchi to work on the project as scriptwriter and Ume Aoki as character designer. Gekidan InuCurry, the animation team duo often working with Shaft has been assigned to design the witches and it's world setting.
The anime was announced in a commercial slot during the anime series Togainu no Chi. Since then, more commercials have been shown in the same slot revealing the characters and cast. During the pre-broadcast period, Madoka Magica managed to capture the audience's heart with its "cute magical girl anime" image, however this soon changed after episode 3 was aired, shocking most of its audience and starting the whole craze since then.
While maintaining its cute image throughout the anime after episode 3, the story gradually turned darker, creating a unique impression which is rarely seen in the magical girl genre. It is also the most frequently discussed anime in forums and *chan boards, having discussion threads surpassing any winter season anime airing alongside Madoka Magica at that time.
Although the broadcast was postponed due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, all 12 episodes were eventually broadcast. The ending, which was full of hope, but also felt a sense of sadness, caused a great sensation. The meaningful final scene and other aspects of the production have also led to various discussions after the broadcast, and many related books and articles have been published that critique and attempt to read and understand the story.
Following the TV animation series, a trilogy of theatrical versions of the series was released in 2012-2013.
After the release of the new film version, Rebellion, the discussion of the viewers became even more active.
In addition to the anime series and the theatre version, such popularity has led to the development of derivative works such as novels, manga versions, video games (including the spin-off series "Magia Record") and musical theatre productions.
In 2021, the decade anniversary of the series, it was announced that a new film, "Walpurgisnacht: Rising", would be produced.
Characters
Main Characters
| Madoka Kaname（CV:Aoi Yuuki） | Homura Akemi（CV:Chiwa Saitou） | Kyuubey（CV:Emiri Katou） |
 |  |  |
| Mami Tomoe（CV:Kaori Mizuhashi） | Sayaka Miki（CV:Eri Kitamura） | Kyouko Sakura（CV:Ai Nonaka） |
 |  |  |
Supporting Characters
Tomohisa Kaname（CV: Tetsuya Iwanaga）
Tatsuya Kaname（CV:Kaori Mizuhashi）
Hitomi Shizuki（CV:Ryouko Shintani）
Kyousuke Kamijou（CV:Seiko Yoshida）
Witches
Main Article: Witch (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
Witches are enemies of the Puella Magi which appear in the anime and are evil entities that resides in special areas called barriers that only Puella Magi and those with magical potential can enter. When left alone, Witches can affect humans in the real world by giving them marks known as 'Witch's Kisses' (in Japanese 魔女の口づけ Majo no Kuchizuke), which cause negative effects including accidents, diseases or commit suicide. Witches often spawn lesser, inferior versions of themselves called Familiars that can mature into new Witches if left alone. The most powerful Witch is called Walpurgisnacht (ワルプルギスの夜 Waruparugisu no Yoru). The worlds in which the Witches reside in their barriers are a stark departure from the normal world.
Each Witch is rooted in surrealism, and demonstrate themes and animation style reminiscent of the work of Jan Lenica.
Below is a list of Witches that appeared throughout the show. Another list with more information about the Witches can be seen here. However, it is interesting to note that each Witch's appearance is named in their specific rune language, which the fans named it Madoka Runes
| Name | Profile, Duty and Nature | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Gertrud | Rose garden witch; Nature : Insincere | Episode 2 |
| Anthony | Rose garden witch's minion; Duty : Landscaping | Episode 1 |
| Adelbert | Rose garden witch's minion; Duty : Lookout/Alert. | Episode 2 |
| Charlotte | Dessert witch; Nature : Tenacity。 | Episode 3 |
| Pyotr | Dessert witch's minion; Duty : Searching for cheese | Episode 3 |
| Suleika | Dark witch; Nature : Delusional | None |
| Ulla | Dark witch's minion; Duty : Dreaming | Episode 3 |
| H.N.Elly(Kirsten) | Box witch; Nature : Covetous | Episode 4 |
| Daniyyel & Jennifer | Box witch's minions; Duty : Transportation | Episode 4 |
| Albertine | Scribbling witch; Nature : Ignorance | Not seen |
| Anja | Scribbling witch's minions; Duty : Naïvety | Episode 5 |
| Gisela | Silver witch; Nature : Liberal | Episode 7 |
| Dora | Silver witch's minions; Duty : Declaring opinions | Episode 7 |
| Elsamaria | Shadow witch; Nature : Self-righteousness | Episode 7 |
| Sebastian's | Shdow witch's minon; Duty : Blind belief | Episode 7 |
| Uhrmann | Canine witch; Nature : Craving | None |
| Bartels | Canine witch's minions; Duty : Interior design | Episode 8 |
| Oktavia von Seckendorff | Mermaid witch; Nature : Falling in love | Episode 9 |
| Holger | Mermaid witch's minion; Duty : Performing | Episode 9 |
| Klarissa | Mermaid witch's minion; Duty : Backup dancer | Episode 10 |
| Izabel | Artist witch; Nature : Vanity | Episode 10 |
| Michaela | Artist witch's minion; Duty : Artworks | Episode 10 |
| Patricia | Class representative witch; Nature : Onlooker | Episode 10 |
| Mathieu | Class representative witch's minion; Duty : Classmate | Episode 10 |
| Kriemhild Gretchen | Witch of salvation; Nature : Mercy | Episode 10 |
| Roberta | Birdcage witch; Nature : Rage | Episode 10 |
| Gotz | Birdcage witch's minions; Duty : Acting with frivolous indiscretion | Episode 10 |
| ?????(Walpurgisnacht) | Witch of stage settings; Nature : Helplessness | Episode 1, Episode 10, Episode 11, Episode 12 |
| ????? | Minions of the witch of stage settings; Duty : Being clowns | Episode 12 |
| Candeloro | Dress-up witch; Nature: Invitation | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable |
| Ophelia | Warrior girl witch; Nature: Despair | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable |
| Homulilly | Witch of existence; Nature: Hidden virtue | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable |
| Quitterie | Needle witch; Nature: Respect | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable |
| Itzli | Witch of oblivion; Nature: Revenge | Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable |
Image Analysis
Given the fact that Madoka Magica's story is original and not adapted from any existing work, the actual main attraction was the unusual trio in the Magica Quatret group : Akiyuki Shinbo, Ume Aoki and Gen Urobuchi. Its theme is also an antithesis to the magical girl genre itself- a magical girl story that does not use the usual elements.
| Usual Elements | Puella Magi Madoka Magica | |
|---|---|---|
| Main character | Usually becomes a magical girl right from the start. Works harder than anyone else even though holding a high magical potential. | Does not become a magical girl right from the start, has never shown any fighting capabilities but holds magical powers beyond human comprehension. |
| Mascot Character | A cute partner that gives support to magical girls | Cute on the outside, has a heart of an evil being with zero emphathy. |
| Death/Injuries | Death or Injury is not entirely shown | Death of a main character on the third episode, blood and violence shown in subsequent episodes |
| Story | A heartful story that captures the cute image of magical girls, has no serious consequences even if the story contain slight serious elements in it. | Story gets progressively darker and bloodier to the point there are elements of a dark side behind a magical girl's role. |
Previously it was not known that Gen Urobuchi would be the scriptwriter for this anime. Hence to most fans, the initial image of the show was thought to be a camouflage for a dark-themed one. However, when the credit list began to leak out on the net, people started predicting that the show might not be what it was meant to be due to Gen Urobuchi being famous for his gruesome stories, particularly Song of Saya.
Due of the nature of this anime series, the usage of reality-denying tags including "WTF", "Why this didn't happen", and "Just make this canon already" became prominent recently.
Interestingly, the popularity of the show also prompted the production staff to restrict information that are usually allowed to be published on anime magazines, making fans to create never ending speculations about the show itself.
Episode Titles
(List borrowed from Anime News Network - The translation is assumed official until the series is licensed in the USA)
| Episode Number | Subtitles | Original Japanese | Quote by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 1 | As If We Met In A Dream... | 夢の中で逢った、ような・・・・・ | Madoka Kaname |
| Episode 2 | That Would Be So Wonderful | それはとっても嬉しいなって | Madoka Kaname |
| Episode 3 | I'm Not Afraid Anymore | もう何も恐くない | Mami Tomoe |
| Episode 4 | Miracles And Magic Exist | 奇跡も、魔法も、あるんだよ | Sayaka Miki |
| Episode 5 | There's No Way I'd Have Regrets | 後悔なんて、あるわけない | Sayaka Miki |
| Episode 6 | This Just Isn't Right | こんなの絶対おかしいよ | Madoka Kaname |
| Episode 7 | Can you Face Your True Feelings? | 本当の気持ちと向き合えますか？ | Hitomi Shizuki |
| Episode 8 | I'm Such A Fool | あたしって、ほんとバカ | Sayaka Miki |
| Episode 9 | That, I Will Not Allow | そんなの、あたしが許さない | Kyouko Sakura |
| Episode 10 | I Won't Depend On Anyone Anymore | もう誰にも頼らない | Homura Akemi |
| Episode 11 | The Final Signpost Left | 最後に残った道しるべ | Homura Akemi |
| Episode 12 | My Best Friend | わたしの、最高の友達 | Madoka Kaname |
Theme Songs
Opening Theme:
"Connect (コネクト)" by ClariS
Ending Theme:
"Magia" by Kalafina
"Connect (コネクト)" by ClariS (ep 12)
Insert song:
"Ave Maria" by Bach/Gounod (ep 5)
"Magia" by Kalafina (ep 1, 10)
Blu-Ray Only
Episode 1, 2 Ending Theme … 「Mata Ashita」(lit. See You Tomorrow)
Composed, Lyrics by hanawaya
Arranged by 田口智則
Vocals - Madoka Kaname (Aoi Yuuki)
Episode 9 Ending Theme … 「and I'm home」
Composed, Arranged, Lyrics by wowaka
Vocals - Sayaka Miki (Eri Kitamura)・Kyouko Sakura (Ai Nonaka)
Puella Magi Madoka Magika Theatrical Version
On November 8, 2011, the December issue of Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Newtype magazine announced the launch of a theatrical film project for Puella Magi Madoka Magica. The announcement itself has created a huge reaction from both Japan and International fanbase.
According to that magazine, the movie will be divided into 3 sections: The first and second movies will be a retelling of the story, and the final movie will continue from the story's ending. The movie is officially announced to air at theaters on Oct 6 for the first movie (Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Beginnings), and Oct 13 (Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Eternal) for the second movie.
The title of the third movie "The Rebellion Story/Rebellion" was released in November 2013 with a completely new story by Gen Urobuchi.
Theatrical Version Theme Song
Beginnings & Eternal
Opening theme: "Luminous (ルミナス)" by ClariS
Ending theme 1: "Magia -Quattro-" by Kalafina (Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Beginnings)
Ending theme 2: "Connect -Orchestra ver.- (short EDIT) )(コネクト -Orchestra ver.- (short EDIT))" by ClariS
Ending theme 3: "Hikarufuru (ひかりふる)" by Kalafina
Insert song 1: "Mirai (未来)" by Kalafina
Vocal version of Credents justitiam
Used in Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Beginnings
Insert song 2: "Connect (コネクト)" by ClariS
Used in Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Eternal
Rebellion
Opening Theme: "Colorful (カラフル)" by ClariS
Ending Theme: "Kimi no Gin no Niwa (君の銀の庭, 'Your Silver Garden')" by Kalafina
Other Media
Manga
Houbunsha has published several manga series based on the anime series, as well as several spin-off side story series.
- A direct adaptation of Madoka Magica illustrated by Hanokage has published in three volumes, each containing four chapters.
- Puella Magi Kazumi Magica: The Innocent Malice (in Japanese: 魔法少女かずみ☆マギカ〜The innocent malice〜 Mahō Shōjo Kazumi Magika: The Innocent Malice), a side story mange written by Masaki Hiramatsu and illustrated by Takashi Tensugi began serialization in Manga Time Kirara Forward magazine from January 24, 2011, focusing on a different set of characters.
- Puella Magi Oriko Magica (in Japanese: 魔法少女おりこ☆マギカ Mahō Shōjo Oriko Magika), a manga written by Kuroe Mura that serves as a second spin off from the anime series and was released in two tankōbon volumes, the first on May 12, 2011 and the second on June 12, 2011.
- Puella Magi Suzune Magica (in Japanese: 魔法少女すずね☆マギカ Mahō Shōjo Suzune Magika) written by GAN is the third spin-off manga series, with a total of three tankōbon volumes. The theme of this work is "to question the good and evil of magical girls themselves".
- Puella Magi Tart Magica (in Japanese: 魔法少女たると☆マギカ Mahō Shōjo Taruto Magika), written by Kawazu-ku and Masugitsune, is the fourth spin-off manga work. 5 volumes. It was serialized in the magazine from December 2013 to February 2017.
At a later time, manga adaptations of the theatrical version were also published.
"Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: Majuu-hen" (in Japanese: 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ 魔獣編 Mahō Shōjo Madoka Magika: Majuu-hen) was also published as a complementary story between the " eternal " and " rebellion " arcs of the film version.
Novels
A novelised version, written by Hajime Ninomae and illustrated by Yuupon, was published on 14 August 2011. Two volumes in total. Supervised by scriptwriter Gen Urobuchi.
In 2021, the spin-off novel "Null - Magical Girl" (in Japanese: 非(ナル)–魔法少女 Naru Mahō Shōjo) by science fiction author Gengen Kusano was published. The novel was serialised in the magazine " Puella Magi Madoka Magica 10th Anniversary Book", published to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the series.
Video games
On 15 March 2012, "Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable" was released for PlayStation Portable, co-developed by Bandai Namco Games and Nitroplus.
On 19 December 2013, "Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: The Battle Pentagram" was released for PlayStation Vita.
In 2017, the smartphone game "Magia Record" was released. The title was developed into a series of franchises and a TV anime consisting of three seasons was broadcast.
In addition to this, Magia Record was also staged as a musical play.
Related Illustrations
Related Tags
Official Side Story and Spin-offs
- Puella Magi Kazumi Magica: The Innocent Malice
- Puella Magi Oriko Magica
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica: A Different Story
- Puella Magi Suzune Magica
- Puella Magi Tart Magica
Games
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Portable
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (MOBAGE)
- Mami no Doki Doki Tiro Finale
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica TPS
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica iP
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Mobile Flash Game)
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Online
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica Puzzle of Memories
- Magia Record
Items and Symbols
Memorable Quotes
- I'm Not Afraid Anymore (もう何も怖くない)
- This Just Isn't Right (こんなの絶対おかしいよ)
- I'm Such a Fool (あたしって、ほんとバカ)
- You Don't Have To (それには及ばないわ)
- I'm Not In Pain Anymore (Subtitle parody) (もう何も痛くない)
- I Don't Get It (わけがわからないよ)
- Please keep it a secret from the class☆ (クラスの皆には内緒だよ☆)
- There is No Need to (その必要はないわ)
- I Can't Depend on Anyone Anymore (もう誰にも頼らない)
- You are my best friend(わたしの、最高の友達)
- The Truth of Circle (円環の理)
Memes
- Chidamari Sketch
- Chidamari Sketch x †††(Three Graves)
- Desperation even with struggling
- Trauma for All
Glasses Series
Glasses Homura Glasses Madoka Glasses Mami Glasses Sayaka Glasses Kyouko
Conceptual Series
Goddess Homura/Ultimate Homura Goddess Mami/Ultimate Mami
Goddess Sayaka/Ultimate Sayaka Goddess Kyouko/Ultimate Kyouko
Character Meme
Hentai-san series
- Hentai Homura-san
- Hentai Madoka-san
- Hentai Sayaka-san
- Hentai Mami-san
- Hentai Kyouko-san
- "In"cubator (淫キュベーター)
- You're my worst friend
Crossovers
Mahou Shoujo Nanoha☆Magica, The Remaining Last Great Demon (Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha)
Puella Masou Ayumu Magica (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?)
Puella Demon Sigillum Sakura Magica (Card Captor Sakura)
Inazu☆Magica (Inazuma Eleven)
Homura Senjougahara (Bakemonogatari)
Homando(Comando)
Space Homura(Space Cobra)
Precure×Madomagi/mktn(Precure)
Daily Life of Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Nichijou)
Puella Magi Lovely Magica (Tamagochi)
Puer Maledraconis Gulcasa Magica (Blaze Union)
Those Who Loved Mami Too Much/Tiro Finale(Physical)(Cruising)
Mamipanman(Anpanman)
Mamimimi!! (Drrr!!)
Puella Congelatio Atai Cirno, I'm such a ⑨ (Touhou Project - Cirno)
Charleru (Infinite Stratos)
Madoka's Fist, Puella Keｍpo Kubiha Bujika (Fist of the North Star)
Mawaru Pingudrum (Mawaru Penguindrum - Note that the kanji used for this tag is different from Mawaru Penguindrum.)
Unlimited Musket Works/Unlimited Blade Works (Fate)
Walpurgisnacht's Wet Dreams (Manatsu no Yoru no Inmu)
CM Memes
Puella Liquoris Candidum Eikitai (THEWorld Herritage)
Move Names
Hyper Ultimate Madoka/Hyper Madoka Beam
Truly Angel Series
Madoka-sama Truly Charismadoka
Cute Series
Breasts Series
Homuppai/Chippai Homuhomu/Oppai Homuhomu
Chinese
Memes that can't be categorized
Couple Pairings (2 Person)
(Bold denotes 1000 or more search results)
- HomuMado= pairing between Homura Akemi and Madoka Kaname
- MamiMado= pairing between Mami Tomoe and Madoka Kaname
- SayaMado= pairing between Sayaka Miki and Madoka Kaname
- MadoAn= pairing between Madoka Kaname and Kyouko Sakura
- MamiHomu= pairing between Mami Tomoe and Homura Akemi
- MamiSaya= pairing between Mami Tomoe and Sayaka Miki
- MamiAn= pairing between Mami Tomoe and Kyouko Sakura
- HomuSaya= pairing between Homura Akemi and Sayaka Miki
- HomuAn= pairing between Homura Akemi and Kyouko Sakura
- KyouSaya= pairing between Kyouko Sakura and Sayaka Miki
- Hitomado= pairing between Hitomi Shizuki and Madoka Kaname
- HitoSaya= pairing between Hitomi Shizuki and Sayaka Miki
- Kyosaya= pairing between Kyousuke Kamijou and Sayaka Miki
Couple Pairings (3 person or more)
Bookmarks
Madoka☆Magica 100 Users Bookmark
Madoka☆Magica 500 Users Bookmark
Madoka☆Magica 1000 Users Bookmark
Madoka☆Magica 5000 Users Bookmark
Madoka☆Magica 10000 Users Bookmark
Crossover
Original
External Links
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Official Website (Japanese)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Official Website（Japanese MBS）
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Official Website（English）
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Official Website - NicoNicoChannel (Japanese region ONLY)
Puella Magi Madoka Magica - Wikipedia
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Wikia
