A Series So Good It Both Defines and Breaks Free from Genre

I should start out this review by saying that I am not normally a fan of the "magical girl" genre.  As a thirty-something father of two, I also certainly don't typically fall into the target demographic for this sort of show.

In spite of that, I decided to give the show a try since it had been talked about on so many Youtube videos as an excellent show.  While the series sort of gets off to a slow start, there are events that unfold within the first four episodes that make it very clear that this is not a typical "moe" show. 

The characters have depth and with perhaps one exception, none of them falls into an easy to define stereotype.  Every time you think you know where it is going, in terms of story, it throws you for another loop.  If there is any complaint about the story, it is that part of me wishes it were more than 12 episodes, if just to get a little more development of the side characters besides Madoka, Sayaka and Homura.  But that's nitpicking.

The art style is also fabulous.  Particularly when the girls enter into a witch's labyrinth, when the background is anything but typical anime.  The merging of the two art styles is done very well and if your enjoyment from anime comes from the visual aesthetics, you won't be disappointed.

Interestingly, I was vaguely aware of the big twist that occurs at the mid-point of the series.  I can say this took nothing away from the experience and if anything kept me anticipating when the reveal would occur.  When it did, the specifics of it were still surprises and I was definitely impressed with the creativity of the writing.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica really is one of those timeless classics (albeit not that old) that really does cross genres and can appeal to everyone.

Very weighty and impactful things happen to the cast of characters.  It became very apparent that this show is not for small children children.  Years ago, a friend in college recommended Revolutionary Girl Utena because it was the first "dark shojo" and that it had a universal appeal.  I ended up watching the show and it arguably gave rise to countless shows in the 2000s onward.  This show can be viewed similarly for its impact on the magical girl genre...