Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Synopsis

In the anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, middle school students Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki encounter Kyuubey, a feline-like magical entity, and Homura Akemi, a newly transferred student. Kyuubey offers the girls a contract to become magical girls and grant them any single wish in exchange for their power. However, Homura, who is also a magical girl, urgently warns them against accepting, citing hidden dangers. The story explores themes of hope and despair through the lens of a magical girl's existence, revealing the harsh truths and sacrifices necessary to fulfill their deepest desires.

Background

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica has garnered widespread critical acclaim, particularly in regards to its subversive approach toward the magical girl subgenre. In a 2012 interview, series writer Gen Urobuchi remarked that the original story was influenced by Hidamari Sketch, Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, and Le Portrait de Petite Cossette. The series has received various awards and nominations since its release. In 2011, it won the Grand Prize for Animation at the 15th Japan Media Arts Awards; the Television Award at the 16th Animation Kobe Awards; and 12 Newtype awards. In 2012, it won the 43rd Seiun Award for Best Media as well as the Television Award at the 11th Tokyo Anime Awards. Released on Blu-ray and DVD in six volumes in Japan from April 27, 2011 to September 21, 2011, the anime was considered a commercial success, with each volume selling over 50,000 copies. It was also released in the same formats in North America by Aniplex from February 14, 2012 to June 12, 2012, spanning three volumes. The company later released a Blu-ray complete box set on September 27, 2016. The series has received multiple video game adaptations and cameos in other media.