English Dub Review: Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story “Have You Heard? That Rumor About the Magical Girls”

Overview (Spoilers Below)

Iroha Tamaki is a magical girl who is trying her best to remember what specifically she wished for so that she could become a magical girl. We soon meet her pal, fellow magical girl Kuroe and it’s here we learn about Kamihama City, a place where magical girls can be saved. And while they want to go, they learn that the journey won’t be easy as they are trapped in a Witch’s labyrinth, but they do make it to the city where they meet Kyubey, of whom Iroha made the aforementioned wish wish. We also meet Yachiyo Nanami who kicks the Witch’s ass and tells everyone to stay out of the city. Fortunately, Iroha’s memory springs and she begins to remember her younger sister and her connection with Iroha’s mystery wish.

Our Take

The anime series adaptation of the very popular video game series, Magia Record, really is your standard-variety isekai, but wrapped in an RPG blanket to make the fans of the game feel ever so comfortable. The premise isn’t all that unique, sound like a cross between Infinity Train and a dozen other series, and the first episode really serves up your classic intro to a series of this type.

It doesn’t take long, but we’re introduced to our game party that we will eventually do battle with, which is what I think will be the key to Magia Record’s success. The direction and presentation is simply breath-taking, especially during the Witch’s labyrinth. Animation junkies will be happy to see 2D, CG, and even maybe some stop-motion thrown in for good measure. That’s the type of stuff I’m going to need to get through 13-episodes, and I’m hoping we’re gonna get it.