English Dub Season Review: Magic Maker: How to Make Magic in Another World Season One

Based on the Japanese light novel series written by Kazuki Kaburagi and illustrated by Kururi. The story follows a 30-year-old man who dreams of becoming a wizard suddenly loses his life due to a random heart attack. Reincarnated in another world as a young child named Shion, he grows up alongside Marie, his dependable older sister who adores him. Shion eagerly anticipates using magical powers, but he discovers that the new world seemingly does not have any magic. He spends the ensuing years as a gloomy and dejected child until a mystical phenomenon at a nearby lake catches the siblings’ attention and breathes life back into his magical dream. While experimenting on the peculiar light emanating from the water, Shion finally confirms that magical energy really exists. It may not be convenient for anything just yet, but Shion devotes his time to studying the anomaly, determined to uncover all the existing wonders in his quest to make magic.

On the Technical side, this anime adaptation was produced by Studio Deen and directed by Kazuomi Koga, with Keiichirō Ōchi writing series scripts, Takayuki Noguchi designing the characters, and Kei Yoshikawa and Kana Hashiguchi composing the music. The opening theme song is “Twinkle”, performed by XIIX, while the ending theme song is “Song of Dawn”, performed by Humbreaders.

At it’s core, this anime follows a straightforward yet intriguing premise: a fantasy-loving man in his 30s is reincarnated into a world where magic has never been discovered. Rather than inheriting an established system of spells and enchantments, he sets out to become the first “magic maker,” essentially pioneering the very concept of magic. Unlike the extravagant and visually stunning magic systems in most fantasy anime, this one presents a raw and unrefined approach, making the process of discovery feel almost scientific. The narrative takes a grounded approach, portraying magic as a fledgling invention rather than an innate force, drawing interesting parallels to real-world technological advancements.

What sets this anime apart from other isekai this season is its well-developed characters. The protagonist isn’t just another blank-slate hero thrown into a new world; the story gives ample attention to his past life, showcasing his interests, daily struggles, and even his death. His adaptation to this new world feels natural and well-paced. Likewise, the supporting characters aren’t merely background figures—they each contribute to the story in meaningful ways. A notable example is the protagonist’s parents, who play an active role in his upbringing rather than being conveniently absent. Their presence, along with other well-integrated characters, helps create a world that feels more alive and immersive.

A major highlight of the show is its approach to magic. Unlike the typical fantasy settings where magic is common knowledge, here, it’s treated as a newly emerging phenomenon. The protagonist and his companions explore and experiment with magical concepts in a way that feels methodical, making the process of discovery both engaging and believable. However, while the intellectual approach to magic is refreshing, the show does have its fair share of questionable writing choices, particularly in how easily the protagonist gains support from those around him. The stakes never feel too high, and despite the slow progress in understanding magic, his journey often lacks true obstacles.

Visually, the anime struggles to keep up with its ambitious concept. The animation quality is noticeably rough, falling short of even the average standards for the season. While it avoids being outright unwatchable, the lack of fluidity and polish is evident. The CGI implementation is also inconsistent, sometimes clashing with the traditional animation instead of blending seamlessly. On the other hand, the music does a better job of setting the tone, with both the opening and ending themes standing out. While not particularly groundbreaking, the soundtrack complements the anime’s atmosphere and contributes to its overall charm.

Overall, Magic Maker is a unique take on the isekai genre that prioritizes discovery and innovation over flashy spectacle. While its premise is engaging and its magic system offers something fresh, the anime suffers from uneven pacing, underwhelming animation, and some questionable narrative choices. It’s an enjoyable watch for those intrigued by the concept of magic being “invented” rather than inherited, but it may not appeal to those seeking high-stakes drama or visually stunning battles. If the series gets a second season with a more refined approach, it could evolve into something truly special.