“When a new girl joins her class, Madoka Kaname thinks she recognizes the mysterious, dark-haired transfer student…from a dream where Madoka is approached by a diminutive critter with an offer to change destiny. Madoka had always thought magic was the stuff of fantasy…until she sees the transfer student fighting with that very animal! And just like in Madoka's dream, the creature gives her a choice. Will Madoka become a magical girl in exchange for fulfilling her dearest desire? What will be the cost of having her wish come true?”
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The complete omnibus of “Puella Magi Madoka Magica” is another entry within the ‘magical girl' genre, from the team known as the “Magica Quartet”. While the book would benefit from a degree of understanding of the collective's work and the universe of Puella Magi, the omnibus from Yen Press acts as a confident stand alone in the series. Additionally, the story focuses on the origins of one of the beloved characters in Madoka, and her struggles to both accept her role and manage the power gifted to her.
Where this release is able to garner more universal appeal lies in the strength of its narrative, grounding its subjects by facing them with relatable moral conundrums. Consequently, the manga contains a lot of insightful ruminations on the cost and responsibility that comes with power. These sentiments are not just in word though, as the manga takes a mature approach in showing some of the consequences of mismanaging power. These themes are well explored across the various characters, giving each of the magical girls a different approach to how they handle (and mishandle) the gift they are given.
However, the manga can be inconsistent in dialogue and these insightful moments are few and far between. Furthermore, the dialogue seems driven to remined the reader that they are reading about ‘magical girls', as this and other terms are overused to the point of losing the importance they are intended to convey. Ultimately, the narrative acts as a strong draw that will appeal to new and old fans of the franchise, while still showing a degree of simplicity through a limited vocabulary. This can give a slightly polarizing feeling as narrative fluctuates, but the patient reader will be rewarded in taking in the full scope of the story.
Originally published in 2011, the omnibus edition features the debut from artist Hanokage. While her anxiety is related in the bonus chapters in trying to approach a franchise and recreate the familiar style, the artist does a phenomenal job of capturing the nuances of the characters. As a result, there are many strong, defining panels that will leave a lasting impression on fans, new and old.
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” will be limited in appeal by genre, and it is unlikely to see many wanting to pick up this title that don't enjoy fantasy and the subgenre of ‘magical girls'. However, the book acts as a great exploration and introduction to the genre, largely due to a strong narrative approach that takes a mature and honest look at the genre. Additionally, the material is well presented in the omnibus format that captures a complete story, which would serve new or curious fans into the genre as an ideal starting point.
