As she scrolled through the pages, the refined art style and the detailed emotions of each character were strikingly vivid—this was definitely not the work of a beginner.
Eriri was convinced that this had to be the side account of some seasoned veteran.
The story at first glance seemed similar to other magical girl series.
The protagonist, Madoka Kaname, is just a cute middle school girl. Right from the start, she has a strange dream: she and a mysterious, cold princess-like black-haired beauty are in a collapsing city.
The icy princess is in danger, seemingly about to bid farewell to Madoka.
In that perilous moment, an adorable, mysterious creature appears and tells Madoka that if she wants to change her fate, she must form a contract to become a magical girl.
And then, as if pulled from a dream, Madoka meets the princess-like girl in real life the next day at school. Unbelievable!
After watching the first episode, Eriri made a few guesses: the aloof girl named Homura Akemi might be the antagonist. Otherwise, why would she act so coldly and even harm that adorable mysterious creature?
The internal portrayal and expressions of this character really made her seem like a villain.
Then again, maybe Homura wasn't originally a villain—maybe she was captured by the enemy and brainwashed, which is why she's now against the protagonist.
Also, Madoka's sense of déjà vu hinted that she might have once been a magical girl herself but lost her memories or had them sealed away due to some incident, losing her powers in the process.
Later, Madoka and her friend rescue the mysterious creature and are suddenly pulled into a surreal, otherworldly space where they encounter bizarre monsters.
Clearly, those monsters are enemies of magical girls.
At this moment of crisis, wouldn't it make sense for Madoka to remember her past or make a contract and transform into a magical girl, making a dazzling entrance that surprises her friend?
But the story instead introduces another magical girl who saves them both—a radiant blonde beauty with a voluptuous figure. Honestly, the way this girl was illustrated was too vivid and detailed—it was almost like she was the true protagonist.
She practically radiated main-character energy, and anyone who saw her would be captivated.
Even Eriri, as an artist herself, was blown away by how perfectly this blonde magical girl was drawn. No one could resist such a charming character.
This dazzling and gentle senpai-type beauty made her entrance with a powerful blast, sending the monsters flying and leaving the protagonist starry-eyed.
In short, story aside, the artwork alone was enough to attract a massive following.
Episode two introduced this magical girl—Mami Tomoe—who saved Madoka and Sayaka Miki, and gave them a crash course on what it means to be a magical girl. She even took them along on a witch hunt.
By the way, the mysterious creature is named Kyubey. It grants a wish in exchange for forming a magical girl contract.
As for Homura Akemi, it turns out she's also a magical girl.
Apparently, magical girls are in competition with each other, maybe even fighting to collect Grief Seeds that witches drop, which are important items.
Homura's attempt to keep Madoka away from Kyubey might've been to eliminate future competition. So maybe Eriri's earlier assumption was wrong?
Then again, it's only episode two, and plot twists are par for the course in manga—nothing is ever that simple.
Anyway, in episode two, Mami's popularity exploded again. If the series wasn't called Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Eriri would've assumed that Mami was the true main heroine.
Hm? People had started commenting in the section below. A lot of folks seemed to adore the warm and caring senpai.
Although Eriri didn't want to admit it, she knew that if someone posted a screencap of Mami online, it would definitely attract tons of attention.
A note: you can only leave or view comments after watching the episode—this was implemented to prevent trolls from spoiling or harassing others in the comments.
On to episode three.
Madoka and Sayaka are both deeply tempted by the idea of becoming magical girls.
After all, what girl hasn't dreamed of becoming one? But magical girls have to fight—fight dangerous monsters—so they're understandably hesitant.
Plus, Homura is clearly someone they can't get along with. The idea of magical girls fighting amongst themselves is also troubling.
Sayaka, however, is more inclined to make the contract.
Kyubey said he could grant a wish, and Sayaka has someone she likes—a boy who got injured in an accident and can no longer play his beloved violin. He may seem fine on the outside, but Sayaka knows he's hurting inside.
So, Sayaka might wish for him to regain the use of his hand.
At this point, Eriri—an emotional person—was moved to tears. Even though Sayaka's actions may not be the most rational, the fact that she was willing to sacrifice so much for someone she loves really touched Eriri.
Then the story delved into Mami's tragic past, which brought Eriri to full-on tears.
This warm, gentle senpai had lost her parents in an accident. She survived only because she formed a contract with Kyubey.
Why didn't she wish for her parents to survive, too?
Back then, Mami must've been too disoriented—her wish was a desperate cry for survival, and Kyubey granted it. That regret—of not wishing for her whole family's survival—became her emotional burden.
So now she reminds the younger girls to think carefully before making a wish.
Wait a second… Aren't magical girl shows supposed to be fun and heartwarming? Why does this feel so depressing?! Dammit!!!
For some reason, Eriri was starting to feel like something was off.
Among all the characters so far, Mami seemed to be the most popular. Although Eriri liked her too, she felt more drawn to Sayaka—something about her personality just resonated with her.
"Kasumigaoka Utaha, that woman… she's totally the Homura Akemi type!"
Eriri didn't forget to throw a curse at a certain cunning woman.
Then another witch appeared, and that shady woman (Homura) showed up to stir up trouble again—only to be trapped by Mami.
Mami, in her gorgeous magical girl form, once again blasted her magic at the witch.
Then, she won gloriously—
Eriri was completely dumbfounded. Shattered beyond words!!!