Really more of a miniseries (clocking in at only 12 episodes from start to finale) this show is often promoted as a dark subversion and deconstruction of the Magical Girl genre. This, however, sells the show short; it stands up just fine on its own due to a strong cast of characters and a tight, well-written plot. The show is divided into 4 arcs (3 episodes per arc), each of them focusing on a different character and her motivations. The characters are very well developed, each one having believable (if not immediately apparent) motivations for everything they do, as well as an appropriate Fatal Flaw. These flaws never seem forced, and come across naturally as the character in question acts in the weeks leading up to the appearance of an enormously powerful abomination in Mitakihara.
The animation is great, providing very interesting, surreal settings and very natural movements by the characters. Of special note are the witches (which the magical girls are sworn to fight) which are all animated in a completely different, jumpy style of animation. Some level that as a criticism, but it really helps communicate the whole "Eldritch abomination" feel very well. If I had a criticism, it's that the characters faces can be somewhat simplistic, but they fit well enough with the archetype that character embodies that it isn't distracting.
The soundtrack is quite notable and helps set the tone rather well. Each character has their own theme, appropriate to them, and the battle themes are impressive as well. The music is very orchestral, and usually uses a choir and strings which fits the surreal tone of the show.
So far as warnings to newcomers go, it should be noted that the series starts a little slow. The first 2 episodes can be diabetes-inducing, but it picks up to a faster pace and darker tone after about 3 episodes, and really takes off in the second half leading up to a bombastic finale and satisfying conclusion. It should also be noted that the series has a substantial re-watch bonus due to the meticulous attention to detail in the reactions of certain characters early on.
An Excellent Tragedy
Really more of a miniseries (clocking in at only 12 episodes from start to finale) this show is often promoted as a dark subversion and deconstruction of the Magical Girl genre. This, however, sells the show short; it stands up just fine on its own due to a strong cast of characters and a tight, well-written plot. The show is divided into 4 arcs (3 episodes per arc), each of them focusing on a different character and her motivations. The characters are very well developed, each one having believable (if not immediately apparent) motivations for everything they do, as well as an appropriate Fatal Flaw. These flaws never seem forced, and come across naturally as the character in question acts in the weeks leading up to the appearance of an enormously powerful abomination in Mitakihara.
The animation is great, providing very interesting, surreal settings and very natural movements by the characters. Of special note are the witches (which the magical girls are sworn to fight) which are all animated in a completely different, jumpy style of animation. Some level that as a criticism, but it really helps communicate the whole "Eldritch abomination" feel very well. If I had a criticism, it's that the characters faces can be somewhat simplistic, but they fit well enough with the archetype that character embodies that it isn't distracting.
The soundtrack is quite notable and helps set the tone rather well. Each character has their own theme, appropriate to them, and the battle themes are impressive as well. The music is very orchestral, and usually uses a choir and strings which fits the surreal tone of the show.
So far as warnings to newcomers go, it should be noted that the series starts a little slow. The first 2 episodes can be diabetes-inducing, but it picks up to a faster pace and darker tone after about 3 episodes, and really takes off in the second half leading up to a bombastic finale and satisfying conclusion. It should also be noted that the series has a substantial re-watch bonus due to the meticulous attention to detail in the reactions of certain characters early on.