Liked Mahou Shoujo Magica Madoka? Watch Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku!

• Episodes: Ongoing
• Aired: Oct 2, 2016 - ???
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Three Major Similarities between Mahou Shoujo Magica Madoka and Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku

1. Unorthodox Mahou Shoujo Theme

Contrary to typical mahou shoujo animes like Sailor Moon, both animes portray a deeper and darker story line. Instead of the usual happy events and the happy go lucky nature of magical girls, both of these animes explore what it really means to be a magical girl. While both animes have different storylines, their gloomy nature is something that was unheard of during the peak of the magical girl era. The original demographic of the magical girl genre was geared more towards females. However, with the introduction of darker and mature themes, the audience has since been expanded to include males and older people as well.

The introduction of such themes was quite unlikely if you think about it. However, these new elements were what revitalized the mahou shoujo genre. The genre seized back its popularity after a decline in popularity in the mid 2000s. It goes to show that there is nothing wrong with trying something utterly crazy and ridiculous! You'll never know if someday it will be the next big thing.

2. Tragic, early deaths

When we talk about the dark themes and unconventional plots that both anime possess, naturally the bulk of it is referring to the tragic deaths in both animes. Both animes are not afraid to throw out the death card early in the series. In fact, the deaths are reminiscent to the Hunger Games where the deaths are constant and unpredictable. Just when you start to develop an interest in a particular character, she may very well just die the next moment. Your anticipation and confusion is what fuels and spurs the story even more. Just like Danganronpa, you'll never know who's next on the list to die.

3. Fantastic and Moe Art

Big and defined eyes, miniature bodies and colorful costumes and hair. The dynamic presentation of both animes often misleads others. The moe-ism is probably what throws people off. Picture this; you are drawn to something innocent and fun. You find yourself previewing either of these anime, engrossed in the cute actions and light heartedness of the show. And then it hits you, the first instance of death, transforming the whole feel of the show.

Yet however, the art style remains pretty much the same. The characters remain identical except now; they are in a perilous situation. Despite the overall gloominess in the show, you just can't help but admire the art. The blend of bright colors of the characters amidst the depressing background really accentuates them. Of course, we must have our daily dose of moeness after all!

Liked Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica? Watch Lostorage WIXOSS!

• Episodes: 12 (Ongoing)
• Aired: Oct 8, 2016 - ???
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Three Major Similarities between Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica and Lostorage WIXOSS

1. High Stakes

This is not just your everyday ordinary card game. Likewise, being a magical girl is no small feat either. Both animes portrays the price that comes with power and desire. In Lostorage, the memories of an individual is worth its weight its soul while in Madoka, the responsibilities of a magical girl is so heavy that it entails death. It is through both animes that viewers learn of the burden of balancing one's desires and wishes upon their very lives.

In Madoka, the price for becoming a magical girl is severe as the lives of the magical girls are constantly threatened. In Lostorage, each player has 5 coins to preserve. These coins represent the memories of the player and losing all 5 of them means losing their memories. Both animes shows the characters gambling with their lives unwillingly. The stakes are high and the unknown of the future is the enemy of these girls. At any time, they might very well lose themselves.

2. Theme of Friendship

The value of friendship in both animes is unequivocal. We will always need to rely on someone to become stronger than we ever were before. That is why the highlight for both animes is the theme of friendship. Friendship is one of the cornerstones of both protagonists' power. Be it known or unknown, the mere presence of a companion impels the protagonist to go beyond their limits. Even if the pressure strains the relationship between them, their efforts are what allow them to go on. After all, that is what it means to be friends and both animes portray it in a majestic manner, glorifying the mutual trust and affection between friends.

3. Inner Conflict and Desperation

The characters in both animes have to deal a lot with their personal feelings and circumstances. Due to the grim situation around them, they often feel helpless, forlorn and lost. This escalated to the point of desperation sometimes. From trying to save your friend, going through the passage of time over and over again in Madoka to finding your friend and then realizing that you have to battle them in Lostorage, the insurmountable amount of stress on them forced them to do things that they never thought they would do. This attribute of desperation is what contributes to the overall mature theme of both animes.