I'm David, welcome to my brain. Here I write to not only show that I can but to share my opinions on various topics. Mostly Video Games, Anime, Movies and Tokusatsu. Though I am open to suggestions and never afraid to admit when I'm wrong. Have a good time in here and be sure not to mess with my memory, it's bad enough as it is.
Once again April fools is upon us and now to avoid the usual fake posts by putting up this years crop of memes. Which you would have already seen if you're a regular viewer of Toku Riffs live with the RVT crew. In case you're not aware Toku riffs is Ez Rider, Shades, Spade Ace and Matty J and a whole group of fans getting together to riff MST3K style on the latest episodes of Kamen Rider, Super Sentai and Ultraman that we can get our hands on. We also riff on classic series as well. We also riff tokusatsu movies when they're available for fansubs so we have a lot of fun, laughs and just a general good time. During the intermissions we submit Tokusatsu memes to try to make the four headed jury laugh and show our creativity. So if you see this post follow the link to the RVT twitch page. Toku riffs is on Sunday at 7:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending if there's a marathon going on. Here's the link to the RVT twitch page and then the memes, use as you see fit. https://www.twitch.tv/rvtentertainment
A girl who started out appearing to be a remorseless killer turns out to be just someone who was hurt by their family; looking out for themselves but just took it too far.
Once again, life finds. a way to screw up even the most basic, simple and harmless of plans. But I'm back in the saddle and ready to ride. Now to get everyone caught up on Homura's Revenge with the links down below.
Caught up? Okay then, moving on. The final chapter opens with Kyoko telling Homura to get Madoka out of the area and take her someplace safe. Madoka says that she can't just sit back and let the people of Mitakihara die and asks if she will help them. After some sentiments are exchanged and memories of the last timeline are remembered Kyoko and Homura head off to faceWalpurgisnachtwith her telling Madoka that she'll be back soon, thinking back to before she became a magical girl and Madoka said some similar words to her. The two begin their assault with Homura telling Kyoko her plan while they use up the last of Homura's time stop magic. She'll pull out all the weapons she has and use them which will create a blind spot for Kyoko to unleash everything she has on it. However even if that doesn't work there's always the final option. The time magic runs out and they execute their plan. As expected it doesn't work so Homura pulls out the magical girl last resort.
Oh fuck that's an anti tank rifle. Oh fuck that's an anti tank rifle! A magically powered anti tank rifle to be exact but still, fuck!
But before she can fire Kyoko stops her and the two get smashed by a building Walpurgisnacht chucks at them. Madoka rushes over to Kyoko who barely survived but they both see Homura who's in the words of Batman "dead as roast beef" leaving Madoka with only one option. Homura then wakes up to the sight of Madoka, as a magical girl. Yep she wished to bring Homura back to life so this whole exercise was entirely pointless in the end. With nothing else better to do Madoka and Homura combine their powers and take down Walpurgisnachtwith one shot of Madoka's arrow. After its destroyed Homura starts to wince in pain due to her Soul Gem about to become a Grief Seed. Kyubey tells Madoka that she only contributed a small amount of her energy, the rest was all Homura in an attempt to make sure she didn't use all of her power. So Homura, knowing what needs to be done asks Kyoko to destroy her Soul Gem before it hatches and becomes a witch. Kyoko however pulls out Sayaka's Grief Seed and purifies her Soul Gem. There's been enough death throughout this whole escapade and Kyoko didn't want another body on the pile.
So to wrap up Homura offers Kyoko to come back with her but she declines since she says that a month isn't far back enough to fix all of her mistakes. Um you could still go back to try and save Mami and Sayaka, you know, your mentor and apprentice that are the only friends/family you still have? It's not like you have anything to lose by going with her in fact you could help make her case to the others and get the best ending?
You can travel through time, how is this not wrapping around your sugar coated skull Kyoko?! As Homura prepares to leave Madoka gives her goodbyes as well since if she goes back she'll still be a magical girl and Homura's entire quest is to save her without having to make the wish and becoming the pink destroyer of earth.
No we do not need another version of this assclown running around, especially after what happened in Zi-O!
So our story ends with Homura and Madoka sharing another tear filled hug, Homura activates Bites the dust and wakes up in her hospital room swearing that she'll save Madoka no matter what it takes. That was Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge, honestly it's a very mixed bag. Let's get the negatives out of the way first, namely one of my biggest detractors with a story; logic tending to get chucked out the window for the sake of perpetuating the conflict. Some examples include Homura not discussing her plans to save Mami with Madoka away from Kyubey. She knows that for every inch she gives him he'll take a mile so why would she give him a chance to plan how to screw her over? Speaking of Mami why didn't Homura just stop time when she opened the door to Charlotte's sanctum? She had to have known that Kyubey wouldn't have set her free without a reason, in fact that one situation gave Kyubey the chance to turn Sayaka and Kyoko against her and it worked. Another gripe I had was the shift in tone. Back in the first two chapters the tone was clearly trying to be more comedic and not so serious but it's like when chapter 3 came the writers' antidepressants wore off and remembered that Madoka is supposed to be a drama and so wrote accordingly making the lack of logic in the first chapters all the more glaring. I mean it's nowhere near as much of a caring tonal shift as the earlyepisodes of Ryusoulger as this book does eventually setting into a consistent tone. To quote the writer, Masugitsune "at first this was supposed to be a fast-paced, comedic story but a lot of things happened, and the result turned out a lot different". I'm of course curious what exactly happened to change the tone of this story so dramatically but for now they remain a mystery so we'll just leave it at that. But there are some good elements of this story particularly the artwork which looks almost exactly like the anime. Even the witches look like stills from the anime from their Labyrinths to their designs themselves they look spot on. The human characters also look on target though something seems off, I'm guessing it's the eyes I don't quite know why but it just throws me off, its not bad quite the opposite; everything looks like a clear adaptation of the anime and it really helps you feel that this is a cannon timeline that Homura traveled through to her final goal.
Speaking of, the initial concept is a good idea, bringing someone else back in time to help make her case. And since it's Madoka who gets brought back Homura won't have to worry about her making an uninformed contract. Though again the biggest snag was Kyubey hitching a ride on top of not bothering to create lies to placate Sayaka, Mami and Kyoko. Though again since Kyubey has knowledge of the last time line any plans the two would come up with would be undermined and collapse as showcased multiple times. Though in the end Homura did get a better ending than usual, Madoka not becoming a witch and Kyoko is still alive so better then nothing. But again, while I get why Kyoko didn't go back with her, she could have still joined with Homura to save Sayaka and Mami and that just annoys me to no end. Though overall Homura's Revenge is a decent but annoying chain of events that does end on a good note. The duo that created this story also worked on the wholly original story Tart Magica which tells the story of Joanne of arc as she and her Magical Girl team fought during the crusades. But that's another day right now we might as well check back in on the franchise's Anti-Villian Oriko Mikune as we see another timeline in Oriko Magica Extra Story. Hopefully in a much more consistent rate of release, maybe sandwiched between October, eh who knows?
Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press. Back to the Future is owned by Robbert Zebecks, Bob Gale, Stephen Spielberg, Ambling Entertainment and Universal Studios. Kamen Rider is owned by Ishinomori Productions, Toei Productions, and Bandai.
The true hero of the story who's on a self-destructive and selfish quest to save the one person on earth she loves.
Again, sorry for the delay life is crazy and in other words the sky is blue and the grass is green. Once again here's the link from last time so that everyone is caught up.
Why you ask? Because with Mami dead this is the only shipping that the fans will accept in this timeline.
But a flashback does answer the question, Kyubey introduced the two since they have the same goal of killing Homura. It of course doesn't go well but not as bad as it would have been thanks to Kyubey breaking the ice and informing Sayaka that Kyoko used to work with Mami once upon a time. They leave on civil terms with Sayaka stating that she wants to avenge Mami and Kyoko is all for it; if she can get to Homura first. She does in this case and Homura's just toying with her. At least until Kyoko decides to get in on the action.
Since their teamwork is shoddy at best Homura is able to outmaneuver them and eventually escapes with Madoka. Kyoko knows that Homura could have taken them out if she wanted too; especially since during the fight she was able to get close enough to Kyoko to touch her soul gem. So after the two hash it out they agree to train Sayaka so they can take down Homura and eventually Walpurgisnacht. Homura and Madoka reach the fountain and discuss this new turn of events where Madoka suggests that Kyubey must be responsible for Sayaka and Kyoko's new partnership. But Homura sees this as an advantage and hypothesizes that with Kyoko looking out for and training her Sayaka should be able to last until Walpurgisnacht shows up, and if Homura has to be the reason why she'll stay with Kyoko then so be it.
Later on, Sayaka and Kyoko are fighting the Shadow Witch and though Sayaka does rely on her regeneration magic with the Berserker tactics it's nowhere near as terrifying as in the normal timeline due to Kyoko's support giving her a better mental and emotional state. Not to mention they've avoided learning the truth about Soul Gems so that giant factor is removed. However after the Labyrinth is destroyed Homura's right there waiting for them. She advises Sayaka about her fighting style but she's had enough of her crap and gives Kyoko a signal.
Oh lord, their training has worked so well they've achieved Jojo meme status!!!
As if the Jojo meme level up wasn't bad enough the chapter ends with Homura realizing that this new power is draining Sayaka's magic far too fast and her soul gem starts to cloud. Chapter 6 opens with Sayaka and Kyoko having a far more civil discussion about taking out familiars before cutting back to the two attacking Homura. Sure enough thanks to their training and improved teamwork the two are able to overpower Homura to the point where she has to stop time and fire her gun at Sayaka and Kyoko. Nowhere lethal of course but she does manage to shoot Sayaka's leg giving her the chance to point a gun at the back of Kyoko's head.
You clever bitch!!!
Even when Homura tries to buy some time the two manage to overpower her leaving Homura caught in Kyoko's spear, unable to stop time and Sayaka ready to deliver the killing blow. To make matters worse Sayaka's Soul Gem has reached her limits and is about to become a witch. Homura tries to pull out a Grief Seed but Kyoko restrains her shield thinking it's a bomb.
Turns out Homura didn't set us up the bomb. Now all your base are belong to her!
The Mermaid Witch begins her assault but Homura; unable to convince Kyoko of the truth stops time and goes Reb Brown on her ass.
After the Witch is killed Kyubey appears and speculates as to what happened. Eventually Madoka shows up and after some back and forth between Madoka, Homura and Kyoko about why Homura didn't tell her and Sayaka the truth Kyoko decides that she's had enough and decides to leave Mitakihara for good but not before bringing Sayaka's corpse back home. When she leaves Kyubey declares his victory, Mami and Sayaka are dead, Kyoko delivered her "screw you guys I'm going home" speech and thus only Homura is left to fight Walpurgisnacht, that is unless Madoka's in the mood to make her contract. So in other words they're up shit creek. The chapter ends with an all too familiar news broadcast of an approaching Mega Storm and an evacuation of the city being declared. Chapter 7 opens with Walpurgisnacht approaching the town with Kyoko watching from afar. At her home Homura is lamenting how even with Madoka's help she couldn't save Mami and Sayaka.
Gee, it's almost as if discussing your plan in front of the deceptive Alien who would garner more trust compared to the transfer student who refuses to give a convincing cover story to sway people to her cause didn't turn out well!
Madoka swings by and Homura apologizes for bringing her along with her and forcing her to repeat seeing her friends being killed. While Madoka reminds her that they at least managed to save Kyoko Homura says that that's irrelevant since she won't even stick around to help and since she herself hasn't had time to prepare for Walpurgisnacht there's no chance of defeating it. She suggests that she and Madoka repeat the month again since that's all she can think of to save her. Actually yeah that's not a bad plan just make sure that Kyubey doesn't hitch a ride again and then the stage will be set perfectly, you can still try to save Mami and Sayaka during the normal events without Kyubey spreading mistrust among the three, it's your best shot so yeah go for it. The next day Madoka and her family are at the evacuation shelter while Kyoko decides to fight against Walpurgisnacht herself with the Grief seeds she and Sayaka saved up. Back at the shelter Madoka asks if she went back with Homura would everyone be killed by Walpurgisnacht. She of course knew the answer but just had to hear it knowing she couldn't forgive herself leaving other people to such a horrible fate. She suggested making the contract but Homura shoots that down immediately reminding her that even if she won she would then basically become a less hungry and sleepy Beerus and destroy the world. Then the hell beast Kyubey appears and informs them that Kyoko is fighting Walpurgisnacht on her own. Madoka immediately runs off but Homura is stoped by Kyubey who says that while they have the same end-goal their objectives are completely different.
You know, I honestly hate to say this because everyone and their grandma has said this about Kyubey but it honestly has to be said, bunny cat is a dick!
Kyoko is continuing to put up a fight against Walpurgisnacht but honestly it's like a fly trying to move a mountain. However just when she is about to be killed by the familiars Homura and Madoka show up to give her backup. The chapter ends with Homura telling Kyoko that even if there is a small chance to save Madoka she'll take it no matter the cost. With that we're nearing the end of this timeline, and considering what happens in the main anime we can guess how this turns out, or can we? Check in for the final chapter and my overall thoughts on Homura's Revenge.
Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press. Mercenary Fighters (1988) is owned by Bruno Mattei, Riki Shelach Nissimoff and Cannon Films. Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Dragonball Super is owned by Funnimation, Toei animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama. Dragon ball Z Abridged is owned by Team Four Star.
"Let's see here, gains their power because their friend broke their hand thus lost their ability to perform music, check, sword wielder who's presented as the true protagonist of the series with a blue color scheme, check, and slow descent into madness and bloodlust due to misplaced concepts and expectations of heroism, that's three checks for all counts"
Yes, it's been a while, again but I'm back with more of my Madoka Spinoff Manga reviews. In case you've forgotten what happened last time here's the link to Part 1, with that we're back on track.
In case last time wasn't clear we've switched gears from self aware goofy near parody story to totally serious story so from here on out look for more head slapping and leaps in logic thus more snark. We start the head slapping right away as chapter 4 starts with Sayaka making the contract with Kyubey so she can get revenge for Mami. Ah, the most worthless of causes and because she got fridged too, double points. Madoka goes through the motions and starts to realize the hell that Homura's subjected herself too, getting used to the fact that she can't save her friends. Sucks doesn't it? Up on the roof Sayaka blames Homura for Mami's death. Even though Madoka tries to dissuade her Kyubey points out the fact that when Homura showed up she distracted Mami enough for the witch to chomp her head off like a squishy yellow Gummi Bear. When Madoka tries to tell Sayaka that Homura really was trying to save Mami she remembers that Homura told her not to mention that she's from the future, that nobody would be willing to listen about their futures which causes her to clam up muddying her argument. Getting flashbacks to Futures End here, not wise! Though at least this only lasts two volumes and not 50 or so issues of drawn out, contrived stupidity.
While I can't disagree with Kyubey's statement (ignoring that he was the one who set her free in the first place to set up the circumstances to discredit her, Sayaka not knowing that detail and Kyubey's not telling her anytime soon) I can however argue with Homura's warning. Though in this case all Sayaka knows is what she saw and what she saw was a magical girl who had an antagonistic relationship with a new friend of hers set up an opportunity that took her out. I can't really blame her and Madoka and Homura know Sayaka will never listen to their argument, hell even Madoka was somewhat skeptical of Homura's claims during the last timeline. But to just say nothing just makes you look like you have no idea what you're talking about and only makes Sayaka less inclined to listen to either of you. The two hear the class bell and Sayaka decides that there's nothing more to talk about and walks off.
Later on Homura visits Mami's apartment and reminisces on when Madoka and Mami saved her from a witch and how whenever she tries to save anyone besides Madoka it never turns out well. Kyubey shows up and speculates about Homura's relationship with Mami, what she intends to do about Madoka and if she intends to drag her along with her repeating timelines and if she's strong enough to handle that. Yep, he pressed the Madoka button but before Homura can teach him why he shouldn't'a done that he blinds her with logic and struts off.
"Yeah you didn't want to lose her, you just wanted her to become another witch you miserable sociopathic rat!"
Madoka runs into Homura at the bottom floor and the two walk back. Homura blames herself for Mami's death in this timeline but Madoka tries to tell her that they can just keep trying again until they get it right.
When Madoka brings up Sayaka and Kyoko; Homura remembers that today is the day she's supposed to make her contract when Hitomi gets possessed by the Box Witch. Homura heads to Hitomi while Madoka rushes off to persuade Sayaka not to make the contract. Homura manages to get to Hitomi and the other victims before they finish their Jonestown cocktail and then proceeds to deal with the Box Witch. She has it on the ropes but the Witch drags up her memories of when she first had to kill Madoka. But before she can become worm food Sayaka kills the witch in one attack.
"Well Duh and or Hello! But, you still have to admit Sayaka does have a far better execution of the concept of a Gunblade than either Squall or Lightning."
Sayaka is about to attack Homura but Madoka protects her. Sayaka falls back for now but swears to Homura that she'll never accept her as a Magical Girl worthy of protecting Mitakihara and walks off. The chapter ends with Kyubey talking with Kyoko who's more then willing to take a crack at killing Homura since she killed Mami before she could. Chapter 5 opens on Sayaka and Madoka on the grassy hill where Sayaka gives her reasons for making the wish. When Madoka tries to tell Sayaka that Homura isn't just in it for the Grief Seeds Sayaka asks how she can trust a transfer student that they know nothing about. So Sayaka heads off to see Kyosuke when Kyubey tells her that there's someone he wants to introduce to her. At the mall Madoka and Homura talk about how they both failed to save Sayaka and Mami, Madoka didn't reach Sayaka in time and Homura rightfully points out that her timing was absolutely horrible when she barged into the Witch's sanctum. Gee it's not as if you could have frozen time as soon as you got in to make sure that everything was secure OH WAIT!!! Homura suggests that Madoka should keep her distance from her lest her relationship with Sayaka deteriorate. But Madoka shoots that down saying how for all the good she's trying to do nobody sees that.
Sometimes, just a little recognition is all you need.
Madoka meets back up with Sayaka and the two go on her first solo witch hunt. Along the way Kyubey tells Madoka that he's made preparations to make sure that Sayaka doesn't end up like Mami. The two find the rogue familiar but this time Sayaka kills it without interference from Kyoko, that's because she's too busy pointing her spear at Homura's throat.
"Look, I know that she's got plenty of milk to go with that tea if you know what I mean. But let me tell ya from experience, ya ain't her type. And this creeper shit? Losing some serious points in attractiveness."
She then begins her assault on Homura and the volume ends with Madoka and Sayaka investigating the noise and see the two fight with a surprising figure entering the fight making it a 2-1 brawl and no it's not John Cena.
So that was Volume 1 of Homura's Revenge. As I said before after the tonal shift in chapter 3 we have to look at this story with a whole new set of glasses. And with the serious story glasses on we have to sadly point out that Homura does come off as more then a bit of an idiot with her not anticipating Kyubey taking advantage of his new future knowledge to advance his own agenda, which she knows for a fact he would do because he's him! But I'll save the rest of my rants for now. Now unless something else comes along that requires my attentionI'll be back next week when I start covering Volume 2.
Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press. The Simpsons are owned by Matt Groening, Gracie Films, and 20th Century Fox Television. Hellsing Ultimate is owned by Kouta Hirano, Studio Madhouse, Madman Entertainment, Manga Entertainment, Geneon and Funimation. Hellsing Ultimate Abridged is owned by Team Four Star.
Once again April fools is upon us and now to avoid the usual fake posts by putting up this years crop of memes. Which you would have already seen if you're a regular viewer of Toku Riffs live with the RVT crew. In case you're not aware Toku riffs is Ez Rider, Shades, Spade Ace and Matty J and a whole group of fans getting together to riff MST3K style on the latest episodes of Kamen Rider, Super Sentai and Ultraman that we can get our hands on. We also riff on classic series as well. We also riff tokusatsu movies when they're available for fansubs so we have a lot of fun, laughs and just a general good time. During the intermissions we submit Tokusatsu memes to try to make the four headed jury laugh and show our creativity. So if you see this post follow the link to the RVT twitch page. Toku riffs is on Sunday at 7:00 PM or 6:00 PM depending if there's a marathon going on. Here's the link to the RVT twitch page and then the memes, use as you see fit. https://www.twitch.tv/rvtentertainment
This one got me a button.
Personal favorite of mine.
Would have gotten me a button if the others weren't called that night, oh well.
Both were abandoned by their parents. Though in Imperers case he was already an adult who could care for himself when his dad kicked him out and at least there was a good reason behind it. But in the end all they both wanted was to be happy.
So here we are at the last review of the introductory manga of Oriko, her deranged attack dog/girlfriend Kirika and the sweat little snow pea Yuma. Also it didn't take and entire year to recap the whole thing this time, sweet! I guess that's attributed to me just me getting my act together. Though this will be the last Madoka Manga review for the year as Halloween is coming up and I have something special planed for November and December and Kingdom Hearts 3 will be taking up my time in January, just a heads up. As usual here's the links to the last two reviews of this series for those just joining us.
http://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2018/09/manga-review-oriko-magica-volume-2-part.html The last recap of this volume opens with a flashback of Oriko's house vandalized and Oriko herself in the fetal position near a wall. After her Father's suicide apparently everyone had their scumbag switches flipped and began ostracizing her and treating her as subhuman. Her classmates, her fathers associates, everyone began attacking and terrorizing her for something that didn't even involve her. Of course Kyubey knows a desperate mark when it sees it and offers Oriko the contract. Speaking of monsters; Kirika's witch Latria (thank you Magica Record) begins its attack on the quartet, aside from Homura the girls are understandably shocked and distressed by learning the truth, which was a brilliant strategy on Oriko's part. She knew that they wouldn't be able to accept this fact and since she already knew of this fact she can kill them off with a clear mind while they're overwhelmed with fear and denial, but as usual Homura isn't having it and keeps fighting the two to protect Madoka from their insanity. Sayaka and Hitomi in the meantime are trying to escape with Hitomi understandably starting to crack seeing her classmates being killed and devoured by the familiars. But enough of that nonsense back to the fight, where Homura figures out the terrible secret behind Oriko's powers.
Yep Oriko can see into the future. Homura figures that this precognitive power coupled with the Witches slowing magic makes them a very dangerous combo. Then Oriko starts trying to break Homura with her mind games which worked long enough to create an opening to slam her in the back with her steel balls.
All that's left is to finish off Yuma. She tries to heal Kyoko and Mami but they've given up knowing that even if they survive they'll just become witches later.
It's been fun, but now it's time to finish you off Little Green.
MY NAME IS YUMA, SAY IT SAY MY NAME!!! YUMA YUMA!!
No, Super Kami Yuma!
Super Kami Yuma then heals Mami and Kyoko, gives a motivating speech that I really don't want to spoil and helps the senior Magical Girls reduce the witch to a crumbling pile of rubble. With what's left of her Girlfriend dying in front of her the weight of all of Oriko's antics finally start to get at her. Homura breaks it to her that she's lost and that if she keeps this up her Soul Gem will become corrupted and she'll become a witch too. Kyubey chimes in spoiling everything about Oriko's plan. She had Kirika kill local Magical Girls creating the mystery of the Magical Girl hunter on top of pointing him to Yuma all to keep him from making contact with Madoka, then she staged the attack to kill her before she could meet him. However our chapter ends with Kyubey saying that despite her best efforts he found Madoka.
Well for the sake of fairness Kyubey, you're an evil piece of garbage, so screw off!
The final chapter starts with another flashback of everyone heaping praise on Oriko. Though they only address her as Mikuni, never distancing her from her father's name. All except for one certain person. Back in the present Madoka managed to break out of Homura's barrier and meet back up with Sayaka and Hitomi. After hearing how all of her classmates are dead Madoka heads off to Homura, but Sayaka and Hitomi join with her since they're friends and all that mush. Back with the Magical Girls Oriko doesn't know when enough is enough and is using every last ounce of power to make Homura waste her magic so that she'll unleash everything at Madoka when she shows up and kill her. Homura and the others keep up their assault on her but when Kyoko's spear is about to hit Kirika's corpse Oriko remembers her wish.
It was for a reason to live.
After pulling she pulls the spear out of her chest Homura points a gun at her Soul Gem.
"Click"
As Oriko falls a piece of Kirika's witch falls near her and so using all of her strength unleashes one last attack which zooms past them all and hits Kyubey. With that Oriko and Kirika are dead, but as it's revealed; Oriko's a sore loser, her attack wasn't meant for Kyubey, using her precognition powers she hit Madoka; piercing her heart and killing her instantly.
So with Madoka dead Homura bites the dust and reverses time to restart events anew again. Speaking of Kira Yoshikage; we end Oriko Magica with the spirits of Oriko and Kirika meeting in Mitakihara school with their memories scrambled, neither recognizing each other. Oriko says that she's carrying an incredible burden due to sacrificing many people to save far more, Kirika suggests that she can help with the burden and so she offers her hand and the two move on into parts unknown. So that was Oriko Magica and boy was this one weak compared to what we've covered before. Now that's not to say it was awful or anything don't get me wrong it's just that there were a few things that held it back. So let's get them out of the way, the biggest problem for me was the artwork. The artist for these was Mura Kuroe and something tells me that he didn't get the universe bible or whatever because his depictions of not only the characters but Soul Gems and Grief Seeds were inconsistent with what we know they look like in the franchise.
Now I might just be being pedantic here but all I'm asking for is constancy in a franchise.
Also Kyubey was often depicted as being able to fly, what? I defenitly don't remember that anywhere else, maybe like Oriko, Kirika and Yuma his fight is just an irregularity in this particular timeline but it just bugs me.
Though I do like this scene here, he almost looks like he's just floating on by like he doesn't give a fuck. Or like he's hopping around like Pepe Le Pew.
The fight scenes are also poorly framed by my eyes, half the time I couldn't tell where people were, who was attacking and it was just a mess. Also the faces were off for me, everyone having really big eyes, like the kind of eyes the RPM Rangers were talking about when asking Dr K about their Zords. Sometimes different characters also looked like the same person who just quick changed their clothes, on top of that every character that was supposed to have long hair just looked like they got carried away which wound up being distracting. So all in all the artwork proved to shoot this series in the foot more often then not, but there were some good aspects to it. Mainly the new characters introduced in this series, they work and are compelling in their own rights at least to me.
Well start off with Yuma, this poor little ball of sprinkles might as well have had the words "my life is shit" on her shirt but she does allow Kyoko to show more of her sisterly nature that she hasn't had a chance to utilize after her sisters death. They both help to heal each other from their trauma with Kyoko teaching Yuma how to live on the streets while Yuma rekindles Kyoko's compassion, as shown when she talks to Mami to warn her about Oriko, remember back in The Different Story when every time they talked they just wound up fighting? With Yuma around Kyoko has softened up to where the two can actually have a civil conversation. Yuma's powers were a great asset as well, aside from being the White Mage of the group she also was able to deliver highly pressurized air blasts by striking targets with her kitty staff. She was a prefect sidekick for Kyoko and Mami but it's just a shame that her mother was a horrid fucking piece of shit.
On to our Anti-villains. We'll start with Kirika aka X-23 first.
The flashbacks showed that she used to distance herself from others until she met Oriko, who according to her was the only person who showed her any kindness. (Maybe aside from her parents but we never learn anything about her home life.) She also had no self confidence since her wish was to completely change her personality, but even then she still couldn't bring herself to talk to her. We don't know how the two finally ended up together but that might be covered in Sadness Prayer so I don't know. What we do know is that their relationship was toxic, not abusive or anything but Oriko clearly used Kirika for her agenda and it resulted in her becoming a bloodthirsty monster who would kill anyone so long as Oriko commanded, she killed for her love and her quest but all that matters to Kirika was that she had Oriko's love, no matter how many bodies she left in her wake.
Which brings us to the title character herself. She was definitely an interesting antagonist especially in this setting. While she claimed that her whole crusade was to save the world (and let's face it, it would) she was just desperately looking for someone who would accept her. Someone that would stay with her, see her as her and not just an extension of her father, and she had that with Kirika. Problem was that it wouldn't last long when Madoka becomes a witch and destroys the world in about 10 days time, yeah that might put a damper on their honeymoon when a giant unstoppable demon is going around killing all of humanity. So once she saw that Madoka's death was the key to saving the world she became Oriko's #1 target. But the thing is, she and Homura really aren't all that different, they were both ostracized, they both want to do everything in their power to achieve their goals of protecting those dear to them and are ruthlessly ambitious. Her ability to see the future also meant that she's two steps ahead of everyone else most of the time, this combined with her super fast steel balls gave her an even foothold against Homura. But she clearly wasn't much of a physical fighter so Kirika proved even more invaluable to her goals. Though she may be devoted to her cause she thankfully isn't a complete sociopath since she does rightfully feel guilty for those she sacrificed for her plan when she and Kirika had their afterlife reunion. So all in all Oriko Magica is definitely a mixed bag but hey they proved to be popular enough to warrant new stories with Extra Story, Sadness Prayer and Magica Record. Though we're going to be taking a bit of a break from these two for now as I'll wait to see the rest of Sadness Prayer to be translated. For now, October is here and that means us critics are going into spoopy pandering mode. So I'll actually be following up my List of best monsters in fiction with my least favorite. After that when we do come back we'll be seeing Homura take another crack at saving Madoka in a more comedic setting, at least for the first two chapters.
Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.
Oriko Magica is owned by Mura Kuroe, Magica Quartet and Yen Press. Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record is owned by Aniplex, F4samurai and Magica Quartet.
Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Dragonball Super is owned by Funnimation, Toei animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama.
Dragon ball Z abridged is owned by Team Four Star. Archer is owned by Adam Reed, Floyd County Productions, Radical Axis and FX Productions. Perfect Strangers is owned by Miller-Boyett Productions, ABC and Warner Bros. Television
"Both are horribly crazy, loyal to their partners and are deadly with their claws. Though as deranged as Anime X-23 here is at least she won't kill the girl she loves over some deranged definition of heroism."
Now let's start the wrap up of our two volume story. Our last volume opens with Kirika remembering how she distanced herself from her classmates since all she saw was vapid boring people having vapid boring conversations and thus not worth her time. She pushes those thoughts aside to concentrate on killing Mami who realizes that her attacks are far too slow to hit Kirika. Kirika says that she's starting to get bored; Mami calls her boredom childish which sets her off again into another attack frenzy. Mami manages to set up a smokescreen but it's only a stalling tactic, especially with her leg wound. But she then notices that the Witches barrier is still up even though the witch has been dead for a while, leading to a realization about Kirikas magic, it's not super speed but she can slow down her enemies. With that knowledge in hand she then hatches a very risky plan. Kirika notices that the Labyrinth is starting to fade so she doesn't have much time left. She's determined to kill Mami so that nobody could track the killings back to Oriko. She finds Mami and begins her assault, however she springs the trap and is critically injured from Mami's surprise Musket blast.
Even with her bleeding like like that Kirika is determined to keep fighting even if it means her death. But before Mami can shoot her point blank Oriko intervenes, picks up Kirika and retreats, but not before giving Mami the death stare and promising her that next time she'll learn the extent of her foolishness. The barrier dissipates and Mami collapses in tears from how terrible Oriko's bloodlust was. Back home Kirika's bleeding won't stop and Oriko is overwhelmed about what she should do. She thinks she should get a doctor but Kirika tells her a doctor won't do any good in the state she's in and that she has something to tell her.
You see Oriko, I borrowed your ChapStick from you without asking Oh, and I tried out your nose hair trimmer too And by the way, your "diamond" ring is cubic zirconium. I killed your goldfish accidentally, just replaced it with another one. And when I told you at breakfast we were out of Rice Krispies what I meant was, that there was only enough left for me, sorry.
No no, her real confession was that after the two first met when she helped her Kirika searched the entire town for her. But when she finally found her at a train stop she got cold feet since while she told herself she wasn't interested in other people the truth was that she was jealous, that there was nobody who would give her a second thought. And cue the Simpsons clip.
Regardless of her errors in definitions that's when Kyubey showed up and Kirika made her wish, to become someone worthy of Oriko. Oriko tells her that she won't forgive her for her deception and that the only way she'll forgive her is that if she dedicates her life to protect her. While that may sound heartless her body language tells a different story, that she needs Kirika just as much as Kirika needs Oriko. So our chapter ends with Oriko holding a cracked Soul Gem and Sayaka, Madoka and Homura deciding to get something to eat after school.
Chapter 5 opens with yet another flashback, this time of people praising Oriko and how she's a shining example of her school and her father. Who then killed himself to avoid questioning about falsified expense reports. So a politician turns out to be a crooked, thieving, lying scumbag, in other news the sky is blue and the grass is green. Back in the present Mami telepathically questions Kyubey about what Oriko stands to gain from the killings. The morning announcements are interrupted by the duo hijacking the broadcast.
On the roof Kyubey figured out what Oriko's up to and will see her dead for this. Oriko gives a speech about how there is a great evil in the world and she will do everything in her power to see it eliminated; as Madoka watches she can't help but feel that Oriko was looking directly at her as she said it. When the broadcast ends Oriko springs her trap, a witches Labyrinth starts to appear and encompass the entire school. Familiars then start to appear then proceed to kill and devour everyone in sight, including Madoka's homeroom teacher.
O_O
Maybe she won't have so many guy problems, IN THE NEXT DIMENSION!!!
But she's already in another dimension!
And does she have any guy problems now? No? Point Vegeta!
The students of course panic and run leaving Madoka behind. Just as she's about to be killed by the familiars Homura shows up and takes them out. Mami in turn transforms and protects the students from the familiars while making her way to the heart of the labyrinth. After some platforming she gets caught but is rescued by Kyoko and Little Green. Kyoko says that the only reason they're there was because Kyubey told them that Oriko would be there. After a little bit of banter the trio make their way to Oriko and Kirika. Homura continues to protect Madoka but she points out an understandable problem with Homura's antics. If she's so damn powerful why is she only focused on her when she could be saving other students as well, including Sayaka and Hitomi. But Homura just tells her that she's her only priority and that the others are inconsequential to her goals.
I don't know what you're talking about Madoka. Look I can see their parachutes they're ok!
Homura tells her that she's not as powerful as she thinks and that if she can save only one person she'd make it Madoka, no questions asked. She creates a barrier for Madoka and tells her not to leave it until she gets back and heads off with Madoka telling her to make sure they go home together. Homura finally makes it to the center of the Labyrinth and sure enough Oriko and Kirika are right there waiting for her. Homura wastes no time and tries to blow the two up with her bombs and time magic, but surprisingly they managed to dodge the attack. Oriko explains that she saw Homura in her vision, of the end of the world. She knows what it is and she knows how to stop it, to save the world Madoka has to die. Homura is of course not about to let that happen and keeps attacking despite Kirika managing to counter her attacks and gunfire. Mami, Kyoko and Yuma arrive to back Homura up but all Oriko can do is shed tears since they refuse to listen to her. Kirika tells her that she's out of time since she was already close enough to set up the Labyrinth. Homura knows what she's talking about and the chapter ends with Kirika releasing the spell she placed on her Soul Gem, fully succumbing to despair and becoming a witch.
Actually not that far off but much less perverted.
Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.
Oriko Magica is owned by Mura Kuroe, Magica Quartet and Yen Press. Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record is owned by Aniplex, F4samurai and Magica Quartet. Friday (1995) is owned by F. Gary Gray, Priority films, Ghetto Bird Productions, Cube Vision Productions and New Line Cinema. The Simpsons are owned by Matt Groening, Gracie Films, and 20th Century Fox Television. Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z and Dragonball GT is owned by Funnimation, Toei animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama. Silent Hill Homecoming is owned by Double Helix games and Konami Digital Entertainment #FucKonami
