Magical Girl Site
Synopsis
Every day, Aya Asagiri thinks about killing herself. She is bullied relentlessly at school, and at home, her older brother Kaname physically abuses her to relieve the academic stress put on him by their father. One night, as she lies awake wishing for death, a mysterious website called Magical Girl Site appears on her laptop, promising to give her magical powers. At first, she dismisses it as a creepy prank, but when she finds a magical gun in her shoe locker the next day, she doesn't know what to believe. Deciding to take it with her, she soon runs into her bullies once again. But this time, desperate for anything to save her, she uses the gun—and her assailants are transported to a nearby railroad crossing, where they are run over. Aya's conscience is unable to handle the fact that she murdered two of her classmates with magic, and she desperately tries to understand the situation. However, when she finds herself in trouble again, she is saved by Tsuyuno Yatsumura, a classmate who can use magic to stop time. This duo has a lot to do: not only do they have to fight alongside and against other magical girls, but they also need to uncover the truth behind the website and the apocalyptic event known as "The Tempest" that is soon to occur. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is highly polarized. Some appreciate the show's dark themes and relatable characters, while others criticize it for being overly edgy, poorly written, and lacking substance. The series elicits strong emotions, both positive and negative, making it a divisive anime within the magical girl genre.
Strengths
- Some viewers found the series relatable and moving, especially those who have experienced similar hardships.
- The art style and voice acting were appreciated by some, with the opening theme being a highlight.
- The series is self-aware and uses contrasts effectively to explore themes of love and friendship amidst a dark and chaotic world.
Weaknesses
- The series is often criticized for being overly edgy and relying on shock value without substance.
- Many find the plot convoluted, nonsensical, and poorly paced, with unresolved storylines and a disappointing ending.
- Characters are often seen as flat, unsympathetic, and acting in ways that are not believable, with forced relationships and erratic behavior.