Magic has long been a theme in literature and storytelling, captivating readers and viewers with its allure and mystery. One captivating aspect of magic is its ability to destroy characters, both physically and emotionally. This trope has been explored in various forms of media, from classic novels to modern television shows and movies. In many stories, magic is portrayed as a force that presents both incredible power and dangerous consequences. Characters who possess or encounter magic often find themselves facing destruction on multiple levels. Physical destruction can manifest as injuries or even death, while emotional destruction can include the loss of loved ones, the shattering of dreams, or the erosion of one's sense of self.
So to round us out, the question must be asked; what was Magical Destroyers actually trying to do, if anything? Be a real rallying point for otaku counterculture? Establish a lasting multimedia series that would persist well after the anime itself is over? Just simply be a good action anime with more highs than lows? It accomplishes none of this. Which is a shame, because there’s some real love in this thing if you know where to look. Certain individual animators and episode directors clearly cared a lot about the show’s visual angle, and most of the voice talent turn in good to great performances, especially Ai Fairouz, who, when she gets the chance to truly chew scenery as Anarchy, is just as unstoppable here as she was as Power in Chainsaw Man last year. Unsurprisingly, this combined with the fact that Anarchy is actually decently-written makes her the show’s best character by far. Looking back on the first two episodes I’m left to wonder if the show wouldn’t be more coherent if they focused on her a little more. It’s hard to go wrong with such a delightful little firecracker.
But again, any time the show has to get more specific than people should be able to do what they want, it backs off, and this kneecaps everything about the series, top to bottom. Because I do think that much of what little criticism of Magical Destroyers there has been has been misaimed, in that it assumes that this is an idea that could never create a good or even great TV show.
Physical destruction can manifest as injuries or even death, while emotional destruction can include the loss of loved ones, the shattering of dreams, or the erosion of one's sense of self. The destructive nature of magic often tempts characters with its promises of power and control. Those who seek to wield magic for personal gain or revenge may find themselves consumed by its dark forces, leading to their own demise.
Antagonists
- Big Bad: The leader of the SSC.
- Can't Take Criticism: The reason he targets otaku and their culture is because he was harshly criticized for the game he attempted to release.
- The Corrupter: He pulled it on almost all of Japan, turning most of the population against Otaku culture. Most notably, he did the same on Magical Girl Slayer and Unit-@ of the Shitennou. By the end of the series, the other Magical Girls are on his side against the otaku.
- Evil Is Petty: The source of his frustrations is his time as a game developer. At one point, he made mediocre games that were constantly mocked by otaku on imageboards, and coupled with harsh words pointed towards himself and the opportunity to create the game of his dreams from Origin, he becomes SHOBON and makes a world where Otaku are persecuted, lose their war, and can do nothing else.
- Invincible Villain: His forces may be pushed back, but he'll never truly lose. With Origin at his side, he can take the Magical Girls we've come to love and make them slaughter machines, and get the ending where he wins over otaku.
- Meaningful Name: "Shobon" is one name for the kaomoji that appears on his TV, representing a person becoming dejected; the phrase itself is onomatopoeia for the disappointment settling in. The fact that this emoticon originated from 2channel, a known otaku hangout, also plays on SHOBON's dejection after repeatedly witnessing otaku forumgoers tear into his games.
- Non-Human Head: His head is a CRT TV.
- Title Drop: At the end of Episode 11:
Congratulations. You have now been born as magical girls. Magical Destroyers.
Origin (unmarked spoilers)
- Dreary Half-Lidded Eyes: Origin, from concept to show, is always depicted with a half-lidded look of disinterest. She claims she's bored and only kickstarts the plot because she thought she could wring some amusement out of SHOBON, but even then she's not happy. The one time she smiles is when the second Otaku Hero and his crew get SHOBON to start frothing at the mouth for derailing his script .
- God Is Neutral: While she's currently on the side of SHOBON, she had only given him powers because she wanted to be entertained by the type of story he'd make. She otherwise stays out of things, or at least does in her true form rather than Kyotaro. In the end, she doesn't help SHOBON regain control of his narrative, finding the Otaku resistance far more entertaining.
This is a common theme seen in stories such as Shakespeare's "Macbeth," where the protagonist's lust for power ultimately leads to his downfall. However, destruction caused by magic is not solely limited to those who actively seek it. Innocent characters who stumble upon or are given magical abilities may also find themselves destroyed by the very power they possess. Their lack of understanding or control over their newfound abilities can lead to unintended consequences, inflicting harm upon themselves and those around them. Furthermore, magic can also destroy characters emotionally. The weight of power and the burden of its consequences can weigh heavily on individuals, eroding their sense of self and morality. Characters may struggle with the choices they are forced to make, torn between the desire to do good and the temptation to abuse their magical abilities. This internal conflict can lead to the destruction of relationships, the deterioration of one's mental well-being, and even the loss of one's humanity. Overall, the theme of magical destruction in storytelling adds depth and complexity to characters and their arcs. It explores the inherent dangers of power and highlights the importance of personal responsibility and morality. By showcasing the destructive nature of magic, creators are able to delve into the human psyche and examine the consequences of our desires and choices. Through these narratives, audiences are reminded of the fragile nature of our existence and the need for balance in wielding power..
Reviews for "The Sacrifices of Magic: What Characters are Willing to Lose"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Magical Destroys Characters" based on the title and description, but I was hugely disappointed. The characters lacked depth, and their actions and motivations seemed forced and unrealistic. The plot was all over the place and there were several plot holes that were never addressed. The writing style was also quite dull and unengaging. Overall, I found this book to be a letdown and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emily - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Magical Destroys Characters". The characters were poorly written and lacked any development. They felt like one-dimensional stereotypes and I couldn't feel any connection or empathy towards them. The plot was confusing and incoherent, with random events happening without any clear explanation or purpose. The pacing was also incredibly slow, making it a struggle to get through the book. I was really disappointed and would not recommend this to anyone.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Magical Destroys Characters" was a frustrating read for me. The characters were unlikable and their actions often made no sense. I found it hard to care about what happened to them because they felt so disconnected from reality. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed and lacked a coherent structure. The writing style lacked any depth or emotion, and the dialogue was awkward and unrealistic. Overall, this book fell short of my expectations, and I would not recommend it.