MAGI:
THE KINGDOM OF MAGIC: I have mixed feelings for this
The
Kingdom of Magic directly continues the story of The Labyrinth of Magic. After
clearing Zagan’s dungeon, Aladdin, Alibaba, Morgiana, and Hakuryuu returns to
the city. Amidst the celebration, Aladdin decides to take on a journey on his
own, to hone his magical skills and knowledge. At the same time, there seems to
be looming dangers in Magnostadt, and Sinbad begins his move to accomplish his
own political ends.
The
pilot episode is either good or bad, depending on how you see things. For me,
it’s both. What makes it good is the fact that it expands the world of Magi,
which is already huge, some more. I’m introduced to new characters and places,
and this makes the experience even more intriguing, because it means that I
have a lot to look forward to. Also, my interest has been captured by the
opening sequence, wherein I see Aladdin in the middle of a decisive battle, in
medias res style. It suggests a very climactic story.
But
as I said, I have mixed feelings for this pilot episode. That opening sequence,
as much as I find it intriguing, is unnecessary. Yes, it does give me something
to look forward to, but I think the presentation is overdone -- it contains
some spoilers.
Another
bad thing about this pilot episode is its lack of plot development. It’s just
composed of character interactions that serve as exposition and foreshadowing.
I could tolerate a few of them, but if the whole episode is nothing but
chatting, I couldn’t help but be disengaged. A story should have a hook in the
first episode, something that would make me stick to the story. But it seems
that The Kingdom of Magic doesn’t understand that.
The
characterization also has good and bad traits. The good thing is that it seems
that the story is giving back the focus to Aladdin, who is a little neglected
in the last episodes of The Labyrinth of Magic to give room for Alibaba.
Another good thing is the developing relationship of Alibaba and Princess
Kougyoku Ren.
I’m
also glad that Sinbad is being established as a character that has the
potential to turn into an antagonist. It gives me something to look forward to.
But the bad thing about the characterization -- well okay, it’s not technically
bad, just an opinion -- is the fact that the main characters will be separated
again.
As
for the animation and music, there really is nothing that could be said. They’re
basically the same from last season. I’d expect the same chibi moments and the
magical action sequences, and nothing much on the soundtracks embedded in these
scenes.
Overall,
I think the pilot episode is pretty mediocre. It lacks plot elements that could
attach the viewers to the story. However, like last season, the world of Magi
is very intriguing, and it is enough to draw more viewers. But a great series
requires more than just an amazing world. It also needs an amazing story. Magi,
as an overall anime title, has that story. But it seems to be having a problem
with storytelling, just like last season. I’ll still be watching The Kingdom of
Magic, however, and give it a chance, expecting that the storytelling would
turn out better.
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