Episode 1
Characters: 8/10
As with any classic anime intro of the main character, Alibaba was introduced to be a seemingly ordinary poor boy struggling to make ends meet but had a big dream ahead of him of clearing a dungeon.
The character is someone you can both sympathise and admire which is quite unique in the manga/anime world because usually it is just one or the other. His name Alibaba, well, in general, all the characters are named after fimiliar arabic/dessert/middle eastern names which I found a great idea to be honest. Some of you guys might question their names as 'generic' but because they are 'generic' it gives a sort of familiar feeling that you have already met these characters.
Alladdin on the other hand is such a playful character, I mean I don't wanna spoil anything here, but when he started groping the fatman's boobs I was CRINGING! You know when animes have those ridicolous awkward situations? DAMN THIS WAS HILARIOUS!
A small perverted kid that just wanted to fondle and grope with breasts hahah! He sure has balls for a kiddy with a girl's voice.
Speaking of voice actors, yeah I know its common that the main characters have girl/female voices because it distinguishes them a little bit more than usual, but to me it was just a tad too much cause I actually thought Alladdin was a girl especially with that loooong ponytail.
But otherwise, both main characters introduced especially in episode 1 had an immediate charisma between them which really worked out.
Characters overall, they are interesting characters regardless of whatever any haters might say.. 8/10 good stuff!
Setting: 9/10
Didn't you find the setting interesting? On the arabian sand, the dusty dunes, the texture and feel of the busy market streets. Its such a smile to see an anime setting not in Japan or the future or in school, its different; its brilliant.
Slavery and freedom were one of the strong themes that got me. Morgiana (red hair girl) made as a slave when she was young really caught my eye. Yeah, we don't get slavery in today's world but you still get opressive powers that have a huge influence on your behaviour especially displayed by the antagonist ( fat man), so yeah, its a great issue to cause awareness even to us people who watch anime through the monitor screen.
Back to the setting, the art in the anime really gives it a natural organic feel that makes it so familiar even though its only episode 1. The art really pleases your eye and it is so comfortable to see the characters within the scenery and setting. A1 did a great job with this.
Yes, there was that crazy plant monster emerging randomly from the ground creating coincidental conflict but hey, its a fantasy, shit happens... and its all part of the setting.
I also love the idea of the dungeons appearing abrutly all over the world, this shows alot of potential for more story.
Story: 7/10
I love the way they have a weak antagonist which they can make you really hate. Most antagonists in battle anime/manga seem to be hugely overpowered and impossible to defeat and that causes you to hate/fear them. But Magi episode 1 had such a weak antagonist ( fatman) but still, makes you want to kick his nuts till they burst.
Well, aside from the antagonists, both the potagonists ( Aladdin and Alibaba ) both act as heroes in the story, they seem to be competing in who is the main hero but, in the end, both have their own unique strengths and weaknesses so that one balances the other out. One can't accomplish anything without the other and that is really essential for this kind of story involving a heroic duo.
I felt the story was being led alot by the characters, which is obviously not a problem but because of that, it might lack substance, hopefully this anime proves me wrong afterall it is only the first episode.
There is actually alot of humour in this anime, I almost felt it was a comedy at one point. HAhaha it makes you laugh whenever you think about the hilarious moments.. not many animes do that to you.
Only one more thing.... NO ROMANCE! :( well... not yet i guess but One piece goes on with No romance at all except major bromance. Just hope this show will atleast explore the themes of romance because it does have romance potential! sorry im such a sucker for love.. hahha
Overall 8/10
Magi really captured my attention. Its possibly one of the best anime to release this Autumm 2012 season and the most important bit is that it makes you want to watch the next episode without such a massively depressing cliff hanger...
My recommendation, WATCH IT! :)
