17 reviews
If you're a fan of adventure, action, and fantasy, this is the perfect anime for you! Magi starts off with a clever premise, it takes parts from some of the characters in the famous "1001 Nights" tales and mixes them together in an original, exciting story that will keep you always wanting to watch the next episode to see what happens. The animation is very good, and the dubbed voice acting is solid. If you're familiar with dubbed Anime, you'll recognize a bunch of the voice actors. Magi even has some good messages about friendship and choosing not to hate those who have hurt you.
Overall I would recommend Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic to any Shonen style Anime fans, Anime fans in general, and to anyone who just enjoys a fun, adventurous tale of fantasy and friendship.
Overall I would recommend Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic to any Shonen style Anime fans, Anime fans in general, and to anyone who just enjoys a fun, adventurous tale of fantasy and friendship.
- stephenmetal777
- Apr 24, 2014
- Permalink
Before I get into this, keep in mind that this is a review for all of Magi up to this point, not just season 2.
When I was first introduced to Magi, I could only think, "great, an anime ripoff of Disney's Aladdin." Like come on. It's in an Arabian desert setting, it has magical blue wish-granting genies, and to top it off, one of the main characters is even named Aladdin. How they didn't run into copyright issues for this I will never know. But the more I watched Magi, the more I saw it grow into its own. I watched it meet, and often exceed, all of my expectations of what constitutes a good piece of entertainment. But looking back, I can't say I can pinpoint any aspect of the show that truly wowed me.
STORY - 7.7/10 There's no doubt that Magi has a very good storyline. It follows a journey through a surprisingly well fleshed out world filled with both dream-like fantasy and well-defined realism. Through this world, some genuinely interesting ideas about fate, class, and friendship are explored, and it's not afraid to get into the darker side of things. One of its most impressive features is its vast number of kingdoms, each with fully functioning governments and economies that really help showcase all the major themes of the show. But in general, the storyline seems to just wander around its world without any major focus or backbone, and it's often hard to see what it's really trying to accomplish. This also lets it drag at times, like in the middle of season 1 and and the beginning of season 2, where the pacing takes a hit. But overall, Magi tells a very impressive story, especially in the second half of season 2 where all its strengths culminate.
CHARACTERS - 7.3/10 Characters are a bit of a mixed bag for the show. On one hand you have characters like Titus, Hakuryuu, Morgiana, and Matal, who all have very engaging arcs and motives over the course of Magi. But on the other, main characters like Alibaba and Aladdin seem to pale in comparison. Alibaba's not too bad, but his characterization's pretty stale and it never really feels like he changes much throughout the story. And Aladdin, while fun for a lot of comic relief, doesn't really have much depth to his character at all. Side characters are similarly mixed, with some being really interesting, like Gyokuen, and others being comically bad, like Abhmad. All in all though, there's definitely more good than bad going on in the character department.
ART - 6.4/10 As far as the art goes, it's pretty good. Like I said earlier, the world has some interesting settings which look nice and colorful. There's nothing mind-blowing going on here though. The fights generally look pretty average, with some being better and some being worse. It does the job and it's more than good enough.
SOUNTRACK - 5.3/10 The soundtrack also does the trick, but it definitely leans towards a more average quality. It isn't very memorable at all and listening to it alone doesn't do much for me. I'll give it some points for matching the Arabian aesthetic and for combining a lot of different instruments and voices. The voice acting is also sufficient, but nothing really stood out there either. Same for its openings and endings.
OVERALL ENJOYMENT - 7.4/10 So in the end, did Magi end up being a diamond in the rough? (Heh, see what I did there Aladdin fans?). I'd certainly say so. It's really got no bad aspects, and for what little it may lack in art and sound, it more than makes up for with its gripping storyline and broad range of well developed characters. While I can't say that its ideas changed my life or that its moments moved me to tears, I'm confident that it'll satisfy anyone who's looking for some high quality entertainment.
When I was first introduced to Magi, I could only think, "great, an anime ripoff of Disney's Aladdin." Like come on. It's in an Arabian desert setting, it has magical blue wish-granting genies, and to top it off, one of the main characters is even named Aladdin. How they didn't run into copyright issues for this I will never know. But the more I watched Magi, the more I saw it grow into its own. I watched it meet, and often exceed, all of my expectations of what constitutes a good piece of entertainment. But looking back, I can't say I can pinpoint any aspect of the show that truly wowed me.
STORY - 7.7/10 There's no doubt that Magi has a very good storyline. It follows a journey through a surprisingly well fleshed out world filled with both dream-like fantasy and well-defined realism. Through this world, some genuinely interesting ideas about fate, class, and friendship are explored, and it's not afraid to get into the darker side of things. One of its most impressive features is its vast number of kingdoms, each with fully functioning governments and economies that really help showcase all the major themes of the show. But in general, the storyline seems to just wander around its world without any major focus or backbone, and it's often hard to see what it's really trying to accomplish. This also lets it drag at times, like in the middle of season 1 and and the beginning of season 2, where the pacing takes a hit. But overall, Magi tells a very impressive story, especially in the second half of season 2 where all its strengths culminate.
CHARACTERS - 7.3/10 Characters are a bit of a mixed bag for the show. On one hand you have characters like Titus, Hakuryuu, Morgiana, and Matal, who all have very engaging arcs and motives over the course of Magi. But on the other, main characters like Alibaba and Aladdin seem to pale in comparison. Alibaba's not too bad, but his characterization's pretty stale and it never really feels like he changes much throughout the story. And Aladdin, while fun for a lot of comic relief, doesn't really have much depth to his character at all. Side characters are similarly mixed, with some being really interesting, like Gyokuen, and others being comically bad, like Abhmad. All in all though, there's definitely more good than bad going on in the character department.
ART - 6.4/10 As far as the art goes, it's pretty good. Like I said earlier, the world has some interesting settings which look nice and colorful. There's nothing mind-blowing going on here though. The fights generally look pretty average, with some being better and some being worse. It does the job and it's more than good enough.
SOUNTRACK - 5.3/10 The soundtrack also does the trick, but it definitely leans towards a more average quality. It isn't very memorable at all and listening to it alone doesn't do much for me. I'll give it some points for matching the Arabian aesthetic and for combining a lot of different instruments and voices. The voice acting is also sufficient, but nothing really stood out there either. Same for its openings and endings.
OVERALL ENJOYMENT - 7.4/10 So in the end, did Magi end up being a diamond in the rough? (Heh, see what I did there Aladdin fans?). I'd certainly say so. It's really got no bad aspects, and for what little it may lack in art and sound, it more than makes up for with its gripping storyline and broad range of well developed characters. While I can't say that its ideas changed my life or that its moments moved me to tears, I'm confident that it'll satisfy anyone who's looking for some high quality entertainment.
- MidnightSerpent
- Nov 23, 2019
- Permalink
Pros:
Nice animation
Complex storyline
Outcomes are not obvious
A lot of different players used well
Decent character backgrounds
Meh: Many fights are won because of the script instead of skill. Usage of Arabian Night story names can be confusing at first.
Cons: Things are hard only the first time, then it's easy for everyone Some histories make no sense Innuendo thrown in for jokes, for the most part, detract from the story.
There are three seasons and each season has its own name. Season 1 is Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Season 2 continues the story as Magi: The Kingdom of Magic, Season 3 is a prequel about Sinbad, telling the first half of his story. Personally, i rate the first season as 8/10, the second season as 9/10, and the third as 7/10. The first season tells a decent story of its own and then sets up for Season 2, so overall, 9/10.
The animation in the show is pretty standard, it's the story that makes it decent, and the intrigue and philosophical issues that make it shine. It's not deeply philosophical or anything like that, but in the course of the story it touches upon slavery, revenge, classed societies, blind allegiance, and redemption, and many other topics. Most of these are shown in histories and given as reasons for acting this way or that, and in most cases, they spend at least a moment showing both sides of the argument and how people react to them. I don't know if this was all intended to be looked at that way, though it is an impressive amount of ideas that i only noticed in retrospect.
The story itself incorporates a lot of ideas. Arabian Nights plays a role in the names and a little of the background, with Aladdin and Sinbad prominently mentioned. There's the magi who guide and choose kings with hints of the New Testament and the wizards from Lord of the Rings, and of course King Solomon and his wisdom from the Old Testament. In all these cases the names and perhaps one or two of the famous attributes are used in the story, but after that, nothing is really the same. The use of the good and bad parts of magic, and even how magic has affinities is similar to the Force in Start Wars.
After the background is set, a lot of the story revolves around the politics of various kingdoms, their ideologies, and how they do business. It can get hard to follow if you have a hard remembering too many things at once, but it's worth it when everything and everyone comes together. War is a fact of life in this anime, and cunning decisions are made quite well.
The background stories are given as required, and part of the story is discovery. The discoveries are given at the right time, so it's not like you wonder when will they tell us this already. It's done well.
There are a few points that are stupid though. Fights are won because the script says they are, and they just aren't interesting outside the graphics for the spells. There are bad guys that take forever to kill at first and after that someone can kill tens of them in one shot. It can get crazy at times as the story progresses, and you just have to accept it even though it makes no sense.
Another good part of the story is who the hero is. Since you follow one person, you root for him, but there are others with good or noble causes either at first or as the story progresses. That you do not know who is "good" and who is "evil" adds a nice complexity, and it is done quite well. It isn't like the "complicated" backgrounds used elsewhere as a cheap imitation of depth.
I don't think this series deserves 10/10 but it certainly has potential. The complexity and philosophical aspects that you come across in the story make it a good watch, and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story.
Meh: Many fights are won because of the script instead of skill. Usage of Arabian Night story names can be confusing at first.
Cons: Things are hard only the first time, then it's easy for everyone Some histories make no sense Innuendo thrown in for jokes, for the most part, detract from the story.
There are three seasons and each season has its own name. Season 1 is Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Season 2 continues the story as Magi: The Kingdom of Magic, Season 3 is a prequel about Sinbad, telling the first half of his story. Personally, i rate the first season as 8/10, the second season as 9/10, and the third as 7/10. The first season tells a decent story of its own and then sets up for Season 2, so overall, 9/10.
The animation in the show is pretty standard, it's the story that makes it decent, and the intrigue and philosophical issues that make it shine. It's not deeply philosophical or anything like that, but in the course of the story it touches upon slavery, revenge, classed societies, blind allegiance, and redemption, and many other topics. Most of these are shown in histories and given as reasons for acting this way or that, and in most cases, they spend at least a moment showing both sides of the argument and how people react to them. I don't know if this was all intended to be looked at that way, though it is an impressive amount of ideas that i only noticed in retrospect.
The story itself incorporates a lot of ideas. Arabian Nights plays a role in the names and a little of the background, with Aladdin and Sinbad prominently mentioned. There's the magi who guide and choose kings with hints of the New Testament and the wizards from Lord of the Rings, and of course King Solomon and his wisdom from the Old Testament. In all these cases the names and perhaps one or two of the famous attributes are used in the story, but after that, nothing is really the same. The use of the good and bad parts of magic, and even how magic has affinities is similar to the Force in Start Wars.
After the background is set, a lot of the story revolves around the politics of various kingdoms, their ideologies, and how they do business. It can get hard to follow if you have a hard remembering too many things at once, but it's worth it when everything and everyone comes together. War is a fact of life in this anime, and cunning decisions are made quite well.
The background stories are given as required, and part of the story is discovery. The discoveries are given at the right time, so it's not like you wonder when will they tell us this already. It's done well.
There are a few points that are stupid though. Fights are won because the script says they are, and they just aren't interesting outside the graphics for the spells. There are bad guys that take forever to kill at first and after that someone can kill tens of them in one shot. It can get crazy at times as the story progresses, and you just have to accept it even though it makes no sense.
Another good part of the story is who the hero is. Since you follow one person, you root for him, but there are others with good or noble causes either at first or as the story progresses. That you do not know who is "good" and who is "evil" adds a nice complexity, and it is done quite well. It isn't like the "complicated" backgrounds used elsewhere as a cheap imitation of depth.
I don't think this series deserves 10/10 but it certainly has potential. The complexity and philosophical aspects that you come across in the story make it a good watch, and i would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story.
I love anime and manga. This anime was recommended to me, I first watched the prequel, Adventures of Sinbad and I fell in love with those characters. Then I started Magi. The main characters were different from AoS but I also loved them. I love the Arabic theme and how it actually ties into some ancient history. It's so interesting and unique. Then once I finished the anime I read the manga and OH. MY. GOD. I could NOT stop reading it. I read about 132 chapters in a week. Every free moment I got I was reading. This story is SO good and it gets even better in the manga. I really hope this gets another season because it will be even better!
- colormyworldpiink-21-935123
- Dec 27, 2016
- Permalink
- blackmamba99971
- Dec 16, 2012
- Permalink
first i want to start off with all the not so good things about they did with the series. first there were a few points were i felt like the arcs and overall story were rushed. secondly some of the good characters we did not get to see them as much as i wanted to.
what really makes this series deserve the rating of 8.8 is that the story was well planned out and at no point so far (episode 24) i haven't seen any fillers. the soundtracks and opening also add to this effect. most of all it is the characters and the overall goal that both became properly established in the second season than the first season. the new abilities and ideals in the second season the characters get in there world makes this series that much more enjoyable.there are so many more reasons why i would give this series and 8.8 but i don't want to spoil the plot for you.
what really makes this series deserve the rating of 8.8 is that the story was well planned out and at no point so far (episode 24) i haven't seen any fillers. the soundtracks and opening also add to this effect. most of all it is the characters and the overall goal that both became properly established in the second season than the first season. the new abilities and ideals in the second season the characters get in there world makes this series that much more enjoyable.there are so many more reasons why i would give this series and 8.8 but i don't want to spoil the plot for you.
- user-956-41699
- Mar 23, 2014
- Permalink
This is such a great show! I will say that I am not finished with the series, but honestly, this show is so good; I only wish there were more episodes!
I got to the 11th episode before I realized that it I stopped right then and there, I would just completely forget about this show and not care at all to finish it. I never looked forward to the next episode and I never found it that interesting. It's just extremely unmemorable. It has the vibe of a comedy isekai but it takes itself too seriously for its own good, and the action isn't that great either. It's ok at everything it does, but it's not particularly great at anything. The only character that I liked at all really was Morgiana. I would not recommend this unless you are just looking for a way to kill time.
- masonfewel
- Apr 28, 2021
- Permalink
It has a deep social problems approach
Worth watching.
Shows us the kind of things real history books try to hide from us so that corrupt real life governants, mainly in poor countries, can continue their abusive oppression and exploiting on the common ppl w/o being questioned.
The above mentioned isnt a spoiler, but a reason to continue watching it in case u think it is too kidish on the initial episodes.
Worth watching.
Shows us the kind of things real history books try to hide from us so that corrupt real life governants, mainly in poor countries, can continue their abusive oppression and exploiting on the common ppl w/o being questioned.
The above mentioned isnt a spoiler, but a reason to continue watching it in case u think it is too kidish on the initial episodes.
I liked it from the start but after 10 episodes everything started to seem a little dull. Eventually I was irritated by Alibaba as a character. He is strong but weep for everything. Every episode he says he's useless.
He does everything except to try to become strong. As a whole i think the emotion in the character was overdone and unnecessary. Though I like all the other characters. But the story was fantastic.
He does everything except to try to become strong. As a whole i think the emotion in the character was overdone and unnecessary. Though I like all the other characters. But the story was fantastic.
- pranavjenny
- May 5, 2022
- Permalink
Very few people knows about magi series it is underrated that we all know but if you watch it you will not find why it is underrated storyline 10/10 character development 9/10 fights 9.5/10 and it's ost are superb 10/10 you can compare it's ost with top 5 animes also it so badass. And you will love the Djinn Equip form of everyone if anyone is a fan of black clover then you will loved this for sure watch it for weebs shake
- sathvikchatterji
- Feb 24, 2021
- Permalink
Overall, this show is pretty good in terms of writing, animation, art, and literally every other aspect. I really enjoy watching it, but for some reason I get bored watching it so I'm just going to stop. Might come back to watch it eventually though. If I do. Then I guess I'll watch the second season. I would recommend watching this show, but I don't have much to say about it.
- invisibleunicornninja
- Mar 29, 2019
- Permalink
The Magi series is an awesome series. One of Sweet's anime favs. Second only to SAO. You wont be disappointed!
- gomf-12002
- Jan 16, 2021
- Permalink
This show/manga is amazing. Easily one of my favourite shows of all time. I absolutely love and adore the characters, storyline/plot, ART, and sound track of this series. The creators are incredibly talented. This story couldn't have came to me at a better time in my life and I absolutely cannot express how grateful I am for this masterpiece. I will recommend this to all my friends and continue to show my love and support in any way shape or form. If I could have one wish, it would literally be to see a final season for Magi: the Labyrinth of magic. Either way, Thank you for this <3.
- costaclaudia
- Nov 23, 2021
- Permalink
Magi is part of my childhood. I remember going to a computer shop just to watch an episode of this, even though I had no idea what it's really about back then, but it leaves a mark in me that made me look for it now that I'm an adult. It took me ages to finally see it as a whole, but I made it.
Magi is a story about friendship, sacrifice, selflessness, and looking for a bigger picture. These are the themes that were highlighted in the series, and they were undoubtedly well executed in the story. However, there are also things that are questionable for the plot, such as the misogynistic objectification of women, slavery, fascistic attitude, and a few more, which I think gives the audience second thoughts while viewing it. In contrast, fight scenes and pacing are breathtakingly awesome; they're so aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to the eyes.
In addition, the characters aren't hard to get fond of, especially the three main gems of the saga: Aladdin, I love his innocence (excluding his perverseness), his trust, and his undying faith in the goodness of everyone. Morgiana, a girl who has a lot of potential as a character; she is strong, resilient, powerful on her own, and caring towards others, but I feel like she can still be so much more. I was really rooting for her to be the dungeon capturer too, but it seems that a narrative like that is never going to happen, and it saddens me. Lastly, Alibaba, even though he is far from being ideal, his love for his friends, his family, his dedication, his willingness to sacrifice, and his respect for progress are unquestionable, and that makes him interesting as a character.
Overall, the story may not be perfect on its own, but it sure is definitely something worth watching. I just wish and hope that we get to see more of what's next for them and for everyone, but it's still a good conclusion for the story. I am solved.
Magi is a story about friendship, sacrifice, selflessness, and looking for a bigger picture. These are the themes that were highlighted in the series, and they were undoubtedly well executed in the story. However, there are also things that are questionable for the plot, such as the misogynistic objectification of women, slavery, fascistic attitude, and a few more, which I think gives the audience second thoughts while viewing it. In contrast, fight scenes and pacing are breathtakingly awesome; they're so aesthetically pleasing and satisfying to the eyes.
In addition, the characters aren't hard to get fond of, especially the three main gems of the saga: Aladdin, I love his innocence (excluding his perverseness), his trust, and his undying faith in the goodness of everyone. Morgiana, a girl who has a lot of potential as a character; she is strong, resilient, powerful on her own, and caring towards others, but I feel like she can still be so much more. I was really rooting for her to be the dungeon capturer too, but it seems that a narrative like that is never going to happen, and it saddens me. Lastly, Alibaba, even though he is far from being ideal, his love for his friends, his family, his dedication, his willingness to sacrifice, and his respect for progress are unquestionable, and that makes him interesting as a character.
Overall, the story may not be perfect on its own, but it sure is definitely something worth watching. I just wish and hope that we get to see more of what's next for them and for everyone, but it's still a good conclusion for the story. I am solved.
- tomyyynolan
- May 4, 2024
- Permalink
- johnuzumaki-69529
- Feb 10, 2021
- Permalink
Great animation, then loooong drawn out soliloquy, then crying, then horrible reasoning, which last waaay too long...then great animation, then more bad reasoning that no real character would do, then more whine...then great animation...then bad plot holes, then great animation, then more crying....oh and sometimes they just stand there gasping while bad things are happening...then they are totally lost and crying at what to do....then great animation....then a McGuffin...then the characters seemingly pull a miracle win.....then some more whine with the cheese.
But then a great animation and a cool character or 2...only to be lost in the shuffle with more crying and shocked gasing. Soooooo emotional that they have to explain every emotion and reason behind it....which is sooooo not needed.
But then...more good animation and a cool twist...that includes more over explanation on some twisted reasoning that has to do with honor, but ignores everyother good human quality....then good animation.
Alibaba is just the worst.
You get the point.
But then a great animation and a cool character or 2...only to be lost in the shuffle with more crying and shocked gasing. Soooooo emotional that they have to explain every emotion and reason behind it....which is sooooo not needed.
But then...more good animation and a cool twist...that includes more over explanation on some twisted reasoning that has to do with honor, but ignores everyother good human quality....then good animation.
Alibaba is just the worst.
You get the point.
- diggs-52742
- Jan 20, 2025
- Permalink