Magi 02-03
A slave doesn’t discriminate, not even to moe loli- er, Shota.
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I apologize for the late post, but college has been such a pain in the ass for me. Majoring in English is suffering *sob*. Anyhow, I have mixed feelings over Ammon’s arc, but first let’s see what episode two and three are all about. |
Meet the Sheriff // The Sheriff is what I call a pure evil. Imagining him as my friend already makes me shudder in terror, so I salute those who are – now were – able to tolerate his reign, especially the slaves. He was bought up by one of the evil organization’s member to become a cruel ruler for a reason, although the reason is still yet unknown. Or maybe because the organization is just evil like that. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), his arrogance does not live up to his actions. He’s a sadistic coward who has the tendency to hide behind his slaves, of all people, just to save his life.
His bad habits of hiding when there’s trouble, of course, contradicts the idea of a ruler. Thank goodness the Sheriff is not in the Fate universe or else Saber and Rider might beat him to death. The Sheriff claimed that his region is prosperous, and he’s right in a way. His region might not have the best caste system with the slavery problem, but is his region showing the signs of a collapsing city? No, it doesn’t. Economically, the city looks fine. It’s a fact, however, that a city is not made out of a stable economy only. There are the citizens. It’s a city, after all. It’s also a fact that a ruler is meant to rule and serve his people at the same time. The people need someone to create order among them, someone who can solve the problem when they themselves can’t. That someone should be an example for his people and must know how to create an orderly yet peaceful society. That is when a ruler comes into play. He should be able to protect and lead his people, not hide behind them. It is a common sense that cannot and should not be changed in any way. Unfortunately, our Sheriff wasn’t like that. He forgot the true responsibility of a ruler and succumbed to his animal instinct.
Morgiana’s Dilemma // What is a character without angst? Thank goodness Morgina’s angst is not without reason. Throughout episode two and three, Morgiana was literally confused as both a slave and human being. Being chained all her life, Morgiana wants to taste the freedom that she never had before. So why not take the chance when it’s there? It’s explained in the manga, but it’s not explained in the anime (damn you anime adaption) so I’ll just say it here. It’s not that Morgiana doesn’t want to be free, but she doesn’t know what will happen when she’s free. As it can be seen from her flashbacks, Morgiana has been a slave since she was a child. Morgiana doesn’t know any other life except as a slave. Being presented with a choice that she thought was impossible, Morgiana became afraid. So if anybody there who got mad at Morgiana for attacking Aladdin and Alibaba, please forgive her. She’s still a slave. Slowly, she’ll become a free person, and I can assure you that. Just look at where she landed after the dungeon’s destruction – outside the wall of the city, on the grass she always dreamed to step on.
Alibaba’s True Identity // Alibaba came across as a cowardly person at first, but there’s more to him than that. It’s not revealed yet, but hints of his royalty were just everywhere in episode two, from his swiftness to his proficiency of other language. Seeing the King’s Stance – which reminds me of Oh Ma Shoe very much – and his fencing style, it’s pretty obvious that he’s someone who was taught to be a ruler. A prince. The question is, where? One can only guess, but two names were bought up in episode three: Balbad and Sindria. The other question is why is Alibaba running from his country? It might be connected to his greed for money, but we shall see as the anime progresses.
I do want to mention shortly about his landing spot though. Morgiana landed outside the city, Aladdin landed in another country, but Alibaba landed on the spot where the dungeon used to stand. Yes, he’s the conqueror, but he could have landed somewhere else. It’s ironic where he landed on a spot inside of a city without ruler. The one that’s running away from his responsibility has to do his responsibility in another city.
The Magi System // Finally, the one thing that made this anime unique somehow is explained. King Solomon, the greatest king ever existed, created the Magi system where the Great King picked and trained extraordinarily gifted people. The trained people, called Magi, are the ones who choose kings in this world. Even I, the reader of the manga, have lots of questions concerning this system. Sure, Aladdin is a good Magi, but what is going to happen if the Magi is evil? This system is obviously flawed, so what in the world was King Solomon thinking? Heck, who in the world is King Solomon? They’re so not talking about that dude who ruled Israel. Too bad the Magi system still remains a mystery until now. Maybe it’s one of those things that will be revealed at the end of the series. Then what about the dungeon? While it not existence is not explained yet, my hunch is that it’s meant for the future kings. Because every kings should have tough bodies that won’t get burned if it’s on fire. Ehm, my point is, the dungeon might be the trial that the king should be able to solve to see whether he’s worth it or not. I hope I’m right. I hope.
Aladdin the Great Magi // Aladdin is also someone that still remains a mystery till now. We all know that he’s the Great Magi, but why did he lost his memories? How can he not remember his past? Is he connected with the other mysterious Magi somehow? I have so many questions right now, but one thing is clear: Aladdin is no ordinary Magi. He’s the Great Magi that will have an important role at changing the world.
Screenshots:
I bet the one who taught Alibaba that King’s Stance is Ouma Shu #badseiyuujoke
Aladdin’s magical power is summoning butterflies!
ASDFGHJKL SO SEXY *jumps on mysterious Magi*
An impressive necropolis that holds so many secrets
Where did his clothes go?
Like I said before, I have mixed feelings for Ammon’s Arc. This arc is standing between the anime and the manga; it’s faithful, but it’s also not. Chronologically, the anime is faithful to the manga. However, they left out so many things like Sheriff’s backstory, the masked slave’s and Morgiana’s point of views. That was pretty disappointing since it just makes the Sheriff and the masked man as mere side characters who happen to be there. That’s not the right way to say it. It makes them feel so… Meaningless? I don’t know how to say it, but since I read the manga, I know there’s more to them than mere short presence. Unfortunately, the anime viewers won’t know how I feel since it’s not in the anime. This worries me, of course. What if the anime stays this way until the end fast-pacing on everything? So, have you read the manga or just watching this anime? What do you think?
Preview: Did Aladdin actually landed on Tibet? Or some kind of place where the people wear Chinese clothes?
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
Magi has passed the three episode test which makes following animes this season even more of a challenge. I haven’t read the manga but right now, I like what I’m seeing.
I really hated The Sheriff once I saw what a spineless bastard he was. How he managed to live as long as he did is beyond me. Junichi Suwabe was brilliant in bringing out the character’s near dementia. The guy looked like he was on drugs whenever things didn’t go his way.
Morgiana is currently my favorite not only for her amazing and fierce physicality because I like strong female characters that can kick major ass and look good in the process but seeing how her personality progresses now that she’s free from her despicable slave driver.
I’ve grown more accustomed to Aladdin and Alibaba. They make good traveling companions and almost seem like brothers though they hardly know each other. However, I’m yet ready to fully accept Aladdin’s voice. Every time I hear it, I can’t help but remember Rinne no Lagrange’s Madoka.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I can’t really accept Alibaba’s voice. I keep seeing Hyoudou Issei…
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
I’m not thinking Issei. Not the same type of personality even though they’re both played by Yuki Kaji. I’m leaning more on his role as Haruaki Yachi from C³: Cube x Cursed x Curious because he and Alibaba are more the serious type of characters.
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Well, that’s the problem, he seems to have those same fugue and goofy moments that Issei had, and that really pulls me out of him being a more serious type of character.
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
You guys have better imaginations. With that voice and royalty vibe Alibaba gives, he reminds me of Ouma Shu *sob* I think Alibaba’s voice fits the half-hearted attitude he’s going to have in the first half of the anime.
BUT I still can’t get over Aladdin’s voice. It’s too much for a little boy. I think they chose the wrong VA for Aladdin. Sure, her voice is suitable for little kids, but not for a boy
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I don’t mention it, but it’s because of the absolute monarchy the system that region has, something like that. Though it’s economically prosperous, the sheriff is still famous for his cruelty. And just like Morgiana, the people were so used with it that there’s nobody there that wants to fight back. There’s also the fact that lots of people’s conditions are pretty stable.
Yesss, Junichi Suwabe did a great job at voicing the Sheriff, but I was also impressed with the way the crew animated his expressions. Those sadistic expressions are perfect.
Morgiana will have more dilemma because of the sudden freedom she has now, but she’ll get better. Hmmm I see you’re into strong girls eh? Hehe
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
I’d just like to mention that they seemed to have transferred Judal’s sexiness PERFECTLY from the manga. Damn, the guy is fabulous.
…I wish they had gone into Mor’s past/thoughts more as well, but what can they do? There is a time limit and I don’t think Mor’s past has that big of an effect on the overall plot. There are more important things to cover for now.
…I’m busy preparing myself for the inevitable cryfest I’m going to have once we go into the Cassim arc.POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
Judal looks sexier in the anime, with the color and that sexy voice. I wouldn’t mind joining the evil organization just to hook up with him, heh
OH SHIT CASSIM ASDFGHJKL *sob sob*POWUH: Meta Team and Ringleader Extraordinaire~ with 6433 comments
I haven’t read the manga, but I am liking whatever I see. Somehow reminds me of the fairytales I used to read when I was a kid. I can compare it to Fullmetal Alchemist universe so I’ll be hanging around.
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
I don’t see its similarity with FMA. Mind giving me some explanation?
It is based on fairy tales though, hehe. The whole 1001 Nights thing. I like it when authors do that. It gives a familiar feeling to the audience
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
Magi is one of those shows that I am not really looking forward to each week, but I do enjoy it when I watch it. Heck, usually I’m not watching it until it’s been out almost a week. If it had been in the summer season, it probably would have had a lot more of my mindshare, but for now it’s an enjoyable diversion when I want to watch something, but not something that I’m champing at the bit for.
POWUH: and Yaoi Fangirl~ with 2320 comments
Ah, too bad. Though I can see why you’re like that now since I was like that too. The beginning feels so childish and… cliche? But the story will get darker with the appearance of other magis and other empires. They even have Chinese empire and Roman empire
POWUH: iLurker with 3 comments
I’m a bit disappointed by Magi. I’ve watched up to episode 4 and the series starts really slow for a shounen show. Usually shounen starts with a blast, but the first “tower climb” was more of a whimper. There was no sense of real danger and time-wise it seems like they cleared an enormous tower in, like, two days…
Did they mentioned king Solomon by his name? I don’t recall hearing it.
POWUH: 600-699 and Wingman with 655 comments
dawwwwwwwwwwwww i cant help but keep smiling as i watch aladin and his crew 😉