Manga Review - 'Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Another Story, Vol. 1' by Magica Quartet (Writer, Creator), U35 (Artist)

This 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' manga is Mami Tomoe's mystery story about the decrease of witches in her city, and an increase of witches in another city. That city is the setting of 'Magia Record'.

It's the main series invading investigating a spinoff series, as it were.

In 'Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Another Story, Vol. 1', the magical girls from 'Magia Record' infrequently appear and mostly separately, and they are greatly amateurs compared to the competent, confident and experienced Mami. Kyouko Sakura is Mami's sometimes partner. Madoka makes a very brief cameo in the first chapter, where she's just lounging at home. Kyubey is here, too. Homura and Sayaka don't appear at all.

This is Mami's story, through and through. She's a gunslinging, tea drinking, magical girl detective, concerned but hardheaded.

There is a big witch battle at the beginning, but otherwise, the fight scenes happen off-page.

It is very simple... at first.

It is not straightforward for any 'Madoka Magica' fan who isn't familiar with 'Magia Record' - it can get confusing. I know I was a little confused, as it had been years since I read the first volume of 'Magia Record'. But 'Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Another Story, Vol. 1' will likely sate the thirst of fans of the original anime and manga. Everyone in it is in character.

Is there a running theme of loneliness and needing friends and teammates? It's about Mami, so that's probably the case. The detective's case. Heh.

Okay, I'll shut it now.

If you have read and liked 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story, Vol. 1' and 'Magia Record: Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story, Vol. 1', then check this additional manga out.

Final Score: 3.5/5