A really interesting - if really short - study of 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' and its spin-off manga titles and movies.
Separated by linear, themed chapters and parts, 'The Very Soil' is immensely clever throughout. Any 'Madoka' fan can learn more, and start a lot of discussions from what's talked about in its pages.
Basically, as well as a feminist analysis and a confident critique on what roles the characters play in the stories, the little book interprets 'Madoka Magica' as ultimately being about depression; from the series' signs focusing on what it humanly means to lose hope as well as to have it. Are there such things as selflessness, selfless love and a perfect world, for example. 'The Very Soil' goes on to connect the anime's dark themes to how life can be born from despair, death and decay, and how life has no meaning, yet still bears fruit (and cheese). But fundamentally it's about people - the characters within the revolutionary magical girl franchise, and the people in its fandom and in everyday living.
Living in whatever (if any) fixed systems of the universe.
'The Very Soil' also makes comparisons to other magical girl shows such as 'Cardcaptor Sakura', 'Sailor Moon' and 'Revolutionary Girl Utena'; and the ways 'Madoka' mirrors, parodies and subverts their elements.
Though 'The Very Soil' could have been organised and packaged better, even for something independently published and unauthorized. Plus it is rather personal and subjectively written. But the author, Jed A. Blue, is a blogger, and I appreciate his efforts. I think each of his critical essays in 'The Very Soil' are worth good marks for any academic course.
Final Score: 4/5
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