Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic / Magi: The Kingdom of Magic

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-30/magi-the-labyrinth-of-magic-ad-with-sid-opening-posted

Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic Ad With SID’s Opening Posted

posted on 2012-09-30 06:45 EDT

Visual-kei rock band performs “V.I.P” theme for anime premiering next Sunday

The official website for the Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic television anime series began streaming the second television commercial on Sunday. The commercial features the opening theme song “V.I.P” from the visual-kei rock band SID (Black Butler, Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood).

The original manga re-imagines tales from the classic story One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights). Shinobu Ohtaka, the creator of Sumomomo Momomo, has been serializing the manga since 2009, and Shogakukan is publishing the 14th compiled book volume this month. The manga has 4.4 million copies in circulation.

Director Koji Masunari (Read or Die, Welcome to THE SPACE SHOW) is helming the anime adaptation at A-1 Pictures. Toshifumi Akai (Kokoro Connect, Sound of the Sky) is serving as the character designer and chief animation director, and Hiroyuki Yoshino (Accel World, Guilty Crown, My-HiME) is handling the scripts. Shiro Sagisu (Bleach, Evangelion, Berserk films) is composing the music.

The all-star cast includes Kaori Ishihara as Aladdin, Yuuki Kaji as Ali Baba, Haruka Tomatsu as Morgiana, Daisuke Ono as Sinbad, Ryohei Kimura as Judal, and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Ūgo-kun.

This 90th anniversary project from Shogakukan will premiere next Sunday at 5:00 p.m. on MBS, TBS, and their network of affiliates.

Crunchyroll to Stream Magi Fantasy Adventure Anime (Update 2)

posted on 2012-10-03 13:04 EDT
A-1 Pictures’ adaptation of Shinobu Ohtaka’s manga to premiere on October 10

[size=16]ANN Anime Spotlight: Magi[/size]
Oct 4, 2012

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-05/magi-adventure-anime-3rd-promo-streamed-with-english-subs

Magi Adventure Anime’s 3rd Promo Streamed With English Subs

posted on 2012-10-05 01:30 EDT

A-1 Pictures’ anime of Shinobu Ohtaka’s manga to stream in English next Wednesday

Aniplex of America added English subtitles to the third promotional video for the Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic television anime series and began streaming it this week. The same video debuted in Japan last month.

The original manga re-imagines tales from the classic story One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights). Shinobu Ohtaka, the creator of Sumomomo Momomo, has been serializing the manga since 2009, and Shogakukan published the 14th compiled book volume on September 18. The manga has 4.4 million copies in circulation.

Director Koji Masunari (Read or Die, Welcome to THE SPACE SHOW) is helming the anime adaptation at A-1 Pictures. Toshifumi Akai (Kokoro Connect, Sound of the Sky) is serving as the character designer and chief animation director, and Hiroyuki Yoshino (Accel World, Guilty Crown, My-HiME) is handling the scripts. Shiro Sagisu (Bleach, Evangelion, Berserk films) is composing the music. The visual-kei band SID is performing the opening theme song “V.I.P.”

The all-star cast includes Kaori Ishihara as Aladdin, Yuuki Kaji as Ali Baba, Haruka Tomatsu as Morgiana, Daisuke Ono as Sinbad, Ryohei Kimura as Judal, and Toshiyuki Morikawa as Ūgo-kun.

This 90th anniversary project from Shogakukan will premiere in Japan on Sunday. Crunchyroll and Hulu will then begin streaming the anime in English into several countries next Wednesday.

I tried watching this. I made it to the part where the blue haired androgynous blob is violating a watermelon in the back of some desert conveyance and cheerily announces that he is Aladdin. This was after the part where said blob-character is down on the ground in front of some gargantuan black male monster thing…which was not wearing any clothes.

At which point, I couldn’t close the window fast enough.

Thanks to this show, I’ve learned that every fiber of my being is wholly opposed to shouta.

Disney might not own the rights to the original tale, but I think they could do us all a service by using their clout to nix this show as it defiles a beloved classic childrens’ movie of theirs.

I wish that I could un-see this show.

Ep. 01


I rather enjoyed the first episode.
It reminds me a lot of the GetBackers series, in the chibi comedy/shounen type way, which I also rather enjoyed.
Here’s to hoping they stay similar!

Ep. 1

So far, so good. Pretty enjoyable episode were we meet all the players and the start of the adventure. Good enough look forward to ep. 2.

###Aniplex USA Adds Sword Art Online, Blast of Tempest, Magi Anime
posted on 2012-10-12 11:59 EDT
All 3 series currently streaming on Crunchyroll

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-20/magi-1st-blu-ray-to-bundle-exclusive-sinbad-manga

Magi’s 1st Blu-ray to Bundle Exclusive Sinbad Manga

posted on 2012-10-20 22:40 EDT

The Japanese retail site Neowing reports that the first limited-edition Blu-ray Disc for the anime series Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic will bundle a 70-page prototype manga titled Sinbad no Bōken (The Adventures of Sinbad). The manga is a collaboration between Magi creator Shinobu Ohtaka and artist Yoshifumi Ōtera.

The limited first pressing of the first Blu-ray Disc volume will ship on January 30. Along with the first two episodes on a single disc and the manga, it will include a disc of bonus content with a digest video and a making-of video for the “Maharajan Eve” event, as well as textless opening and ending animation sequences. Voice cast members Kaori Ishihara, Yuuki Kaji, and Haruka Tomatsu offer an audio commentary of the first episode. The volume also bundles a mail-away form for advance tickets sales to an April 28 event, 3 Yunan stickers, an 8-page booklet with cast interviews and Magi news, and a jacket drawn by character designer Toshifumi Akai.

The first Blu-ray volume retails for 7,140 yen (about US$90), and there is a separate, less expensive DVD volume with no listed extras.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-10-25/viz-europe-licenses-magi-anime

Viz Europe Licenses Magi Anime

posted on 2012-10-25 22:07 EDT

Viz Media Europe announced on Thursday that it acquired the television, video-on-demand, home entertainment, and merchandising rights for the Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic anime in Europe. Aniplex of America licensed the same anime for North America, and Crunchyroll and Hulu are streaming it there. Anime on Demand is streaming it in the United Kingdom.

Ep. 04 & 05

That was sad.


The little old lady getting shot in the back with an arrow at the end was sad.
Just reinforces how much of a kids show this isn’t.
Though Aladin got a free staff out it.

Episode 1 –

spoiler

I think this is the strangest Aladdin I’ve ever seen. But the scenery and the music are beautiful and I am hooked on the story. Elizabeth was pretty funny in this episode and I felt a little bad for Alibaba having his expectations crushed like that. He seems a pretty decent guy in spite of his desire for wealth and power. And I liked when he punched Budel. Seems Alibaba is meant to be a reluctant hero. And Aladdin has a few nice surprises up his sleeve!

Episode 2 –

[details=spoiler]Aladdin strikes again! Fainting with hunger, he falls against Alibaba and pushes him into the dungeon, making up Alibaba’s mind for him. And it seems the dungeon attracted quite the gathering! Jamil is insane, but it’s nice to see that the slave girl survived.

It was funny when the slave girl told Aladdin that his friend was dead and Alibaba pops out! I’m glad he got through the fire ok and he and Aladdin make a nice escape![/details]

Episode 3 –

spoiler

Aladdin has even more power! Jamil really is insane if he thinks Aladdin will make him a king. He’s a monster and I don’t know why Morgiana stays with him. When Amon appears, we find out that Aladdin really can choose the king. Even Aladdin seems surprised by this. The dungeon crumbles before they can get more answers and Jamil is finally gone. Or is he? At least Morgiana was saved along with our heroes. However, the three are separated in the end. But more adventure awaits!

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-05/magi-secret-project-to-launch-next-spring

Magi’s ‘Secret’ Project to Launch Next Spring

posted on 2012-12-05 23:47 EST

Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine reports that a “secret” Magi project will launch next spring. More details will be revealed on the official Magi website and in the magazine.

Rock Band Porno Graffitti Performs Opening for Magi Anime

posted on 2012-12-07 06:30 EST
“Matataku Hoshi no Shita de” to debut in anime on January 6

Episode 4 –

[details=spoiler]Aladdin has found some new friends, but they are in danger of being conquered by the Kou Empire. However, Hakuei would rather see them join the empire of their own volition, peacefully and without bloodshed. Aladdin can see that Hakuei is truthful and has good intentions, so he promises to help her.

However, while Hakuei and Aladdin were talking, the young girls of the clan were taken by the soldiers to be sold into slavery. Aladdin tells Grandma that he met with Hakuei and about her promise to him. The girls are rescued without incident by the clan and Grandma decides that they will join the empire. The clan is disappointed, but Grandma assures them that peace is better than war. In order to preserve their clan, they agree to join the empire. And as Grandma stands alone on a hilltop, musing on the future generations of her people, an arrow pierces her back.[/details]

Episode 5 –

[details=spoiler]It seems there is something going on here and why do I get the feeling that Ryosai is behind it? While Grandma is rushed back to the village, still clinging to life, a dead soldier arrives at the Kou headquarters, supposedly killed by Kouga arrows. Ryosai is all for war but Hakuei wants to go to the village and discover why they would declare war. However, going to the village means that Ryosai will be left in charge of the army. Not a very good idea, but Hakuei goes anyway.

The clan is angered that their beloved leader was attacked in such a way and is ready to fight. They ignore the voice of reason and Grandma’s wishes and prepare for war. As the men ride out of the village, Ryosai prepares his own men for war. It turns out that he did orchestrate things so that war would be declared. He would even like to see Hakuei dead, just because he enjoys war and killing!

Hakuei is attacked, but convinces the men that she just wants to talk with them. They don’t believe her and want to kill her, but Grandma shows up with Aladdin and stops them. Bleeding badly, she walks over to Hakuei, kneels and declares her allegiance to the Kou Empire. This angers the clan, but Grandma says that Aladdin told her that Hakuei can be trusted. The men drop their weapons and kneel to Hakuei, as she vows to protect them. Back at the village, Grandma dies and only Aladdin can see her spirit. She imparts some wisdom before she bids him farewell and Aladdin is able to cry for her.

On the way back to headquarters, Hakuei meets Ryosai and the army. They fully intend to go to war and wipe out the Kouga. Ryosai even proudly confesses his scheming, including Hakuei’s own murder, with the aim of becoming general of the entire Kou army. Hakuei tries to save herself with the help of her djinn, but is captured anyway. Aladdin saves her just in time and finds out that he is not the only Magi. And as Aladdin leaves the Kouga for good, he is gifted with Grandma’s staff, which was really nice and promises to see them all again someday. So begins his journey to return to Alibaba![/details]

Episode 6 –

[details=spoiler]Morgiana has joined a caravan headed to Balbadd, but still has nightmares about her days of slavery. Then she finds out that the caravan is not going directly to Balbadd, but needs to take a detour in order to avoid some bandits. She asks if they could still take that road if someone were to wipe out the bandits. I know what she has in mind!

Meanwhile, the bandits have joined up with a slave trader and both sides have enjoyed a good profit. Morgiana enters their base camp and politely asks them to leave the area. The thieves laugh at her as she tells them that she will make them leave by force. As she proves her point, the other thugs surround her and the fight begins in earnest. The commotion draws the attention of Fatima, the slave trader, who calls her one of the “Conquerors of the Dark Continent” and seems to think that she is from a tribe called the Fanalis – a very strong warrior clan. Fatima declares that he wants her!

A bird attacks Morgiana and scratches her before she can fend it off. But as Fatima introduces himself, she recognizes him from the day before. And as she talks to him, she becomes disoriented and drowsy. It turns out that her arm was scratched by the poison talons of a desert crow! She collapses and is captured.

Once again she awakens from her nightmares to find that she is a slave again. But she’s not alone – a child named Narja is in the cell with her. Narja asks about slavery and Morgiana’s answer was very straightforward and very sad. The scared child begins to cry and calls for her mother and father. Remembering her own childhood of slavery, Morgiana finally shows some compassion and promises that she will escape and free Narja and her parents.

When Narja gets sick, Fatima will feed her to the hyenas, rather than treating her illness, which would be a waste of money for him. He makes Morgiana watch and she becomes more and more enraged as the child is lowered to the beasts. She tries to break her shackles which are custom made and very strong – impossible for her to get out of.

But the spirit of her mentor speaks to her and tells her that she can overcome anything with courage. And as Fatima slices the rope that holds Narja over the hungry hyenas, Narja falls to them. However, before they can attack her, the shackled Morgiana goes into action. She jumps into the pit and landing on her feet, the shackles break apart. Kneeling by Narja, she takes a deep breath and emits a high pitched sound that chases the hyenas away. She then breaks her wrist chains and unties Narja, informing her that they are leaving.

However, Fatima now releases venomous saber toothed tigers! Morgiana easily defeats them and then goes after Fatima. He quivers before her, but she only asks for his keys, intending to free all of his merchandise. Of course this will ruin him. Good!

She frees the slaves and Narja is reunited with her parents. But Morgiana is also reunited with Aladdin of all people! She wonders how he got captured and found out that it was a similar situation to her own - he passed out and woke up in chains when his caravan was attacked. But I wonder why he didn’t escape himself? He is powerful enough. Or did he somehow know that Morgiana was coming?

Anyway, the newly freed slaves are attacked by the bandits. Meanwhile, Morgiana’s friends from her own caravan are on their way to rescue her. But Aladdin has gotten his flute back and Ugo is chasing all the bandits away. What a scene for Morgiana’s friends to ride in to! In the end, Aladdin asks Morgiana if they can travel together since they are now both headed to Balbadd and Morgiana shakes hands on it. That night everyone feasts and Aladdin tells Morgiana that everything is connected - forever. The next morning, Aladdin and Morgiana say goodbye to their friends and head to Balbadd on foot and Aladdin has come up with a nickname for Morgiana – Morg! :lol: [/details]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-12-23/supercell-contributes-magi-anime-new-ending-theme

Supercell Contributes Magi Anime’s New Ending Theme

posted on 2012-12-23 14:05 EST

Unit previously performed themes for Black Rock Shooter, Guilty Crown

Composer Ryo’s supercell unit is contributing the new ending theme for Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic. The anime is also getting a new opening theme on January 6 by Japanese rock band Porno Graffiti.

supercell performed opening and ending themes for Black Rock Shooter, Guilty Crown, Bakemonogatari, Naruto Shippūden, and the Nerawareta Gakuen anime film. Recently, member Yoshiki Usa’s Wooser’s Hand-to-Mouth Life column was adapted into an anime series. The series is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Episode 7 –

[details=spoiler]As Aladdin and “Morg” continue their journey to Balbadd, they meet a man on the road and he’s wearing nothing but a leaf! He causes quite a commotion with them too. Later, at a campsite, and wearing borrowed clothes from Aladdin that quite obviously don’t fit, the man introduces himself as “Sin”. Poor Morg can’t even bring herself to look at him - she seems very embarrassed by his state of undress. Sin explains how he was attacked by bandits while on his way to Balbadd.

As they talk, suddenly Morg can smell the ocean and Sin tells them that it is just over the next hill. The kids run off and find themselves looking out over a big seaside city which turns out to be Balbadd. As they explore the city, I really don’t know how Sin can walk around wearing little more than a diaper! But there also seems to be a bad undercurrent in this city. With the death of the former king, the city is in a state of crisis and it looks like whoever is ruling now isn’t too popular.

Sin leads them to a luxury hotel where he says he always stays and Sin also says he will pay for everything. Aladdin thinks he’s rich, but I wonder if he really is. As Sin tries to enter the hotel, he is attacked by the guards there and forbidden entrance - that is until another man smoothes things over. He calls Sin his master and takes him off to do something about his clothes, while confirming that the bill will be paid for Aladdin and Morg.

One of Sin’s subordinates looks very much like Morg and it turns out that he is a Fanalis too. And it turns out that Sin is actually King Sinbad of Sindria! Aladdin and Morg are shown to a luxurious room and they find out that it may be difficult for Morg to find a ship home from there after all.

While Sin meets with the city leader and tries to reestablish trade between their countries, Aladdin and Morg are told about the “Fog Troop” - a group of thieves that operate under the cover of fog. Apparently, this is a big problem in this city and the reason that trade has broken off. However, the Fog Troop has only attacked the rich and the government and since they distribute what they steal to the less fortunate, some view them as heroes. They find out that the Troop has recently gotten a new leader and that the trouble has increased. Aladdin is shocked to find that the name of this new leader is Alibaba! Could it be his friend?

Sin vows to wipe out the Fog Troop so that trade can resume. But it looks like the city leader has other ideas – he seems to be plotting something. Meanwhile, Aladdin and Morg try to convince themselves that the thief must be another Alibaba and not their friend. Later, over dinner with Sin, he introduces his subordinates to Aladdin and Morg as Masrur and Ja’far. He tells Morg that Masrur is a Fanalis like herself and that they have the same eyes. I wonder if they are somehow related – it would be nice for Morg to find someone of her family. As Aladdin and Morg chat with Masrur, Sin and Ja’far try to figure out how to defeat the Fog Troop. This will be hard since all of his luggage and equipment was stolen by those bandits earlier.

Things get a bit funny when Aladdin brings out Ugo to introduce him to Masrur, but he finds out that Sin has met other magis too. He tells Aladdin that he is Sinbad and is taken aback when Aladdin doesn’t seem to know who he is. So, Sinbad must explain himself and his legend. He proclaims himself the master of seven Djinns and the conqueror of the Seven Seas. But Aladdin doesn’t quite get it and even asks Sin what exactly a magi is because he really doesn’t understand much about himself. Sin tries to explain about magoi and the Rukh, but again, I don’t think Aladdin gets it.

Since Aladdin is so powerful, Sin then asks Aladdin to help him capture the Fog Troop. Ja’far is not happy with that request and Aladdin isn’t sure what he should do. He asks Morg for her opinion, but Morg just wants to find a way to the Dark Continent and home. If defeating this group will help her, and also help them to find Alibaba, then she thinks that they should help Sin. Sin accepts Aladdin’s help, but tells a stunned Morg that she should wait at the hotel. All because he doesn’t think a girl should fight! I like how she convinces him otherwise!

As they plan their strategy, Sin thinks that the story of the “chivalrous thieves” is just propaganda and that these guys are in it for their own gain. However, he like everyone to come to their own conclusions and act on what they believe is right. That night, the trap is laid. But as Sin and Masrur stand guard, they come face to face with the people of the slums. Once he sees their plight, Sin think that maybe this country is a lost cause after all.

The fog rolls in, but it’s scarlet and they realize that they mustn’t breathe it in for it causes hallucinations. This fog is not natural, but made by mysterious powers. The fog is due to the Scarlet Hallucination Fog Sword that belongs to someone named Zainab of the Fog Troop. And she urges Hassan to hurry up and use his Yellow Erosive Fog Sword. I can see why they are called the Fog Troop! As they break into the mansion, Ja’far momentarily stops them but is caught in another fog caused by Cassim’s Black Binding Fog Sword. Morg is next to attack and also gets caught in the black fog.

Aladdin calls out to Morg as she fights against the fog and it seems that one of the Fog Troop recognizes him. Morg is defeated and Aladdin brings out Ugo. The one that seemed to recognize Aladdin steps forward to face Aladdin and Ugo alone. He removes his face covering and it is Alibaba! So, the stories were true after all. What will happen now?[/details]