Magazines
See the Translated Official Documents Redesign for a more up-to-date collection of documents.
Interviews
Pre-broadcast
Megami
Interview with Akiyuki Shinbo regarding the show.
Once it ends, I want [the viewers] to watch again one more time. I want to make it a show that you can enjoy watching 12 episodes straight. There might even be some parts that is not understandable without watching it that way. I think it is fun if you watch it once you know how it ends. You can empathize the characters that way, and you can discover something new by watching it from different viewpoint.
January
Animedia
Interview with Atsuhiro Iwakami (from Animedia, original article):
- Every word from Homura has meaning.
- We will deliver a certain theme throughout the series.
- Mahou shoujo does not equal heroine.
- It doesn't have to follow the defeating-one-enemy-a-week pattern.
- Weapons of magical girls and the concept of enemy are different from standard.
- Each character has a strong attachment to their past or present.
Animage
Interview with Gen Urobuchi (from Animage):
- Mahou Shoujo in this show are not united as a single group.
- Main element of the story is how everyone from a different standpoint understands each other.
- Everything about Homura is mysterious, unlike other characters whose parts and motivation are clear.
- Mami knows the mechanism of the world to a certain degree, so her part is a guide to Madoka and Sayaka.
- Madoka and Sayaka will follow the way Mami leads, but at a certain point they might choose their own paths.
- Urobuchi "this is my first time I have been entrusted with a big task that is scenario for all episodes, I feel like I can say I'm an anime scenario writer now (laughs). Can I go ahead from this point is up to "Madoka."
Nyantype
Interview with Gen Urobuchi in Nyantype 2011/03. Regarding Mami's death:
If this were a 26-episode show there would be more of Mami. Someone that looks exactly like Mami in a traditional hotspring maid outfit. Or something that looks like Mami in a life guard vest. That would be nice, wouldn't it? Except that I am lying. Sorry. (Urobuchi)
Regarding the story:
Mahou shoujo is a cruel task, that kind of story is what the producer believed is needed. So he asked someone who's good at stories like that. The reason he chose me was because of Fate/Zero; the style he seeks was clear to me from that point.
Megami
Interview with Gen Urobuchi in Megami Magazine 2011/03. Regarding opening movie and the story:
At this point the opening looks like an amazing fraud (laughs). How they're not taking the decision to become magical girls lightly adds weight to it. After all, it's the story until they make that choice. The viewers might be confused by that, but it's possible because we don't need to sell any toys. If this were a project with many sponsors, we'd get slapped around if we didn't make her transform in the first episode (laughs). But since we're not stuck with that type of project, we'll just do anything we can get away this time.
Regarding Kyouko:
She appears as a character that covers values of battle after the premise of the series has been established. How her sense of values differs from other characters, as a character that changes the viewpoint [of the premise], that there's someone with this way of thinking. After Mami's death, the viewpoint is changed to Kyouko; the way each Mahou Shoujo treats her is how each character's nature becomes clear.
Regarding Homura:
Homura's position is that she's another veteran Mahou Shoujo apart from Mami, since it's clear that she knows something Sayaka and Madoka don't know. After Mami's death, she's going to become the one who holds the key about various mysteries in the show. She's going to be the one that pulls out the truth together with Kyubey.
February
Animedia
Interview with Gen Urobuchi in NewType Magazine 2011/03 regarding the story from now on:
"Hey everyone, have you enjoyed it until episode 5? Well, the roller coaster is now at its peak, time for guidance has ended! What's left is to leave the body to go along with the story. I'm writing it so that you want to watch the next episode, so if you didn't quit it by episode 3, and were able to watch it until episode 6, I believe you'll be able to enjoy it until the end "
NewType
Interview with series director Yukihiro Miyamoto in NewType 2011/03 regarding fighting styles (original article):
Miyamoto: I like it better when fight scenes are not only tough, but also have their own merits and demerits and depends on each individual's tactics. For example, Mami can bring out a giant gun, but it is single-loaded, that's why she lost to the witch…
NewType: If she's able to rapid-fire, then she might not lose.
Miyamoto: Yes. Magical girls are not strong. Homura is only strong because of her special ability, but she's weak as a magical girl.
Interview with Saitō Chiwa (Homura Akemi) and Yūki Aoi (Madoka Kaname) regarding Kyubey (original article):
NewType: As a last question, please say something to Kyubey.
Yūki: I want to know what you're thinking.
Saitō: Please never come to me.
NewType: That's cruel! Kyubey looks so cute (laughs).
Yūki: In the recording room, everyone was excited when Kyubey appeared on the screen. At first Katō Emiri-san (Kyubey's VA) defended him, but recently she started saying Kyubey is scary.
Saitō: Kyubey is always in an interesting position.
Yūki: Kyubey is the most mysterious character. Please pay attention to him.
Interview with Gekidan Inu Curry regarding witches:
In episode 1, the familiars are "gardening". Why and what are they gardening for?
They're raising roses for the witch that appeared in episode 2. That's what they're born for.
What are those familiars and witches doing when they're not fighting magical girls?
They're acting on their own judgement. For example, the witch of the rose garden will just raise a rose.
In the witch's barrier, there are a lot of weird signs placed everywhere. What are they?
It's what they found in the human world. When the barrier is created, anything in the surrounding environment will be drawn into it. They will then get affected by the magical powers of the witch, and its looks will be altered.
What do you think about the saying "weak humans are witch's prey; and witches are magical girl's prey. It's a natural rule, ordered by the strength of each one."
Maybe it's not that different from our human society. Just like how we can't refuse when a senior asks us to buy a coffee milk. The way this world works is harsh.
Please tell us your favorite witch or familiar.
The one with a mustache.
March
Megami
The latest Megami magazine has a feature of Puella Magi Magica Madoka. In it there are a couple of interviews, some of those interviews were translated on this forum.
Couple interesting points (Q = Megami, A = Yukihiro Miyamoto, series director):
Q - What did you think when you first read Urobuchi-san's screenplay?
A - I just read it quickly as usual, and finished it in one go, but before I knew it tears just came out of me. I was so moved. I did not really keep in mind that it was in the mahou shoujo genre, but I felt that "I would really want to animate this work as my next job".
Q - From an animation point of view, were there specific instructions from Shinbo or Inu Curry?
A - Shinbo would say something on the drawings on the layout and the situation design, like "I want here to be like this". But he did not say much about the personality of the characters. He only said "A character that killed other people cannot get a happy end".
Q - PMMM is now approaching the climactic stage. Is there anything to watch for at this final part?
A - Kyubey is still Kyubey at the end. And personally I am happy with that.
April Article
Question 1 : What do you think of Kyubey?
VC of Madoka (Aoi Yuuki): *smile* (a smile after a victory)
Homura (Chiwa Saito): (SHAFT head tilt)
Mami (Kaori Mizuhashi): Let's see, Kyubey is really my friend, so I hope everyone can get along with him a little better (ha ha ha)
Sayaka (Eri Kitamura): Kyu, Kyubey!!
Kyouko (Ai Nonaka): Such a pain. (Kyoko's voice)
QB (Emiri Katou): I didn't understand how you felt... I'm sorry.
Question 2 : Which one of your character's scenes has stuck in your head?
VC of Madoka : After episode 3, there hasn't been an episode where Madoka hasn't cried.
- Homura : Every scene with Homura in episode 10. Her feelings for Madoka really moved me.
- Mami : The scene where I talked about my contract. Oh, and the transformation and battle scenes were awesome.
- Sayaka : The scene where I say "Miracles and magic both exist". I think that's when, in some ways, "Magical Girl Sayaka Magica" started.
- Kyouko : The line "Kuukai?". Whenever she says it, it gives me a feeling that she's opening her heart and wanting to share her food, and it makes my heart skip a beat.
- QB : The scene where QB was shot full of holes was really shocking.
Question 3 : If you had magic, what magic would you want?
VC of Madoka : I want the magic to be positive, whatever happens!
- Homura : If I wanted magic, I'd have to become a magical girl, so I'd have to refuse the offer!
- Mami : The power to fly!
- Sayaka : Eternal life!
- Kyouko : The power to make flowers bloom. That's all I really want to do.
- QB : The magic to heal people!
Question 4 : Do you have a message for your fans?
VC of Madoka : If all of you can find the message hidden in this work, I'll be very happy!
- Homura : The answer is whatever has been left in your hearts and minds after you view this work.
- Mami : I'd be very happy if I could meet all of you again.
- Sayaka : Thank you very much for watching us magical girls.
- Kyouko : It might change the way you see magical girls from now on, but I'd like you to work hard and believe that miracles and magic do exist!
- QB : I'd be happy if everyone stopped bullying Kyubey so much *tear*, okay?
Source: Animage, May 2011. Scenery, Homura's hair, and the secret about Homura's room
Source: Animage, May 2011. The girls' weapons
Source: Otona Anime Vol. 20. Light, color and composition
Source: Otona Anime Vol. 20. Characters' color
Source: Otona Anime Vol. 20. Light and composition
Source: Otona Anime Vol. 20. Action
Homura's Hopes, Madoka's Wish
Homura's Hopes, Madoka's Wish
Magical girls are a miraculous existence. They can have any wish granted for them, possess magical powers, and have a powerful body that surpasses any human one. However, they must pay for these gifts, and that payment is despair.
Carrying the burden of a life of fighting, with no exit in sight, they must accept a future without salvation. Magical girls live alongside their despair. One magical girl, Akemi Homura, who had to learn of this herself, accepted the responsibility of tremendous power, lusted for wisdom, and redefined her heart to make a single wish come true.
The magic she possesses can alter the flow of time. Time after time, she turns back the flow, fighting, struggling, beating against the fate that awaits her. To live through the same moments again, she must relive the despair herself. She has thrown away her own future. She has chosen to take it on alone, refusing to share it with anyone. But still, she will not give up. To find the exit that may or may not exist, to find the answer that may or may not be waiting for her, she walks through the mazes of time.
Every time she turns back the clock, the distance between her and Madoka grows. In every timeline, she starts out as a simple transfer student in her eyes. There is no way Madoka can understand her actions. She will never tell Madoka how she feels. Her only hope, one which will never be fulfilled.
But, if by some chance her hope reaches Madoka - that would be a miracle. The world is waiting silently for the miracle that will awaken by Madoka's wish.
October, 2010
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Megami Magazine 2010/12 | October 30, 2010 | |
1 page:
| |||
November, 2010
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | NewType 2010/12 | November 10, 2010 | |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/01 | November 30, 2010 | Main 4 characters in their Magical Girl uniform |
2 pages:
| |||
December, 2010
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Animage 2011/01 | December 10, 2010 | Main 4 characters "How about becoming Magical Girl?" |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Animedia 2011/01 | December 10, 2010 | Main 4 characters with Homura looking this way |
2 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/01 | December 10, 2010 | Homura & Madoka "More suspicious than high-schooler" |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/02 | December 24, 2010 | |
1 page:
| |||
| File:Cover DG.02.2011.jpg | Dengeki G's Magazine 2011/02 | December 27, 2010 | Homura & Madoka "Dokidoki Mahou Time♥" |
1 page:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/02 | December 30, 2010 | Madoka in magical girl uniform sitting on orange (cover) Main 4 characters in school uniform (pinup) |
6 pages:
| |||
January 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Otona Anime Vol.19 | January 8, 2011 | |
5 pages:
| |||
 | Animedia 2011/02 | January 10, 2011 | Main 4 characters (Kishida Takahiro's art in water painting-style) |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Animage 2011/02 | January 10, 2011 | Main 4 characters "Friendship Story☆is Our Trump Card" |
2 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/02 | January 10, 2011 | Madoka, Homura and Mami "Magical Girl has Begun" |
4 pages:
| |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/03 | January 24, 2011 | |
44 pages:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/03 | January 30, 2011 | Main 4 characters in swimsuit with Sayaka holding beach ball (pinup) |
5 pages:
| |||
 | NyanType 2011/03 | January 30, 2011 | Madoka and Mami in swimsuit (pinup) |
4 pages:
| |||
February 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Animage 2011/03 | February 10, 2011 | Homura and Madoka with Valentine Day's chocolate |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Animedia 2011/03 | February 10, 2011 | |
2 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/03 | February 10, 2011 | Madoka & Homura / Kyouko vs. Sayaka |
6 pages:
| |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/04 | February 24, 2011 | |
46 pages:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/04 | February 27, 2011 | Homura in black dress with Amy (cover) Madoka in white school swimsuit (pinup) |
10 pages:
| |||
 | NyanType 2011/04 | February 27, 2011 | Homura and Madoka in party dress (cover) Madoka in pajama (pinup) |
7 pages:
| |||
March 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Animedia 2011/04 | March 10, 2011 | Same one as Animedia 2011/02 but only Homura is present |
4 pages:
| |||
 | Animage 2011/04 | March 10, 2011 | |
3 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/04 | March 10, 2011 | Two Madoka in school uniform and Magical Girl Uniform "The Last Wish" |
4 pages:
| |||
 | Kikan S 2011/4 Winter, Volume 33 | March 15, 2011 | |
6 pages:
| |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/05 | March 24, 2011 | Kazumi, Kaoru and Umika (cover) Key Visual No.2 (Low paper quality) |
46 pages:
| |||
 | Febri Vol.5 | March 28, 2011 | |
20 pages:
| |||
 | NyanType 2011/05 | March 30, 2011 | Everyone's sleepover (pinup) |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/05 | March 30, 2011 | Megane Homura, Madoka, Sayaka and Mami at the beach (pinup) Novel illustration (pinup) |
Special Booklet (14 pages):
| |||
 | LisAni! Vol.4.1 | March 31, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | @2.5 62483-81 | March 31, 2011 | |
8 pages:
| |||
April 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Otona Anime Vol.20 | April 9, 2011 | Madoka from Key Visual No.2 (cover) |
34 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/05 | April 10, 2011 | Megane Homura and Madoka (B2 poster) |
1 page (back of B2 poster):
| |||
 | Animedia 2011/05 | April 10, 2011 | |
2 pages:
| |||
 | Animage 2011/05 | April 10, 2011 | Madoka in Magical Girl uniform and Megane Homura. |
4 pages:
| |||
 | B.L.T. 2011/06 | April 23, 2011 | Madoka cover (Gamers) Sayaka cover (Toranoana) Homura cover (Animate) |
| At least four pages on characters. | |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/06 | April 24, 2011 | |
26 pages:
| |||
 | LisAni! Vol.5 | April 25, 2011 | Homura and Madoka in Magical Girl uniform (cover) |
? pages:
| |||
 | Megastore 2011/06 | April 30, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/06 | April 30, 2011 | Key Visual No.2 (pinup) |
3 pages:
| |||
May 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | NewType 2011/06 | May 10, 2011 | Homura with Kyubey sitting on her shoulder |
4 pages:
| |||
 | Animage 2011/06 | May 10, 2011 | |
4 pages:
| |||
 | Animedia 2011/06 | May 10, 2011 | Goddess Madoka (pinup) |
1 page (back of pinup):
2 pages (newsprint page)
| |||
 | Cyzo 2011/06 | May 18, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | CUT 2011/06 | May 19, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/07 | May 24, 2011 | |
26 pages:
| |||
 | Febri Vol.6 | May 25, 2011 | |
8 pages:
| |||
 | S-F Magazine 2011/07 | May 25, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | Weekly Playboy 2011/06/13 | May 30, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | NyanType 2011/07 | May 30, 2011 | |
1 page:
| |||
 | Megami Magazine 2011/07 | May 30, 2011 | Mami in swimsuit (B2 poster front) Homura in swimsuit (B2 poster back) |
Special booklet (16 pages):
| |||
June 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cover | Tokusatsu Shinsengumi DX 2011/07 | June 6, 2011 | |
5 pages:
| |||
 | NewType 2011/07 | June 10, 2011 | Madoka holding Homura glasses with Ribbon Homura |
Special booklet (33 pages):
| |||
 | Animage 2011/07 | June 10, 2011 | |
1 pages:
| |||
 | Shinjidai no Mixture Magazine BLACK PAST | June 12, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
 | SWITCH 2011/07 Vol.29 No.07 | June 20, 2011 | Madoka tying her ribbon (cover, A2 poster exclusive in online shop) |
| Unknown | |||
| No Cover | Manga Time Kirara Forward 2011/08 | June 24, 2011 | |
? pages:
| |||
| No Cover | Megami Magazine 2011/08 | June 30, 2011 | |
Special booklet (? pages):
| |||
July 2011
| Cover | Title | Release date | Illustration |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Otona Anime Vol.21 | July 8, 2011 | Goddess Madoka (cover) |
~50 pages?:
| |||
See also
- 100 Questions, a 100-questions survey dedicated to Madoka Magica's characters. Published in Ani-Com magazine in december 2010.
- The Talk Page contains additional material that is being translated or is unconfirmed.