Yuri undertones

This section may contain major spoilers!

Please refrain from reading if you are not yet familiar with all the latest media released.

"You're cute, but I won't let you become popular with the guys. You're going to be my wife!" ~ Sayaka Miki declaring Madoka to be her waifu in Episode 1

Aside from its story and characters, the show gained popularity among some fans for its yuri subtext. Many yuri-loving fans tend to see pairings between the girls, usually Homura x Madoka and Kyouko x Sayaka. This page will try to explain what lead them to this conclusion (and what "evidence" there is in canon).

About yuri

placeholder. Put the copypasta from Nox's talkpage here

Homura and Madoka

Episode 11: Love Confession or Pledge of Friendship?

Déjà vu

Fans are divided with the significance of this scene. Fans of yuri see it as Homura's love confession to Madoka and a promise to protect her life. Those who believe in the power of friendship see it as Homura's pledge to protect her most precious friend, Madoka, against a cruel fate. Fans of yuri see it as Homura promising to risk her life for Madoka's sake, even if it is an unrequited love or one-sided (Just like Kyoko's case).

Is this scene depicting a powerful moment of friendship against all odds? Or is this Homura's attempt at a love confession where she promises to protect Madoka's life with her own life? Some believe this is a powerful love confession scene.

Homura: There's no way I can tell you how I really feel.

Madoka: Homura-chan...

Homura: I mean... I mean... I'm living in a different time than you!

I've come from the future, you know?

I've met you over and over again, and each time, I've seen you die. How can I save you? How can I change your fate? I've been looking for that answer and that answer only. I've gone back and started from the beginning over and over again.

Madoka: That means... Huh?

Homura: I'm sorry. I'm sure you don't get any of this. I'm sure you're put off (disgusted) by all of this. To you, I haven't even known you for a month - I'm just some transfer student. But to me, you...

Each time I repeat all of this, the time you and I lived grows further apart--our feelings grow further apart, and my words stop reaching you. I think I lost myself a long time ago.

Madoka: Homura-chan...

Homura: My desire to save you: the first emotion I had that started this all. And now that I've come this far, the only star left that will help guide my way... You don't have to understand. My words don't have to resonate within you. But still, I beg you. Let me protect you.

The erotic undertones are confirmed if someone notices the similarities of Homura's house with Utena's school. In particular the infamous nude drawing scene in the movie, where Anthy draws a naked Utena and then rips off her clothes along with her secret [1][2]. Information boards in the same style can be seen in Utena's classroom as well. [3]- UtenaxAnthy is one of the greatest yuri couples and whose relationship is debatable (especially in the TVseries they are shown more like friends than lovers).

Episode 11 Images

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  A tender and emotional hug with a very surprised Madoka. Notice she is not pushing Homura away.

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  Holographic projections reacting to Homura's strong emotions

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  There is a great emotional build up with momentum at this scene. Perhaps a kiss scene next?

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  Homura promises to protect Madoka, even though to Madoka she is just a stranger. Is this love?

This section contains fanart images

Everything in the following fan gallery is created, or the comments accompanying them are created, for entertainment value and should not be confused with actual canon events of the Puella Magi franchise.

• Homura kisses Madoka fanart.jpg

  A missed opportunity/scene that SHAFT will never animate.

• Cruel Ending.png

  But this is Urobuchi's world, where the power of love means nothing...

• Homura game over.png

  Urobuchi hates yuri...

Episode 12: Yuri End?

"Magical girls make hopes and dreams come true, after all. I'm sure if it's small enough, a real miracle just might happen. "Isn't that right?"
--"Madoka, don't go!"
"I'm sorry. I have to go meet up with everyone else. I'll be able to see you again someday. So until then, we'll be apart for a little bit."
--"Madoka!!" ~ Madoka not saying "goobye" but a "see you later" to Homura.

The Yuri subtext is strong on this one

Just like the ending with Kyoko and Sayaka, there is speculation with fans regarding Homura's relationship with Madoka and her willingness to sacrifice it all for her. On this new world Sayaka dies but she has no regrets, and Kyoko laments her death just when they have become friends (fans have interpreted this in many ways).

In Episode 10, we learn that Homura was willing to create new timelines for all eternity just for Madoka. Once she learns that each new time line she creates only makes Madoka's fate into becoming a witch stronger, Homura starts to have doubts, but also becomes more resolute to save Madoka from her fate. Kyubey contests that Homura's hope is a trap, and that it is only a matter of time before despair consumes her. In Episode 11 Homura and Madoka have a conversation in which Homura confesses everything to Madoka: she professes her love for her, as well as how important Madoka is to her (this has been interpreted as a love confession, but others see it as a sign of deep friendship). At the end of Episode 11, Homura is tempted to travel back again for a "do-over," but she stops and gives up, knowing that it was her fault that Madoka now carries such a heavy cosmic karma. She realizes that the more she travels back in time the more certain it is that she will fail, as Homura has created a powerful reservoir of despair-based energy from different timelines -- all of them concentrating on Madoka. To end Madoka's suffering and her own, Homura comes close to becoming a witch; however, Madoka stops her and tells her to never stop hoping.

Once Madoka defeats the Witch version of herself, she creates a paradox: Madoka has become a deity of sorts, but at the cost that Madoka the person ceases to exist in her own world. Homura is not happy with this outcome, but Madoka promises to Homura that she will always be there for her, and that she hopes that one day they would meet again.

• It is indicated that in the original Japanese lines at least, there is no Yuri expression. The relationship between Madoka and Homura can be interpreted as being important friends to each other. There are fans who point out that the nature of Homura and Madoka's relationship can be expressed as "親友" (shin-yu or best friend) which is generally different from romantic relationships.
  • Then again fans like to present their evidence of the existence of yuri subtext as a possibility.
  • Aside from the Utena reference in episode 9, other evidence yuri fans have included the following: The similarity to the KnM pose during the Homura and Madoka's extended nude embrace scene in episode 12. The gift of red ribbons from Madoka to Homura, which is similar to director Shinbo's prior work of Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha between Nanoha and Fate, a favorite pairing among yuri fans, who also refer to each other as best friends. Some fans suggest the red ribbons may also represent the red string of fate, as "two people connected by the red thread are destined lovers, regardless of time, place or circumstances." Yuri fans also believe that Homura's single-minded, ceaseless desire to do anything for Madoka goes beyond friendship.
  • Fans have pointed out that Kalafina's full lyrics of Magia, from the second verse to the last chorus, has been interpreted as a love song from Homura to Madoka. The verses to "Connect" (コネクト, Konekuto?) by ClariS, playing at the end of episode 10, also strongly indicate this is sung from Homura's perspective.

• Yuri fan art depicting this pair have already existed for a while but it has increased after the airing of Episode 12, you can find most of them on pixiv.

• Fans of yuri have ranked "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" as #1 at the top ranking of Yuri Anime, toppling Kannazuki no Miko.

Episode 12 Gallery Analysis

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  Similarities between Kannazuki no Miko and Madoka

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  Three words: Naked space hug.

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• Lilies.jpg

  Lily petals. Can't get more yuri than that.

• Chikane Himemiya and Akemi Homura yuri archers comparison.jpg

  Homura possesses a new (?) weapon in the new world, a magical bow.

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Manga Difference: The Miracle

The Manga shows an additional scene that brings closure to the Madoka and Homura character. We don't know how their meeting was possible, if their encounter is taking place within the (yuri) Afterlife, or if it is the result of a Miracle. All we know is that Homura finally reunites with Madoka, only this time Homura has been reverted to her original self (Moemura). It has been interpreted as a symbolic attempt to start over their relationship for their journey to the unknown.

One possible explanation as to why Homura's image and character was reverted is that Homura was always full of insecurities, that the tough exterior was a necessity to create a mask to cover her grief over the death of Madoka. Now that Homura has been freed from despair she reverts back to her old self, to a time when Madoka and Homura had their strongest emotional bond together before she ditched her glasses and braids. Some have interpreted the "Cool Homura" (or Badass Homura) image as something Homura associates with her time of bad memories and difficult struggles. Now that her struggle is over Homura ditches her cool image and she reverts back to her old self so she can continue her relationship with Madoka where it was left off.

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Official HomuMado Pictures

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  Manga Sample: Unlike the anime version. The manga version seems to have a not so subtle HomuMado illustration constructed in the imaginative mind of Sayaka. Clearly, she is a fan.

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  Official Illustration: Subtext yuri/friendship sells, and SHAFT knows it. They have cornered the "Friendship" and "Yuri" market.

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  Moemura + Yuri = Profit.

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  Card reads: "Dear Kaname Madoka."
  "...."
  by Homura.
  
  The red circle says, "What Saitou Chiwa-san imagined Homura's Valentine's message would be" and the card underneath (I assume a quote from Saitou Chiwa herself) reads "She's the type to overthink it and end up unable to properly say what she wants to say (laugh)."

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Fanart response to HomuMado

This section contains fanart images

Everything in the following fan gallery is created, or the comments accompanying them are created, for entertainment value and should not be confused with actual canon events of the Puella Magi franchise.

• Episode 12 Yuri Wedding.jpg

  According with some fans Madoka could be wearing a wedding dress. Homura's has this black/purple theme that makes it look like a groom's suit.

• KnM Madoka style.jpg

  'nuff said

• Kn M take two.jpg

  so yuri it created an alternate

• Fanart naked space hug.jpg

  Naked space hug...

• HomuMado fanart of ep 12.jpg

  Thank Madokami for the Internet!

• MadoKami is watching over you.jpg

  Experts believe that Madoka as a transcended being has witnessed all events in the past, present, and future making her all knowing. Same experts hope that Madoka is a forgiving and benevolent God and less of the wrathful kind.

• Friendzonedmadohomu.jpg

  Some fans perceive Madoka referring to Homura as a best friend as evidence against yuri.

• Madoka Get.jpg

  Fans of yuri perceive friendship to be the next stepping stone into a more serious relationship.

• Homura waifu Madoka Waifu.jpg

  Badass Homura in a wedding dress. Have yurifans gone too far?

• The evidence keeps growing.jpg

  It is still not too late for SHAFT to release an "adult" version of Episode 12 to finish this chart!

• HomuMado Kiss fanart black and white.jpg
• Homumado oh my stars.jpg
• Homumado magial baby.jpg

  How are babies made between girls? With magic!

• (Hikari) MadoHomu Pajama.png

  This fan work brought you by takeallmymoney.jpg

• Amazon shipping HomuMado.jpg

  Amazon frequently ships these two together.

• Junko approves homumado.jpg
• Namori fanart pixiv.jpg

  art by Namori

• Homura chikane we are the same.png

  Fans have noticed several similarities between Chikane and Homura, except "there".

Trivia

• Yurifans call Homura's affection for Madoka as the "Homulust".
• This yuri pair is usually called HomuMado by fans, indicating Homura to be the dominant in the relationship and Madoka to be the submissive one. Sometimes fans of yuri create or see a role reversal on this pair, in which case the pair is labeled as MadoHomu or also known as the "Reverse Homulust".

Sayaka and Kyoko

File:Kyouko sayaka madoka homura.jpg

Fanart interpretation of Episode 9

"Don't worry, Sayaka."
"It's lonely being by yourself."
"It's fine. I'll stay by your side, Sayaka." ~ Kyoko Sakura dying with Sayaka Miki in Episode 9

Anime and Yuri Subtext

Our first sign of yuri turned out to be a lie, yet it shows that yuri subtext sells.

It is common to find yuri subtext on the Mahou Shoujo genre, sometimes it develops into shippings or pairings created by fans, even if it was not part of the creators original intention. The creators of the show may have been aware of this phenomenon so they decided to exploit the same yuri subtext phenomenon when it came to the relationship between Kyoko and Sayaka. However, the yuri subtext mostly comes from Kyoko making it one-sided; while it is officially recognized that Kyoko has feelings for Sayaka, it is uncertain what types of feelings they are. Fans would argue that Sayaka just never had the chance to return these feelings, and Kyoko was never really good in articulating them.

Many fans point out that the reason these two are paired up together is because of their opposing personalities. Sayaka and Kyoko differ not only philosophically but their personalities are bound to cause clashes; yet they are not that dissimilar once you study these characters. Sayaka is an idealist who pursues the path of a hero of justice, she wants to emulate Mami as an example of an ideal Puella Magi. To Sayaka the gift of being a Puella Magi was something sacred to be used for good only and not for selfish acts. Kyoko on the other hand is more of a rogue who would only use her powers to satiate her base desires. Kyoko scoffs at the idea of using her powers to help others, instead she believes a Puella Magi should only help herself (even at the expense of others). To Kyoko there are no rules except her own.

This unlikely pair started out as enemies and Kyoko was close on killing Sayaka, but as the story progressed it was Kyoko who took the first step to close their gap of distrust. Kyoko even went so far as to explain to Sayaka her painful past and to why she believes Sayaka is making a mistake with her life. But Sayaka refuses Kyoko's advice and subtly proclaims she will be a better Puella Magi than her, that she will still follow a righteous path. Sayaka's arrogance at first seems to anger Kyoko (it is not known if she is angry at Sayaka, at herself, or both) but this doesn't stop her from continually pursuing Sayaka to stop her from furthering her mistakes. (Some fans like to suggest that this moment would have alienated any other character from trying to pursue a friendship with Sayaka, yet it seems to have an opposite effect with Kyoko).

Soon the roles are reversed in Episode 8 and 9. Sayaka finally admits that deep down she was no different from others, that she had selfish desires that were never fulfilled and that she regrets her decision on becoming a Puella Magi (like the love of a boy that went unfulfilled, or the jealous regret of saving a friend's life). She starts to see society as a selfish group who would only exploit others with no remorse for those who suffer. Sayaka finally understands that her decision brought nothing but unhappiness and regrets on her part. Betrayed by the world and by her ideals she soon falls into despair and darkness. It is because of this event that Kyoko soon starts to reveal a different side of her.

With the loss of Sayaka, Kyoko starts to reclaim back her older self. She admits to Madoka that there was a time she used to idealize stories of love, friendship, and courage but she abandoned those ideals when she lost her family. After seeing Sayaka's despair, Kyoko decides that she wants to save her and get the old Sayaka back. Kyoko was putting her faith on romantic ideals, a move that many would like to point out as being irrational and dangerous (even Kyubey agrees such a notion is illogical). Once Kyoko realizes that there is no way to save Sayaka, she decides to sacrifice her life so they could both be together. That way Sayaka wont be alone anymore. There is a division among fans regarding Kyoko's decision to die with Sayaka. There are those who say Kyoko did it as an act of love (the tragic yuri pair or maybe an act of friendship), others say Kyoko knew that even if she did survive it would only be a matter of time before she became a witch so she wanted to end her life her own way (a self sacrifice with practical motives). However, the reason that Kyoko would give up her own life to avoid becoming a witch looks a little unstable, as there is a scene in the episode where what appears to be the souls of both girls, colored respectively in blue and red, embracing each other tenderly before disappearing for good. By this logic, it is unlikely that Kyoko will make one last attempt to reach out to Sayaka before they both faded away if she never saw Sayaka as someone who is more than just a friend, and that the only purpose of her death was to escape her eventual fate of being a Puella Magi.

To fans that support the yuri relationship, the reason that they find this pair strong and attractive is because they want Sayaka to be with someone who can love her and protect her. Kyoko was the only character who understood Sayaka's true nature (and her pain) since Kyoko admitted to her that she saw a fragment of herself in Sayaka. Kyoko was also the only one who chased after her to the bitter end, no matter the obstacles or how obstinate was Sayaka, Kyoko was still there for her. Last but not least, another strong indicator of Kyoko's feelings for Sayaka is shown in the last episode of the anime, where she is the only one who takes Sayaka's death the most personally, in spite of trying to brush it off as simply because they "finally had a chance to become friends". Kyoko fits the perfect role as Sayaka's protector and savior.

The relationship between Kyoko and Sayaka may have not been accidental or a tease but created to heighten emotional investments by the viewers. It is possible that this was part of the creator's intention to emotionally move groups of hardcore fans who support a SayakaxKyoko pairing, thus making their demise in Episode 9 more tragic (or as fans put it a "Yuri Tragedy" ending).

• The Melusine Legend and Kyoko's Soul Gem: There is a Melusine legend that indicates that "a Melusina surfaces briefly every seven years as a beautiful woman or as a serpent, holding a small golden key in her mouth. Whoever takes the key from her will set her free and may claim her as his bride." In Episode 9, Kyoko undoes her hair and then uses her hairpin to pray, it is uncertain but it seems that her Soul Gem and her hairpin were fused together to create a new hairpin with a shape that resembles that of her father's religious symbol. After Sayaka's prayer she kisses the newly formed hairpin and tosses it into the air (before she destroys it with her spear), maybe as an offering to Sayaka to free her from her Witch form by sacrificing Kyoko's soul. The shape of the normal hairpin and of the Soul Gem fused hairpin looks like of a golden key.

• The double-suicide is considered typical in romantic endings for two tragic lovers in Japanese storytelling. Many fans would point this fact as evidence for making this couple canon.

• After the airing of Episode 9, yuri artwork of this pair exploded on Pixiv.

Manga Difference: The Yuri Afterlife

In the anime version when Kyoko dies in the explosion it is the end of her story. However, in the manga version after Kyoko dies we are presented with an image of Sayaka's back as she is sitting on the floor, presumably waiting for someone. Kyoko approaches Sayaka from behind her with an Umaibō in hand as a sign that Kyoko wants to start all over again with Sayaka (the same way she did with Madoka; and perhaps redo her offering of food in Episode 8). But Sayaka, wearing a mischievous expression, instead grabs Kyoko's hand and pulls her down with her. This has been interpreted as Sayaka accepting Kyoko's affection for her; it can also be interpreted as Sayaka's preference to have Kyoko on the menu over the Umaibō.

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  Manga: Kyoko finally understands what is like to protect someone precious to her.

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  Manga: Several changes were made to this scene, yet the emotional impact remains the same.

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  Manga: This emotional (yuri) afterlife encounter was not in the anime, not that I am complaining.

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  Manga Page: Kyoko Sakura, welcome to the yuri afterlife.

KyoSaya Official Gallery:

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  From Nitroplus's Staff Blog: If they were to try to settle things peacefully, things would have gone more like this.

• Sayaka kyouko spinoff.jpg

  Episode synopses: Kyoko comes to town, falls in love with Sayaka at first sight, unable to be honest with her, can do nothing but clash with her constantly. Some sources say these were produced by a staffer.

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  Kyoko pretending to be a boy and a new transfer student, tries to get closer to Sayaka as a new classmate. Also produced by the same staffer.

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  TL: "Sayakaaaaa-".
  From Hanokage twitter (the author of the Madoka manga).

• Kyosaya ume aoki doujin art fan colored.png

  Ume Aoki supports a KyoSaya pairing (fan colored with official Ume Aoki's work).

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  The image on the left is from Revolutionary Girl Utena, the image on the right is from Episode 9 with Sayaka and Kyoko

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  Kyoko's last words to Homura. Kyoko later admits she failed to do that, maybe an admission that she failed to protect Sayaka.

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  There seems to be a connection between the Melusine legend and Kyoko's hairpin/soul gem and her father's religious symbol (see above)

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  This official art seems to subtlety pair each girl with their respective partners (notice how Mami is alone)

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  Ume shipping Kyoko and Sayaka in her doujin

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  Fan translation of Kyoko x Sayaka page 1

• Yuri fan art pixiv growing.png

  Yuri fans of KyoSaya seem to be pleased with these results

Fanart Reponse to KyoSaya

This section contains fanart images

Everything in the following fan gallery is created, or the comments accompanying them are created, for entertainment value and should not be confused with actual canon events of the Puella Magi franchise.

• Kyousaya doujin soul gem sexing.png

  A Yuri Doujin depicting the KyokoxSayaka pair with some steamy Soul Gem sexing

• Yuma has two mommies.jpg

  The family that Kyoko always wanted. Are you listening SHAFT? It is not too late for an OVA.

• Kyosaya KnM.jpg
• Kyousaya magic baby.jpg

Trivia

• This pair is labeled as KyoSaya (or KyouSaya) by yurifans. Kyoko is seen as a tomboy who is usually depicted in the prince role and Sayaka as the tough yet feminine maiden.

Other

Mami and Madoka

A somewhat less popular pair due to Mami's lack of appearances for most of the series. In Episode 3, Madoka tells Mami that she wants to become a magical girl because of her admiration of Mami (admiration of an older sister figure is very common in yuri-themed works). Mami discourages her at her first, saying that she is not someone to admire because despite her trying to appear as a strong mentor, she is weak and lonely. When Madoka tells her that she will stay by her side, Mami is brought to tears. The two hold hands and face each other, and Madoka tells Mami that she really will stay with Mami and fight together with her. During the battle with the witch afterward, Mami states in her internal monologue that she has never been happier while fighting before, and that she no longer has any fears, no doubt due to joy from Madoka's confession. This attitude combined with overconfidence ultimately leads to Mami's untimely demise, but nonetheless many fans saw Madoka's confession and Mami's reaction as evidence of yuri feelings between the two girls.

In the first timeline of episode 10, Mami and Madoka fight as a pair and rescue Homura. Some fans believe that, because Madoka was already close with Mami before meeting Homura, Mami and Madoka were a couple in that timeline.

Love triangle style scenarios in which Mami and Homura compete for Madoka's affection, occasionally with Sayaka brought in as well, are somewhat common in fanworks.

The fan name for this pair is MamiMado.

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  Official pin-up artwork from NyanType magazine, March 2011 issue.

Sayaka and Madoka

In the Episode 1, Sayaka says that she will make Madoka her wife. After watching them communicate telepathically in Episode 2, Hitomi thinks that they are communicating simply through eye contact and must have become a couple, which she calls forbidden love. The two maintain a close friendship for most of the series.

The fan name for this pair is SayaMado. "Forbidden love" is occasionally used as a nickname for this pair and Madoka yuri in general.

Charlotte and Mami

In Episode 3, Mami gets her head bitten off by Charlotte. Despite this, a lot of fanart was drawn of Charlotte and Mami together, partially due to their inevitable association and partially because Charlotte is rather cute compared to other witches. Eventually fans began to draw human versions of all the witches including Charlotte, and would draw Mami paired together with the human version of Charlotte. The revelation in Episode 8 that magical girls turn into witches gave these human forms another meaning and the additional plot points of timelines and the witch-free world created by Madoka gave potential for Charlotte and Mami to meet in a less hostile context.

Also popular simply because the other four main characters are typically paired up together, leaving Mami alone unless paired with Charlotte.

The fan names for this pair are MamiLotte and (less common) MamiCharu.

Official Art

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  Mami is "..." while Homura and Kyoko calls out and goes running after Madoka and Sayaka. Mami is all alone. By Hanokage.

Fanart Images

This section contains fanart images

Everything in the following fan gallery is created, or the comments accompanying them are created, for entertainment value and should not be confused with actual canon events of the Puella Magi franchise.

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  Mamilotte forever.

• Mamilotte Fanart Kiss.jpg

  You are not alone Mami, you still have Charlotte! (minus losing the head).

• KyouHomu KnM.jpg
• Mami Madoka and Charlotte together.jpg

  For those torn between MamiMado and MamiLotte there is always the threesome.

• MamiMado.jpg

  This is how Episode 3 should have ended.

• KirstenxCharlotte.jpg

  Yes, even witches are paired up with other witches.

• Mami homura madoka.jpg

  It is Homura's duty to protect Madoka from witches, Kyubey, and romantic rivals.

• Kyousaya mami threesome.jpg

  You are not alone anymore, Mami (Is not cheating if you are already dead, right?).

• Homura the Harem End.jpg

  For the undecided, there is always the Harem end.

• Homura the harem dream nightmare.jpg

  Dammit Homura...

• Homura harem route.png

  The World Homura Only Knows.

• Being popular is too much.jpg

  Being popular is suffering

• Junko kazuko fan doujin.jpg

  Only MadoKami knows the truth about those rumors and she is not telling...

• Madokami nanofate.jpg

  FUND IT.

• Mamibey ruined for marriage 0 0.jpg

  Technically Kyubey has no gender... do I even wanna go there?...

• Coobilotte.jpg

  Ok, now this is just wrong.

• Madoka coobie yuri.jpg

  Fans have finally lost their minds...

• Sayaka Kamijou genderbender yuri.png

  SayakaxKamijou(female version)... dont ask.

Oriko Manga

Gallery: Manga Pages

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  When Kirika met Oriko.

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  Look, Oriko! You have your own stalker!

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  This pillow is one of a kind.

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  Kirika's words of wisdom regarding love tends to be terrifying to fans and characters alike for some reason.

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  They both paid a heavy price to protect what they love...

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  Even murderers and sinners can go to the (yuri) afterlife.

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  Kirika won't go to the afterlife unless she has Oriko with her.

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Fanart Reponse to KiriKo

This section contains fanart images

Everything in the following fan gallery is created, or the comments accompanying them are created, for entertainment value and should not be confused with actual canon events of the Puella Magi franchise.

• Kirika Oriko fanart together.png
• KiriKo fanart u got my back.jpg

Kazumi Manga

Manga Pages

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  Yuuri makes a contract with Kyubey for her wish: to heal Airi and save her from a fatal illness.

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  Yuuri and Airi sitting in a tree...

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  Airi will not rest until she hunts down all the killers.

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  ...her last words.

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  Kazumi imagining Yuuri and Airi eating a delicious parfait...

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  But in reality, this will never come true for them.

Manga Pages

• UmikaKaoruDateNote.png

  This note to Kazumi says that the two are out dating...

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  But there's no one with them in the coffee shop. Could they be dating each other?

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  Umika and Kaoru trapped in a witch's barrier. Awfully close, aren't they?

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  Kazumi's version of the previous image.

Gen Urobuchi's Views on Relationships in Madoka

In an interview with Black Past, Gen Urobuchi discussed his view of Homura and Madoka's relationship and his beliefs on same-sex relationships. Urobuchi clarified that while Homura's feelings for Madoka were present and unchanging throughout her timeloops, Madoka did not feel the same way prior to her wish, having only the experience of one time loop. Madoka made her wish not so much for Homura's sake but to save all mahou shoujo. However when Madoka made her wish, she learned about Homura's true feelings and only then was the bond between them established. Urobuchi even describes the circumstances of it is as a "little cruel" that it required Madoka leaving and becoming a goddess to understand Homura.

In talking about relationships in his body of works, Urobuchi revealed his beliefs about same sex relationships, "whatever relationship that could exist between male and female it should also exist between couples of same sex." Aside from the difference in body parts, he did not see a male and female relationship as special or unique. He believes that the same kind of love is possible between same sex couples as well. Urobuchi stated he may even write about a love relationship between two men in the future.

Conclusion

Because of the lack of evidence on-screen to establish Homura and Madoka as a canon yuri couple, the nature of their relationship is open to interpretation and debate. Even if we take into account evidence such as Urobuchi's views on sexuality, this relationship would not be considered canonical by the majority of fans unless official recognition is given in future body of works that raises the yuri subtext to text on their relationship. One can speculate that this interview could add more fuel to the fanbase to produce more fan works out of frustration now that they are aware of Urobuchi's personal views.