Well, we’ve reached the end of Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai shiteita. and I still have no idea why it exists, really. I’m in a lousy position here because under the circumstances criticizing this adaptation feels pretty mean-spirited. But I guess the question it begs for me is, does the fact that it was the final work of a mangaka gone much too soon make it a worthwhile project for anime? Does there have to be more there, or is that enough?
There are two series which spring to mind as obvious points of comparison to this one. Kyuujitsu no Warumono-san is broadly similar in premise and tone. But it’s far more ambitious and accomplished, both thematically and as a character study. Then there’s Migi to Dari. It’t not remotely similar in any way, except that it was produced after the passing of its own mangaka, Sano Nami. But unlike Katsute Mahou Shoujo is feels complete, and necessary – a fitting legacy for its creator. I’m not sure I’d say that about Fujiwara Cocoa and this series – it might have been better left to Inu x Boku SS to fill that role.
It’s obviously not totally fair to compare this one to Migi to Dari. That one was finished by the mangaka, which made work much easier for the anime. Perhaps fr0m Bones and the production committee’s perspective, the fact that this material existed was enough reason to want to product an adaptation. Maybe they just wanted Fujiwara’s aesthetic to be exposed to an audience one last time. It’s a noble impulse, and I certainly can’t fault their intentions if that’s the case. And it’s not as though this damages her legacy or something, though I would prefer if new viewers don’t leave with this as their only impression of what she could do.
As for the show itself, well – if all that repetitive cuteness clicked for you, that’s great. I was kind of over it by about the fourth week to be honest, and after that any ep that didn’t involve Hibana and the familiars didn’t really make an impression. The story never really made any sense, and the characters were either plot elements or comic devices. What I don’t know and I suppose we never will is whether this is simply because it’s an unfinished work. Perhaps Fujiwara had grander visions for it – maybe it would have made sense – but sadly, we’ll never know.
I guess if I want to close with anything, it would be this – if you haven’t read or watched Inu x Boku SS (the adaptation was really good, so you’re safe with either), I hope you will. Though it too is unfinished, it’s a much more fully realized work than Katsute Mahou Shoujo, and a better example of what Fujiwara Cocoa is capable of. This series offers only the tiniest taste of that, but at least it’s ably embellished by Bones’ usual stellar production values and some very fine supporting cast work. Unfinished tales like this are always a bit sad, but a writer’s words live on in the impression they make on their audience.
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