Magical Warfare

Magical Warfare, also known as "Mahō Sensō" in Japan, is an action, fantasy animated series produced by Madhouse that first aired in 2014 on the Anime Network. It adapted from a light novel series written by Hisashi Suzuki.

The narrative of Magical Warfare centers around the main protagonist, Takeshi Nanase, who is an ordinary high school student with an apathetic disposition towards life due to his troubled past. One fateful day, his dull life takes a startling turn when he rescues a mysterious girl, Mui Aiba, from an attack by an unknown male in the school premises. Unbeknownst to him, this chance encounter thrusts Takeshi into the world of modern magic, a realm existing in parallel to his own, filled with a captivating array of elements like spells, magical weapons, and duels.

Misunderstanding Takeshi's involvement with her attacker, Mui inadvertently turns him into a magician and in the process, reveals that she's a magician on the run from an elite magical group known as the Ghost Trailers. Alongside his friends Kurumi Isoshima and Kazumi Ida who are also turned into magicians in subsequent circumstances, Takeshi starts on a perilous journey navigating the unforgiving world of magic.

In this world, the Great Magic War had ended years ago, leaving behind ruins and a ruling community of magicians called the "Subdivision of Magic", which strictly monitors and controls the use of magic to maintain peace. However, lurking in the shadows, the Ghost Trailers are plotting a revolution to liberate magic.

The series showcases the journey of Takeshi and his friends as they enrol in the 'Subdivision of Magic' academy for formal training and to gain control over their suddenly acquired abilities. They are introduced to various types of magic, magical duels, known as Struggle, where duellists can challenge each other to enhance their skills and magical artifacts that bestow individualized special abilities. There, the trio must navigate school politics, train diligently to hone their magical skills while facing the ominous threat of the Ghost Trailers.

Each character in Magical Warfare is equipped with an individual magic type that defines their role in the series. Takeshi Nanase possesses Evasive Magic enabling him to move at high speeds, Mui Aiba wields Transformation Magic which allows her to transform her gun, while Kurumi Isoshima utilizes Restoration magic, capable of healing injuries, and Kazumi Ida is given the power of Accelerator Magic, helping him move swiftly during battles.

While Magical Warfare plays heavily on its action and magical elements, it also proves to be a roller coaster of emotions, exploring complex themes of love, friendship, betrayal, power struggle, forgiveness, and identity crisis. As the series progresses, the story delves deeper into each character’s backstory, their fears, dreams, adversities they face and how they deal with the conflicts both within and outside of their circle.

The animation in Magical Warfare is a dazzling visual feast, with intense battles and picturesque landscapes of the world of magic. The series' score is also noteworthy, perfectly accompanying and elevating the sorcery-saturated atmosphere of the show.

However, it's worth noticing that Magical Warfare incorporates certain familiar anime tropes such as the presence of a school for specialized training or the concept of a common world and a hidden magical one which might feel repetitive to veteran anime viewers.

Overall, Magical Warfare provides an exciting spectacle filled with magic-infused battles, intricate relationships, well-developed characters, and a hefty dose of fantasy to keep viewers entertained. The series offers an engaging storyline with a balanced mix of action, drama, and fantasy, satisfying anime lovers who seek a magical, action-packed adventure. Even though the story is backed by solid lore, it's the compelling character dynamics and their development through the trials and tribulations that steal the show, making Magical Warfare a worthwhile watch.