Just this last Friday, I binge-watched an anime that I've been meaning to really watch the past few months. Supposedly I'm going to watch it way back the month it's finished airing, but due to some unforseen circumstances, it somehow got lost among the inexhaustible list of anime series I need to watch. However, upon watching it, the information I got from its ending seems hard to process, and it kinda got me melancholic, so after finishing it last Friday night, I spent another day of rewatching it. Now that I'm done rewatching it, allow me to share a sneak peek on the forbidden yet heartwarming love story of the former archenemies in The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies.
About the Anime
The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies (Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai Shiteita.) is a shounen anime that premiered this summer of 2024. This anime series aired from July 9, 2024, to September 24, 2024. It was animated by one of the most known anime studios, Bones, and its genres are romance and comedy. Its title was enough to determine its main theme, which is mahou shoujo (magical girl). It only has 12 short episodes, which was based on the last work of the late manga creator, Cocoa Fujiwara (same creator of Inu x Boku SS) who passed away on March 31, 2015 in the age of 31.
The story started when the evil king's right-hand man, Mira, led the evil army to another invasion. However, this invasion was abruptly stopped by a cute magical girl, Byakuya Mimori. Upon their face-off, something unexpected happened—the evil lieutenant fell in love at first sight with the magical girl! That supposed to be disastrous encounter became the start of their daily wholesome interaction. As their interaction goes on, their once budding romance slowly comes into bloom.
Overcome with Byakuya's cuteness, the once devoted evil lieutenant wavered. His cruel and merciless persona crumbled upon the presence of the innocent Byakuya. His budding affection became stronger when he discovered her selflessness. But since she's selfless, she couldn't possibly give up her responsibility as a magical girl who protects the people from evil, right? The problem of their different backgrounds arises, and as the story progressed, it became more apparent that he's head over heels for her.
He wants her to be happy, but she's too selfless to really do what she wants. However, due to their frequent meetings, slowly she started to yearn for something. Can she realize that she can also be sometimes selfish and want something—or someone that's supposedly forbidden? Or will she stay being the ideal and selfless magical girl that the people expected her to be?
I'm really sucker for the forbidden or star-crossed lovers trope, and the moment I read its title, I knew this was going to be an interesting one. The plot isn't really that established given that the creator passed away before it was finished, but nevertheless, it was enough to show that some characters—especially the FMC—did undergo character improvement. The main characters were really adorable, and I love how wholesome and cute their romance was. Of 'course there's that usual lil' ecchi side, with the MC somehow expressing discomfort in touching the FMC, but that's not what really made me somehow uncomfortable with it, rather its the FMC cat boss. I mean, I like cats, but seeing that mascot cat doesn't spark joy in me (even if he's in his human form, hmph!).
That mascot cat is so unlikable, like he's so pervy and weird. I know his character is supposed to be a comic one, but I just don't find his perviness funny (because our FMC is so innocent and kind, and that crappy cat just takes advantage of that!). Anyway, let's move on from that pervert cat, and let's talk about the negative reviews that I've read before I've started watching this anime—the age gap issue. Not many viewers can really tolerate and understand the concept of the age gap thingy among the magical girls. I mean most (or all) of the magical girls are portrayed as young girls, and when they're given a male lead who looks older (way olderrrr) than them, some sensitive people find it atrocious even though the interactions are just decent.
Apparently not all can handle the age gap, and when they can't, they immediately tend to label it immediately as grooming or whatsoever. But I think those viewers should try to somehow understand the creator's culture and origin. I mean—I think the majority here in Asia weren't that overly sensitive about the age gap thingy (as long there's no human right violated, of 'course). It isn't that normal nor alien either, so yep, if you're disliking this anime just because of the age-gap thingy, then you better try not to dwell on it, or if you can't overlook it, then try to atleast understand other cultures. But if you really can't, just leave it without really hating and bashing it horribly, and then find ones that will suit your preference. Gahhhh forgive me for ranting, but I can't just rest easy after this if I can't let out the grudge I'm starting to feel for those haters!
Ok, ok...setting that rant aside, I really enjoyed how fluffy and sweet the romance between the main characters was. I really find their character designs adorable and cute. The artstyle added so much to the cuteness and wholesomeness of the anime, and the animation! Of 'course it's Bones that animated it, so it was no surprise that it was animated well. From the major action scenes to minor eyeglass-shattering moments—everything was animated in a way that the viewers would find it entertaining and enjoyable.
Also, its soundtrack was as heartwarming and wholesome as its story. The opening song was kinda laid-back, and it really was a good one to start a wholesome episode. The switch vocals in the ending song were also as laid-back and cute as the opening. It's like listening to the MCs singing together, and it's really adorable! The background music and effects were also used efficiently all across the entirety of this anime (especially those action scenes!).
Overall, my personal rating for this anime is 8/10. I wish it could have been longer, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm really glad that I've decided to watch this anime. Bones really did a good job in adapting Cocoa-sensei's work, and although she wasn't able to see it getting animated, I'm sure she's happy with how it turned out. Those twelve-minute episodes were surely brief, but it's a nice break from the usual heavy romance anime that I'm into lately. Their love story may not be the most unique, but the wholesomeness that this once-archenemy couple gives off is something else. So if you're up for an endless love story of a couple who have totally opposite backgrounds, then try watching The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies.
Before I end this review, I happily share with you its trailer, so—
Have you watched this 2024 anime already? Or is this your first time encountering it? Feel free to share your comment/s about this anime. That's all for now, minna-san! I hope you enjoyed reading my review.
Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~
The pictures that didn't have source were screenshots from the anime while the last picture was edited in Canva.