Gushing Over Magical Girls is a 2024 anime based on the manga of the same name by Ononaka Akihiro, published since 2019. It is streaming with English subs on HIDIVE (Amazon’s associated anime streaming service) or other sites such as Otaku Streamers.
Gushing Over Magical Girls being its original English translation, the anime has other names as well, including:
- Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete (魔法少女にあこがれて?), a translation of the original name
- MahoAko (まほあこ?) for short
- Looking up to Magical Girls in fan translations
I admire magical girls, and… in the original subtitle
Plot Summary: A Fangirl Turned Villain
The main plot revolves around Hiiragi Utena, an incredibly average girl. She deeply looks up to the Tres Magia, an organization of three magical girls who look over her city.
However, one day, she encounters Venalita, a mascot or spirit, who turns her into a villain named Magia Baiser fighting against the Tres Magia.
Under the guise of becoming one of them, she is tricked into joining Enormita, the main criminal organization that the Tres Magia fight. Although at first she hates that she has to antagonize her idols, she soon finds a sadistic interest in torturing them.
LGBTQ+ Scenes In Gushing Over Magical Girls
Utena and the Tres Magia definitely engage in lesbian activities, time after time. Although at first the magical girls don’t like it, they soon get caught into the game and start to signify that they are enjoying it with moans and smiles.
The anime does suggest a power relationship establishing itself between the girls. Utena has the upper hand most of the time, but she still gets her share of pleasure from it.
In a way, one can say that this show normalizes lesbian relationships, and that women deserve pleasure just as well as men. The anime deals with themes of sexual awakenings in teens, which is a taboo but arguably important topic.
One Of The Most Popular Animes This Year
Gushing Over Magical Girls has three main strengths: the characters, the plot, and the fan service.
The characters are all multi-dimensional, even the minor ones. They all have distinct personalities. Utena is definitely the most flavorful of all, between her boring everyday life and the pleasure she feels guilty feeling when fighting the Tres Magia. Magenta is the head of the trio, the most boisterous of the three. Azul is a temple helper, and a nice student with good grades. Sulfur is a scowling girl, who hides her strengths very well.
Then, the plot. It goes much deeper than expected. The Good and Evil organizations have overarching powers that control everything, there are mascots and many villains. It is hard to say more without spoilers, but know that the worldbuilding is complex, yet easy to understand.
Finally, there’s an undeniable element of fan service, featuring playful and flirtatious interactions between characters. The show includes moments of physical appeal and exaggerated, often humorous situations that contribute to the unfolding drama. While these moments do help with character development and plot progression, ultimately, they add an entertaining and lighthearted touch to the experience.
Final Thoughts: Gushing Over Magical Girls Is An Insanely Entertaining Anime
Overall, Gushing Over Magical Girls is very fun to watch. The characters are loveable and quirky, the plot is interesting, the fights are entertaining, and the music and animation quality are okay.
This anime focuses on exploring the complexities and imperfections of human nature, rather than relying on a traditional villain. Beyond the surface-level themes of attraction, it offers a deeper look at personal struggles and self-discovery. Gushing Over Magical Girls provides something for everyone to relate to, with its thoughtful examination of the characters’ journeys.