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Theme
Genre

Magical Girl

Speculative and Fantastic Fiction

Magical girl is a subgenre of Japanese fantasy media centered on young girls who possess magical abilities, which they typically use through an ideal alter ego into which they can transform.

Facts
Place of Origin
Japan 1
Notable Example
Sailor Moon (1991), whose 1992-1997 anime adaptation redefined the genre 1
Defining Trait
Centers on an ordinary girl who transforms, often using a compact or sceptre, into a more mature costumed alter ego with magical powers to fight evil 1
Connections

Form Of Genre

Fantasy, Genres
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia
  • Wikipedia: Magical girl, lead section
    is a subgenre of Japanese fantasy media (including anime, manga, light novels, and live-action media) centered on young girls who possess magical abilities, which they typically use through an ideal alter ego into which they can transform.
  • Wikipedia: Magical girl, Genre history 1990-1999 section
    Sailor Moon (1991), whose anime adaptation was broadcast from 1992 to 1997, revolutionized the magical girl genre by combining "transforming hero" elements from live-action tokusatsu hero shows like Super Sentai and Kamen Rider with traditionally feminine interests, such as romance and fashion.
  • Wikipedia: Magical girl, Concepts and themes - Heroine elements section
    The transforming heroine features an ordinary schoolgirl who changes into an "adorable" costume with "cute" accessories; she then uses a sceptre (or a similar weapon) to channel magical energy in order to fight against the forces of evil.
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