BDSM: Basic Design, Satisfying Mediocrity
It’s important to note before even starting this write-up, that this show isn’t just ecchi. It is the limit as ecchi approaches hentai, getting so close to the line one could argue it even becomes it.* This is important as this review is based more on the substance of the show, assuming that if someone is not a fan of that type of content then this series should be avoided.** The premise itself is actually quite solid. Utena, a shy, introverted girl, is a huge fan of her town’s magical girls, Tres Magia. She is approached by a black cat-like mascot creature and asked if she’d like similar abilities. She accepts, only to learn the mascot works for the evil organization Enormeeta, whom the Tres Magia regularly battle with. Utena is obviously reluctant and unwilling to be their enemy, but with some serious convincing (aka blackmail, as they are evil after all), she ultimately ends up doing battle with them. Utena never fights to beat the magical trio; she “loves” them too much to do any actual harm. However, her true inner sadistic side does come out when fighting them. This often results in various BDSM scenes playing out, which will not be detailed here. Her desire to toy with instead of defeat the girls causes internal tension at Enormeeta, ultimately leading to a power struggle, with some members wanting to rule the world while others just enjoy being around Utena. While all of this is occurring, both the evil and magical girls all attend the same school, or at least live in the same city. Their transformation devices prevent either side from recognizing the other. This is often played for humerous effect, but at the time of this writing its likely to be a bigger issue as Utena give more into her darker side, even when not transformed.
The premise has at least a couple of twists to the magical girl formula that make it at least interesting to watch. The obvious one is that the main character is on the evil side, which, right or wrong, does compel the viewer to root for her more often than not. The other is that Utena, despite having her sadistic/dominatrix inclinations, does actually care about her supposed enemies. Making them stronger is what actually motivates her more, and she is in a near-depressive state after learning that she may have completely broken Aqua, but is revitalized upon learning she had come back stronger than ever. This confuses both her enemies and allies who can’t comprehend this viewpoint and, if nothing else, makes the battle dynamics more interesting than straight overpowering one side. The characters themselves are moderately well-written, having at least some depth, shallow as though they may be in some cases. All of Utena’s allies joined the evil group not for any truly grand vision but moreso because it could help them with more personal desires, being an idol, being the cutest, having people to play with, etc., which makes the dynamic more interesting than just reaching for power. The “good” side is also hinted to have some underlying depth. Their mascot apparently meets with them rarely, mostly for media work, but oddly has kept them in the dark about many of the other girls having been hunted and killed. If nothing else, the intrigue behind the dark and light sides’ ultimate end goals is at least something to keep the interest up between the lewd fight scenes. Overall, Gushing Over Magical Girls has a fine enough story, enjoyable characters, and okay writing wrapped up in a very horny package. There may be better uses of your time, but there are certainly worse.
Is it trash? YES
Rating: ★★★☆☆
*Editor’s Note: I watched the show streaming on HI-DIVE which is apparently the “Gushing/ATX” version. So uncensored visuals but censored audio. The main broadcast version has censored visuals and apparently there is an “Ulta Gushing” with uncensored audio on blur ray. This review is baed on the HI-DIVE version.
**Additional Note: While I don’t mind ecchi content, I did want to highlight one episode in particular that even made me uncomfortable and I would suggest potentially skipping. Episode 6, The Tres Magia’s Secret Backstory, involves the youngest of Utena’s allies playing “house” with Magenta. This gets into some MDLG scenes with the small child playing (and via her powers appearing) in the mother role. While not explicitly sexual, there were several overtones that made it uncomfortable viewing.