Magical Girl Warrior: Difference between revisions

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{{trope}}
{{trope}}
[[File:mgln rune attack 366.jpg|link=Lyrical Nanoha|frame|Young, magical, and about to deliver a world of hurt... and possibly [[Defeat Means Friendship|friendship.]] ]]
[[File:mgln rune attack 366.jpg|link=Lyrical Nanoha|frame|Young, magical, and about to deliver a world of hurt... and possibly [[Defeat Means Friendship|friendship.]] ]]

{{quote|''Many magical girl shows don't really present too many hard laws. Time? Easily traversed. Light years in space? You can fly that. Black holes, the most inescapably dense gravitational fields around? You can walk out if you try really hard. So if power levels are less important, what do the series focus on, from a meta-contextual sense? What is the point of reading a magical girl series, if it isn't to see characters grow stronger? It's very simple: love. The point of a magical girl series is to see the interaction between characters and the extreme lengths friends and lovers will go to secure those who matter to them.''
|Anthony Gramuglia|[https://www.cbr.com/magical-girls-sailor-moon-madoka-powerful/ Why Magical Girls Like Sailor Moon & Madoka Are So Absurdly Powerful], cbr.com}}


The intersection of [[Magical Girl]] with [[Superhero]](ine).
The intersection of [[Magical Girl]] with [[Superhero]](ine).


In Japan, the extended growth-to-maturity metaphor [[Magical Girl]] archetype can mean a variety of things; some do more than use their powers to improve or complicate their lives. Some go out and battle [[Big Bad|Dramatic Evil]], usually with a lot of mystic firepower, weird outfits (usually a [[Pimped-Out Dress|glammed-up]] [[Mini-Dress of Power]]), a [[Battle Intro]], and [[Calling Your Attacks|called attacks]]. This is not magic for magic's sake; the character rarely finds this enjoyable but gets morally cowed into it.
In Japan, the extended growth-to-maturity metaphor [[Magical Girl]] archetype can mean a variety of things; some do more than use their powers to improve or complicate their lives. Some go out and battle [[Big Bad|Dramatic Evil]], usually with a lot of mystic firepower, weird outfits (usually a [[Pimped-Out Dress|glammed-up]] [[Mini-Dress of Power]], sometimes crossed with [[School Uniforms Are the New Black]]), a [[Battle Intro]], and [[Calling Your Attacks|called attacks]]. This is not magic for magic's sake; the character rarely finds this enjoyable but gets morally cowed into it.


The action-oriented '''Magical Girl Warriors''' have the extra bonus of appeal to male demographics, so they can be very lucrative; in this case they often resemble [[Distaff Counterpart]]s of Japanese [[superhero]]es, particularly [[Sentai]] and other [[Henshin Hero]] characters. Importers of [[Magical Girl]] series to the West tend to favor these characters, so '''Magical Girl Warriors''' tends to become the established trope over [[Cute Witch]]es.
The action-oriented '''Magical Girl Warriors''' have the extra bonus of appeal to male demographics, so they can be very lucrative; in this case they often resemble [[Distaff Counterpart]]s of Japanese [[superhero]]es, particularly [[Sentai]] and other [[Henshin Hero]] characters. Importers of [[Magical Girl]] series to the West tend to favor these characters, so Magical Girl Warriors tends to become the established trope over [[Cute Witch]]es.


They can also be [[Kicking Ass in All Her Finery]], if the girl is outright [[Badass]] and her dress is frilly enough.
They can also be [[Kicking Ass in All Her Finery]], if the girl is outright [[Badass]] and her dress is frilly enough.


The [[Dark Magical Girl]] mostly appears in '''Magical Girl Warrior''' series. Not to be confused with the unrelated [[Magic Knight]].
The [[Dark Magical Girl]] mostly appears in Magical Girl Warrior series. Not to be confused with the unrelated [[Magic Knight]].

[[The Other Wiki]] calls [[w:Magical girl|this character type]] a "[[transforming heroine]]".


''[[Cutey Honey]]'' is the [[Trope Maker]], and ''[[Sailor Moon]]'' is the [[Trope Codifier]].
''[[Cutey Honey]]'' is the [[Trope Maker]], and ''[[Sailor Moon]]'' is the [[Trope Codifier]].
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{{examples}}
{{examples}}
== Anime and Manga ==
== [[Anime]] and [[Manga]] ==
* [[Trope Maker|The earliest prototype]] was [[Go Nagai]]'s ''[[Cutey Honey]]'' franchise, which slowly mutated and grew to have an unexpected female fanbase whenever the [[Fan Service]] level fluctuated heavily.
* [[Trope Maker|The earliest prototype]] was [[Go Nagai]]'s ''[[Cutey Honey]]'' franchise, which slowly mutated and grew to have an unexpected female fanbase whenever the [[Fan Service]] level fluctuated heavily.
* [[Trope Codifier|Pretty much cemented]] by the enormous popularity of ''[[Sailor Moon]]'', which introduced the [[Sentai]] elements to the genre.
* [[Trope Codifier|Pretty much cemented]] by the enormous popularity of ''[[Sailor Moon]]'', which introduced the [[Sentai]] elements to the genre.
* Currently, the most popular show of this type in Japan appears to be ''[[Futari wa Pretty Cure]]'' and [[Pretty Cure|its sequels/spin-offs]].
* Currently{{when}}, the most popular show of this type in Japan appears to be ''[[Futari wa Pretty Cure]]'' and [[Pretty Cure|its sequels/spin-offs]].
** [[Darker and Edgier|Taken to the extreme in]] ''[[Heartcatch Pretty Cure]]''. The battles looks like something straight out of ''[[Saint Seiya]]''.
** [[Darker and Edgier|Taken to the extreme in]] ''[[Heartcatch Pretty Cure]]''. The battles looks like something straight out of ''[[Saint Seiya]]''.
* Parodied in the [[Seinen]] series ''[[Pretty Sammy]]''.
* Parodied in the [[Seinen]] series ''[[Pretty Sammy]]''.
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* ''[[My-HiME]]'' and ''[[Mai-Otome]]''. Both have strong elements of [[Deconstruction]].
* ''[[My-HiME]]'' and ''[[Mai-Otome]]''. Both have strong elements of [[Deconstruction]].
* ''[[Cyber Team in Akihabara]]''
* ''[[Cyber Team in Akihabara]]''
* ''[[Black★Rock Shooter (band)|Black★Rock Shooter]]''
* ''[[Black★Rock Shooter (anime)|Black★Rock Shooter]]''
* ''[[Devil Hunter Yohko]]''
* ''[[Devil Hunter Yohko]]''
* ''[[Puella Magi Madoka Magica]]'', which ''viciously'' [[Deconstruction|deconstructs]] the idea of young girls fighting [[Eldritch Abomination|eldritch horrors]] [[Wake Up, Go to School, Save the World|in their spare time]].
* ''[[Puella Magi Madoka Magica]]'', which ''viciously'' [[Deconstruction|deconstructs]] the idea of young girls fighting [[Eldritch Abomination|eldritch horrors]] [[Wake Up, Go to School, Save the World|in their spare time]].
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* ''[[Sweet Valerian]]'' features three girls who transform into superpowered monster-fighting bunny rabbits.
* ''[[Sweet Valerian]]'' features three girls who transform into superpowered monster-fighting bunny rabbits.
* ''[[Kämpfer]]'' adds a [[Gender Bender]] twist - main character Natsuru turns into a girl whenever he transforms.
* ''[[Kämpfer]]'' adds a [[Gender Bender]] twist - main character Natsuru turns into a girl whenever he transforms.
* ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]'' has elements of this; Sakura's mission is to capture all Clow Cards, sometimes using direct combat, sometimes by using other means. In later seasons after she capture all cards, she must turn the cards into her own cards, by applicating it in various task, often involving some kind of combat.
* ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]'' has elements of this; Sakura's mission is to capture all Clow Cards, sometimes using direct combat, sometimes by using other means. In later seasons after she captured all the cards, she must turn the cards into her own cards, often applying them to various tasks, often involving some kind of combat.
* ''[[Shugo Chara]]''
* ''[[Shugo Chara]]''
* ''[[Corrector Yui]]''
* ''[[Corrector Yui]]''
* ''[[Magic Knight Rayearth]]'' crosses this with [[Swords and Sorcery]].
* ''[[Magic Knight Rayearth]]'' crosses this with [[Swords and Sorcery]].
* Invoked in ''[[Mao-chan]]'', where aliens Earth is being invaded by aliens so [[Ridiculously Cute Critter|cute]] that figthing them is viewed as bullying, forcing the heads of Japan's defense forces to have their [[Moe|cute]] granddaughters fight the aliens.
* Invoked in ''[[Mao-chan]]'', where Earth is being invaded by aliens so [[Ridiculously Cute Critter|cute]] that fighting them is viewed as bullying, forcing the heads of Japan's defense forces to have their [[Moe|cute]] granddaughters fight the aliens.
* ''[[Makeruna Makendo]]'' adds a kendo theme.
* ''[[Makeruna Makendo]]'' adds a kendo theme.
* ''[[Hyper Speed GranDoll]]'' is a very close follower of ''[[Sailor Moon]]'', except with more of a sci-fi feel.
* ''[[Hyper Speed GranDoll]]'' is a very close follower of ''[[Sailor Moon]]'', except with more of a sci-fi feel.
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* Himiko, and Kosumo via organ donation, in ''[[Towa Kamo Shirenai]]''.
* Himiko, and Kosumo via organ donation, in ''[[Towa Kamo Shirenai]]''.


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== [[Comic Books]] ==

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== Comic Books ==
* Possibly [[Ur Example|originated]] with comic book superheroine [[Shazam|Mary Marvel]] in 1942.
* Possibly [[Ur Example|originated]] with comic book superheroine [[Shazam|Mary Marvel]] in 1942.
* ''[[W.I.T.C.H.|WITCH]]'', with less [[Sailor Moon]]-esque cutesiness.
* ''[[W.I.T.C.H.]]'', with less ''[[Sailor Moon]]''-esque cutesiness.
* [[Wonder Woman]] has resembled with ''at times'', with her magic origins, [[Transformation Sequence]] and such.
* [[Wonder Woman]] has resembled one ''at times'', with her magic origins, [[Transformation Sequence]] and such.
* [[Zatanna]], especially in recent years, has become more like this.
* [[Zatanna]], especially in recent{{when}} years, has become more like this.
* [[Zodiac Starforce]] is an American made Magical Girl team. Artist Paulina Gauncheau is a huge fan of the genre (mainly of [[Sailor Moon]]), and it shows.
* ''[[Zodiac Starforce]]'' is an American made Magical Girl team. Artist Paulina Gauncheau is a huge fan of the genre (mainly of ''[[Sailor Moon]]''), and it shows.
* The title character of [[Amethyst, Princess of Genworld]].
* The title character of ''[[Amethyst, Princess of Genworld]]''.

== Fanfiction ==
⚫
* In ''[[Kyon: Big Damn Hero]]'', Nonoko temporarily acts as one, equipped with Kyon's [[Badass Longcoat]] [[Clothes Make the Superman|Longcoat]] and [[Morph Weapon]]s.


== [[Fan Works]] ==
⚫
* In ''[[Kyon: Big Damn Hero]]'', Nonoko temporarily acts as one, equipped with Kyon's [[Badass Longcoat|Badass]] [[Clothes Make the Superman|Longcoat]] and [[Morph Weapon]]s.


== Literature ==
== [[Literature]] ==
* Most mages from ''[[Avalon: Web of Magic]]'', but Adriane (the designated 'warrior mage') especially.
* Most mages from ''[[Avalon: Web of Magic]]'', but Adriane (the designated 'warrior mage') especially.
* Keeah of ''[[The Secrets of Droon]]''.
* Keeah of ''[[The Secrets of Droon]]''.
* Sophie of ''[[Sophie And The Shadow Woods]]''.
* Sophie of ''[[Sophie And The Shadow Woods]]''.



== [[Tabletop Games]] ==
== [[Tabletop Games]] ==
* In [[High School Girls RPG]], you have the [[Magical Girl]] extension allowing you to play just that type of character.
* In ''[[High School Girls RPG]]'', you have the [[Magical Girl]] extension allowing you to play just that type of character.



== Video Games ==
== [[Video Games]] ==
* If you think about it, [[Final Fantasy X-2]] presents a [[Video Game]] example.
* If you think about it, ''[[Final Fantasy X-2]]'' presents a [[Video Game]] example.{{context}}
* Mystica from ''[[Fading Hearts]]''. Ryou meets her in the forest while he is fighting shadow monsters.
* Mystica from ''[[Fading Hearts]]''. Ryou meets her in the forest while he is fighting shadow monsters.
* Aqua from [[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep]] can be considered one being the only female among the trio of main playable characters.
* Aqua from [[Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep]] can be considered one being the only female among the trio of main playable characters.
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== [[Web Comics]] ==
== [[Web Comics]] ==
* ''[[El Goonish Shive]]'': In the later comics, {{spoiler|Elliot}} gains a super-heroine spell after already having the ability to shapeshift into virtually any conceivable female human form including transformation of clothes.
* ''[[El Goonish Shive]]'': In the later comics, {{spoiler|Elliot}} gains a super-heroine spell after already having the ability to shapeshift into virtually any conceivable female human form including transformation of clothes.
⚫
* ''[[Magical Girl Neil]]'': Thanks to the a [[Secret Legacy]] from his Japanese immigrant mother, Neil starts [[Super Gender Bender|transforming from a normal teenage boy]] into a Oni-fighting [[Magical Girl Warrior]] on his [[Dangerous Sixteenth Birthday|sixteenth birthday]]. He is, needless to say, not particularly thrilled by this.


== [[Web Original]] ==
⚫
* [[Magical Girl Neil]]: Thanks to the a [[Secret Legacy]] from his Japanese immigrant mother, Neil starts [[Super Gender Bender|transforming from a normal teenage boy]] into a Oni-fighting [[Magical Girl Warrior]] on his 16th birthday. He is, needless to say, not partically thrilled by this.
⚫
* Fey of the ''[[Whateley Universe]]''. Down to the backstory, the ancient Faerie who rides along in her head, her ability to summon armor magically, and a magical battle in Boston in which she and The Necromancer spent most of the fight trying to intimidate each other by calling their attacks.


== Web Original ==
== [[Western Animation]] ==
⚫
* Fey of the [[Whateley Universe]]. Down to the backstory, the ancient Faerie who rides along in her head, her ability to summon armor magically, and a magical battle in Boston in which she and The Necromancer spent most of the fight trying to intimidate each other by calling their attacks.


== Western Animation ==
* Betty Barrett from ''[[Atomic Betty]]''.
* Betty Barrett from ''[[Atomic Betty]]''.
* ''[[Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders]]''
* ''[[Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders]]''
* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''
* ''[[The Powerpuff Girls]]''
* ''[[Tenko and the Guardians of the Magic]]'s'' Tenko and her friends.
* ''[[Tenko and the Guardians of the Magic]]''{{'}}s Tenko and her friends.
* ''[[She-Ra: Princess of Power|She Ra Princess of Power]]'' is an early one, and many fans argue that her brother ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'' is a [[Rare Male Example]].
* ''[[She-Ra: Princess of Power]]'' is an early one, and many fans argue that her brother ''[[He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'' is a [[Rare Male Example]].
* ''[[Winx Club]]'' is an ''academy'' of this.
* ''[[Winx Club]]'' is an ''academy'' of this.
* ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic|My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic]]'' is essentially Magical Girl Warrior Ponies, but outside the season premires it ignores most of the warrior aspects and mostly it's [[Magical Girl]] [[Slice of Life]]. With ponies!
* ''[[My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic]]'' is essentially Magical Girl Warrior Ponies, but outside the season premieres it ignores most of the warrior aspects and mostly it's [[Magical Girl]] [[Slice of Life]]. With ponies!
* [[Steven Universe]]
* ''[[Steven Universe]]''
* [[Miraculous Ladybug]]
* ''[[Miraculous Ladybug]]''
* ''[[Mysticons]]'' is about a group of teenage girls who transform into legendary magic-powered warriors.
* ''[[Mysticons]]'' is about a group of teenage girls who transform into legendary magic-powered warriors.





Latest revision as of 13:48, 27 September 2021

Young, magical, and about to deliver a world of hurt... and possibly friendship.

Many magical girl shows don't really present too many hard laws. Time? Easily traversed. Light years in space? You can fly that. Black holes, the most inescapably dense gravitational fields around? You can walk out if you try really hard. So if power levels are less important, what do the series focus on, from a meta-contextual sense? What is the point of reading a magical girl series, if it isn't to see characters grow stronger? It's very simple: love. The point of a magical girl series is to see the interaction between characters and the extreme lengths friends and lovers will go to secure those who matter to them.

—Anthony Gramuglia, Why Magical Girls Like Sailor Moon & Madoka Are So Absurdly Powerful, cbr.com

The intersection of Magical Girl with Superhero(ine).

In Japan, the extended growth-to-maturity metaphor Magical Girl archetype can mean a variety of things; some do more than use their powers to improve or complicate their lives. Some go out and battle Dramatic Evil, usually with a lot of mystic firepower, weird outfits (usually a glammed-up Mini-Dress of Power, sometimes crossed with School Uniforms Are the New Black), a Battle Intro, and called attacks. This is not magic for magic's sake; the character rarely finds this enjoyable but gets morally cowed into it.

The action-oriented Magical Girl Warriors have the extra bonus of appeal to male demographics, so they can be very lucrative; in this case they often resemble Distaff Counterparts of Japanese superheroes, particularly Sentai and other Henshin Hero characters. Importers of Magical Girl series to the West tend to favor these characters, so Magical Girl Warriors tends to become the established trope over Cute Witches.

They can also be Kicking Ass in All Her Finery, if the girl is outright Badass and her dress is frilly enough.

The Dark Magical Girl mostly appears in Magical Girl Warrior series. Not to be confused with the unrelated Magic Knight.

The Other Wiki calls this character type a "transforming heroine".

Cutey Honey is the Trope Maker, and Sailor Moon is the Trope Codifier.

Examples of Magical Girl Warrior include:

Anime and Manga

Comic Books

Fan Works

Literature

Tabletop Games

Video Games

Web Comics

Web Original

  • Fey of the Whateley Universe. Down to the backstory, the ancient Faerie who rides along in her head, her ability to summon armor magically, and a magical battle in Boston in which she and The Necromancer spent most of the fight trying to intimidate each other by calling their attacks.

Western Animation


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