Gushing Over Magical Girls [Season 1]

Gushing Over Magical Girls: When Fandom Becomes a Villainous Obsession

Let’s cut to the chase—Gushing Over Magical Girls isn’t your little sister’s magical girl anime. If you went into Episode 1 expecting sparkles, friendship speeches, and “love and justice” tropes, you probably left with your jaw on the floor (and maybe a few questions about why you’re even watching this). But here’s the thing: that’s exactly the point. This show takes the genre we all know and love, flips it on its head, and douses it in so much chaotic energy that you can’t help but laugh—even when you’re side-eyeing the screen like, “Did they really just do that?”

The premise is simple, but genius: Hiiragi Utena is a die-hard magical girl fan. She’s the kind of kid who has posters on her wall, daydreams about transforming into a hero, and probably writes self-insert fanfiction where she’s the fifth member of Sailor Moon’s Inner Senshi. So when a cute, doll-like mascot (because every magical girl needs one, right?) offers her powers, she’s over the moon. But then—plot twist—she transforms into a villain. Not just any villain, but a lecherous one who’s obsessed with the very magical girls she used to idolize. Cue the chaos.

Fans on MyAnimeList are split, but mostly they’re here for the ride. One user summed it up perfectly: “And here is a more fanservicey version of the magical girls genre, with the MC being a reluctant villainess to the girls she loves so much. Seeing that her obsession is creepy that it’s no wonder why she was chosen to be a villain.” Let’s be real—Utena’s “love” for magical girls is less “I want to be like them” and more “I want to tie them up with my magic whip and… well, let’s just say the title’s double meaning isn’t subtle.”

But the show doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s its superpower. Another reviewer noted, “I had a feeling this was going to be one of those shows where it doesn’t take itself seriously, and that’s exactly what I got.” From Utena’s over-the-top reactions to her villainous transformation (think: neon colors, a dominatrix-esque outfit, and a laugh that’s half evil, half fan-girl glee) to the magical girls’ increasingly masochistic tendencies, every scene feels like a parody of the genre’s tropes. Even the fanservice—yes, there’s a lot of it—is played for laughs rather than just titillation. As one commenter joked, “The nudity was completely necessary in order to serve the narrative… Trust me.” (Spoiler: It wasn’t, but we’re not complaining.)

What makes Gushing Over Magical Girls work is its commitment to absurdity. The first episode throws everything at the wall: Utena accidentally joining the “bad guys,” her awkward attempts to fight the magical girls she adores, and even a scene where she uses her magic to… well, let’s just say it involves a lot of blushing and a magical girl named Sulfur who’s way too into it. Fans are already comparing it to other raunchy comedies like Futoku no Guild, but with a smarter, more self-aware edge. “Didn’t seem as stupid as Futoku Guild or Super HXeroes either,” one user said, and they’re right. This show knows it’s ridiculous, and it leans into it hard.

Of course, not everyone’s on board. Some viewers are side-eyeing the localization—apparently, the English dub throws in slang that feels out of place—and others are worried the “gushing” part of the title will get even more explicit. But for the most part, the reaction has been positive. “10/10 opening episode,” one fan raved. “I hope things don’t start to droop as the season progresses.” Another added, “That was deliciously funny. Plus, ANN has gone into meltdown.” (For the uninitiated, ANN is Anime News Network—their meltdown is basically a seal of approval for edgy comedies.)

The animation, while not groundbreaking, is bright and colorful, fitting the show’s chaotic vibe. The character designs are a mix of classic magical girl cuteness and villainous flair—Utena’s transformation sequence is a highlight, with its flashy effects and over-the-top costume. And the voice acting? Chef’s kiss. Utena’s seiyuu nails the balance between shy fan-girl and sadistic villain, making her both relatable and completely unhinged.

At its core, Gushing Over Magical Girls is a love letter to fandom—albeit a very twisted one. Utena’s obsession is just an exaggerated version of every fan who’s ever stayed up all night writing fanfic, argued with strangers online about their favorite character, or spent way too much money on merch. The show takes that passion and turns it into a villain origin story, and the result is hilarious. As one commenter put it, “Oh I remember reading some of this manga a while ago, pretty funny stuff. Anime was just as good.”

So, is Gushing Over Magical Girls for everyone? No. If you’re easily offended by fanservice, crude humor, or the idea of magical girls being tied up with magic ropes, this isn’t the show for you. But if you’re looking for something that’s equal parts funny, absurd, and unapologetically weird, then grab your popcorn (and maybe a blindfold for the more explicit parts) and dive in. As one fan said, “This is my only drop everything to watch series this season.”

Just don’t say we didn’t warn you. The “gushing” part? Yeah, it’s exactly what you think it means. And honestly? We’re here for it.

Final Verdict: 8/10. It’s raunchy, it’s ridiculous, and it’s exactly what the magical girl genre needed—a kick in the sparkles.

Gushing Over Magical Girls is streaming now on AniWave. Watch at your own risk (and maybe with the door locked).