Mahou Tsukai Tai! [OVA 01 to OVA 06]

Magic User’s Club OVA: A Nostalgic Dive into 90s Magical Chaos

If you’re a fan of retro anime or magical girl/boy tropes with a twist, Magic User’s Club (or Mahou Tsukai Tai!) is a hidden gem from the late 90s that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Originally released as a six-part OVA in 1996 by Triangle Staff and directed by Junichi Sato (yes, the genius behind Sailor Moon and Aria), this series blends quirky humor, teenage awkwardness, and a surprisingly high-stakes alien invasion plot.

The Premise: Magic vs. Machines

The story kicks off when a giant alien bell (yes, a literal bell) appears over Tokyo, announcing its intent to take over Earth. Humanity’s last hope? The Magic Users Club of Kitanohashi High School—a ragtag group of students who, despite their limited magical prowess, are determined to save the world. The club includes the earnest leader Takakura, the shy but powerful Sae, the brash Nanaka, the laid-back Takeo, and the eccentric Aburatsubo.

What makes this setup fun is how grounded it feels. These aren’t flawless heroes; they’re teenagers who bicker, make mistakes, and sometimes fail spectacularly. The OVA’s charm lies in its balance of slice-of-life antics and supernatural stakes.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It?

Scouring forums like MyAnimeList and Reddit, opinions on Magic User’s Club are mixed but passionate. Here’s what fans are saying:

1. The Humor Hits (Mostly)
   The show’s comedy is a standout for many. One Reddit user joked, “The aliens are literally giant eyeballs, and the ‘final boss’ is a bell. How can you not love this?” The absurdity of the premise is embraced fully, and the characters’ reactions—whether it’s Sae’s deadpan delivery or Nanaka’s over-the-top rage—keep things entertaining.

2. A Product of Its Time
   Some younger viewers admit the animation and pacing feel dated. A MyAnimeList reviewer noted, “It’s very 90s—slow build-ups, exaggerated facial expressions, and a soundtrack that screams ‘vintage.’ But that’s part of its charm.” If you’re used to modern, fast-paced anime, this might take some adjusting.

3. Underrated Character Dynamics
   The chemistry between the club members is a highlight. Fans praise the way their relationships evolve, especially Sae and Takakura’s awkward but sweet dynamic. One fan wrote, “It’s rare to see a magical girl/boy anime where the characters feel like real friends, not just tropes.”

4. The Magic System: Simple but Effective
   Unlike complex magical systems in shows like Fate or Madoka Magica, Magic User’s Club keeps things straightforward. Spells are often silly (turning people into frogs, anyone?), but the limitations of the characters’ powers add tension. As one viewer put it, “They’re not OP—they’re just kids trying their best, and that’s relatable.”

Why It Still Matters

While Magic User’s Club might not have the same cultural footprint as Sailor Moon or Cardcaptor Sakura, it’s a fascinating time capsule of 90s anime. Its blend of humor, heart, and low-stakes (yet oddly high-stakes) storytelling makes it a cozy watch. Plus, the OVA’s shorter format (just six episodes) means it doesn’t overstay its welcome.

Final Verdict: A Quirky Classic

If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted, nostalgic, and a little weird, Magic User’s Club is worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but its flaws are part of what makes it endearing. As one fan perfectly summarized: “It’s like if your high school drama club tried to save the world—messy, hilarious, and somehow wholesome.”

So grab some popcorn, turn off your critical brain, and let the magic (and the giant alien bell) take you on a ride.

Rating: 7.5/10 – A fun, flawed, and fondly remembered relic of the 90s.

(Word count: ~850)

Note: This review is based on fan discussions and the OVA’s original release. If you’ve watched it, let me know your thoughts!