The appeal and reviews of Rental × Magica: A deep look into the fusion of magic and everyday life

"Rental Magica": The appeal of the interdisciplinary magical combat depicted in the world of magic

Rental x Magica is a TV anime series that aired from 2007 to 2008, and is based on a light novel by Makoto Mita and pako. The story is set in the wizard dispatch company Astral, and is known as a multi-type magical combat that depicts the battles and growth of various types of magic. Below, we will introduce the appeal and detailed information of this work, and delve deeper into its appeal.

Overview

"Rental x Magica" aired a total of 24 episodes from October 8, 2007 to March 24, 2008. It was broadcast on CTC, UHF, and AT-X, and the broadcast times on each station are as follows.

• Chiba TV: October 8, 2007 to March 24, 2008, every Sunday from 24:00 to 24:30
• Teletama: October 8, 2007 to March 24, 2008, every Sunday from 25:30 to 26:00
• tvk: October 9, 2007 to March 25, 2008, every Monday from 25:15 to 25:45
• TOKYO MX: October 11, 2007 to March 27, 2008, every Wednesday from 25:30 to 26:00
• AT-X: August 6, 2008 to January 14, 2009, every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:00

Each episode is 30 minutes long and is directed by Itsuro Kawasaki, animated by ZEXCS, and produced by the Rental Magica Production Committee (Kadokawa Shoten, Kadokawa Pictures, Clockworks, IMAGICA, NTT Docomo, ZEXCS).

story

The protagonist, Iba Itsuki, had been living a high school life with no connection to magic at all, but ended up inheriting the company left by his father. The company was "Astral, a wizard dispatch company" that rented out wizards upon request from customers. Itsuki led his subordinate wizards to fight against numerous enemies. Who is the enemy that stands in Itsuki's way as real magic from all over the world, past and present, such as Celtic magic, Onmyodo, Shinto, King Solomon's demons, and esoteric Buddhism, clash violently? This is the story of his battles and growth.

character

The appeal of "Rental x Magica" lies in its unique characters. The main characters are introduced below.

• Iba Itsuki (voiced by Fukuyama Jun)
  He had been living a high school life that had nothing to do with magic, but he succeeded his father as the second president of Astral. Behind his right eyepatch resides the all-seeing eye, the Fairy Eye (Glam Sight).
• Honami Takase Ambler (voiced by Kana Ueda)
  A member of Astral's Celtic Magic Department. A gifted witch who has self-taught herself to revive the lost Celtic magic, which is passed down only orally through vast knowledge and songs. She is also Itsuki's classmate and tutor.
• Adilisia Len Mathers (voiced by Mikako Takahashi)
  The young leader of the British magical society Goetia and a descendant of King Solomon. He can summon 72 demons. Goetia and Astral are rivals, but after a certain incident they start working together.
• Katsuragi Mikan (voiced by Kugimiya Rie)
  Although she is in the second year of elementary school, she is a contract employee in the Astral Shinto Department. She calls Itsuki "Big Brother President" and adores him. She comes from a family with a long and distinguished history in the world of magic, but she doesn't like to talk about it.
• Ren Nekoyashiki (voiced by Junichi Suwabe)
  Chief of the Astral Onmyodo Department. As his name suggests, he is an avid Onmyodo master who loves cats, and is one of the few members who has been with Astral since its founding. Although he may seem lazy at first glance, he is one of the most skilled members of Astral.
• Manami Kuroba (voiced by Shizuka Ito)
  An apprentice employee at Astral. Although she has lost her memory of the past, she meets Itsuki and decides to join Astral. She seems to be attracted to his personality. With her special ability, she does odd jobs at Astral.
• Kagesaki (voiced by Daisuke Ono)
  A man from the Magic Society who appears behind the scenes of the incident. He is a man who seems to have had all distinctive features stripped away, and his identity is shrouded in mystery, but he is feared for one thing: he is a "wizard who kills wizards."

staff

Many talented staff members are involved in the production of "Rental x Magica." Below are the main staff members:

• Original author: Makoto Mita, pako
• Director: Itsuro Kawasaki
• Series Composition: Mamiko Ikeda, Makoto Mita
• Character design: Shiba Minako
• Creature design: Hideki Hashimoto
• Prop design: Yoshinobu Tsuneki
• Art director: Ohta Dai
• Assistant Art Director: Sumiko Aihara
• Color design: Hiroshi Iwaida
• Director of photography: Atsuko Okui, Takeshi Kuchiba
• Edited by: Daisuke Hiraki
• Sound Director: Miwa Iwanami
• Music: Takanori Eguchi, Jun Ichikawa, Naoki Sato
• Music Production: flying DOG/JVC Ent.
• Producers: Takashi Tachizaki, Tomoko Suzuki, Tsuneo Takechi, Satoshi Haruki, Nobuaki Yamaguchi, Tomoko Kawasaki
• Animation Production: ZEXCS
• Production: Rental Magica Production Committee (Kadokawa Shoten, Kadokawa Pictures, Clockworks, IMAGICA, NTT Docomo, ZEXCS)

episode

"Rental x Magica" consists of 24 episodes, each of which depicts a different magic and character growth. Below are the subtitles for each episode.

• Episode 1: Wizard for Rent (2007/10/08)
• Episode 2: Witch's Vow (2007/10/15)
• Episode 3: Purification of the Gods (2007/10/22)
• Episode 4: You're Not Alone (2007/10/29)
• Episode 5: Magi Night (2007/11/05)
• Episode 6: Fairy Eyes (Glamsite) (2007/11/12)
• Episode 7: The Red-Haired Girl (2007/11/19)
• Episode 8: Hot Spring Magic (2007/11/26)
• Episode 9: The one who succeeds his father (2007/12/03)
• Episode 10: Tears of the Homunculus (2007/12/10)
• Episode 11: Flowers that Bloom for the Dead (2007/12/17)
• Episode 12: Requiem for the Holy Night (2007/12/24)
• Episode 13: Initiation Ceremony (2008/01/07)
• Episode 14: Star Memories (2008/01/14)
• Episode 15: The Legend of the Mermaid (2008/01/21)
• Episode 16: Red Spear (2008/01/28)
• Episode 17: Demon God's Rebellion (2008/02/04)
• Episode 18: Solomon's Bonds (2008/02/11)
• Episode 19: The Shrine Maiden's Hometown (2008/02/18)
• Episode 20: Demon Festival (2008/02/25)
• Episode 21: The Black and White Dress (2008/03/03)
• Episode 22: Sleeping Town (2008/03/10)
• Episode 23: Changeling (2008/03/17)
• Episode 24: Astral (2008/03/24)

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs of "Rental x Magica" also enhance the appeal of the work. Below are the main songs.

• OP1
  Blooming in Space Lyrics: Risa Komine Music: Masumi Yamazaki Arrangement: Atsushi Yamazaki Chorus Arrangement: Takanori Eguchi Singer: Risa Komine
• OP2
  Faith
  Lyrics: Mika Arisaka Music: Masumi Yamazaki Arrangement: Atsushi Yamazaki Chorus Arrangement: Takanori Eguchi Singer: Lisa Komine
• OP3
  Blooming in Space (Acoustic Version)
  Lyrics: Risa Komine Composition: Masumi Yamazaki Arrangement: Risa Komine Singer: Risa Komine
• ED1
  Blooming in Space Lyrics: Risa Komine Music: Masumi Yamazaki Arrangement: Atsushi Yamazaki Chorus Arrangement: Takanori Eguchi Singer: Risa Komine
• ED2
  Let's walk.
  Lyrics: Jungo Yoshida Composition: Jungo Yoshida Arrangement: Masanori Takumi Singer: Jungo Yoshida
• ED3
  Let's walk. (Astral Version)
  Lyrics: Jungo Yoshida Composition: Jungo Yoshida Arrangement: Masanori Takumi Sung by: Everyone in Astral (Jun Fukuyama, Kana Ueda, Mikako Takahashi, Junichi Suwabe, Rie Kugimiya, Shizuka Itou)
• IN1
  Faith
  Lyrics: Mika Arisaka Music: Masumi Yamazaki Arrangement: Atsushi Yamazaki Chorus Arrangement: Takanori Eguchi Singer: Lisa Komine
• IN2
  Lyrics: Yasunobu Matsuo Composition: Yasunobu Matsuo Arrangement: Yasunobu Matsuo Sung by: Astral no Mina (Jun Fukuyama, Kana Ueda, Mikako Takahashi, Junichi Suwabe, Rie Kugimiya, Shizuka Itou)
• IN3
  Let's walk. (A cappella Version)
  Lyrics: Jungo Yoshida Composition: Jungo Yoshida Arrangement: Masanori Takumi Singer: Jungo Yoshida
• IN4
  On a Holy Night Lyrics: Eriko Music: Atsushi Ichikawa Arrangement: Atsushi Ichikawa Sung by: Everyone and the Children of Astral

Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Rental Magica" is an appealing work with a story that skillfully incorporates the fantasy element of magic and a rich cast of unique characters. In particular, the battle scenes where different kinds of magic intersect are spectacular and draw viewers in. In addition, the episodes depicting the growth of the main character and his bonds with his friends are also moving and loved by many fans.

The animation was produced by ZEXCS, and the quality is high, with beautiful character and creature designs, background art, etc. Furthermore, the music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, with the theme song and insert songs adding depth to the story.

This work is recommended not only for those who like magic and fantasy, but also for those who are interested in character growth and human relationships. In particular, the unique setting of a wizard dispatch company gives it a fresh feel that is not found in other works.

Reasons for recommendation

Here are the reasons why we recommend "Rental x Magica":

• Unique setting : The setting of a magician dispatch company is a fresh one that is not found in other works. The magical battle scenes are also impressive and keep viewers hooked.
• Characters with a wide range of personalities : Many characters with a wide range of personalities appear, including the main character, Itsuki Iba, Honami, Mikan, Ren, and others. Their growth and relationships are depicted, making it easy to empathize with the characters.
• Beautiful animation : The high-quality animation by ZEXCS features beautifully drawn character designs and background art, making the game visually appealing.
• A moving story : The episodes depicting the growth of the main character and his bond with his friends are moving and leave a deep impression on the viewers. In particular, the climax of the final episode is impossible to watch without crying.
• Attractive Music : The theme song and insert songs add depth to the story and enhance the atmosphere of the work. Komine Lisa's singing voice in particular touches the heart.

summary

"Rental Magica" is a work loved by many fans as a multi-type magical combat set in a magician dispatch company. The combination of various elements such as the growth and relationships of the unique characters, beautiful animation, and attractive music has a charm that attracts viewers. If you haven't seen this work yet, please give it a watch. You will definitely be drawn into the world of magic.