One of the prominent sub-genres of the bishoujo manga genre is that of the Magical Girl. We are all familiar with this particular genre some how, whether it is through the several years that networks ran Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura on television, or if someone just happened to pick up a copy of Pretear or Magic Knight Rayearth. This genre is beloved for the charming characters that accept or learn of magical powers they have in order to fight evil, giving readers a sweet, sometimes bittersweet story that almost always has a happy ending, and combines drama, action, comedy, and magic all together. Yet, there are a few things that are prominent in all Magical Girl mangas that give this genre the appeal it deserves, which should be touched upon.

1. Magic - Whether it is predestined, such as in Sailor Moon, or a gift that the right girl receives at the right time, like in Pretear, the magical part of the Magical Girl genre is an important staple of defining this particular subsection of manga. The magic allows the normal girl, generally of high school age, to transform into a hero or princess, so that she might battle the forces of evil that threaten the world. This also includes a costume change or two, brought on in a flashy transformation sequence that takes place for half a minute in our world, but is instantaneous in the manga real time.

2. Costumes - Sailor fukus, themed dresses made by the best friend of the Magical Girl, or powerful armor, all of these are costumes that appear in staple examples of the Magical Girl genre. These manga would not be the same if Sailor Moon and her senshi did not wear matching, yet different uniforms, or if the three girls from Magic Knight Rayearth remained in their school uniforms when calling upon the massive guardian armors that protect the world of Cephiro. Generally, costumes in the Magical Girl genre are such that they are colorful and appropriate to what is going on. They also rarely stay the same for long. Each season Sailor Moon’s costume changes in some way, the Pretear’s costume changes with the magic she uses, Cardcaptor Sakura’s costume depends completely on what her best friend has made for her, and the Magic Knights of Rayearth have better armor as their skills and souls become more complete.

3. Talking Animals - Every superhero princess needs a sidekick, and the talking animal seems to be it for every prime example of the genre. Whether it is a typical animal like a cat, or something more amazing like a little lion with wings, each Magical Girl has one of these particular friends. They can be useful guides, becoming a Deus Ex Machina when information is needed, or can assist somehow in the transformation. They provide comic relief, and remind the reader that even when the girls look normal and are doing regular, teenager type things, that they are still very special, and have a greater purpose in life.

4. The Man of Mystery - No dramatic Magical Girl manga would be complete without the man of mystery. This is the handsome, generally bishounen style character that hangs around with the Magical Girl, helping her when she needs it, and handing over some precious item or bit of information just when it is needed most. Needless to say, this also begins a romance between the two main characters that is generally tumultuous, and has several bumps along the way. In the end though, love is admitted, battles are won, and in the end, the man of mystery and the magical girl end up happily together, along with the talking animal, which was, of course, disgruntled at the sight of the man of mystery at first.

Of course, there are many subtle nuances to the Magical Girl manga genre, but it is something that can be broken down into these four main parts. This simple formula is why many people love this type of manga, as it gives readers a break from the convoluted, long tales that many people are used to when picking up a series. By no means always lighthearted and saccharine sweet, the Magical Girl manga genre can show that even teenage girls obsessed with nothing but boys and eating can grab a hen shin pen, put on a costume, and save the world.