Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge!, Vol. 1

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge! #1

by Magica Quartet

Another week with Madoka?! Had Madoka Kaname known of the tragic transformation that would mark the end of her magical-girl journey, how would her story have unfolded? In this telling of her story, Madoka remembers the outcomes of her previous timelines--but so does Kyubey. Even with the knowledge of her previous lives, can Madoka outmaneuver Kyubey and avoid her fate?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Fiction, Magic, Time Travel, Graphic Novels, Comics

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2013

About the author

A group collaboration consisting of director Akiyuki Shinbou, writer Gen Urobuchi, the original character designer Ume Aoki, and the producer Atsuhiro Iwakami.

Reviews

[Christopher Saunders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge! is another Madoka spin-off with a (somewhat) fresh take on familiar characters. In this story arc, time-traveling Puella Magi Homura manages to pull Madoka back into her time loop with memories intact, making it easier (both hope) to avoid repeating past mistakes. Unfortunately, Kyubey also retains his memories this time around, and immediately starts playing the Magical Girls against each other, with Sayaka and Kyoko forming an anti-Homura alliance. Homura and Madoka try their best to navigate existing pitfalls, new conflicts and the demon cat's scheming, all of which prove far easier said than done.  

Those craving more Madoka content will probably be satisfied by Homura's Revenge, and there are new tidbits here to justify the manga's existence. This story does a better job elucidating Homura's powers and the degree of actual control she can exercise with them than the main series. The first volume, however, fumbles the premise by enforcing the status quo (poor Mami never gets a break!); eventually things get more interesting when Homura and Madoka come into conflict with Kyoko and Sayaka, here a mentor-student pairing rather than the quasi-romantic rivals from the series, which allows for some fresh dynamics and divergence from the story we've all experienced multiple times by now. But the biggest problem is that it can't decide whether it's a spoof of the main series or a serious story in its own right. Revenge is still better than your average cash cow cash-in, but much more than The Different Story it feels a superfluous addition to the Madokaverse.  

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars only because the art is very good. Otherwise, it ruins a great premise with out of character nonsense. Everyone has the idiot ball!

It seems like the author didn't even pay terribly close attention to why certain events occurred in the TV timeline. It tries to present Charlotte killing Mami as an inevitability, missing the point that Mami only lost because she was so overjoyed by Madoka's decision to become a magical girl. After Mami died in the TV timeline, Homura is shocked because Mami won against Charlotte every time they fought in other timelines.

[Feliza Casano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the “alternate timeline” spinoffs, Homura’s Revenge is pretty solid. Because of the nature of the manga’s placement in the overall timeline of the franchise, there’s really no avoiding knowing exactly how it will end: Homura will once again fail to stop Madoka Kaname from becoming a magical girl, they will be separated once more, and Homura will have to start over again. Because of that, this two-volume series’ appeal isn’t in the ending, but in how the reader gets there.

(Full review at Girls in Capes.)

[Eden Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST one of the Madoka spin-off series so far.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty fun and interesting time line.

[Maddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a spin-off of the original series. In this version, Homura managed to pull Madoka into her reset of the time line and world. This means that Madoka also knows the truth about Kyubey, the witches, and magical girls this time. She and Homura are on the same side and can work together to try to prevent their friends from dying. This is one of the main differences from the usual story.

Madoka's awareness doesn't save Sayaka or Mami, both of whom still die because of their contracts with Kyubey (and their refusal to listen to Homura). Unlike in the other timelines, however, Kyouko survives Walpurgis Nacht because she helps Homura and Madoka defeat the witches. The only problem is that Homura ultimately fails in this timeline again because Madoka makes a contract to save Homura from dying after Walpurgis Nacht. As Homura's wish is to keep Madoka from becoming a magical girl and putting herself in harm's way, she has to continue her journey through time loops.

Homura is my favorite of the magical girls in this set of series because she is loyal to a fault. She is the anti-hero because she was ultimately painted as the antagonist in the first series because Madoka and Sayaka were blind to what Kyubey was actually doing and how the magical girl contracts actually worked. Everything she does is for Madoka so you can read Homura's devotion as love for her. Honestly, I thought that was beautiful and heartbreaking that she would put herself through endless time loops in an attempt to try and save Madoka from becoming a magical girl.

I gave this mini-series three stars! There was less horror element in this side-series than in the other Puella Magi Madoka Magica series I've read. The horror was down played since it was expected that the reader already knew the plot twists from the original series. So this is much less shocking than the first series. This also wasn't as violent as the other series though of course, there's still some fighting and deaths of characters (Mami and Sayaka).

[Ya Boi Be Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many of the PMMM side manga (Wrath Arc, Oriko, Suzune, Tomura, Kazumi) and by far this one is the best (although Oriko and Suzune still hold a special place in my heart). Many of the spinoffs attempt to create their own feel (which isn't bad) but Homura's Revenge feels like it written straight outta the original anime.
The story is strong and well-written. This is meant for fans of the original with the setup expecting you understand the general plot-points. As such the pacing is brisk and snappy as this (essentially canon AU) timeline glosses over elements fans remember and pick up where with the new changes create differences. What I really enjoy is how the story focuses on how we cannot change fate. This is something the original harped on heavily in its final episodes before Madoka's decision and later Rebellion. No matter what Homura's actions would change surface level details but the outcomes was always the same. This is the same here to great effect as Mami still dies but now through Homura distracting her by trying to save her and Kyoko and Sayuka still working together through the shared hatred of Homura. Just like the show's previous timelines fate stays the same only in different tragic manifestations.
The artwork is impeccably consistent. It's very on-model from the show as well making it really feel as if you're reading a previous timeline. While the artwork is always consistent and pops off occasionally especially in the composition (the Mami almost getting bitten framed through the teeth panels was amazing and drawing of special effects and the witches.

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica' manga I hadn't read yet. Well, now I have, at last, and here's what I think:

It's an interesting "What if?" premise and scenario. It is fairly entertaining on its own. Dynamic and well paced.

However, overall the execution isn't that solid, or well thought out. The characters are not that strong, and some are just bizarrely out-of-character altogether, without reason, or those reasons are wishy-washy. There's the big, unignorable plot hole regarding Mami Tomoe's "fate"/"destiny". Like, did the writers forget there were previous timelines before the main one in the series? Every one of them is different, depending on Homura's actions and involvement. Characters' fates change every time. Except for Madoka's. And perhaps Sayaka's.

I don't know why this series is called 'Homura's Revenge!', when it's not really about that - Homura's objective hasn't changed in any way, and she somehow seems less certain and assertive now. Less cold, gloomy and forlorn. If anything, Madoka is more of a protagonist here, as she's more fixed and thoughtful in her goals as she teams up side-by-side with the tragic Homura; helping her, as she never had the chance to before.

Kyubey has become unflinchingly bloodthirsty all of a sudden (new objective? Out of desperation?) (this is one example of bizarre character derailment).

Nevertheless, I'd recommend 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Homura's Revenge!, Vol. 1' to 'Madoka Magica' fans. Just don't expect the same kind of tone and excellent, high quality, star-striking writing as in the original anime series.

It might not be a very strong addition to a fan's manga collection, but it's appealing, and some parts (story and character beats) are competently executed, and it has a good twist ending, so I'll keep it.

Homura and Madoka (and Mami and Sayaka and Kyouko) forever. For all time. For infinity. For eternity.

For hope. Towards hope, every time.

Final Score: 3/5

[Lee Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'd think I'd be tired of reading alternate storylines about these kickass ladies by now, but nope, I'm still eating it up. Homura's Revenge is yet another adventure into the past, this time with Homura finding a loophole in which, as long as she's holding on to someone else--in this case, Madoka--that person can travel in time with her. Now Madoka remembers everything that is fated to happen to Mami, Sayaka, and Kyoko; she knows that Homura has time travel powers that she wished for in order to save her.

And that should, hypothetically, change everything.

The artwork in this spin-off manga is different than it's been in the past. It's a little bolder and a little clearer, and honestly I like it a little better, even if it's more cartoon-y. Kyubey is more comical than usual as well, but still just as creepy and conniving.

5/5 stars, of course, and a place on the favorites shelf. I'm looking forward to the second installment.

[johaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

xdxdxd. mami no se salva. por DIOOOOOSSSSS PORQUEEE MAMI NUNCA SE SALVAAAAAA YO TE AMO MAMI LA RECONTRAMINACION DEL AMBIENTE WWWWHAAHAHAHAHAHHAA ;((((
anyways. god! god,god,god. madoka magica nunca te deja insatisfecho. tengoq ver el anime, solo lei el manga, anyways, hermoso! good job katie youre doing amazing sweetie! wow, look at her go! ;)
me estrese mucho, siempre me hace pasarla mal este anime chorongo, te amo igual.
por alguna razon estrambologica siempre me encariño con los personajes como kyubey y monokuma. por alguna razon NO PUEDO odiar a incubator la chorongarisima de tu hibrido. comosea, buena adquisición! NO recomiendo comprarse el manga de madoka magica, es mejor el anime! pero en comparacion al manga de madoka magica, homuras revenge es MUCHISIMO mejor! me sorprendí, la verdad. en resumen, me gusto mucho y esta buenisimo. 4 out of 5 xq nose.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this okay. I like the premise and I'm a fan of the show so seeing it twisted around seemed extra promising. Still, I felt that the creative team could have done more. The characters ended up having an opportunity to rewrite their destiny but had their actions forced into the same though their meddling. And while that in itself is a powerful message of the futility of their journey, it came across as being too similar to the original to be new. I still purchased the series for myself and another set for a friend. It just didn't turn out to be as unique as I hoped it would be.

[Santiago Bueno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otro spin off de Madoka para agregar a la colección. Uno con una premisa un tanto particular. Empieza a explora la pregunta "qué pasaría si Homura llevara a Madoka en su viaje en el tiempo?". Y la verdad que es una pregunta que me parece interesante. Este tomo es un poco introductorio, pero que creo que logra introducir su conflicto de muy buena manera. Me gusta mucho ver la dinámica entre Madoka y Homura. Realmente son dos personajes que tienen mucha química. Y la verdad que me interesa bastante ver como van a seguir explorando esta historia y lo que puedan contribuir al universo de Madoka.

[Elisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me da mucha pena ponerle 3 estrellas a esta obra ya que soy muy fan de Madoka, sin embargo se siente rara.

No sólo por el tema dibujo ya que no sigue la misma línea que la historia original o de The different story.

Si no además es la historia ya que es uno de los retornos de Homura pero con ligueras modificación que no termina de agradarme...

[Estefanía Navarro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Estoy encantada de la vida de volver a leer mangas de Puella Magi!!!
En cuanto lo ví en el salon del manga no me lo podía creer que fueran a sacar una nueva historia de Madoka y sus Amigas.
Así que nada yo living y con ganas de saber cómo continua la historia. Conseguirá Homura salvar a Madoka??

[XZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kyubey you manipulative little rag doll (#`皿´)

[Strix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sigh... tragedy always seems to follow everywhere Kyubey goes. More than anything, I think the art in this is gorgeous, this artist and Hanokage are personal favorites.

[nana ❀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

fraco demais e eu odiei a arte desse...

[The Book Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is a spinoff of Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
Please note, this has major spoilers. Read the original first!

So this story opens at the end of one of Homura's time loops where everything has gone wrong and the only thing she can do is to rewind and try again for the umpteenth time. But... this time she grabs Madoka and BOTH of them rewind with knowledge of how events will play out. So now they can hopefully rewrite everything and save their friends.

The problem comes when they find out that Kyubey also came with them on their rewind and is sabotaging them.

So this is an interesting take on the story (because I even wondered if this scenario was possible) because there's the struggle to change the final outcome but there's no guarantee that even if they change events, that the ending will be any different. (If it is, that would be amazing because Homura deserves a happy ending, but I understand the preference for tragedy for aesthetics)

This series has 2 volumes.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've got another timeline! In the aftermath of a timeline that looks a lot like the final timeline (I guess to avoid introducing a new series of events), Homura takes Madoka back in time and Kyubey tags along. All three remember the events of the past week.

This is an interesting concept, but it doesn't do a lot for me until the end. When Sayaka and Kyoko belive that Homura is responsible for Mami's death at the maw of Charlotte and begin a race against each other to avenge their mentor. Homura hasn't redeemed her character to me since Rebellion. Madoka's passiveness is grating here, where she knows more information about the magical girl system than the others, and her view of the other girls isn't tainted by disappoint with them in previous times (Homura's view of Mami). Madoka's new knowledge isn't put to use until the fight with Charlotte which gives her some good moments trying to put off the inevitable. One big issue I have is that Madoka and Homura don't start by trying to avoid Mami distrusting Homura. Homura knows that Madoka knows not to make a contract, so trying to kill Kyubey isn't necessary.

Kyubey is interesting. While he is just as calculating and capable of finding a way to benefit from anything, he has some more depth. He is really fond of Mami and claims to be upset that she is killed...even though in the Anime he says for his kind, emotions are considered a mental illness.

The art is cute and close to the style in canon and most of the rest of the manga series.

[Jaja888 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting take on Homura's endless time looping, and a great premise gone to waste.

Madoka being able to REMEMBER a previous timeline would change the entire anime and every character's motivations, especially Homura. Unfortunately for the reader, something seems to be pushing the writer along very quickly so the changes to Madoka's memories don't really have an effect on the story.

By the end of this volume, Mami has still been eaten by Charlotte, Sayaka is still a magical girl, and is about to fight Kyoko again. Nothing has changed. If the Magica Quartet was going for a moral about the futility of struggling in life, then they have failed. Episodes 10-12 of the anime did a much better job of driving this point home and in a more emotionally satisfying way.

I won't be reading Volume 2. If it's going to play out the same way as every other timeline in the anime, why bother?

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for fans

I loved this such a good story a must for any fan of the series especially silly fans of Homura

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally had been throwing around the idea of "if Madoka remembered when Homura restarted". In this one, I was extremely frustrated with Mami and Sayaka. THEY ARE TRYING TO SAVE YOU!

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Daniela]

A silly little read enjoyed by my preteen.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if Madoka has memories of the previous timeline? Is fate fixed like H G well the time machine? Houmra has failed many times before, so will Madoka make a difference?