Illustration and Visual Narrative Lecture Report / Task 2

15.4.2022 - 22.4.2022 (Week 3 - Week 4)

Takuto Hozumi / 0354047 / Bachelor Of Design (Hons) In Creative Media

Illustration and Visual Narrative

Lecture Report

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INSTRUCTION

Lecture Report Task 2: CHIAROSCURO (21/4/2022)

Fig.1: Key visual of "Puella Magi Madoka Magica"

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

Abstract

The scene introduced in this report is taken from Episode 8 of the animation "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" and is a turning point in the story. It was produced by Shaft, a very well-known animation production company which is unique in placing collage-like elements throughout the animation.

Fig.2: Collage-like elements

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

Introduction

Firstly I am explaining an overview of the animation. As you can see in the key visual above, the character designs and the overall impression of the animation seem to be geared toward children, especially preschool girls. There was not much talk about it before it aired, and people did not expect that it would become such a famous animation. All elements, including advertising and pictorials, indicated before the broadcast that it would be a simple and childish heroic story.

Story

Fig.3: Ep1-1

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

The story begins with the main character "Madoka" (Pink hair girl), a junior high school student who is attacked by a monster in her daily life with some friends.

Fig.4: Ep1-2

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

Then she was saved by a senior magical girl (Yellow hair) (*Magical girl= a HERO in this animation) who suddenly appears, and she began to yearn to become a magical girl herself.

Fig.5: Ep1-3

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

It also comes with the bonus that when she becomes it, only one of her wish comes true. But at the same time, a magical girl is tasked with protecting the world by continuing to defeat monsters.

Not only in this animation, but in various stories, "Transforming to hero" and "Fighting evil" is a very convenient system for the protagonist. It seemed as if the story would end up as a mediocre hero piece, but it was not. The story took a dark turn suddenly when the senior magical girl who saved her in the first episode, died.

Fig.6: Ep3-1

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

In the middle of the story, it was revealed that there are no enemies in this story. The monster is a final form of magical girl after wish-fulfilling. Madoka's the best friend "Sayaka" (Blue hair girl), who has already become a magical girl, despaired of the fact that she will eventually become a monster, and slowly goes to insane.

Fig.7: Ep8-1

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

Then she kills civilians (the outlaw people on the train) because she questions her mission to defeat monsters and protect this world.

Use of Chiaroscuro in This Animation

Sayaka who has turned completely evil, is transformed into a monster. The scenes before and after are heavily peppered with dramatic Chiaroscuro.

Fig.8: Ep8-2 The Scene Using Chiaroscuro 1

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

She is hanging down in the train without any strength. Her both mind and body is tired from the daily battle to protect the world.

Fig.9: Ep8-3 The Scene Using Chiaroscuro 2

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

"Cuz women are complete morons.

They get money in their hands and they blow it all on stupid crap.

Yeah, seriously, man...

You just can't treat women like rational human beings.

You gotta treat'em like they're stupid dogs or something.

All I gotta say is, "I'm gonna bust up your face!" and she shuts right up!"

(2 guys in the train)

At that moment, she heard the conversation of the guys sitting in the seat across from her. They were talking about the mocking of the women in night entertainment business.

Fig.10: Ep8-4 The Scene Using Chiaroscuro 3

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

"Hey... is this world even worth protecting?

What have I been fighting for all this time?

Tell me.

You, right now. Tell me.

Or else, I'll..."

(Sayaka Miki)

She is still in middle school and in an immature state of mind. She has been exposed to the dark side of society and has fallen into despair.

Fig.11: Ep9-1

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS

She eventually became a monster. Motifs such as the sword she used when she was a hero, the train tracks and wheels that were her turning point, are used in the monsters design.

This scene which the best friend becomes a monster, will have a significant impact on the protagonist's behavior until the final episode.

Conclusion and My Thoughts

In fact, if you actually watch this animation, you will find an atmosphere of suspense and psychological horror as the storyline changes several times. By using chiaroscuro throughout such scenes that are turning points in the story, you can create a strong impression on the viewer and emphasize the unreasonableness and ruthlessness of the story.

Animation Director

新房昭之 (Akiyuki Shinbo 1961-) directed and produced the animation. Rich colors are the hallmark of his work. Particularly impressive is his use of eye-catching, vivid colors such as red and black, which he skillfully incorporates into his paintings to create a lasting impression on the viewer. It is characterized by the frequent use of shadows and stop-motion pictures, extremely contrasting and gaudy colors, eccentric layouts, and the frequent use of eye-catchers as well.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica (7.1.2011 - 22.4.2011)

© Magica Quartet／Aniplex・Madoka Partners・MBS