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Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story #2
魔法少女まどか☆マギカ ~The different story~ 中 [Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica: The Different Story 2]
劇場版の公開に合わせて全3巻集中発売!! まどかやほむら、マミやさやか、杏子達の活躍は…!? 実力派ハノカゲによるアナザースピンオフ第2弾!!
162 pages, Paperback
First published October 19, 2012
8 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Magica Quartet
168 books200 followersA group collaboration consisting of director Akiyuki Shinbou, writer Gen Urobuchi, the original character designer Ume Aoki, and the producer Atsuhiro Iwakami.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 2, 2023
I love this series so muchhhhh I don't even know what to say
January 17, 2015
I have to admit at the start of this review that I like Madoka Magica as a series, with Mami being my favorite character, so my review here is inherently biased. In order for me not to like this manga series, it would have to do something bizarrely off the rails, and even then, I think I'd be kind of impressed rather than disappointed. Because of that, I don't know that it's worth saying what I liked about the volume in too much depth. The character writing, as always, is good, and despite the action, the drama comes from how the characters interact with each other. It's nothing new to the series as a whole, but it still works here.
My complaints about this volume are pretty minor. There were two wordless fights where I looked at the 2 page spreads of panels and couldn't quite tell what was going on, which was annoying. To stay clear of spoilers, there's also an off-page event at the end of this volume that deserves some sort of explanation other than Kyubey's, "Wow, ladies, did you screw up or what?" In that case, I'm assuming it'll be covered in volume 3, so I won't be too snarky about it for now.
My complaints about this volume are pretty minor. There were two wordless fights where I looked at the 2 page spreads of panels and couldn't quite tell what was going on, which was annoying. To stay clear of spoilers, there's also an off-page event at the end of this volume that deserves some sort of explanation other than Kyubey's, "Wow, ladies, did you screw up or what?" In that case, I'm assuming it'll be covered in volume 3, so I won't be too snarky about it for now.
December 3, 2018
Extremely interesting examination of how shame emerges interpersonally, but the fight sequences in this are almost impossible to read.
April 9, 2019
This review contains spoilers for the whole series (volumes 1-3).
This miniseries answered the question: “What if Mami survived the battle in chapter 3 of the original series?” Mainly these three books follow Mami and Kyouko (pictured on the cover above), as they become magical girls and learn to fight witches. It’s the same premise from the original story in that the witches are still fallen magical girls. Kyubey is still evil and tricks all of the girls into making contracts with him that will ultimately seal their fate.
Mami and Kyouko mistakenly believe that they are saving humanity from the destructive powers of the witches. The story is still incredibly dark, as all versions of the Madoka series have been (that I’ve read or watched). Mami and Kyouko end up going their separate ways after Kyouko’s family is killed as a result of her being a magical girl. Mami, who previously lost her parents in an accident, is now alone as she feared. Soon however, Kyubey brings Sayaka and Madoka to her as apprentice magical girls. At the same time, Homura seeks Kyouko’s alliance against Mami and Sayaka after they refuse to join her. Madoka hasn’t turned into a magical girl yet at this point; She’s always the last to turn into a magical girl, at least in every version of the series I’ve read so far.
I honestly think that Mami was the favorite of the creators, which is why they gave her her own miniseries (if not to also explain Kyouko’s story better too). If you pay attention to all the extras, many of them revolve around Mami despite her dying so early in the series. I guess the Magica Quartet took the phrase “kill all your darlings” too literally in these series. Even though Kyouko is also important in this series, it truly begins and ends with Mami.
I gave this series three stars. I had hoped to see Mami survive just once, but even in this version where she is the main character, she dies. It seems that she and Sayaka will always die, no matter how many times Homura turns back time.
Triggers/content warning: Extreme violence and mentions of suicide
This miniseries answered the question: “What if Mami survived the battle in chapter 3 of the original series?” Mainly these three books follow Mami and Kyouko (pictured on the cover above), as they become magical girls and learn to fight witches. It’s the same premise from the original story in that the witches are still fallen magical girls. Kyubey is still evil and tricks all of the girls into making contracts with him that will ultimately seal their fate.
Mami and Kyouko mistakenly believe that they are saving humanity from the destructive powers of the witches. The story is still incredibly dark, as all versions of the Madoka series have been (that I’ve read or watched). Mami and Kyouko end up going their separate ways after Kyouko’s family is killed as a result of her being a magical girl. Mami, who previously lost her parents in an accident, is now alone as she feared. Soon however, Kyubey brings Sayaka and Madoka to her as apprentice magical girls. At the same time, Homura seeks Kyouko’s alliance against Mami and Sayaka after they refuse to join her. Madoka hasn’t turned into a magical girl yet at this point; She’s always the last to turn into a magical girl, at least in every version of the series I’ve read so far.
I honestly think that Mami was the favorite of the creators, which is why they gave her her own miniseries (if not to also explain Kyouko’s story better too). If you pay attention to all the extras, many of them revolve around Mami despite her dying so early in the series. I guess the Magica Quartet took the phrase “kill all your darlings” too literally in these series. Even though Kyouko is also important in this series, it truly begins and ends with Mami.
I gave this series three stars. I had hoped to see Mami survive just once, but even in this version where she is the main character, she dies. It seems that she and Sayaka will always die, no matter how many times Homura turns back time.
Triggers/content warning: Extreme violence and mentions of suicide
September 2, 2022
Otro volumen genial para este spin off de Madoka. Me gustó mucho como se fue desarrollando la historia. Como afecta al desarrollo de Mami la presencia de Sayaka y Madoka. Es un poco desgarrador ver la relación de Sayaka con Mami, teniendo en cuenta el destino de Sayaka en la serie original y lo que le pasa al final de este tomo.
Esta serie me está resultando muy interesante por como explora a Mami y a Kyoko , dos personajes que en la serie original no hubo tiempo de explorar demasiado. Esta linea de tiempo alternativa nos va contando una historia bastante fresca pero manteniendo el tono de la serie original. Solo me queda un tomo mas por leer y ya quiero leerlo. Creo que puede ser tremendo.
Esta serie me está resultando muy interesante por como explora a Mami y a Kyoko , dos personajes que en la serie original no hubo tiempo de explorar demasiado. Esta linea de tiempo alternativa nos va contando una historia bastante fresca pero manteniendo el tono de la serie original. Solo me queda un tomo mas por leer y ya quiero leerlo. Creo que puede ser tremendo.
January 7, 2025
So I’m going to assume this is a different iteration of the original story (if you know what I mean) because some… events didn’t happen.
Anyway, this volume focuses on the fact that Sayaka is now a magical girl and how her wish starts to turn sour. Because she made her wish for the boy she likes, but that doesn’t obligate him to like her back (even if he does know about the wish) nor does it mean Hitomi is forbidden from expressing her feelings for him too.
The whole situation gets further muddled when witches are involved, plus the whole Mami and Sakura drama, means the bulk of this volume is angst and I almost missed the major plot point at the end because it’s so vague. (Just know bad stuff happened).
This spinoff has 3 volumes.
Anyway, this volume focuses on the fact that Sayaka is now a magical girl and how her wish starts to turn sour. Because she made her wish for the boy she likes, but that doesn’t obligate him to like her back (even if he does know about the wish) nor does it mean Hitomi is forbidden from expressing her feelings for him too.
The whole situation gets further muddled when witches are involved, plus the whole Mami and Sakura drama, means the bulk of this volume is angst and I almost missed the major plot point at the end because it’s so vague. (Just know bad stuff happened).
This spinoff has 3 volumes.
March 30, 2025
the fact that I didnt understood or even liked sayaka’s character until I read this volume. she was so real. so relatable.
and fuck kyubey honestly he keeps acting as if it’s someone’s fault other than his own. nothing would happen if he shared every detail and outcome to the girls and not just watched it play out as a fucking god entertaining himself of the human’s emotions and actions.
sakura and sayaka are soulmates and you can’t change my mind.
and fuck kyubey honestly he keeps acting as if it’s someone’s fault other than his own. nothing would happen if he shared every detail and outcome to the girls and not just watched it play out as a fucking god entertaining himself of the human’s emotions and actions.
sakura and sayaka are soulmates and you can’t change my mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2026
Cap 5-8
No puedo creer que este sorprendida al ver que Sayaka en este universo igual se convirtio en una bruja. Es triste ver como Mami pierde a todos.
Por otro lado, ya no se si shippear a Kyoko con Sayaka o Mami o Homura Akdjfjakkdks
No puedo creer que este sorprendida al ver que Sayaka en este universo igual se convirtio en una bruja. Es triste ver como Mami pierde a todos.
Por otro lado, ya no se si shippear a Kyoko con Sayaka o Mami o Homura Akdjfjakkdks
December 31, 2017
Ah I never reviewed this issue, oops! Well, I loved it. I love the focus on Mami and Kyoko and Sayaka who don't get as much attention in the main series as Homura and Madoka. This is a spin off, and I guess it's considered "canon," but it reads like a really well-written fan fiction. The parallels between Kyoko and Sayaka are even clearer in this alternate timeline, and watching Sayaka being tugged back and forth between Mami and Kyoko is heartbreaking. I loveeee it. 5/5 stars and a favorite!
December 20, 2018
Someone wrote an uncomplimentary epithet over one of the illustrations of Kyouko.
October 17, 2023
Meo deooooossss
August 5, 2017
A worthy follow up to the first 'The Different Story' volume. This time Mami Tomoe is training Sayaka Miki, and her former "student" and friend Kyouko Sakura watches and judges from the sidelines, in Mami’s designated city territory where she fights witches.
I like how this manga series gives further depth to the characters and their roles as both "chess pieces" and human beings than in the anime (Sayaka's crush, Kyousuke, has an added presence here). This is probably due to not being constrained by 22-minute-long episodes adding up to only 12, and Madoka and Homura – the most important characters – taking a backseat to the action and development.
We learn more about Sayaka, and her feelings and choices as both a Magical Girl and a lovesick schoolgirl wanting the best for those she loves. They can be bad and irresponsible choices, but they are hers nonetheless. She has to learn to live with them, for the alternative - to wallow up in despair and self-pity - can be deadly for a Magical Girl. I love her relationship with Mami. Mami, who is more experienced at rationalising and restraining her emotions, tries to be a supportive teacher and friend, but Sayaka feels the older Magical Girl is being too soft on her; that she needs to be reprimanded for her terrible mistakes. And it all ends in a horrific tragedy worse than Mami could ever have expected.
Theirs is a mirror of Mami’s and Kyouko's relationship from the first volume, and a sense of time repeating itself for Mami, who refuses to give up on her ideals as a Magical Girl, no matter the myriad of tragedies befallen on her. Or does she..?
Poor, lonely, guilt-ridden Mami. The Magical Protector. The Great Pretender. She keeps moving forward, on and on, in spite of it all. What she needs is to be loved and hugged...
There is also a two-sides-of-the-same-coin connection between Sayaka and Kyouko which is nicely handled, though not much different than how it is presented in the anime. Madoka and Homura don't get nearly as much panel time as the other three Magical Girls, but that is where there is another contrast to the anime, which focuses a lot on them and their relationship.
Mami, Kyouko and Sayaka are the stars of this alternate storyline. Given how the manga ends, maybe they'd wish they weren't...
Ideas and established Magical Girl powers are explored plot-wise as well, such as Sayaka's healing abilities coming to use when saving others in battle. But despite these elements, ‘The Different Story’ – a parallel universe of ‘Madoka Magica’ – is a strong character-driven story more than anything else. Friendships and rivalries are tested to extremes.
The artwork - especially for the battle scenes - is very well-drawn and the characters’ facial expressions are perfect for all the scenes they are in. The ending is rather sudden and confusing, considering everything that’s been leading up to it, but what a twist!
My review of the third and final 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story' manga volume is to come.
Final Score: 4/5
I like how this manga series gives further depth to the characters and their roles as both "chess pieces" and human beings than in the anime (Sayaka's crush, Kyousuke, has an added presence here). This is probably due to not being constrained by 22-minute-long episodes adding up to only 12, and Madoka and Homura – the most important characters – taking a backseat to the action and development.
We learn more about Sayaka, and her feelings and choices as both a Magical Girl and a lovesick schoolgirl wanting the best for those she loves. They can be bad and irresponsible choices, but they are hers nonetheless. She has to learn to live with them, for the alternative - to wallow up in despair and self-pity - can be deadly for a Magical Girl. I love her relationship with Mami. Mami, who is more experienced at rationalising and restraining her emotions, tries to be a supportive teacher and friend, but Sayaka feels the older Magical Girl is being too soft on her; that she needs to be reprimanded for her terrible mistakes. And it all ends in a horrific tragedy worse than Mami could ever have expected.
Theirs is a mirror of Mami’s and Kyouko's relationship from the first volume, and a sense of time repeating itself for Mami, who refuses to give up on her ideals as a Magical Girl, no matter the myriad of tragedies befallen on her. Or does she..?
Poor, lonely, guilt-ridden Mami. The Magical Protector. The Great Pretender. She keeps moving forward, on and on, in spite of it all. What she needs is to be loved and hugged...
There is also a two-sides-of-the-same-coin connection between Sayaka and Kyouko which is nicely handled, though not much different than how it is presented in the anime. Madoka and Homura don't get nearly as much panel time as the other three Magical Girls, but that is where there is another contrast to the anime, which focuses a lot on them and their relationship.
Mami, Kyouko and Sayaka are the stars of this alternate storyline. Given how the manga ends, maybe they'd wish they weren't...
Ideas and established Magical Girl powers are explored plot-wise as well, such as Sayaka's healing abilities coming to use when saving others in battle. But despite these elements, ‘The Different Story’ – a parallel universe of ‘Madoka Magica’ – is a strong character-driven story more than anything else. Friendships and rivalries are tested to extremes.
The artwork - especially for the battle scenes - is very well-drawn and the characters’ facial expressions are perfect for all the scenes they are in. The ending is rather sudden and confusing, considering everything that’s been leading up to it, but what a twist!
My review of the third and final 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Different Story' manga volume is to come.
Final Score: 4/5
March 10, 2022
🌸22nd June 2020🌸
Volume two occurs alongside the main series (with a bit of a twist) but focuses on Mami rather than Madoka. I love how it give the original series so much more depth! I love the main series but my main complaint of the manga was that it felt very rushed; I personally would have liked more story and background. The Different Story is what was missing! We mainly follow Mami’s training of Sayaka, as well as the consequences of Sayaka’s wish (much like in volume one with Kyouko). But, as with every part of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series, including this side series, it gets a whole lot more intense and depressing as you go on. Volume two shows just how lonely, guilty-ridden, and full of regret Mami is and you really feel for her. I’m impressed with this series so far! As I have read the original series, I am both excited but dreading the last instalment 😢 This story does divert from the original as a main plot line changes half way through but knowing this series, the last volume will definitely not be an easy or lighthearted read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Volume two occurs alongside the main series (with a bit of a twist) but focuses on Mami rather than Madoka. I love how it give the original series so much more depth! I love the main series but my main complaint of the manga was that it felt very rushed; I personally would have liked more story and background. The Different Story is what was missing! We mainly follow Mami’s training of Sayaka, as well as the consequences of Sayaka’s wish (much like in volume one with Kyouko). But, as with every part of the Puella Magi Madoka Magica series, including this side series, it gets a whole lot more intense and depressing as you go on. Volume two shows just how lonely, guilty-ridden, and full of regret Mami is and you really feel for her. I’m impressed with this series so far! As I have read the original series, I am both excited but dreading the last instalment 😢 This story does divert from the original as a main plot line changes half way through but knowing this series, the last volume will definitely not be an easy or lighthearted read!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
June 22, 2014
Installment 2 of 3. Pretty art, an interesting storyline. This volume makes it more clear that this is a , even though there's nothing in the manga copy that explicitly explains that. This manga is following a different point of view - Mami's - and has a similar sequence of events to the main manga, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Vol. 01, as well as the anime.
The differences are enough that I'd recommend this one to those familiar with the franchise - it's got a lovely new take on the events of the series.
The differences are enough that I'd recommend this one to those familiar with the franchise - it's got a lovely new take on the events of the series.
January 8, 2016
Starting to get a bit bland right about here. A lot of the dialogue feels out of place and unnecessary. And I just don't care as much for where the story is at this point. Nothing really happens. And, unlike the first volume in The Different Story, we aren't given a complete story to really care about here.
The art is still beautiful. But that's just not enough.
The art is still beautiful. But that's just not enough.
June 22, 2015
More good stuff, focusing again on Mami and her new student, Sayaka. Naturally, as it's Madoka Magica, everything falls apart. I loved that this series gave more depth to some of the supporting characters.
January 2, 2014
Sí señor!!! la different story es genial!!!!!
July 8, 2014
Very good, but there was a lot of talking and the dialogue dragged the plot down. I preferred the pacing of the first book. Still, a good read, and I'm looking forward to #3.
August 21, 2014
Really interesting how things turned out! And the next book isn't out yet ;_;
March 3, 2015
Not as good as first book but still amazing. Especially with how it ended and how it will keep me guessing what's to come
May 29, 2015
The first volume was nice. This looks like... messed up. As if events have been mixed randomly. The art is nice though.
September 15, 2016
Really enjoyed this. The spin off series is much more entertaining than Tart Magica, which I am struggling to get through. Read this in half an hour or so.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews