Hey y’all! It’s time for Rising Sun, and this time we have a heavy hitter of a show for discussion today.

When one thinks of anime, Sailor Moon is one of the first things that comes to mind. The show was one of the most popular on Cartoon Network, and was about Usagi Tsukino (AKA Serena), a clumsy schoolgirl who was also the titular superhero. Sailor Moon inspired several other popular female superhero shows in the twenty-four years since it aired in Japan, and the most unique of these is 2011’s Puella Magi Madoka Magica.

The critically acclaimed mini-series is about Madoka Kaname, a middle school girl who, along with her best friend Sayaka Miki, is offered a contract by the cute-looking Kyubey. The contract: become a magical girl and hunt witches in exchange for a single wish. It seems like an innocent deal, and Madoka and Sayaka are eager to sign up. But Homura Akemi, the mysterious transfer student, will do everything in her power to stop Madoka and Sayaka from accepting Kyubey’s offer.

The animation and plotline combine to create uneasiness in viewers in spectacular ways. For example, in episode 2, veteran magical girl Mami Tomoe leads Madoka and Sayaka through a surreal witch’s labyrinth. The collage-like animation creates a feeling of unease as the traditionally animated girls wander through trying to find their prey. When they finally locate the witch, it’s a blob of green that moves in such a way that it corresponds with the labyrinth’s garden theme. In episode 3, the first of several plot twists will leave viewers shocked and speechless in a sugary labyrinth filled with medical equipment. The plot twists continue to come, shocking the audience through episodes 6, 8, 10 and 12 until we reach a bittersweet ending that works on its own, but also fluidly paves way for the equally excellent sequel film Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Rebellion Story.

The animation and plot work together effectively to manipulate emotion, but what role does the soundtrack play? That’s a simple answer. Yuki Kajiura’s soundtrack elevates the storyline with ominous pieces that appropriately fit the characters and scenes they play for. In several scenes regarding the heroines, Sis Puella Magica plays in the background, creating a mysterious and foreboding mood perfect for the kind of story Gen Urobuchi is trying to tell us.

So if you’re looking for a unique animated series with an intense and short storyline, Puella Magi Madoka Magica on Netflix, Hulu and Crunchyroll is my sure-fire recommendation.