“Prism Nana” = More SHAFT Mahou Shoujos?

SHAFT has brought out a selection of key visuals for an upcoming animation of theirs, the “Prism Nana Project” – which looks as if it were a mix of mahou shoujo and general post-modern fantasy based on the images.

Being a studio quite high on the pedestal, one need not wonder or question what extent of quality this upcoming work will have – rather, one would merely like to know “what is it?”, if nothing else. And for a simple question, it seems the answer is far more complex as these character designs are nearly ambiguous in how expressive they are. If one were to look at the artwork of the pink haired loli above, the conclusion may have been that this is yet another magical girl series – yet then, curiosity stems as to why she has a variety of outfits beyond her seifuku.

It’s truly the ensemble farthest to the right which looks most akin to a mahou shoujo get-up, yet the others could pass as well – however in either case, this character hardly provides the greatest point of contemplation.

Moving along to the other females, the situation simply becomes more unusual – the blue-haired, and instrument equipped loli is dressed in a manner which looks somewhat reminiscent as a whole to the fashion of Madoka Magica’s Kyouko, however, guitars are not items of mahou shoujos.

There happens to be a green-haired bishoujo in the bunch of lolis as well, seemingly ensuring every taste is accounted for – and likewise to the blue-haired loli, her costume and apparatus are not necessarily mahou shoujo oriented, yet they do strangely remind one of Madoka’s busty character, Mami. And not to mention, Madoka certainly made clear that a mahou shoujo can use a bow.

The styles seen here don’t necessarily look to be of mahou shoujo – rather, a sort of futuristic and abstract world, something heavily evidenced by the unconventionally fantastic setting illustrations, as well as the few sketches of items and objects. Although on that note, do see that there seems to be a bunny creature, alive as one can tell by the assortment of poses – and indeed, this entity appears awfully similar to a certain other white fluffy animal character.

Again, there’s no reason as to why one should have expectations less than “excellent” for this latest animation in the works from SHAFT given their triumphant track-record – yet hopefully, it’s not merely “Madoka Magica” the second.

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