The Different Story is a spinoff manga of the Madoka Magica series. But it's more than that. It's not only a spinoff, but also a prequel AND a what-if scenario.

It focuses mostly on Mami and Kyouko, detailing how they first met, then going into a "What if Mami had survived past episode 3" story.

Now I REALLY disliked the anime, so I didn't think I would enjoy this very much. I was proven wrong, very wrong. This manga redeemed pretty much everything I found disappointing about the anime.

It shows, instead of just tells. Kyouko's bizarre little puppet show doesn't really make me feel for her backstory, especially since she again, tells it. In Different Story on the other hand, we see exactly how her story went down, we understand exactly what her father was thinking, and how his behavior affects his family.

Character development in general is beautifully done in this manga, allowing me to better get in the heads of these characters, whereas with the anime I was baffled by the characters and their irrational behavior.

Even the least likable characters are given justice in this manga, and since all of the "shocking reveals" such as what Soul Gems really are and where Grief Seeds come from, are already known to the reader because of the anime, this story is able to better focus its energy on fleshing out the cast and telling a story. It doesn't have to spend four or more chapters trying to mask its true nature in order to shock the audience.

So to anyone who likes the show, or hates it, I recommend giving The Different Story a chance.

Hmm this sounds interesting :D I haven't seen the anime yet but I've read the manga and I love the whole story ^^ Would you recommend one watch the anime before reading this?

mysteryloveandjustice wrote:

Hmm this sounds interesting :D I haven't seen the anime yet but I've read the manga and I love the whole story ^^ Would you recommend one watch the anime before reading this?

If you've read the manga then you've experienced all you need to, the manga and anime are virtually the same exact story. In fact you probably got the better experience since you didn't have to listen to the sound of Madoka's voice. XD

(Since MGConfessiosn forums are gonna go down, I will miss the character gussings/topics I have forced to create. ;; )

Anyway, being the person who watches it out of curiousity and got back to the fad (somehow), I can agree that the manga spin-off jolts down character development and storytelling pretty well. Hell I love Kyouko 10 times more and Mami-sempai by a landslide! (It also builds up my favorite ship!)

So long story short: "Why this has not turned into the anime's script instead?!

But yea... Then you don't have to suffer with Madoka crying all the time (though the manga lacks of it, so that was a bonus?).

Timer Rabbit wrote:

(Since MGConfessiosn forums are gonna go down, I will miss the character gussings/topics I have forced to create. ;; )

Oh the character discussion threads? By all means copy and past them here. The ones not related to any of the shows that have their own forums would go in the "other magical girl shows" sections.