Watch Negima! Magister Negi Magi
- 2007
- 3 Seasons
Negi Springfield is a Welsh 10 year old wizard, with his big dream to become a Master of Magic, ("Magister Magi") and use such powers to help normal people. His primary reason is to find after his father, who was regarded as the "Thousand Master," for scribing a thousand spells. After he graduates from Medriana Magic Academy, Negi is tasked to cover the real world while continuing his training. His real world activities involve teaching English at the Japanese Majora Academy. This task proves somewhat difficult as Negi's class consists of thirty-one girls older than him, each with their own unique character traits. The anime focuses on his time and travels within Japan, gaining the admiration and respect of his pupils, assisting them with their own issues, and protecting Mahora Academy from magical assaults. Although girl in the class has a backstory and personality, Negi's primary relationship is with the fiery, high-spirited Asuna Kagurazaka. Asuna is not only a student of Negi's, but is also his roommate. Eventually she accepts him as a friend and becomes his first partner, helping him to discover more about his father and his life. While the series initially seems like nothing more than a "romcom" harem series, it eventually progresses into a tantalizing blend of boys' action, fantasy, horror and keeping the rom-com elements. Series creator, Ken Akamatsu, has gone on record as stating a desire for something different from another of his major works. Negi is prepubescent, and thus pre-sexual, leading to many subversions of the common "awkward romantic scene" trope from harem anime. Negi's age also allows any feminine interest toward him to be written off as fawning over a little brother. Furthering the intended differentiation, Negi is a diligent protagonist, as well as competent and well-treated. However, his appearance and age means he is regarded as a harmless child, making it hard to be taken seriously by his students and peers.