More than 20 minutes passed in a flash.
Sagiri was completely engrossed.
She only snapped out of it when her mother spoke.
"It's very good. The BGM, the storyboarding, and the characters all match perfectly. Especially that unique art style gives Madoka an even more special charm… This is an exceptionally well-produced work. If it can maintain consistent quality later on, based on my understanding of Madoka's story, it can definitely contend for many awards this year
Mrs. Izumi said with shining eyes.
That was the original Eromanga Sensei; her taste was quite unique, and she didn't exaggerate due to their relationship. This was her most genuine opinion.
Although this was only the first episode and didn't reveal too much, she could tell at a glance whether effort had been put in.
"Ah, this art style… this is something I couldn't achieve before…"
Sagiri recalled the past, her tone tinged with self-reproach.
"There's nothing to be done, Sagiri's experience is too little, she couldn't resist the troubles brought by time, so Sagiri, don't blame yourself anymore."
Izumi Chihiro patted the girl's shoulder, comforting her.
"Ni-san, thank you for your understanding…"
Sagiri looked up, a forced smile on her small face.
That kind of thing won't happen again!
The girl secretly vowed in her heart.
"If Kasan is right, on the day Madoka truly becomes a hit, Ni-san will definitely become famous, right? Perhaps the day he becomes a light novel master won't be too far off…"
At the same time, Sagiri began to think for her brother.
"It might help with sales somewhat, but as for 'becoming famous,' that's not necessarily true."
He gently shook his head.
Perhaps Izumi Masamune's name would become well-known, but for people who don't pay much attention to light novels, it would only be to the extent that when they occasionally see another work, someone introduces him as the author of Madoka, and they realize, 'Oh, it's that author, I know him.'
However, for long-time light novel readers, even if they don't know his works, they might occasionally hear of Izumi Masamune's legend and become interested, thus contributing to his sales.
This is the difference between being within the circle and outside of it.
"Alright, it's getting late. Go to sleep."
Mrs. Izumi interjected.
Their conversation ended there.
Besides these two creators, others who stayed up late to watch the anime were equally enthusiastic… perhaps even more invested.
"The production is decent, no major errors. However, this segment wasn't very difficult, so achieving this level after such a long time is to be expected."
Eriri turned off the TV, her eyebrows relaxing.
"Ha…"
She yawned and turned to go upstairs.
…
"Excellent production! It lives up to Senpai's standards!"
After watching, Kani Nayuta's eyes were bright, and her spirit was quite uplifted.
Although the route of 'Senpai's anime adaptation failed, and I need to comfort him with my body' didn't open, the anime was successful, Senpai was happy, and she was equally happy.
In short… it's a win!
…
"Mafuyu, why aren't you sleeping yet?"
Late at night, Shiina Minatsu got up to go to the bathroom and found her sister still watching TV, so she asked with a stern face.
"Ah, today is Madoka's premiere, I don't want to miss it, and tomorrow is the weekend, so staying up late is fine, right?"
Shiina Mafuyu argued her point.
Although she often stayed up late in secret, she still tried to hide it so her sister wouldn't worry.
"Alright then."
Shiina Minatsu mused upon hearing this.
"Hmm…"
Shiina Mafuyu sat on the sofa, hugging her knees, her gaze fixed on the upcoming anime.
"Saikō!"
…
Senju Muramasa did not choose to stay up late, but instead, following the method her childhood friend taught her, recorded the first episode of Madoka.
In the morning, she woke up very early, eager to watch it.
Because of a promise with her childhood friend, she waited until her friend arrived before they watched it together.
"After enduring for so long, it's finally satisfying."
After watching, Usami Suzune leaned back contentedly.
"Kohana, how do you feel? You haven't really watched much anime, have you?"
She then turned to ask Kohana for her thoughts.
"Very good."
Senju Muramasa nodded thoughtfully, her eyes sparkling.
A world that could move was indeed quite wonderful.
This made the girl, who was originally indifferent to the anime adaptation of her own work, develop interest for the first time.
"I wonder what it will be like when fantasy demon blade chronicles airs?"
…
The next day, as expected, Madoka's anime received positive reviews.
["The first episode is finished, it's really good! Madoka and Homura are both pretty much as I imagined them."]
["Although the story hasn't really unfolded yet, I can already feel the production team's serious attitude. It finally lives up to our long wait and expectations."]
["The art style is a bit special. I heard it was Old Thief's special request? Although it might be a bit rude to say so, it feels like it has an indescribable quality that wasn't present when Eromanga Sensei was drawing."]
["Did the Old Thief bribe them or something? They asked for so much, and he agreed to all of it!"]
["The Old Thief has a lot of influence. Usually, the original author's demands can be ignored. Over time, original authors stop caring about the anime and can only hope for good luck."]
["Madoka and Homura have 'come to life' and are even more charming. This is what anime adds compared to novels."]
["I hope the production team continues their excellent work! My demands aren't high; just don't mess with the plot, maintain the original work, and it will be fine."]
["Heh heh, I wonder if any children will fall into the trap… If it's shown in a late-night slot and people still fall for it, then it means they truly have a connection!"]
["At this rate, the third episode should be everyone's favorite… oh no, the most terrifying scene, right?"]
["I have a premonition that Madoka's memes and GIFs are going to truly explode in popularity for a while."]
The praise was endless, which showed that excellent quality is always the most powerful way to win over an audience. The previous delays were completely forgotten by everyone.
However, despite this, the excitement was limited to the original fandom. For others outside, Madoka's premiere didn't have much impact.
No one was surprised. There wasn't a 'Royal Flush' opening scene, not enough to attract a sufficient number of curious viewers.
At most, some people curious about the magical girl genre were deceived by the name "puella magi madoka magica" and paid more attention.
In the week that followed, the broadcast of the second episode also didn't have much impact.
Until the third week arrived…
Everything will be different!
---
💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter