Mahou Shoujo Dandelion
Magical Girl Dandelion

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Have you been looking for a mahou shoujo manga that pushes the envelope of the genre but isn't overly edgy? That's how I would describe Magical Girl Dandelion.
Although the manga puts a new spin on the genre (with magical girls acting as soldiers), it retains its core values: hope, friendship and heroism. Interestingly, it feels more like a shounen series as it has about the same amount of blood and trauma. The art style is detailed and crisp, and since the story is action-focused, some panels go really hard.
First things first, the author said in an interview with Sho-comi that Tanpopo and Shade aren't romantically ... involved. Their unlikely friendship is what makes this story so unique. Shade is a mysterious and mostly chill fiend who will do anything to protect his best friend. And Tanpopo is both a cinammon roll and a fierce fighter who will try to save everyone she possibly can. The supporting characters have been amazing too, not to mention the terrifying fiends.
I have only read 12 chapters so far, but I hope that the manga keeps up the hype. I think it has the potential to become popular among girls and boys alike if it ever gets an anime adaptation. It's original, action-packed, mature and still respectful to the genre.

This review is quite preliminary since only a few chapters are out, but the truth is I'll never tire of recommending this manga. The story offers the comfort and familiarity of traditional Mahou Shoujo elements, such as an optimistic protagonist, a cute aesthetic, and a new monster to defeat now and then. However, it also offers an element of originality with the relationship between Shade and the protagonist. While the not-so-villainous villains and the romantic relationships between them and magical girls are something we've seen before, Magical Girl Dandelion approaches it in a way that, for me, feels fresh.

I like how they've developed different elements ... of the main plot that we gradually learn about. To say that my expectations are high for what comes next in this manga is an understatement. I have a good feeling about this story and hope it gains more popularity because it deserves it.