8/10 +Contains positive role models for girls and focuses on strong female friendships +Goofy, lighthearted comedy with feel-good relationship dynamics +Pretty character designs, soft animation, and pop-y music add to saccharine world -Poor pacing due to abundance of filler; at times lacks focus and higher stakes Sometimes a touch of magic is all we need to find the courage to change ourselves. Poor lovestruck Ayu Tateishi can’t seem to catch a break with the object of her affections, until chance bestows her with a clumsy, yet endearing witch in training named Nina. Through Nina’s friendship (with maybe some wacky magical antics), she’ll teach Ayu the value ofthat the true magic lies in us.

Based on the classic manga from 2001, author Wataru Yoshizumi (creator of Marmalade Boy) offers a cheery, feel-good setting, positive female role models, wacky comedy, and an endearing, simple message. The saccharine world is further complemented by pretty character designs, soft animation, and a pop-y opening and ending. While the abundance of filler and sluggish first half ultimately distract from tighter character work, the budding friendship between Ayu and Nina is easily the story’s highlight. The supporting cast also adds the right amount of flavor and the twist ending provides a mostly satisfying conclusion.

Ultra Maniac is loaded with cliches and isn’t doing anything extraordinary. Yet it stills stands as a quality, earnest fairy tale that resonates with our inner child.