Welsh mage-in-training, Negi Springfield, aged ten, is dispatched to Japan to complete his magical education. Despite being an English teacher at an all-girls academy, his class is far from ordinary, comprising 32 middle school girls with an average age of 14!
Negima!? Neo was published in English as Negima!? Neo: Magister Negi Magi by Del Rey from March 24, 2009, to March 22, 2011.
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Seat number: 4Birthday: November 16, 1988Blood type: ABHair: VioletEyes: VioletLikes: ReadingDislikes: Studying at schoolClubs: Childrens Literature Research Society, Philosophy Research Society, Library Expedition ClubYue is Nodokas best friend, and is o...
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Birthdate: April 21, 1988Zodiac: TaurusSeat No.: 8Room No.: 643Hair: gingerEyes: green and blue (in SHAFTs series)Blood type: BThree sizes: B83-W57-H84Favorite things: Takahata-sensei, cool menDislikes: kids, studyingOther facts: Orphaned at a young age, ...
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Name: Konoka KonoeBirthdate: March 18, 1989Zodiac: piscesSeat No.: 13Room No.: 643Hair: dark brownEyes: brownBlood type: ABThree Sizes: 29-21-30Favorite things: Fortune-telling, the supernatural, cookingDislikes: Nothing in particularOther facts: Granddau...
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Seat Number: 26Born: Sometime during the Hundred Year WarBlood type: unknownLikes: the tea that Chachamaru makes, Japanese scenery, GoDislikes: garlic, classClubs: Go Club, Tea Ceremony ClubHair: blondeEyes: blueHeight: 130 cm (43")Measurements: 67-48-63E...
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Seat number: 27Birthday: May 10, 1988Blood type: OHair: Dark blueEyes: PinkLikes: Being surrounded by books, Sorting booksDislikes: MalesClubs: Library Coordination Committee, Library Monitor, Library Expedition ClubClass 2/3-As resident bookworm, Nodoka ...
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Negi Springfield is the teacher of Mahora Girls Jr High School class 3-A (formerly 2-A). Negi Springfield is the son of master mage Nagi Springfield, famously known as the legendary "Thousand Master" and princess Akira of the Ostian Empire in the magic wo...
If you're interested in reading Negima, I suggest sticking with the original Mahou Sensei Negima manga.
STORY: This version of Negima loosely follows the plotlines of both the original Mahou Sensei Negima! and the second anime, Negima!?
The term "loosely" is used because it adheres to the general storyline of the Negima!? anime for about half of its chapters before incorporating a few elements from the first six volumes of the original manga. It's an intriguing concept, especially if you've ever wondered what a second season of the Negima!? anime might have looked like; this manga offers the closest approximation.
This particular Negima starts differently from other versions, even the original manga, by beginning with a prologue where Negi attempts to pass his wizard exam. This promising start adds intrigue to this adaptation. However, similar to the two anime series, most chapters focus on individual girls from Negi's class rather than a cohesive plot. These chapters vary from interesting to utterly boring, or even awkwardly pointless. For instance, one chapter revolves around two girls shopping for lingerie because they felt immature—an uninteresting premise at best.
Unlike the anime versions, this manga introduces two characters from the original manga and OVA series: Anya, Negi's childhood friend, and Kotaro, his friendly rival. Kotaro's introduction is arguably the highlight, showcasing their rivalry's development, though his appearance feels random. Conversely, Anya becomes one of the most irritating characters, constantly complaining about her breast size and engaging in slapstick comedy when irritated by Negi. Another character appears near the end but is poorly integrated compared to the original version. The ending follows a generic harem/ecchi format, predictable to fans familiar with the genre.
Beyond these differences, most characters retain their personalities from other adaptations, avoiding significant deviations that could annoy fans. Still, Anya's constant whining stands out as an exception.
ART: The artwork lacks distinction, focusing mainly on making characters look cute or moe. Character designs are nearly identical except for hair differences. While some battles are decently illustrated, they lack the detail, background art, and style of the original manga. There are numerous ecchi scenes, though.
OVERALL:
The Good:
+ Continues where the second anime left off.
+ Plenty of ecchi content for fans.
The Bad:
- Most chapters feel like a waste of time.
- Artwork pales compared to the original.
- Annoying character: Anya.
- Creepier ecchi moments than the original.
- No substantial ongoing plot.
- Disappointing, generic harem/ecchi ending.
While it’s still Negima, I recommend the original manga over this version. However, if you're curious about a different take on Negima or primarily interested in its ecchi aspects, give this a read. Just be prepared for chapters filled with mundane activities like lingerie shopping, which may bore even Lucky Star fans.
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