The anime adaptation of Kazuki Kaburagi’s light novel series, Magic Maker: How to Make Magic in Another World, has premiered with a simultaneous English dub release on Crunchyroll. This move is a welcome surprise for fans eager to follow the magical journey of Shion and his sister Marie in real-time. The first episode of the dubbed anime became available on January 8th, captivating audiences with its unique premise and sibling-centric narrative.
A Magical Premise
The story follows a man who dies in the modern world with a deep yearning for magic. He’s reincarnated as a baby named Shion in another world. Initially, Shion is disappointed to learn that magic doesn’t exist in this new world either. However, his curiosity is piqued when he witnesses a mysterious, magic-like phenomenon while at a lake with his older sister, Marie. Driven by this experience, Shion embarks on a quest to become a pioneer of magic in this new world. The anime follows Shion’s journey of discovery, chronicling his efforts to understand and create magic, with Marie by his side.
Isekai With A Twist
While the concept of being reincarnated in another world is familiar to anime fans, “Magic Maker” offers a distinct perspective. The story is told from the point of view of Marie, Shion’s older sister, providing a unique take on the isekai trope. Marie’s adoration for her younger brother and her observations of his peculiar actions offer a fresh lens through which viewers experience Shion’s journey in the new world. The narrative focuses on the dynamic between the siblings, creating a heartfelt and engaging introduction to the series.
English Dub Cast & Crew
Crunchyroll has assembled a talented team to bring the English dub of “Magic Maker” to life. The cast includes:
- Rowan Gilvie as Shion
- Hannah Alyea as Marie
- Amanda Gael as Rose
- Nick Huber as Gawain
- Kirsty Johnson as Emma
The English dub is directed by Jeremy Inman, with Samantha Herek producing. Macy Anne Johnson is responsible for the adaptation, while James Baker serves as the mixer and Zachary Davis as the engineer.
Production Details
The anime adaptation is produced by Studio Deen, known for its work on series like “Konosuba” and “Sasaki and Miyano.” Kazuomi Koga, who has worked on titles such as “Rent-a-Girlfriend,” is directing the anime. Keiichiro Ochi is in charge of series composition. Character designs are handled by Takayuki Noguchi. The music is composed by Kei Yoshikawa and Kana Hashiguchi.
Music and Theme Songs
The opening theme song for the series is titled “Kirameki” (Twinkle) and is performed by XIIX. The ending theme song is performed by Humbreaders. The music production for the series is handled by TOY’S FACTORY.
Release and Streaming
The anime series premiered in Japan on January 8, 2025, airing on TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, BS NTV, and AT-X. It is also available for streaming on ABEMA and d Anime Store. Crunchyroll is streaming the anime simultaneously as it airs, including the English dubbed version. The first episode of the English dub became available on January 8th at 9:00 AM PT.
SimulDub Success
The same-day English dub release of “Magic Maker” is a significant move, allowing international fans to enjoy the series at the same pace as Japanese viewers. This demonstrates a growing trend of anime streaming services catering to global audiences with dubbed content that is released shortly after the original Japanese broadcast.
Story Overview
The series begins with the protagonist dying in his 30s, still having dreams of wielding magic. He’s then reborn as Shion in another world, a world where magic does not exist, leaving him initially disappointed. He lives as part of a lower-class noble family with his sister, Marie. One day at a lake, Shion witnesses a strange, magical phenomenon. Motivated by this, Shion begins researching magic in order to pioneer it.
The Sibling Bond
The relationship between Shion and Marie is central to the story. Marie’s protective nature towards her younger brother is a driving force in the narrative. Her perspective as an older sister provides viewers with a different take on the isekai genre, making their dynamic a focal point.
Initial Reception
Early reviews of the series have noted its unique approach to the isekai genre and the central role of the sibling relationship. While some have expressed reservations about certain undertones, the general consensus is that the anime presents an engaging premise with well-developed characters and an intriguing world. Some reviewers also pointed out the awkwardness of adults putting on cutesy kid voices in the English dub. However, the overall production quality and the simultaneous dub release have been praised, making it a notable addition to the Winter 2025 anime lineup.
Conclusion
The simultaneous English dub release of “Magic Maker: How to Make Magic in Another World” is a significant move for anime fans. With a unique premise, a focus on sibling relationships, and high-quality production, the series has the potential to be a standout in the isekai genre. The availability of the English dub on Crunchyroll allows a broader audience to experience the series as it unfolds, solidifying its position as a must-watch for Winter 2025.
