Magi is one of those stories where you can clearly feel that the author has thought everything through. While reading, I found that the conversations between characters are remarkably deep. They examine every possible scenario before reaching meaningful outcomes. One of the strongest aspects of this story is how genuinely the characters grow and mature over time. Unlike many series where the plot progresses in a short span, Magi allows time to pass—sometimes months, sometimes years—between arcs. This careful pacing beautifully highlights how characters evolve.
When characters train to improve themselves, we actually see that improvement. Their growth feels earned.
I first watched the anime years ago
...
and absolutely loved it. So much that I watched both seasons back-to-back. It was refreshing to experience such a strong story inspired by Arabian Nights, one of my favorite story collections. I love how the author drew inspiration from Arabian Nights, using its characters and mythos to create her own layered world and narrative.
Since it had been a long time since I watched the anime, I debated whether to continue the manga from where the anime left off or start from the beginning. I’m glad I chose to start from the beginning. Anime adaptations often skip or alter content, and I wanted a proper refresher.
At first, I was reluctant because the anime had already adapted 20 volumes, meaning only the last 17 would be new to me. Reading through those first 20 again felt intimidating. But in the end, I’m glad I did it. It was worth it.
Before continuing, I should mention that Magi is quite a dark and mature story. Unlike many fantasy stories that remain light and wholesome, Magi is filled with suffering. Characters of all ages experience violence.
In the early volumes, the darkness of the story shocked me. For example, a slave child falls ill, her master simply throws her into a cage of starving wolves to die. Scenes like this appear frequently in the first arcs. Thus, reader discretion is advised.
Because the story is long and I have a lot to say, I’ve decided to share my thoughts arc-by-arc. If you haven’t read the manga yet or are still reading, please be advised.
1. Dungeon Arc
One of my favorite arcs. We are introduced to Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana. I especially love the romantic, adventurous idea of dungeons. The concept naturally excites the human spirit, such as, danger, mystery, survival.
Dungeons are known as terrifying places where thousands enter and never return. But those who do return bring back unimaginable riches and power.
Knowing this, our main trio enters a dungeon, and the adventure truly begins. The dungeon is filled with strange monsters and deadly paths where one wrong step means death. This arc offers a fantastic glimpse into each character’s potential. It’s a strong, captivating start to the manga.
2. Kouga Village Arc
This arc confused and worried me at first. The characters were happy together, and suddenly they were scattered in different places. It felt upsetting, as if their dungeon promises had been cut short. But I was wrong. The author had planned everything carefully.
This arc becomes a great moment for Aladdin, as he begins understanding the Rukh, his identity, and his purpose in the world. Fate itself seems to guide the characters.
I also really loved the character of the Village Elder. Her wisdom, age, and life experience played an important role in this arc. Even though it ultimately led to her death, it was her insight and judgement that saved her clan from the brink of war and brought peace to her people.
3. Balbadd Arc
To be honest, this arc felt long. I understand that the author wanted to lay everything out properly, but it did drag a bit. Still, it showcases the darkness of Magi very well, and this arc is very good example.
We meet Sinbad, Judar, Kogyoku, and others who play major roles later on.
The action is spectacular. I especially loved the fight between the Ugo and Judar. We got to saw just how powerful the powers of a Djinn and a Magi can be.
We also meet the “Banker,” a supposed advisor who is actually plotting against the kingdom. His schemes are impressive, and the Empire of Kou’s behind-the-scenes work makes the arc’s conclusion understandable.
Although I must say, the Banker felt stereotypically inspired by Jewish banker imagery. Not antisemitic, just a familiar stereotype.
4. Sindria Arc
In this arc, we get to see the characters undergo training and steadily improve their skills and magic under the guidance of Sindria’s generals. I especially enjoyed the interactions between Alibaba and Kogyoku, and how the two of them gradually became genuine friends. It was truly heartwarming to see.
The Sindria Arc also offers a glimpse look into Sinbad’s character. While reading, it constantly feels like Sinbad is quietly plotting something. He’s not only powerful but also incredibly intelligent and strategic.
What shocked me the most, however, was how easily Judar managed to appear in Sindria and declare war as the priest of the Kou Empire. That moment felt chilling, and I genuinely feared how Sindria could possibly defend itself if a war really did break out.
5. Zagan Arc
This is a fantastic arc. It marks the second time we see the characters dive into a dungeon with the goal of clearing it. This time, Alibaba, Aladdin, Morgiana, and Hakuryu—the prince of the Kou Empire—enter together. Unlike other dungeons, however, this one seems to draw adventurers in on its own whenever they come near it.
At first glance, the place feels strangely calm. The creatures look intimidating, but the group steadily pushes forward by relying on their skills and teamwork.
Zagan proves to be incredibly powerful and constantly throws obstacles at them, yet they manage to advance little by little. Just when they are about to clear the dungeon, the story takes a darker turn—we’re introduced to a sinister and formidable group that immediately gives off the aura of a major series-wide threat: Al-Thamen.
This arc gives us our first real taste of their abilities and hints at something deeply significant. We hear about a mysterious place called Alma Tran, which appears to be extremely important, and whatever happened there is directly connected to the origins of the current world.
While Al-Thamen leaves a strong impression, another nation also steps into the spotlight: Magnostadt. It’s portrayed as a country of magicians, and its introduction immediately makes you curious to learn more.
By the end of this arc, the characters part ways with Sindria, and a brand-new adventure begins.
6. Pirates Arc
This is a short yet fairly dark arc. The characters arrive at the southern edge of the continent, only to be ambushed by pirates. This is also the point in the story where magic tools begin to appear, immediately sparking curiosity in us as readers—how are people obtaining these devices, and who is distributing them?
We also learn the identity of Al-Thamen’s leader, which genuinely surprised me. It made me wonder what exactly happened in the past to give rise to this organization—and what really occurred in Alma Toran.
After a brief series of mishaps, the characters separate and head toward their own destinations, each following their own paths while hoping to reunite again in the future.
7. Magnostadt Arc
Magnostadt is an incredible adventure in its own right. This is where Aladdin enrolls to study magic, all while concealing his true identity. I really enjoyed the interactions between the students and teachers, as well as the lessons Aladdin had to undergo to better himself. Watching him grow, understand magical formulas, and refine his abilities brought a genuine sense of joy.
This arc also explores the broader role and purpose of magicians in the world. The Headmaster’s presence is intimidating from the very beginning and for good reason. Seeing a man who once held noble ideals slowly transform into someone who believes that non-magicians exist only to be ruled over shows just how terrifyingly people can change over time.
When both the Reim Empire and the Kou Empire declared war on Magnostadt at the same time, I thought everything was over for them. I couldn’t imagine a scenario where Magnostadt would come out unharmed. But I was completely wrong. Not only did Magnostadt withstand the assault from both sides, it revealed an even greater danger—a threat so overwhelming that even metal vessel users had to unite to confront it.
The battles in this arc are spectacular. The only part that felt slightly disappointing was how long the Medium managed to endure the combined attacks. It seemed like something that powerful should have been destroyed much sooner. Thankfully, Aladdin was able to prevent the world from collapsing into despair and death.
For a moment, I wondered if this was the climax of the entire story—since it felt like Al-Thamen’s plans had been crushed. But it turns out their end was far from over. Instead, the story shifts toward uncovering the truth behind the legendary Alma Toran.
8. Three Great Powers Summit Arc
Initially, I thought Aladdin would immediately reveal what happened in Alma Toran right after the grand battle in Magnostadt. But it was refreshing to see that the author chose a more thoughtful, diplomatic approach. It wasn’t just logical—it was the best possible choice.
Not only did it provide the perfect platform for unveiling the past, it also brought the three great powers together, face to face, for a shared purpose. The timing, the setup, and the execution were all carefully calculated, and it felt genuinely satisfying to read.
9. Alma Toran Arc
I consider this to be one of the best arcs in the story. The unveling of the past happens in a steady pace. There is no hurry to disclose all of the information right away. It takes its own time to layout the foundation of the previous world and its inhabitants.
Solomon has turned out to be one of my favorite characters in this story. Not only he has an amazing power of Strength magic, but he is also intelligent. His presence fills the people of the world with hope for a world without war and suffering. On the other hand, we are also introduced to other major characters that appeared to be members of Al-Thamen in the current world. That was the moment where it became clear that everything began from Alma Toran and learning about it gave a good insight on the story so far.
The thing that I disliked in this arc was how easily David quit. It would have been much better to see him put up a great fight with everyone before he merged with Il-Illah. As the main antagonist of Alma Toran, his purpose seemed to leave an empty feeling.
Even so, the entire arc gave me the same feeling as finally discovering what the One Piece is—it was that thrilling and satisfying. The world of Alma Toran reminded me of Hunter x Hunter’s Dark Continent with its mysterious, unexplored lands and unknown inhabitants, though the beings there are far stronger than what we see here. The power of the Sacred Palace also felt reminiscent of Ymir’s power in Attack on Titan, which I found incredibly delightful to notice.
10. Kou Empire Arc
When it was revealed that Hakuryu and Judar had defeated Gyokuen, I was completely stunned. From the very beginning, we’re told that Al-Thamen is a powerful group determined to bring ruin to the world, so I naturally assumed they would serve as the final threat. I was genuinely surprised to see Gyokuen fall so quickly. Although it felt disappointing at first, it ultimately became clear that her defeat was meant to pave the way for Hakuryu’s character development.
Koen also deserves special recognition here. Throughout the story, he constantly proves himself to be far more thoughtful and intellectually curious than he first appears. At a glance, he seems like a straightforward warmonger hungry for battle, but once you discover that he actually seeks to understand the world and its secrets, his character becomes incredibly compelling. It really puts him in the spotlight as a genius.
This arc also features two phenomenal battles: Alibaba versus Hakuryu and Aladdin versus Judar. Both were spectacular. Hakuryu proved to be extremely powerful, even managing to send Alibaba’s spirit to an entirely different world—a place so unfamiliar that even Aladdin knew nothing about it.
When the announcement came that Alibaba had stopped breathing and was declared dead, I felt genuinely sad. A character of such importance meeting that fate was heartbreaking. Not even Aladdin, with Solomon’s Wisdom, was able to find him. Poor guy.
Thankfully, it turns out that Judar and Alibaba end up having their own adventure together in the unknown.
11. New World Order Arc
Oh god, I barely know where to begin with this arc. The opening was fantastic—it showed Alibaba and Judar’s adventures in the Dark Continent, and we finally got to meet the incredibly powerful Primeval Dragon, learning more about her and the world beyond.
What shocked me the most, however, was how drastically the world had changed in just three years. In a magical world, development isn’t surprising, but seeing so much industrial advancement all at once felt a bit jarring. It left a bitter taste in my mouth. I didn’t want the story to head in a direction where magic would gradually disappear and everything would be replaced by industry and machinery—that kind of ending wouldn’t feel satisfying.
Thankfully, the story didn’t fully commit to that path, and I’m genuinely grateful for that.
This arc also became one of the most interesting for me because it showcases a completely new side of Alibaba—wise, cheerful, confident, and capable. Being from Balbadd, he understands economics, and he’s an impressive salesman as well. In just a few months, he managed to turn the Kou Empire from the verge of bankruptcy into a rising superpower. It reminded me of how modern China rapidly became a global manufacturing giant.
When it was revealed that Sinbad had ties to David, I was thrilled. Seeing a major antagonist from the past linked to the strongest figure of the present was exciting. It perfectly set the stage for Sinbad’s rise to godlike power. I also appreciated Arba’s abilities. They added a compelling edge to the story.
12. Final Arc
When I first read comments suggesting that Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’s final arc was rushed and too short, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of worry. I was concerned about how the story would progress and conclude. However, as I continued reading, I found that the final arc unfolded flawlessly. The pacing and depth remained consistent with the earlier arcs, and in some ways, it even went deeper, providing a meaningful exploration of important themes and leading to a thought-provoking resolution.
One of the most surprising moments came when Sinbad forced his way into the Sacred Palace and appeared to meet his end. I was left shocked, questioning whether this was truly the end of his journey. It was hard to believe he would die in such a manner. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case, and we were able to dive into the final arc with him still in play.
What I loved most about the conclusion of the series was how the author skillfully brought back both major and minor characters. Each one had a meaningful role to play, and it was clear that the author had carefully planned how the story would wrap up. It was an exceptionally well-written and satisfying conclusion that felt earned and thoughtful.
The last chapter, with Alibaba marrying Morgiana, was the perfect way to end the story. It was a heartwarming and wholesome moment that felt right for the characters and the journey they had been through.
If there’s one thing I wish we could have seen, though, it would be Sharrkan and Yamraiha’s wedding. Their relationship was such a key part of the series, and seeing them finally get their happy ending would have been the perfect, fulfilling touch.
Now, let’s talk about the characters — how I felt about them and what I expected from their development:
1. Alibaba: When we first meet Alibaba, he starts off as a relatively weak character who does his best in his role. He’s cheerful on the surface, but beneath that, he harbors deep regrets from his childhood. Alibaba is one of the standout characters in terms of growth. His journey is one of significant development, and by the Final Arc, he truly shines as a leader and a figure of strength.
2. Aladdin: Aladdin’s interactions with women sometimes spark a bit of jealousy — especially from Alibaba, and honestly, he has every right to feel envious! But what makes Aladdin such an interesting character is his calm demeanor and ability to take the time to reflect and make firm decisions about his beliefs. It was amazing to see him mature throughout the series, and his magical abilities, particularly in the latter half of the story, became nothing short of godly.
3. Morgiana: Morgiana is my favorite female character in the series. Initially, we’re introduced to her as a fierce warrior with overwhelming power, but tragically, she is a slave. However, once she is freed from her chains, she resolves to become even stronger, fighting not just for herself but for those who helped her. What I admire most about Morgiana is her heritage — she comes from a powerful clan, which contributes to her immense strength. On top of that, her character design is absolutely adorable, adding a layer of charm to her fierce persona.
4. Hakuryu: Hakuryu is easily one of my favorite characters in Magi. While other characters take their time to develop, Hakuryu accelerates his growth, driven by his thirst for revenge. I love how he matures over time and becomes more honest about his feelings, never shying away from expressing himself. That said, I still can’t forgive him for kissing Morgiana like that — it’s a moment that still rubs me the wrong way!
5. Sinbad: Sinbad is an incredible character, and I’m a big fan of his. After watching his spin-off series, Sinbad’s Adventures, I quickly became enamored with his sense of heroism. As the conqueror of the Seven Seas and master of dungeons, Sinbad truly earns his title. He stays true to his character throughout, always striving for even greater power. In the Final Arc, his role as the antagonist is fantastic — especially when he rejects becoming one with David. That decision shows just how much backbone and courage he has, and I have a lot of respect for him because of it.
6. Arba: Arba's obsession with Il-Illah feels excessive, especially when it leads her down the path of trying to end the world just to hear his voice. It would have been more fitting for her to simply join him if she was that fixated on him, rather than risking global destruction. That said, her character design is undeniably striking. I really appreciated how she was visually portrayed—it added a certain allure to her character.
7. Solomon: Early mentions of Solomon in Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic piqued my curiosity, and I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed when his character was fully revealed. Solomon is incredibly cool, with both his magical prowess and sharp intellect making him an instantly likable figure. He quickly became one of my favorite characters in the series, thanks to his depth and unique charm.
Now let’s talk about the artwork:
The artwork in Magi is absolutely stunning. Shinobu Ohtaka has truly poured her talent into every aspect of the series, from the intricate character designs to the breathtaking dungeons and fantastical creatures. The djinn and their powers are visually mesmerizing, adding a layer of magic and excitement to the world. Throughout the series, I never once felt that the art quality dropped—if anything, it only improved. In the Final Arc, her artwork reached its peak, with each panel radiating the full depth of her skill and creativity. It’s clear she gave it her all, and the results are simply breathtaking.
Overall:
I wholeheartedly recommend Magi to others. The series captivated me from start to finish, and I found myself invested in the story all the way through. While I did initially find the Alma Tran arc a bit slow, mainly due to some difficulty distinguishing between similar-looking characters, I’m glad I pushed through. Had I given up at that point, I would have missed out on the incredible twists and developments that followed.
I’m truly grateful to Shinobu Ohtaka for crafting this manga. It brought me immense joy, and I even had the pleasure of sharing it with my family. They ended up loving the anime adaptation as well, which only added to the experience.
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