Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 1 (1)

Magi is a fun and interesting fantasy series. I first got acquainted with the world of Magi through the television series. Fans of the animated series might be disappointed with the major plot differences between the original manga and the animated adaption. For example, the very first chapter doesn't even happen in the TV adaption. But differences aside, I'm going to just focus on why I loved this volume. I won't delve too far into the story since it's only the beginning of a grand adventure.The narrative is a good blend of humor and drama. Neither negatively interpose each other and seamlessly work together to make certain scenes hilarious and memorable. While some of the gag jokes, like Ugo's sensitivity to women, may seem a bit much, it doesn't throw the overall mood off of the scene.One thing I have to nit-pick on is the lack of dark skinned characters . . . In an Arab-themed story. It just seems . . . Odd.Thankfully the characters are likeable and have interesting personalities, including the sides. The art's pretty well drawn and the pacing of the panels is good.I think there was maybe one grammatical error but the translation seems to be fairly well done and accurate.

Magi is definitely my cup of tea so to speak. One thing that made it an instant read was it was of the fantasy adventure genre which is one of my favorites. While its premise is a another take on the Arabian nights theme, it has a will of its own. It takes that theme and make it as if it was its own. There is a lot of heart beating in it from what I can see so far. From the characters that are introduced, the place they go, and the things they do the story really offers a lot to the table. From what I get of the series it really is light and fun, yet it definitely has a serious side to it. It has so much of everything; action, adventure, humor you name it. All in all I really enjoyed myself while reading it and hope to continue enjoying it.

Loved this manga since I found it online in 2011, so happy it's now being translated into English (I just hope they keep the proper names, Alibaba Saluja, Judal, etc.)This manga is a wonderful adventure not like the actual 'Aladdin' we grew up with from Disney. It revolved around a young boy on a quest to find out who he is, with a new found friend (Alibaba), he enters into a dungeon, in an attempt to find the metal vessel housing his friend Ugo (a djinn kept in the flute around his neck.)It's got action, adventure and comedy and is great for ages 13 & up, well really for all ages but some people get antsy about letting their kids see how men/boys would react in a brothel.

This is one of the best mangas I have ever read. Admittedly the rest of the story is not as great but the first volume was really something special. The comedy was far better than the comedy of perhaps any other manga or anime I have read or watched. The story is very intriguing and will keep you guessing. For those who watch the anime you may be pleasantly surprised by the manga. The anime leaves out a lot of minor parts of the story and does not do justice to the comedy (seriously, the anime butchers the jokes). This is really worth reading.

I finished watching both seasons of Magi and the spinoff about Sinbad and I've been hooked ever since! It's an amazing story and I love all the characters in the anime!I wanted to know what happens after the anime so I decided to start buying the manga and the artwork and everything is awesome! I can't wait to get caught up!

I love this series I highly recommend it to anyone who has watched the anime or who just loves manga. I cannot wait to read the rest. It also makes a great Christmas or birthday present.

The <i>Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic</i> manga is quite an interesting concept. Essentially, it is a mish-mash of different “Arabian Nights” style stories. Djinns, Aladdin, Alibaba, so on, are all in the same world and time period in this setting. At first, we are given a whimsical adventure, but things become quite epic in short order.Volume One begins with three inter-woven threads having to do with the main protagonists, Aladdin, Alibaba and Morgiana. Of particular importance is the friendship of Aladdin and Alibaba, as that sets the scene for the future adventures, and is almost a foreshadowing of the dynamic the two are almost “destined” to have.In the world of <i>Magi</i>, there are many “dungeons”, which are powerful sites of magic, that have sprung up around the known world. Essentially, these dungeons are obstacle course-like death traps that promise great rewards to those who find their way through them. These “dungeon-capturers” will get wealth and amazing power via a djinn (genie) in a metal vessel that will be summonable upon their command.Alibaba, who has his own secrets, desperately wants to make it through the dungeon and gain the treasure and djinn. Upon meeting a young boy named Aladdin, Alibaba is amazed when he sees the boy's own personal djinn, and convinces the lad to join him on a quest through the dungeon. At first, the reader is clearly given the idea that Alibaba is using Aladdin, but since he is not a bad guy, this will change.Meanwhile, converging on the same dungeon the two new friends are entering are Morgiana and her abusive master, the local political leader. Will Morgiana and her master kill the two boys? Perhaps not, perhaps they will save her...I really liked the concept of this story, and I think the author pulled it off okay. The only real problem I had was how the zany and serious moments seemed not to flow very well. I think the idea was to give the audience some breaks of levity in-between serious stories, but it didn't quite work. Instead, it seemed kind of haphazard in pattern, and not very smooth, if you get my idea. The other problem is that, while you cheer for the heroic characters because they are heroic, you don't necessarily <i>care</i> about them at this point. I think some of the darker elements of the tale, and the danger should have been saved until the audience had a chance to get to know the characters better. That would have increased how much they care for them.Still, this was a great manga, with some interesting characters that really have potential. The premise is also one of the more interesting ones I've seen, with a very unique mix of Western, Arabian/Persian, and Japanese myths.I look forward to more from this series. Highly Recommended.

Loved the cover, artwork and content.

Muito bom tanto a historia quanto o produto. Chegou antes do previsto e em perfeita qualidade. Recomendo a qualquer que tenha interesse.

Have read this volume around 20 times. Never fails to fill me with awe

Purchased as a present. Was a little confused when it came because it looked like the book had been printed back to front and upside down. When I opened it, it was meant to be like that as it explains inside the book. Good job I opened it before trying to send it back!!! Would have looked abit silly!

Awesome volume.... bring more manga and different title. ...