Magic represented by 2D patterns in anime and manga
from pglpm@lemmy.ca to anime@lemmy.ml on 04 Aug 2026 17:38
https://lemmy.ca/post/68868126
from pglpm@lemmy.ca to anime@lemmy.ml on 04 Aug 2026 17:38
https://lemmy.ca/post/68868126
cross-posted from: lemmy.ca/post/68868025
Since quite a few years back, it’s been quite commonplace in fantasy anime and manga to represent casting magic as some kinds of 2D circles or geometric figures with patterns, possibly multiple ones, as in the image on the right (Frieren). I see this idea used in almost all – if not all – anime and manga now.
It hasn’t always been that way though. Older anime and manga used other and different kinds of representations, say from blinking stars (image on the left, Majokko Megu-chan) to smoke, or even just sound effects.
I’m just curious: does anyone have any info or links to share about how this “2D representation” came about and why it’s become so popular? Cheers!
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I think it ultimately comes from the magic circle, which is a pretty ancient idea. I know Fairy Tale is pretty notable for this, but I don’t think it’s the first anime to do it
Fate did first I just don’t remember if is in the Stay Night or the Zero. Toaru Majutsu no Index has some too.
Fairy Tale was annoying because if I recall correctly is an anime thing, the manga doesn’t have this shit.
If is not one those is some 90s anime that I can’t remember.
Edit: I completely forgot that the first full metal anime is from 2003, is probably the one that made it popular.
I feel it’s mostly MMOs causing this new conception
I never played any, didn’t know they used this too. Will check some out. Any suggestions?
It’s just the ideas of magic circle, it’s actually very old and i am quite happy they use it, people just using magic wihout always felt lame to me tbh