ANIME MONDAY: Magi: Labyrinth of Magic – “Decisions & Farewells” Review


Previously on Magi:

Aladdin & his friends defeated Judar, but at a cost. A princess from the Kou Empire arrived and attack on behalg of Judar, further destabilizing Aladdin & his friends peace. in the ensuing chaos Ugo is defeated amd Aladdin, desperate to save his friend puts himself in to a coma trying to revive him. Spoilers Ahead.

After hearing about Abhmad’s plans to turn Balbadd into a slave trading country, Alibaba is thrust into a position of great responsibility. When Sinbad tells Alibaba that the only way to stop Abhmad’s plan is for him to take control of the throne, Alibaba runs off into town. He is beset by the poor denizens who ask him about his talk with Abhmad, however before he can answer he is kidnapped by Cassim who has reppeared. He takes Alibaba to a secure location where he reveals to his old friend that he plans to retake the country…by starting a rebellion.

This episode focuses on Alibaba and the decisions that he has to make not only for himself, but for all of Balbadd. It is a lot of responsibility for someone so young to shoulder and that is well adressed here. Alibaba knows what has to be done to save the country, but he is still not confident in his ability to carry out his duty. That is until he meets up with Cassim who tells him of his plans, resulting in the rift between the two becoming wider. With Aladdin out of comission the entire episode, this gives a chance for Alibaba and the others to shine.

Cassim himself has become a bit more erratic as he states that the reason he left the slums was because of Sinbad humiliating him even though he knew of Judar’s attack and Abhmad’s plans for the country. While his desire to retakes the country is admirable his plan for war will make things worse. Cassim also introduces Aladdin to the mysterious benefactor who supplied the Fog Troop with their magical weapons. His name is not given, but black Rukh can be seen flying from him just like Judar and Alibaba has a weird vibe about him.

Sinbad sheds light on the Kou Empire as well as his relationship with Judar. He tells Morgiana & Alibaba that upon Judar’s arrival in the Kou Empire’s influence has been spreading like wild fire and that their next target for conquest is Balbadd. he attibutes this to Judar’s abilities as a Magi and leading many nobles in the empire to dungeons and he and Sinbad often clashed because of Sinbad’s conquering of the dungeons Judar himself had set up. He initially doesn’t believe that Alibaba is fit to lead the country but after a talk with Morgiana (who tells Sinbad of how Alibaba freed her from slavery) and seeing Alibaba’s resolve after his talk with Cassim, starts to believe in him and aims to teach him the art of the “Djinn Equip”.

Judar & The Kou Empire

“Decisions & Farewells” delivers just what its titles suggests. Important decisions are made and heart wrenching farewells are exchanged between friends and countrymen. There is no action but plenty of drama and development to keep you interested. The adventure continues next week as Alibaba goes to confront Abhmad one more time.

4.5/5