Universal
| Fanfiction | |
|---|---|
| Title: | Universal |
| Author(s): | Shadow's Forge |
| Date(s): | 23 August 2012 - 15 December 2013 |
| Length: | 53338 words, 20 chapters |
| Genre: | Adventure, Hurt/Comfort |
| Fandom: | Puella Magi Madoka Magica |
| External Links: | https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8457550/1/UniversalArchived via WBM |
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Universal is a science fantasy Puella Magi Madoka Magica fan fiction written by Shadow's Forge. The story is told from the first-person perspective of Miki Sayaka as she serves Kaname Madoka's cause, following the events of the original PMMM series.
Overview
Blurb:
The universe has changed, as has the life of one Sayaka Miki. Follow her as she adjusts to her new life and rises to fit alongside friends new and old against horrors not even the Incubators have envisioned.
Along the way, Sayaka has a romantic subplot with her new friend, an original character named Janev.
Background
Story
Genre, tropes, tags
Inspiration and trivia
Finally got around to watching my Madoka DVDs a little while ago. Over the course of watching it I was also rereading a lot of my old(-ish) cosmic-related comics. So I had the emotional rollercoaster that is Madoka Magica while I'm thinking about all this space stuff.
So, here's what came out. I'm about thirty pages in already, but I have two chapters, plus prologue, on FF. I was originally going to call it New Universal, but then I realized that was a bit too close to a Warren Ellis comic. So it just became Universal.[1]
Ideas for the Incubators: They're a universal necessity. Not so necessary that they can exterminate sentient peoples willy nilly for contracts--it would run counter to their "true" purpose-- and not a universal constant like an Existence, but enough that the Existences allow the life-ruining contracts because of their necessity.
Still playing with the details in my head. I'm 99% sure of writing them so that they won't "know" about their purpose--it's not simply preventing the heatdeath of the universe, that much I know.[2]
Comments
I really liked this. You have Sayaka's POV nailed perfectly. And I really love all the creativity and thought you've put into this. Giant ferrets ftw!Frog-kun on Chapter 5
Not sure I understool all the stuff going on here, but it was awesome. I also love your rendition of Sayaka, I usually don't like first-person fics but Sayaka's thoughts are... uhm, not sure I can find the right word. Funny? Awesome? Something like that. Great job here, keep it up!Sergio Turbo on Chapter 18 (20 Oct 2013)
This was beautiful, and I mean really beautiful.The characterisation was perfect, and I think this added a lot to the story as it came from a first person perspective; Sayaka's inner voice was refreshing (for lack of a better word) and humorous throughout, meaning everything was fun to read. Everyone else was wonderfully in character as well. The original characters were also nice and new, with Janev feeling like an actual person rather than a cut out just there for romance.
The story was also a fresh concept, with si-fi vibes that aren't usually covered in the PMMM fandom; the description of the Nothingness was a well put together, as it allowed me to imagine how unimaginable it was.
The ending was probably the best part, with the fight against Oktavia helping to developed Sayaka so that in the she could conquer her fears and negativity, and on the topic of the fight, the battle itself went on for a suitable amount of time so that it felt like a struggle (there wasn't a "ok, i gotz teh powah now so ill just solo lol" part in the fight, which made it feel more realistic as something exactly as powerful as yourself wouldn't be taken down easily). Everything after the fight was a fitting and emotional goodbye from this fantastic story.
I must say, one of the best fanfics I've read!Shmeagle on Chapter 20 (12 Jun 2014)
I'm returning to this story, years later, to let you know that I love this whole story! I even set up a wiki page linking to "Universal", so that hopefully others can enjoy this gem.Sayaka is my favorite character, and you absolutely did her JUSTICE and beyond! She's spirited and fun and determined, yet she's still finding her bearings and relearning to trust herself. I love all the cool science fantasy and big metaphysical elements. I don't really visualize things in my head so much, but even I found the descriptions of this fantasy space world to be really beautiful and awe-inspiring. I could really sense the love that Madoka and Sayaka must have for their universe, being able to see their universe in the way they do.
I was surprised that other reviewers weren't fond of the "Glossary & Dramatis Personae" page. I LOVE it! The "Dramatis Personae" catches attention in a good way. I think the cool concepts and epithets introduced here establish a lot of hype! Everything and everyone sounds really badass and powerful, and you totally delivered on that expectation!
Also, before I forget, I just wanted to say that I love Janev, and he is an absolute perfect dreamboat of a boy for a girl of Sayaka's age. A magical shapeshifting space ferret, with a sweet, charming personality. Janev Ssree'ten is the full boyfriend package.Guest on Chapter 1