DISC: this 'essay' is NOT hating on madohomu, or hating on people for shipping them. nor is it hating on Homura, or implying that her actions should be changed. It is simply an opinion from someone who loves Homura's character who also ships Madohomu, and just wants to rant about things i feel are ignored by the fandom. Please read the full thing before reblogging or replying with your opinions so i dont need to repeat myself.
Maybe I'm just a hater, but I don't understand how people can look at Homura and just excuse everything she’s done, especially in regards to Madoka, because she "actually loved everyone!” and "Is traumatised" and "It’s just toxic yuri!". It feels like a complete ignorance of her character and disregards the complexity and depth of her writing.
Now, obviously, I don't mean when people make jokes about it, I get that, but it’s when people genuinely don't acknowledge how madohomu is unhealthy and homura is a bad person. That is quite literally the whole point.
I'm aware that she does care about the other girls, which is why she didn't try to kill Mami in rebellion, and just acted like the others didn't matter throughout the show because she was all out of hope and had to concentrate on the one thing keeping her sane, which was Madoka. But that is exactly my point. That obsessiveness, that reliance on one singular person [ who is also largely unaware of the reason for said reliance ] is incredibly unhealthy. It is unhealthy. It is toxic. I'm not saying homura is abusive, like some people have, because she absolutely is not, but she is obsessive to the point of being unable to see madoka in a negative way. Even when she criticises her it’s from a "you're so stupid you can’t tell that people love you/you’re so stupid for doing this you're gonna get hurt" point of view, rather than the view of "oh you are genuinely naïve and mess up like everyone". [1] This in turn harms both of them, as she is putting her on a pedestal which Madoka will feel guilty for being on and worry about upholding, and it ruins Homura as she will simply spiral further into this unhealthy mindset.
She takes her [ Madoka’s ] word to the extreme, the word of which has no form of context and is speaking from the equivalent of the naïve Madoka that we see in the first episode. Homura then uses that to justify what she goes on to do during Rebellion, which in turn harms Madoka. when she rips Madoka from herself, I understand it's to avoid the incubators getting to her, and it is very in character, but she still actively harmed Madoka, and went against her wish to save all magical girls [ from becoming witches ] at least, in part.
Her obsessiveness does then leech off and affect everyone else, because she is also friends with them and does care for them. They begin to lose respect and gain upset over Homura, as she is now a girl who has one goal and throws them to the side to achieve this, not attempting to make genuine connections and discarding those which she does have - namely Kyoko in the show. This behaviour affects the other girls in the obvious sense of they die quicker and more frequently as Homura is no longer attempting to intervene; affecting Madoka too, as she ends up getting stressed about her friends not getting along, before then having the trauma of seeing her friends die. [ This is not to put the blame on Homura as it happens regardless, but the point is for everyone else, it will seem like Homura could have helped, even if it was out-with her power.] This will harm Homura as a result, for it will plague her how she treats her friends like this, and will only cause her self-esteem to plummet further than it already has.
Additionally, there are points where she could be argued to be manipulative, which is up to personal judgement, but it is worth noting. Obviously, it would not be from her own awareness or intention, but it is still a plausible outcome of her actions - i.e., the way she speaks to Madoka in the show, almost threatening her before then sobbing over her and acting like she is the most important girl in the world, [2] which, keep in mind, will be weird for Madoka as she barely knows this girl. This isn't to say Homura's actions aren’t understandable, especially in the show, but that doesn't remove the negative impact that they have. Homumado may be cute, and it is cute, especially pre-timeloop, but the reality is, even now, it wouldn't work without years and years of couple therapy.
I also am going to mention kyosaya, as they are also unhealthy, and I know someone may try to bring up how I love them so much in spite of this fact. They are definitely not the most healthy relationship, literally trying to kill each other in a fight in the first episode they met. It is practically impossible to ship characters in this show and have a healthy relationship [ with maybe the exception of madosaya pre-timelooping ]. However, the difference between kyosaya and madohomu is my general issue altogether, which isn't that the ships are unhealthy, but rather the way the fandom treats them in regards to them being such.
Kyosaya is known for being enemies to lovers, its known for being unhealthy and its known for being liked in the theory of "oh this is what they could have been, had they been given more time to understand each other.". It is also an equal relationship, there are no forms of power dynamic between the two, both are equally vulnerable; both hate the other at the start, and respect and care for one another at the end - as seen in rebellion. Even when Kyoko is stronger than Sayaka, that's cancelled out by Sayaka's determination and healing properties.
Homumado, on the other hand, are known for being equally doomed, but in the sense of "Oh Homura will never save Madoka, Madoka will always die, they can never be together.". There is never that acknowledgement that they wouldn't work, even if by some miracle the looping ended. There is simply too much that has happened. The only possible scenario is arguably one in which Madoka stays as Madokami, and Homura stays as the devil, for at least both have equal memories of all that has transpired, but even that has huge issues due to Homura's abandonment issues and obsessiveness toward madoka. There is also, unlike in kyosaya, a large power imbalance, which goes both ways at different points.
In the main show, this is heavy on Homura, as she knows so much about Madoka, she's seen her at her best and worst, and she knows all that will happen. She is also stronger than her, as for the most part Madoka is not a magical girl, and is unable to do anything to prevent her friends’.
Flip that to when Madoka is god however, and she is now the topheavy one, as she is fully aware of everything that has transpired. and Homura is so obsessive. If madoka were anyone else, it could very quickly turn bad with Madoka manipulating Homura's infatuation - which obviously isn't an issue as madoka is so nice, but you get my point.
It is a point though that homura still has power over madoka, especially considering her removal of "Madoka" from "Madokami". She technically has a part madoka all for herself, and has relative power over that for the time being. No one is able to do anything. It’s almost like she’s controlling a doll, except the doll is a piece of madoka she’s refusing to let return to the rest of her.
This is what I mean when I say there is no form of permanent equity between the two, while kyosaya are a yin and yang of give and take, madohomu are simply always off balance. Which is why they're so unhealthy.
Again, that doesn't mean they're not a good ship. That doesn't mean they're not cute, and they don't deserve to be together. It could 10000% work out, just as kyosaya is also toxic but could still work out. My issue isn't with the ship, the writing, or the characters, but rather the disregard to the discussions surrounding it.
To paint Homura as a "cute girl who's a bit obsessed” is a disservice to the complexities of her actions and her humanity, as again, she is a heavily traumatised 14 year old girl. Her actions are realistic, her actions make sense. But her actions aren’t good. This is not a critique on Homura, but a critique of the denial that she has done these bad things. denying as such waters her down and mischaracterizes her. It defeats the point of her as a character.
After all, she is the devil. She’s not intended to be nice.
[1] - "How stupid can you possibly be" - episode 5
[2] - fountain scene, episode 8, where she breaks down in front of madoka
[Magazine] To The New World of Love: Groom-to-be Q&A
From Otomedia 2015 June Issue
scanned by kurukurumaki
Italy
- In what kind of situation would you propose?
“As long as I get YES for an answer, I’m willing to take the challenge and propose in any way! (unless it’s scary or if it hurts) But if I am to propose in my own style… I’ll probably just do it casually without being too stiff and formal, like usual!”
- How would you like your wedding ceremony to be?
“Well~ I want a ceremony that’s wow and glamourous, yay yay and lots of fun, and with lots and lots of delicious food! ”
- Out of the five of you, who do you think is the least likely to get married?
“Germany, of course! He’s just too straight-laced… eh, wait, nooo your face is too scary stop glaring at me like thatttt!!! (cry)”
Germany
- In what kind of situation would you propose?
“Since it’s about two people making an important decision for their lives, I’d like to organize it properly by first making an appointment with my partner and dressing in formal clothes. The location… should be somewhere indoor, so it won’t become affected by the weather.”
- How would you like your wedding ceremony to be?
“I’m not particularly picky about it, but I think it’s a good idea to have a solemn ceremony in a church.”
- Out of the five of you, who do you think is the least likely to get married?
“Probably… Japan. The fact that he’s attracted to those who aren’t in the same dimension as him… tldr”
Japan
- In what kind of situation would you propose?
“I have a strong yearning for a love confession under a Tree of Legend.”
- How would you like your wedding ceremony to be?
“A traditional Japanese Shinto wedding ceremony in Kimono would be lovely. It’s about time I become more serious with developing technologies that will bring my bride out of the computer screen.”
- Out of the five of you, who do you think is the least likely to get married?
“It would be terribly rude of me to answer such a question… I am very sorry but I cannot answer that.”
England
- In what kind of situation would you propose?
“I think it’d be rather nice and romantic to propose on a ship, while reminiscing the glorious Age of Discovery.”
- How would you like your wedding ceremony to be?
“A grand wedding ceremony full of majesty and style of the Great Britain Empire. After vowing eternal love to each other at the cathedral, I would like to hold a splendid wedding reception at the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.”
- Out of the five of you, who do you think is the least likely to get married?
“He’s not one of the five guys here, but France. Because he’s naked.”
America
- In what kind of situation would you propose?
“I want my proposal to be during Superbowl halftime or right in front of Times Square with national tv live stream, it sounds like fun and a total blast!”
- How would you like your wedding ceremony to be?
“I just want it to be something cool! Maybe we can combine all the resources and technology of NASA and have a wedding on the moon?”
- Out of the five of you, who do you think is the least likely to get married?
“Hmm… probably England? He becomes too obsessed with everything he does, so he can be too overbearing.”
For those who are curious about the ship or simply wondering why it exists, here's my explanation:
Their personalities go well together, they share history, and they canonically interact.
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Personality/Shared Interests:
They have a lot in common and could likely be good friends. Both fought for survival since they were young and eventually became strong empires. They're also arrogant and ambitious hard workers who enjoy beer, sewing, reading, gardening, and causing mischief.
They share a frenemy in France and don't easily connect with other people. Prussia supposedly has many friends, but when reminded of this he falls silent. Both are in denial of their loneliness.
Prussia comes across as loud and sociable, yet likes frequently wandering off by himself to reflect on his surroundings and write in his journals.
Meanwhile, England appears to prefer working alone and contemplating to himself, but still appreciates a good conversation.
They both seem to be good with inventions and machinery. Both are implied to have a punk phase and are fond of animals.
The Brothers Grimm originated in Eastern Germany. Prussia chose to read these fairy tales to HRE as a child. We know England is interested in fantasy creatures and literature.
Prussia was shown to play the flute in a strip while England sang about playing the bass guitar in Hatefutte Parade and was drawn with one in a sketch by Himaruya. Oh, and let's not forget Prussia plays a guitar, too. Broom guitar!
Post about how they complement and clash with each other.
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History:
They've supported each other quite a few times, though they've been at odds as well.
-Possible first interactions (1191-1409)
-War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714)
-War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748)
-The Seven Years War (1756-1763)
Anglo-Prussian Alliance
-The American Revolution (1775-1783)
-Prussian Invasion of Holland (1787)
-Triple Alliance (1788)
-The Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815)
-World War I (1914-1918)
-World War II (1939-1945)
-Abolition of Prussia (1947)
-There are other events (royal marriages, etc.) but I'm not listing everything.
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Canon Interactions
Part 1
Part 2
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If you also ship them, feel free to share more info in the comments.
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