Nisemonogatari – 5

Although it depends on each specific character and varies on a case-by-case basis, I tend to like antagonists in anime.  Generally speaking, what fascinates me about villains or adversaries are not that they’re commonly portrayed as wicked, evil, or used in a negative manner but rather for the rationale for why they are a villain or adversary.  The ones with logical and coherent backgrounds not only make the best antagonists but they do double duty and reinforce the story by providing a satisfying obstacle for the protagonist to overcome and help inhibit the development or expansion of plot holes or shoddy storytelling.  They really are one of the most crucial characters to any anime they’re in.  And Kaiki is no exception.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica – 7

Throughout the course of the series, there have been obvious and subtle Faustian themes in Puella Magi Madoka Magica (or as some say, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica). There’s the personification of white, fluffy evil, Kyubey (or as some say, QB or Kyuubee), the whole soul/wish exchange (the SEC should really look into regulating this), and so on.

And while I agree with these strong Faustian themes, I can’t help but look to other themes as well. What I see is Madoka becoming a Shakespearean tragedy. And another theme I see creeping into the series is the seven deadly sins, too.