Homura Akemi

Homura Akemi
Puella Magi Madoka Magica character
Homura Akemi in Magia Record with her shield magic, artwork by Sasagi Koushi
First appearance	"As If I Met Her in My Dream..."
Created by	Gen Urobuchi[1] Akiyuki Shinbo[1] Ume Aoki[1]
Portrayed by	Hina Kawata (Magia Record stage play)
Voiced by	Japanese: Chiwa Saitō English: Cristina Vee
In-universe information
Species	Human (initially) Magical girl (formerly) Demon (currently)
Gender	Female
Weapon	Round shield (also used as a time machine and pocket universe device) Guns (especially firearms) Bow

Homura Akemi (Japanese: 暁美 ほむら, Hepburn: Akemi Homura) is a fictional character in the 2011 Japanese anime television series Puella Magi Madoka Magica. A mysterious magical girl who first appears in one of Madoka Kaname's nightmares, Homura tries her best to prevent Madoka from making a contract with the messenger of magic, Kyubey. As the story progresses, it is revealed that Homura is a time traveler and has seen Madoka die countless times whenever she makes a contract with Kyubey. Homura becomes the sole main protagonist of the 2013 sequel film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion, where she fights with her fellow magical girls against surreal monsters called Nightmares, but after some time, she realizes something is wrong with her memories and then tries to investigate. Homura has appeared in most Puella Magi Madoka Magica related media, including manga, novel adaptations of the series, and video games.

Writer Gen Urobuchi created Homura to contrast with the series' titular character, Madoka Kaname. He developed her role as a mysterious character who would reveal the truth about magical girls' fate as the series progresses. Urobuchi expanded Homura's character in Rebellion, where he said the film is about the character growing and struggling with internal conflict. Ume Aoki, who designed her, wanted to express Homura's dark beauty through her design. She is voiced in Japanese by Chiwa Saitō and in English by Cristina Vee.

Homura Akemi has received overwhelmingly positive reception from critics, who praised the depth and complexity of her character as well as her relationship with Madoka. Her backstory revealed in episode 10 was also highly commended. Homura's role in Rebellion has also earned praise from critics, who enjoyed the focus on her character and development. Homura has also been the subject of studies by scholars. She has ranked highly on various polls for best female anime character conducted by several publications such as Newtype, NHK and GooRanking. Merchandise based on her such as figures, plush dolls and replicas of her ear cuff has also been created.