Magic squishy balls, also known as stress balls or sensory balls, are popular toys that are designed to help reduce stress and anxiety. These balls are typically made from a soft and squishy material, such as rubber or foam, and are filled with a gel-like substance. The primary function of magic squishy balls is to provide a tactile sensory experience. When you squeeze them, the soft and squishy texture gives a satisfying feeling, allowing you to release tension and stress. The malleability of these balls also makes them great for hand exercises and strengthening your grip. But what makes them "magic"? Well, these balls often come in various fun shapes and colors, making them visually appealing and engaging.
But what makes them "magic"? Well, these balls often come in various fun shapes and colors, making them visually appealing and engaging. They can be shaped like animals, fruits, or even emojis. This adds an element of playfulness and whimsy to the stress relief experience.
Magical Girl Transformation – Analysis
I have always been fascinated with the theme of transformation, and I was first introduced to this theme through the Magical Girl genre found within Japanese cartoons, or anime. This genre originated in Japan in the mid 60’s, and is one of the most popular genres among anime fans.
History
The first Magical Girl anime, Sally the Witch, premiered in Japan in 1966. When this sub-genre first developed in the 60’s, the heroines were mostly magical beings such as witches, mermaids, and princesses. During the 70’s, magical girls evolved into more mature roles and the most popular archetypes were cyborg heroines. In the 80’s and 90’s, following the influence of cyborgs, magical girls evolved into warriors and frequently used their powers to fight evil. Some of my favourite examples are Sailor Moon and Madoka Magica. Sailor Moon is all about 5 teenage girls are the reincarnation of ancient warriors who protected the solar system, and now represent all the planets, such as Sailor Mars, Mercury etc. So several villains from their past life now resurface and try to take control of the Silver Crystal, a magical crystal pasted down form the moon goddess, Queen Serenity to its reincarnation Sailor Moon. So the Sailor Soldiers (Senshi) have to fight villains the daily monsters from attacking and their plans to take over. This was the first magical girl series that focussed on the girls using their magical powers to fight crime. Before, they would normally use their powers to help them with chores or use it to fix little problems, but Sailor Moon changed the formula around.
Thus, Sailor is one of the most well-known Magical Girl series. It premiered in Japan in 1992 and has left such a huge legacy, that many other Magical Girl series continue to use many of its ideas and concepts such as: fighting monsters and evil opponents, transformation activation words, and stylized transformation sequences.
Madoka Magica is a more recent anime series that seems like a generic cutesy magical series, but is actually a lot more darker and twisted. Some main Characters die in the first few episodes, the cuddly mason that gives them powers is actually a manipulative alien luring young girls with magic by giving their soul and energy to become magical girls, much like a deal with the devil. The show often satirises and deconstructs the magical girl tropes, such as the usually good-natured cuddly creature mascot is actually the villain, the monsters the magical girls fight are actually dead magical girls from preexisting timelines. There are the standard tropes such as the transformations and each character representing a certain archetype, like the antihero, the tomboy, the shy bookworm etc. But what makes MM so great is that it greatly usurps the formula of generic magical girl series but also keeping some tropes of the formula to make the story work.
Therefore, this series has become just as successful as Sailor Moon amongst fans of the genre, but even exceeds it due to character development, complex, gripping story and visuals.
How does a magical transformation go?
A standard magical girl transformation goes as follows:
- The heroine usually utters a key phrase, accompanied by certain gestures and/or using some sort of magical device,
- She hovers into the air over a magical background, then has her clothes disappear as her hero costume glows into existence over her. Usually the camera highlights a part of the body where it signals the clothes to form.
- Magical energy moves and meanders around the characters in an abstract fashion, forming the clothes (including complex camera angles and dimensional perspective)
- After the clothes form, the characters then makes a pose and says a battle phrase.
Madoka, from Madoka Magica, in goddess form, preparing her bow and arrow.
Magical girls are protectors and use their magical abilities to defend themselves and others. They typically started off as ordinary and not very confident, but after their transformations, they develop a stronger sense of self-assurance in their own abilities. Below, I discuss the popular animated series, Dragonball Z, because transformation played a vital role in the show during action scenes that involved conflict and adversity. In Dragonball Z’s Sixth Season, one of the main characters displayed ‘magical girl’ characteristics because he held a hidden power within, and it was only during the final confrontation with the super villain that his hidden abilities were awakened.
Homura Akemi, from Madoka Magica, transformingI believe that transformation is a culturally relevant theme to teach to young people, because I see it as an empowering metaphor to encourage young people as well as students and young adults to rise to their greatest potential. Sailor Moon, Madoka Magica and even shows like Dragonball Z or Transformers were my favourite shows to watch as a child, because the usage of transformation symbolised a character’s growth throughout the series, struggling and overcoming obstacles, all culminating into a metamorphosing into strong powerful warrior of justice which always inspired me, and this is reflected in my artwork. These animations have helped shape my perspective on life by showing hope and having confidence in your work and yourself.
For this project, I will recreate a short animation based on a magical transformation with my animal characters using Adobe Animate CC, since its the program I’m most comfortable with. To fully capture the transformation’s flowing animation and complex framing, I will analyse the key framing, timing, music, visual elements and symbolism within these two magical girl series, particularly Sailor Moon, in order to help me create my own animation. While I create my transformation sequence, I will document all production process and animation frames/timing.
Madoka, from Madoka Magica, in goddess form, preparing her bow and arrow.
In addition to stress reduction, magic squishy balls are often used as a tool for improving focus and concentration. The repetitive squeezing motion can be a way to engage the mind and calm racing thoughts. They can be particularly helpful for individuals with attention deficit disorders or those who struggle with anxiety. Magic squishy balls are not only beneficial for adults but also for children. These toys can help kids regulate their emotions, manage anxiety, and improve fine motor skills. The soft and squishy texture can also provide a soothing sensory experience for children with sensory processing issues. It's important to note that magic squishy balls should not be used as a substitute for professional help when dealing with severe stress or anxiety. However, they can be a simple and portable tool to provide a moment of relief and relaxation during stressful situations. Whether you're using them in a workplace setting, during a busy day at school, or simply as a fun and tactile toy, magic squishy balls can be an effective and enjoyable way to manage stress and find a moment of calm in today's hectic world..
Reviews for "The Secret to Making Magic Squishy Balls That Glow in the Dark"
1. Michelle - 1/5 stars
I was really disappointed with the "Magic squishy balls" I ordered. They were advertised as being super squishy and stretchy, but they were actually really hard and almost impossible to squish. Plus, they had a weird smell that was pretty unpleasant. I wouldn't recommend them at all.
2. Brian - 2/5 stars
I bought the "Magic squishy balls" for my kids, thinking they would provide them with hours of entertainment. Unfortunately, they were a letdown. The balls were too small and not as squishy as I expected. My kids lost interest in them after just a few minutes of play. It's definitely not worth the price.
3. Lisa - 2/5 stars
I was excited to try out the "Magic squishy balls" after hearing good things about them, but I was left unimpressed. The balls were not as colorful as shown in the pictures, and they felt cheaply made. They also lost their shape easily. I don't think they are worth the money, and I won't be purchasing them again.
4. Steve - 1/5 stars
The "Magic squishy balls" were a complete waste of money. They arrived already damaged with tears and holes in them. Not only were they not as squishy as promised, but they also fell apart within minutes of use. It's clear that the quality is very poor, and I would not recommend them to anyone. Save your money!