Looking for inspiration on an urban fantasy idea (modern witches/wizards)

[Traveling Bard]

Any books, anime, or games that come to mind when you think of modern witches or wizards? Any with particularly interesting magic systems that stick out in your mind?

Currently I've read or seen that are semi-related to this topic:
Books
-Harry Potter series
-The Magicians series
-The Dresden Files series
-Last Call by Tim Powers
Anime
-Fate/Stay Night, Fate/Zero, etc...
-A Certain Magical Index
Games
-Shadowrun Returns

I have a general idea in mind but wanted some materials to do further research. Appreciate recommendations Thanks in advance!

 

[gstv87]

let me give it a twist:
in the ancient times, everything not understood by the common man, was "magic"
how about you mix a bit of superhero lore and fantasy and create "realistic" (aka, "scientifically" explainable) "magic"?

for instance:
let's say 'superhero' comics never happened.
suddenly somebody manifests the ability to move themselves faster than the eye can see (by whatever means, reason, or mechanic).
anything they do while moving outside of the range of perception of the common human, is "magic".

 

[Crabs]

I recommend Little Witch Academia (anime).

They gave a special attention about the concept of "magic energy".

For instance, In the lore, there's a big magic stone in their academy which work as beacon that allows the students perform magic without spending their "mana pool". A energy flow in the air also works as a expressway where they can ride brooms without depleting their energy and later it's explained how those expressway were created.

Later it's introduced technomagic and a way to "harvest" magic energy from normal humans. (not getting into details to not spoil, since it's related to the main plot)

Also, the author is very creative. Like there's an episode which the workers at the academy started a strike because they wanted the right to use the same amount of magic energy from the big stone as the students.

In general it's a pretty decent and heartwarming anime. Good animation (very good in some episodes) and great characters. But it's pretty slow paced and the target audience are young girls (shojo).

 

[Matseb2611]

Don't know if this counts, but I quite enjoyed the 'Wolf Among Us' game by Telltale Games. It has well-known fairy tale and fable characters in a sort of modern noir setting, struggling with every day living and taking on modern day jobs. The animal/creature characters are forced to rely on a magical potion which makes them look human and hence keeps their identity a secret. From what I know, this game is based on a comic series called The Fables. Might be worth checking it out too if you're into comics.

 

[LaFlibuste]

I'd recommend the series of tabletop RPGs set in the "World of Darkness" by White Wolf. Basically it's modern day earth with all kinds of mythical creatures living among ordinary modern-day people. The one I know most is Vampire the Masquerade but I know there are a few others: Werewolf, Mages and Changelings (based on the fae). If Vampire is any indication, all those other ones are very well thought-out and documented too.

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Just looked at the World of Darkness Wikipedia page ad apparently there is also one for ghosts, one for demons, one for mummies and one for hunters of the supernatural. Not so sure about the one on mummies but heh.