There are reasons for this series to have been so successful: we were expecting corny episodes about dresses and make-up, but got epic battles against mythologic monsters, complex anti-stereotypical personalities, profound metaphors about the transition from childhood to adolescence, sexual obsession, psychotic breakdowns, and unexpectedly awesome episodes about dresses and make-up.
I am putting this on par with freaking Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. There, I said it. So step away. That pegasus is crying and that does not happen on my watch.” (the author)