One interesting thing about this series is how strong the subtext of drawing magic being used as a metaphor for making the manga itself is. The group of witches learning to draw seals together is probably based on Shirahama's own experiences learning how to draw manga, and when they tackle things like writer's block it becomes even more obvious. It's a manga about art, and art is magic!
Also the 4 apprentices reflect the goals many mangaka and artists strive for. Show the world their art Make the world a better place Be the best Spread joy
The Manga is GORGEOUS like absurdly so. And the story is lovely, It has that Ghibli thing of stories for children, but with really heavy themes, very emotional. And additionally... The magic system makes so much sense it is so well planned.
I know you briefly talked about the art but I need people who are interested in manga/comics to understand: this is a masterclass in sequential art. It fully embraces the medium and what it can add to the story as opposed to any other medium. Like the anime will likely never match it because the medium is that engrained in the storytelling. I love this series so much.
FINALLY!! I'm so proud you finally read it. Witch Hat Atelier truly is a special manga, I just love the characters and the art, and the complex characters it has to offer. You can't help but root for these girls.
I got hooked on this series last year, just waiting for volume 14 to come out in the UK and I cannot wait for the anime too! So glad to see the series getting the recognition it deserves.
WHA is one of those series I shove into people's face trying to get them to read it. Especially since that despite it's popularity and sales, no one really talks about it? Even the western fandom is pretty small. Like, Jujutsu Kaisen reaction videos have more views than WHA's anime trailer lmao Also, Shirahama is an absolute treasure of a mangaka and an extremely talented artist with a lot of work under her belt. Most people would know her from her manga, obviously, but she's done several things for Marvel, including comic book covers (which I highly recommend googling if you want to see her use a completely different art style) and even worked as a character designer for episode 7 of Star Wars: Visions. She's also just really sweet and loves interacting with her fans. Wouldn't even be surprised if she watches this video.
One of the few mangas where the fantastical elements extend beyond the limits of the of story and into the presentation and paneling itself, quite the visual treat.
I KNEW you would adore it. I have been trying to get so many people to read it. Cause exactly as you said, there is NO way for the animation team to capture that. Its just ugh. I adore this series so so SO much. I have reread it many times now and cry every time. As an artist it just hits so many emotional spots for me.
Merph is 100% correct on all fronts. Easily one of the most gorgeous manga being made right now, if not THE most. Even if you just have a passing interest in sequential art, do yourself a favor and check it out. So much of it is made very mindfully to work as panels in a manga, that while I don't doubt the adaptation will be stellar, some of it will inevitably be lost in translation.
Although I've been sold to read this manga since the cover of 1st volume, it was the chapter when Coco does the 1st test that made me fall in love with it. The artwork, paneling, flow of emotions, everything is just sooo good that I could imagine it moving while reading, cannot wait to see it in the anime!!
Glad to see you talking about this series. Beautiful artwork, a wonderful cast of characters, an immersive world, an interesting magic system, and a story that manages to feel cozy and wholesome while including some dark elements and tackling some heavy themes. But also, fix the legs on your desk! That desk jiggle is stressing me out lol
Last night I decided to to randomly start WHA on a train ride and fall in love with it and then I wake up and see a merphy video, couldn’t ask for better timing
Witch Hat Atelier is my favorite ongoing manga. The paneling is simply amazing, the characters and the world are intriguing, awesome magic system & the author is a very nice individual. I couldn't ask for more. It is all a truly magical experience❤
I stopped reading to appreciate the art and the paneling at least once per chapter. It really is a masterpiece and I got so excited when I heard you would check it out because I knew you'd love it just as much
You should definitely read "Blue Period", a manga about a delinquent highschool boy, who suddenly finds passion in making art and aims to enroll in best arts university in Japan. It perfectly captures all the struggles of being an artist, and also features really stunning artworks made by many different artists.
Besides the characters and the gorgeous artstyle, im also just obsessed with the world building and the magic system. Magic is done by basically making art, drawing circles and the corresponding runes. But at the same time its heavily similiar to a process like programming, applying the knowledge you have to solve new problems you encounter. And it happens all the time in the manga, the characters just constantly keep learning and applying the newfound knowledge in new situations, its soo damn good
One of those series I completely lost myself in, disappeared, then when I got to end of volume one, cursed myself then burned rubber on the road to pick up the remaining at the bookstore speeding tickets be damned.
As a long time reader of the manga, I can't wait for the anime. Even if they just capture 20% of the charm of the manga art it will be fantastic, but I have faith that they will do it justice.
I can't wait for the anime to drop and get your full spoiler thoughts and analysis! This is one hell of a rich text. There is so much to talk about. The trailer looked absolutely gorgeous and I've returned to it an embarrassing amount but still, I can't help but still be worried they won't be able to capture the beauty of the manga. Though I'm less interested in imitating one-to-one but more hoping that the anime will play with the format and conventions of the animation medium the way that the manga does with its medium. Be experimental. Either way, I'm so excited! ^_^
This video summed up every feeling I have about the series perfectly, it's like you read my brain waves (including on how to pronounce Quiffrys name) especially about the art work. I just feel bad for the people animating it because they are doing phenomenal work, but there's just no way they could replicate THAT.
Merph, I didn’t expect you'd actually do a review on witch hat before the anime comes out but yh, I agree with everything you said especially regarding the paneling like imo it's the best paneling i've ever seen in manga. I'm looking forward to your spoiler review
Yes! WHA is severely underrated and I can't wait for an anime adaptation, I own all the volumes currently and read all the chapters once they go online. It's time for the author's popularity to explode 😂 Give her the damn adaptation!
I've done several studies on pages and illustrations of Shirahama Kamome, and you really learn a lot. Certain aspects of her art grasp your attention and others are subtle touches that are masterful because of it, doesn't need to pull your attention away from the narrative pacing but aids in her wonderful pathing throughout the page and piece. I highly suggest any aspiring artist or artist in general and non artist too, to do studies on her work. It can be simple ones where you simply draw the flow of the page, from word bubbles to characters eyes or the point of interest of the panel to the next point of interest. The way she eases your eye through the page is really a master class on page layout.
Last guy who pitched this to me says that I'd like it since I like Sanderson. Judging from how complex the magic seemingly is, I can't wait to dive into it
I've had my eye on this for awhile. I had to go put holds in at the library, cause it'll be hard to get after your review. Picking it up today! That artwork is stunning.
Thank you for helping get more people’s eyes on this manga. It’s terrible how under appreciated it is. Hopefully that will change once the anime releases.
I wish you had also talked about the diversity in WHA, because in the manga world you wouldn't usually find such a complete diversity of subject, characters, character traits... there are characters that are openly LGBT, there are character who deal with dissaibilities and, no, they're not allowed to use magic to "cure" themselves, there are characters of color and different cultures and there are characters who are autistic. The four girls themselves are examples of that. And although Coco is kind of the "main character" all four of them with Quifrey and Olruggio are actually considered main characters just as much as Coco. Shirahama-sensei wasn't a newbie when she stated WHA, it's not her first manga and also she has worked for Marvel... she usually does fan arts aswell and is very supportive of her readers doing their own versions and interpretations of the characters. She embraces alternative stories that cater to different people and she's a fierce supported of the LGBT community, marriage equality, trans rights... this is basically the most "woke" manga you could ever find right now and most pleople are reading it happily without even being aware of it. That's smart. I suggest you watch Lines in Motion's channel, they have two videos on WHA and other mangas, but WHA's are specifically about panneling and narrative and the need for diversity.
I've been loving this series so much! I love the way it uses magic. I love its art style. It really reminds me of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz's art style. I've only read up to chapter 45 and I have so many predictions. I think Coco is going to develop healing magic at some point. I think Coco is going to have to join the brim hats at some point and it's going to cause an unrepairable split between her and Qifrey. I think Qifrey will even be the cause of that split, like he goes too far, and that pushes Coco away. I think the other girls and even Olruggio will side with Coco too. I think there is either a clone of Qifrey or Qifrey is the clone.
This is one of my favourite series for so many reasons. The story is engaging, the art is beautiful and the panelling is great. The anime is going to have a hard time living up to the manga because it sets such a high standard
I haven't been this in love with a fantasy manga in a long time, I adore the characters and the magic system. Also this is just a minor thing, but I also love the creativity of the animals, you have the traditional ones like dragons but you also get a new spin on pegasus, and the little myrthons are super cute! (The little penguin like animals, in case no one remembers their name)
I love Witch Hat Atelier (or Atelier of Witch Hat, as it's called on the Japanese covers). I've been reading manga since the mid-90s, and if I had to pick one that I thought had the most impressive artwork, I'd pick this one. I had exactly the same thought: it would well be worth reading on that alone even if everything else sucked, but it doesn't - everything else is also great. Characters, writing, world-building and the thorny ethical dilemmas it throws at you. Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Magus of the Library; very reminiscent of Witch Hat Atelier (and highly recommended by its author) but never feeling like a copy.
It’s a great manga, I’m sad I got caught up(volume not chapter) but I enjoyed it especially the art style I wrote a paper for it for my college class 😭
I enjoyed reading it even more on a second time. I overlooked how much the inciting incident continues to define her story, as it sits on the backburner.
I'm sold on checking out the manga, thanks Merph! Also you've likely been recommended this multiple times, but I'll still throw my hat in for a series you'd probably love: The Ancient Magus' Bride. I'm only familiar with the anime (one of the most unique atmospheres in a fantasy anime for sure), but it is based on a manga series. Would love to hear your impressions on that one for sure :)
The most unfortunate thing about the anime for Witch Hat Atelier is that it has absolutely zero chance of living up to the manga. Everything about the manga, from its magnificent paneling to its power system, is a beautiful love letter to drawing and the comic format. To try to adapt it in anime would be to lose a big part of what makes it truly special and unique. Don't get me wrong, the adaptation so far looks amazing, and I'm sure it will keep up that quality for the rest of the season, but, at the same time, please read the manga. I promise you that you will not regret it. P.S. Just had to say this, but this might be the best paneled manga I have ever seen. The way it breaks convention in a way that looks absolutely dazzling and easy to follow is just extraordinary. It's almost as if in the act of paneling she is mirroring the core themes of the story and the change to status quo that seems neccesary. Sorry for the yapfest, I can just barely contain myself when speaking about this particular story 🙏.
I'm absolutely psyched for Witch Hat Atelier. It screams something special and I've managed to stay away from the manga, but I'm not sure for how long. Hope they won't wait till the end of the year to release season 1. Because I haven't seen a confirmed date yet. For now I'll entertain myself with Apothecary Diaries S2, Sakamoto Days and Solo Leveling and hope they don't run out before WHA gets released.
11:43 I really wanted you to read this manga because of the art and I’m so glad you did, now you just have to read Land of the Lustrous because it’s paneling and art are also amazing in an extremely different way
Hi Merphy! Since the fantasy genre is finally getting more love in the world of anime/manga I want to recommend Magus of the Library to you. Extremely extremely underrated series that deserves far more attention and I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!!
Excited for you to start your One Piece journey! I just rewatched the live action and still love it. Shanks lost his arm to the sea beast protecting Luffy. Scaring it away would be a spoiler. Many more devil fruits to come, but those are the only 2 at this point in the live action. The live action covers about the same as the first 45 episodes of the anime. Hard to pair them 1:1. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Though there are enough differences that I wouldn't be shocked by liking one more than another, everything said in this review makes me think of Magus of The Library. The beautiful art, the societal questions, the characters...the song is quite different and MotL has at its core an incredible reverence and love for books/knowledge/communication. An underrated and fantastic series that any Witch Hat can should at least check out! 😎
I love Witch Hat Atelier! Probably the most gorgeous paneling of any manga I've ever read
One interesting thing about this series is how strong the subtext of drawing magic being used as a metaphor for making the manga itself is. The group of witches learning to draw seals together is probably based on Shirahama's own experiences learning how to draw manga, and when they tackle things like writer's block it becomes even more obvious. It's a manga about art, and art is magic!
Also the 4 apprentices reflect the goals many mangaka and artists strive for.
Show the world their art
Make the world a better place
Be the best
Spread joy
The Manga is GORGEOUS like absurdly so. And the story is lovely, It has that Ghibli thing of stories for children, but with really heavy themes, very emotional.
And additionally... The magic system makes so much sense it is so well planned.
I know you briefly talked about the art but I need people who are interested in manga/comics to understand: this is a masterclass in sequential art. It fully embraces the medium and what it can add to the story as opposed to any other medium. Like the anime will likely never match it because the medium is that engrained in the storytelling. I love this series so much.
FINALLY!! I'm so proud you finally read it. Witch Hat Atelier truly is a special manga, I just love the characters and the art, and the complex characters it has to offer. You can't help but root for these girls.
I love it when manga and high fantasy mix! Also, WHA sets itself apart with how the mangaka has fun with the panelling. Truly beautiful.
I got hooked on this series last year, just waiting for volume 14 to come out in the UK and I cannot wait for the anime too! So glad to see the series getting the recognition it deserves.
WHA is one of those series I shove into people's face trying to get them to read it. Especially since that despite it's popularity and sales, no one really talks about it? Even the western fandom is pretty small. Like, Jujutsu Kaisen reaction videos have more views than WHA's anime trailer lmao
Also, Shirahama is an absolute treasure of a mangaka and an extremely talented artist with a lot of work under her belt. Most people would know her from her manga, obviously, but she's done several things for Marvel, including comic book covers (which I highly recommend googling if you want to see her use a completely different art style) and even worked as a character designer for episode 7 of Star Wars: Visions. She's also just really sweet and loves interacting with her fans. Wouldn't even be surprised if she watches this video.
One of the few mangas where the fantastical elements extend beyond the limits of the of story and into the presentation and paneling itself, quite the visual treat.
I KNEW you would adore it.
I have been trying to get so many people to read it. Cause exactly as you said, there is NO way for the animation team to capture that.
Its just ugh. I adore this series so so SO much. I have reread it many times now and cry every time.
As an artist it just hits so many emotional spots for me.
Merph is 100% correct on all fronts. Easily one of the most gorgeous manga being made right now, if not THE most. Even if you just have a passing interest in sequential art, do yourself a favor and check it out. So much of it is made very mindfully to work as panels in a manga, that while I don't doubt the adaptation will be stellar, some of it will inevitably be lost in translation.
Ever since I read this series I've been wanting more coverage out there for it. It feels so slept on for such a gorgeous and heartwarming series.
Although I've been sold to read this manga since the cover of 1st volume, it was the chapter when Coco does the 1st test that made me fall in love with it. The artwork, paneling, flow of emotions, everything is just sooo good that I could imagine it moving while reading, cannot wait to see it in the anime!!
Glad to see you talking about this series. Beautiful artwork, a wonderful cast of characters, an immersive world, an interesting magic system, and a story that manages to feel cozy and wholesome while including some dark elements and tackling some heavy themes. But also, fix the legs on your desk! That desk jiggle is stressing me out lol
Last night I decided to to randomly start WHA on a train ride and fall in love with it and then I wake up and see a merphy video, couldn’t ask for better timing
Witch Hat Atelier is my favorite ongoing manga. The paneling is simply amazing, the characters and the world are intriguing, awesome magic system & the author is a very nice individual. I couldn't ask for more. It is all a truly magical experience❤
WITCH HAT ATELIER MENTION HELL FUCKING YEAH
If the stars align we could possibly get Frieren S2, Dungeon Meshi S2, and Witch Hat Atelier S2 in the same year. Possibly 2026.
I doubt that Witch Hat Atelier S2 would come out after one year but we can still hope
I stopped reading to appreciate the art and the paneling at least once per chapter. It really is a masterpiece and I got so excited when I heard you would check it out because I knew you'd love it just as much
It makes me so happy you’re reading this wonderful manga!! ❤
You should definitely read "Blue Period", a manga about a delinquent highschool boy, who suddenly finds passion in making art and aims to enroll in best arts university in Japan. It perfectly captures all the struggles of being an artist, and also features really stunning artworks made by many different artists.
Blue period is so heavy and amazing
On my to watch list but so does Witch Hat Atelier. It hits so many things about the struggles of being an artist and more.
Best panelling i ever seen. Story is nothing special but the themes and world building are great. Characters are lovable. Agott is the best imo
Besides the characters and the gorgeous artstyle, im also just obsessed with the world building and the magic system.
Magic is done by basically making art, drawing circles and the corresponding runes. But at the same time its heavily similiar to a process like programming, applying the knowledge you have to solve new problems you encounter. And it happens all the time in the manga, the characters just constantly keep learning and applying the newfound knowledge in new situations, its soo damn good
Yes yesssss.. witch hat is so so good and deserves all the love and recognition ❤
It is a great way to make a hard magic system feel as ethereal as a soft magic system.
One of those series I completely lost myself in, disappeared, then when I got to end of volume one, cursed myself then burned rubber on the road to pick up the remaining at the bookstore speeding tickets be damned.
As a long time reader of the manga, I can't wait for the anime. Even if they just capture 20% of the charm of the manga art it will be fantastic, but I have faith that they will do it justice.
I can't wait for the anime to drop and get your full spoiler thoughts and analysis! This is one hell of a rich text. There is so much to talk about. The trailer looked absolutely gorgeous and I've returned to it an embarrassing amount but still, I can't help but still be worried they won't be able to capture the beauty of the manga. Though I'm less interested in imitating one-to-one but more hoping that the anime will play with the format and conventions of the animation medium the way that the manga does with its medium. Be experimental. Either way, I'm so excited! ^_^
"it was recommended alot to me" is putting it lightly 😂
This video summed up every feeling I have about the series perfectly, it's like you read my brain waves (including on how to pronounce Quiffrys name) especially about the art work. I just feel bad for the people animating it because they are doing phenomenal work, but there's just no way they could replicate THAT.
Merph, I didn’t expect you'd actually do a review on witch hat before the anime comes out but yh, I agree with everything you said especially regarding the paneling like imo it's the best paneling i've ever seen in manga. I'm looking forward to your spoiler review
The page layouts are truly beautiful. Such elegant reading flow.
THE ONE PIECE IS REAL 11:20
Let’s go!!!
Also in my country we have a hardback edition of WHA and it’s perfect! Love the series!
Yes! WHA is severely underrated and I can't wait for an anime adaptation, I own all the volumes currently and read all the chapters once they go online. It's time for the author's popularity to explode 😂 Give her the damn adaptation!
Finally!!! I’ve been waiting for you to talk about this for quite sometime now.
I've done several studies on pages and illustrations of Shirahama Kamome, and you really learn a lot. Certain aspects of her art grasp your attention and others are subtle touches that are masterful because of it, doesn't need to pull your attention away from the narrative pacing but aids in her wonderful pathing throughout the page and piece.
I highly suggest any aspiring artist or artist in general and non artist too, to do studies on her work. It can be simple ones where you simply draw the flow of the page, from word bubbles to characters eyes or the point of interest of the panel to the next point of interest. The way she eases your eye through the page is really a master class on page layout.
Last guy who pitched this to me says that I'd like it since I like Sanderson. Judging from how complex the magic seemingly is, I can't wait to dive into it
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this series....can't get enough of it
I've had my eye on this for awhile. I had to go put holds in at the library, cause it'll be hard to get after your review. Picking it up today! That artwork is stunning.
Witch Hat Atelier is fantastic. I have it next to Blue Period and Look Back as manga that speak to my artistic heart 😅
Thank you for helping get more people’s eyes on this manga. It’s terrible how under appreciated it is. Hopefully that will change once the anime releases.
This manga was something special, I’m so glad I heard about it (thanks gigguk) absultely incredible.
I wish you had also talked about the diversity in WHA, because in the manga world you wouldn't usually find such a complete diversity of subject, characters, character traits... there are characters that are openly LGBT, there are character who deal with dissaibilities and, no, they're not allowed to use magic to "cure" themselves, there are characters of color and different cultures and there are characters who are autistic. The four girls themselves are examples of that. And although Coco is kind of the "main character" all four of them with Quifrey and Olruggio are actually considered main characters just as much as Coco.
Shirahama-sensei wasn't a newbie when she stated WHA, it's not her first manga and also she has worked for Marvel... she usually does fan arts aswell and is very supportive of her readers doing their own versions and interpretations of the characters. She embraces alternative stories that cater to different people and she's a fierce supported of the LGBT community, marriage equality, trans rights... this is basically the most "woke" manga you could ever find right now and most pleople are reading it happily without even being aware of it. That's smart.
I suggest you watch Lines in Motion's channel, they have two videos on WHA and other mangas, but WHA's are specifically about panneling and narrative and the need for diversity.
The art style looks so nice, and it seems like the anime is adapting it well.
Really enjoy this series. I absolutely will buy the physical copies one day. I imagine re reading it with physical will be a new different experience
I've been loving this series so much! I love the way it uses magic. I love its art style. It really reminds me of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz's art style. I've only read up to chapter 45 and I have so many predictions. I think Coco is going to develop healing magic at some point. I think Coco is going to have to join the brim hats at some point and it's going to cause an unrepairable split between her and Qifrey. I think Qifrey will even be the cause of that split, like he goes too far, and that pushes Coco away. I think the other girls and even Olruggio will side with Coco too. I think there is either a clone of Qifrey or Qifrey is the clone.
Elliot Brooks also highly recommended this manga/series
The manga Is absolutely gorgeous And the Story Is amazing!!!!❤
I love the main theme of this story and how it doesn't have an easy answer.
This is one of my favourite series for so many reasons. The story is engaging, the art is beautiful and the panelling is great. The anime is going to have a hard time living up to the manga because it sets such a high standard
YESSSSS MERPHY YOULL LOVE THIS 💙💙
I’m so happy to see more people gush about this manga
The artwork for Witch Hat Atelier! is so pretty
Can't WAIT for the anime adaptation. The story, world building, and magic system in this one is solid I hope they do the manga justice.
This manga has berserk level paneling and art, but its actually recommendable to everyone!!!
Currently reading it and I love it so much! I cannot stop reading! I will probably cosplay Qlifrey.
It is my favorite Manga series, glad that you are reviewing it.
I’ve been told this manga is great now I need move it up my tbr :)
I haven't been this in love with a fantasy manga in a long time, I adore the characters and the magic system. Also this is just a minor thing, but I also love the creativity of the animals, you have the traditional ones like dragons but you also get a new spin on pegasus, and the little myrthons are super cute!
(The little penguin like animals, in case no one remembers their name)
This series feels made for artists. If you are an artist, you MUST take a look at these panels. ❤
I love Witch Hat Atelier (or Atelier of Witch Hat, as it's called on the Japanese covers). I've been reading manga since the mid-90s, and if I had to pick one that I thought had the most impressive artwork, I'd pick this one. I had exactly the same thought: it would well be worth reading on that alone even if everything else sucked, but it doesn't - everything else is also great. Characters, writing, world-building and the thorny ethical dilemmas it throws at you.
Also, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Magus of the Library; very reminiscent of Witch Hat Atelier (and highly recommended by its author) but never feeling like a copy.
Witch Hat Atelier is one of my favorites. I love it so much.
It’s a great manga, I’m sad I got caught up(volume not chapter) but I enjoyed it especially the art style I wrote a paper for it for my college class 😭
WHICH HAT ATELIER AHHHH 😫😫😫
It's a world where witches are artists, what's not to love about it?
Love Witch Hat Atelier, also I find a lot of similarities with Earthsea
goated paneling and art
also please read any of mizukami's works
Damn, I heard only good things about the manga and decided to do wait until the anime releases. Now you made me really impatient.
Excited for the anime!
now I know why this was recommended so much after The Owl House ended. I was waiting for the anime, but maybe I'll check it out before.
thank you for reminding me about this
Damn i was waiting for anime too,now i guess i will go read it too
I enjoyed reading it even more on a second time. I overlooked how much the inciting incident continues to define her story, as it sits on the backburner.
Also ahhhhh it's Witch Hat Ah Tell Eee Ay. The first e isn't silent 😭
Absolutely love this Manga! I'm super hyped for the anime but the manga is great
It is one of the best art manga, the other one in my opinion is Otoyomegatari especially with wide edition.
I'm sold on checking out the manga, thanks Merph! Also you've likely been recommended this multiple times, but I'll still throw my hat in for a series you'd probably love: The Ancient Magus' Bride. I'm only familiar with the anime (one of the most unique atmospheres in a fantasy anime for sure), but it is based on a manga series. Would love to hear your impressions on that one for sure :)
I heard a lot of good things about this manga, and i really can't wait for the anime to come out !!😁😁
FINALLY!!!! I always wanted you to pick this one up, so happy you're loving it this much❤❤❤❤❤❤
Will you be reading the spin off, Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen? It has recipes in it.
Say less! I am sold!👀
The most unfortunate thing about the anime for Witch Hat Atelier is that it has absolutely zero chance of living up to the manga. Everything about the manga, from its magnificent paneling to its power system, is a beautiful love letter to drawing and the comic format. To try to adapt it in anime would be to lose a big part of what makes it truly special and unique. Don't get me wrong, the adaptation so far looks amazing, and I'm sure it will keep up that quality for the rest of the season, but, at the same time, please read the manga. I promise you that you will not regret it.
P.S. Just had to say this, but this might be the best paneled manga I have ever seen. The way it breaks convention in a way that looks absolutely dazzling and easy to follow is just extraordinary. It's almost as if in the act of paneling she is mirroring the core themes of the story and the change to status quo that seems neccesary.
Sorry for the yapfest, I can just barely contain myself when speaking about this particular story 🙏.
The story is good. The characters are great. The art is AWE INSPIRING!
Heck yeah!
YEESSSS FINALLYYYY
My comment is here but not HERE? Well anyway, I'm in. I will watch the anime but might consider the manga for a start.
Okay, I’m sold. lol
Atelier is apparently very hard to consistently pronounce.
Great review! By the way Qifrey's name is pronounced like key-free
Would this be appropriate for a 12 year old?
Ohhh yes
I'm absolutely psyched for Witch Hat Atelier. It screams something special and I've managed to stay away from the manga, but I'm not sure for how long. Hope they won't wait till the end of the year to release season 1. Because I haven't seen a confirmed date yet. For now I'll entertain myself with Apothecary Diaries S2, Sakamoto Days and Solo Leveling and hope they don't run out before WHA gets released.
11:43 I really wanted you to read this manga because of the art and I’m so glad you did, now you just have to read Land of the Lustrous because it’s paneling and art are also amazing in an extremely different way
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Hi Merphy! Since the fantasy genre is finally getting more love in the world of anime/manga I want to recommend Magus of the Library to you. Extremely extremely underrated series that deserves far more attention and I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Thank you!!
Excited for you to start your One Piece journey! I just rewatched the live action and still love it. Shanks lost his arm to the sea beast protecting Luffy. Scaring it away would be a spoiler. Many more devil fruits to come, but those are the only 2 at this point in the live action. The live action covers about the same as the first 45 episodes of the anime. Hard to pair them 1:1. Hope you continue to enjoy!
LETS GOOO
😌😌😌😌😌
If you love special artwork, Children of the Whales is incredible! (and the story, the characters, setting, magic system)
Qifrey/キーフリー is pronounced like Key Free. Thankfully spelling things out in Japanese removes all the ambiguity in pronunciation :)
If you like this I would definitely recommend checking out magus of the library, Ichi the witch and the bugle call
Though there are enough differences that I wouldn't be shocked by liking one more than another, everything said in this review makes me think of Magus of The Library. The beautiful art, the societal questions, the characters...the song is quite different and MotL has at its core an incredible reverence and love for books/knowledge/communication. An underrated and fantastic series that any Witch Hat can should at least check out! 😎