A small graphic novel that brings me back to my school days of collecting 'W.I.T.C.H.' chapter books. The series is about five ordinary thirteen-year-old girls who are chosen by forces in Candracar, a majestic temple in the center of the universe, to become the fairy-like Guardians of the Veil. They possess Captain Planet powers. It is as fun and full of heart and emotional investment as I remember it.
The characters are likable, the fantasy elements are creative and endearing, the mystery is decent, the plot twists are well-executed, the artwork is nice for what it is, and for 'The Power of Friendship', a prelude to something much bigger to come, the development for each of our leads is slow but understated and important.
Will, the heart/energy Guardian, is insecure (about her body and moving into a new town), but her bravery shines through for her new friends and little creatures even before she becomes the team leader (her mum is also wonderful here). Irma, the water Guardian, is funny, selfish, spontaneous, hides nothing about herself, and acts as any teen girl would when receiving magical powers - she cheats in school and gets dates with guys. Taranee, the fire Guardian, is like Will (she was also a recent new girl at school), only shier and less independent, and a nerd with growing courage. Cornelia, the earth Guardian, is the blonde popular girl, the most mature of the group - she is a smart, stubborn, temperamental, hard-as-nails realist who will nevertheless go to great lengths to help her friends. And Hay Lin, the air Guardian, is a loving, joyful, optimistic free-spirit - a geek girl into comics and science fiction, rather fickle and unpredictable but a fantastic friend and family girl.
All of these youths going through puberty (their bodies change to look older when they transform into Guardians, a symbol of their growing up) have their own gifts, hobbies, quirks and fashion trends. You cannot say just one thing about their personalities; there is always so much more to them. What links this funny little group is their loyalty, support and care for each other - in their normal lives, and in fighting otherworldly monsters and saving the universe.
No aspect of their lives is easy. Indeed 'W.I.T.C.H.' can be scary for a children's comic sometimes. But these friends can overcome anything when they face them together, as corny as that sounds.
For that is what 'W.I.T.C.H.' is about: Friendship. Companionship. Bouncing off of one another. It is something that has appealed to me about any Magical Girl product since I fell in love with 'Sailor Moon' as a child. With all the silliness and plot holes, 'W.I.T.C.H.' kept its message about girl power, for young girls like me at the time. It is cute and serious and sad all at once.
Friendship is magic - thanks to 'W.I.T.C.H.' I knew that before the phrase became more universally renowned.
Final Score: 4/5
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