A gorgeously-drawn, rich, engaging and endearing witch fantasy adventure manga.
Young Coco is a Muggle fascinated by the magical world she inhabits. A world where it is accepted that witches are born, not taught. She desperately wishes she were a witch and could cast spells as well. But she learns the hard way how magic actually works, and who can cast spells, and what prices you pay in using magic carelessly.
It is up to the handsome elder witch Qifrey and his three girl apprentices, Tetia, Richeh and Agott, to guide Coco in the ways of witches, and uncover the secrets they keep, in order to help her fix her devastating mistakes.
'Witch Hat Atelier, Vol 1' is boundlessly charming and creative, with likeable and distinguished characters. Qifrey is one of the few males in this, and there's a high-ranking witch, Alaira, who has dark skin. This hero's journey and shonen-like story arc is almost entirely female-led, complete with a dark-haired jealous rival, Agott, and a cute animal sidekick called a Brushbuddy.
There are also real stakes to the heroine's quest: Poor Coco leaves her old home for a new and magical one, to save her mother from a terrible curse which, by her own foolhardiness, she caused. She also uses a skill she already had - sewing, stitching and threading - to improvise and improve on her own magic, to develop her character. Coco uses magic in her own way, and silliness and audaciousness aside, she is fully determined, and that is admirable.
'Witch Hat Atelier' is a witch manga that is just my cup of tea. It's a new 'Harry Potter' story that actually feels fresh. There's liveliness, danger, mystery and intrigue. It teaches how magic should be used for kindness, happiness and helping others, never for manipulation and greed. It looks amazing and it is amazing.
There's also a toilet that leads to the depths of the universe. 'Nuff said.
Welcome to the world of magic.
Final Score: 5/5
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