Witch Craft Works

Hadn’t mentioned the show before, but so far am really enjoying “Witch Craft Works”, the anime adaptation of the original “ウィッチクラフトワークス” manga by Mizunagi Ryuu.

Labelled as a fantasy action romantic comedy, was pleasantly surprised at how much I do like this series, which although it is the usual standard anime show overall, it does manage to add in a few more unique, quirky elements.

Must admit though that the ending of the first episode -the witches led by Tanpopo transferring into Takamiya’s class- did mislead me into thinking this show would be a harem genre series. Luckily the following episodes quickly dispelled that wrong impression.

Part of what makes this show work well for me as an action series full of magic and witches, is how the overall look and atmosphere of the confrontations is both lethally serious but also full of comedy and usually everything plays out with a comedic twist. Do prefer that lighter side to “Witch Craft Works”.

Animation by JC Staff is excellent and of the quality expected for a series of this level with lots of attention to detail to animate the characters, especially the various witches.
The action scenes are always fluid and have not been repetitive at all, even the fire witch incarnation of Kagari has been surprisingly varied, its fiery red tones occasionally being animated with different purple or green hues giving it an entirely different atmosphere.

Am unfamiliar with the original manga, still am curious to see how Kagari and Takamiya’s relationship will play out, especially with the white princess plot since it feels like there’s the possibility for some potent storytelling and I wouldn’t want it to turn out too predictable.

Considering the nature of Takamiya’s character as the weaker male who’s protected by Kagari, their pairing will need a balancing element in that aspect as well.

Kagari as a character is undeniably a real fire-starter, an all too perfect Yamato Nadeshiko injected with several shortcomings or other traits that ultimately make her even more likable, she has been one of the series’ highlights. The fact Kagari does have more depth than most of the other rather generic characters definitely increases her appeal.

Kagari is voiced by Seto Asami who previously voiced Shouko in “Kakumeiki Valvrave”, Chihaya in “Chihayafuru”, Lan in “Rinne no Lagrange” and Haruna in “Stella Jougakuin Koutouka C3-bu”.

Kayano Ai voices Honoka’s younger sister Kasumi, she also voiced Mashiro in “Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo”, Inori in “Guilty Crown”, Lucy in “Servant x Service” and Chisaki in “Nagi no Asukara”.

The white princess Evermillion is voiced by Noto Mamiko, she’s tackled roles like Shimako in “Maria-sama ga Miteru”, Himegami in “To Aru Majutsu no Index”, Tomoe in “Queen’s Blade”, Enma Ai in “Jigoku Shoujo” and Saya in “Black★Rock Shooter “.

Scheming loli witch Chronoire is voiced by Kugimiya Rie who needs no introduction having voiced well known tsundere characters like Louise in “Zero no Tsukaima”, Shana in “Shakuna no Shana”, Nagi in “Hayate no Gotoku!” or Taiga in “Toradora!”. She also voiced male characters like Alphonse in “Fullmetal Alchemist” and Hasuta in “Haiyore! Nyaruko-san”.

Overall this show might end up being a typical magical action anime, which is fine since it doesn’t really pretend to be anything more, instead it has consistently delivered entertaining action of witches duking it out, all spiced up by the rather quaint pairing of Kagari and Takamiya.

Do hope that the show’s balance between the serious action plot and comedy won’t tip over into a more dark, dramatic plot.