Ron’s Review

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As a huge fan of the Manga, I can’t help but love the Witch Hat Atelier anime. The first eight episodes felt like it was speeding through parts of the story and the lore, but the last half slowed things down and spent time showing us how magic works. And I am all for it!

The most captivating part of Witch Hat Atelier has always been how grounded it makes its magic. The worldbuilding seems organic and replicable because of that. I want to spend more time watching these characters learn magic, the symbols, the connections, the mistakes and triumphs. The latter half of the season leans into that heavily and it makes the world feel more lived in for me.

Plus, our protagonist, Coco, is new to this world, so I appreciate when the story takes a step back to just let her learn about magic and her new surroundings.

What I also loved about these last few episodes of Witch Hat Atelier was the introduction of new elements regarding the antagonists. They’re still shadowy characters, and their machinations are hidden from us. But we get a few solid reveals that make them even more dangerous than we were led to believe. And it seems like there’s more to sweet Witch Master Qifrey? I also appreciate the second half of the season showing us the creative and practical ways different witches use magic to problem-solve, and fight.

I do like that we’re getting more of Tartah. What an intriguing character. He’s essentially Witch Hat Atelier’s version of colour-blind; his eyes have silverwash so he can’t see colour. How is he meant to navigate this magical world that so often relies on colour-coding to get jobs done? I’m intrigued by this disability representation in a magical show and I do hope we see more of him.

The last couple of episodes up the ante in terms of stakes and scares. Wow, I did not expect all that! I am genuinely worried for all these darling characters. How could they leave us on such a cliffhanger? I don’t know how I’m expected to wait for the next season.

I can’t get enough of Witch Hat Atelier. Every time I think we’ve seen a great episode, the next one comes along and I love it some more. Bring on the next season!

Mon’s Review

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I was so excited to delve into more Witch Hat Atelier. The first eight episodes captivated me, and I couldn’t wait to get back into that world. 

The next three episodes certainly slow down the pace. But it’s necessary because you need that breather after hurtling through so much story, so many characters, and so much lore. It’s all so immersive, and yet, there is never enough time to spend in this world. 

The slower pace gives us more time to spend with the characters—and episodes 9-11 direct the spotlight on characters who’ve been in the background for the most part. They’re intriguing and baffling, but their characterizations make sense. 

One can feel stifled by the expectations of learning—but that can also stifle your ability to grow. Alternatively, one can be desperate to learn and grow, but the world isn’t geared towards you. These intricate details about the world and the people in it are what makes Witch Hat Atelier so compelling to watch. 

Alongside the world-building, the story continues with more twists, more hints at the motivations and backstories of the main players, and the ambiguousness of good and evil. 

The final two episodes are action-packed and dark. Every time I think the show can’t be any more absorbing, or they can’t make any more intricate characters, they find a way. There are messages and morals woven into the story with ease. Witch Hat Atelier feels like a fable and a fairytale, with wise words that promise hope for young and old alike. I almost wish this had existed when we were kids. I can imagine us sitting and watching this show with our grandmum, who’d be sagely nodding away to Master Qifrey’s monologues. It’s weird, but Witch Hat Atelier makes me so nostalgic. And that makes me love it even more. 

And of course, the animation itself is outstanding. The colours, the locales, the characters and costumes—all of these elements come together with the writing to make a truly magical journey. 

The show also does something else really well, and that’s the cliffhangers. I can’t believe the season leaves us hanging like this. And yet, it’s the perfect way to end a season and have us craving more. The suspense is killing me. Season 2 can’t come fast enough.