Why ‘Witch Hat Atelier’ (2016-) Deserves More Love: World Building, Art, and Characters That Redefine Fantasy Manga

Content Warning: This article contains spoilers for Witch Hat Atelier (2016-).

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Witch Hat Atelier is a fantasy manga, soon to be anime, series created by Kamome Shirahama that began serialization in 2016.¹ It follows a young girl named Coco who dreams of being a witch. The world in which the story takes place is one where the existence of witches is commonplace. However, it is believed that only those born with magic can be a witch. Despite this, Coco continued to let herself dream.

These dreams came to fruition as she witnessed an older, experienced witch named Qifrey performing magic. Hoping to be like him, Coco uses his method to perform magic. However, her spell is sabotaged by outsiders, causing tragedy to befall her home as her mother is turned to stone. Qifrey, hoping to help Coco, invites her to his atelier, a place that teaches apprentice witches, so she can reverse the spell cast on her mother. Thus, Coco’s journey as a witch begins.²

Unlike many other fantasy manga, Witch Hat Atelier provides something completely unique. It has become commonplace for works to follow trends within their respective genres, fantasy included. Many fantasy manga follow similar tropes, such as isekai (reincarnating into another world), the overpowered main character, and harems. This is not the case for Witch Hat Atelier.

Witch Hat Atelier shifts the lens of fantasy manga to stories based around rich world-building and characters with depth rather than solely existing to fulfill trope requirements. It also utilizes a unique magic system that isn’t seen in many popular manga. Most choose to use standard soft magic systems which are flexible with no rules, allowing for a lot of freedom.³

Witch Hat Atelier is a fresh exploration of the fantasy genre that deserves far more recognition than it has been given, providing intensive world-building, beautiful art that differs from standard manga styles, and depth-filled characters, effectively setting it apart from the fantasy series that have dominated mainstream media.

Unique World-Building In Witch Hat Atelier

The biggest element that sets Witch Hat Atelier apart from other fantasy manga is the world-building. Many fantasy manga follow similar tropes within their world-building, causing less variety. The magic systems tend to be similar, and plot lines are usually the same in concept. However, Witch Hat Atelier provides a unique magic system and plot differing from other current fantasy manga.

A Magic System Like No Other

Witch Hat Atelier‘s magic system steps away from the general magic systems found in fantasy manga. The biggest way it does so is through the employment of a hard magic system. Unlike soft magic systems, hard magic systems provide clear rules and limitations to magic that are understood by the reader.⁴ Many popular fantasy manga use hard magic systems, but Witch Hat Atelier provides a whole new level of detail. Its approach to magic is something not typical of fantasy manga.

The magic system in Witch Hat Atelier is complex and can be hard to fully understand without reading the manga. However, in the simplest terms, it is a runic magic system that relies on the use of “conjuring ink.” Conjuring ink is a special ink that produces different spell effects depending on how it is produced.⁵ Witches cast spells by drawing “glyphs” with the conjuring ink .⁶

Three components make up the glyphs: sigils, signs (also known as keystones), and the enclosing ring. The sigil is best described as a type of rune that represents certain elements. The signs are another form of rune. While sigils determine the element produced, signs determine what form the element takes. For example, a sigil can produce water, while the sign causes the water to shoot out like a waterfall. Finally, there is the enclosing ring. The enclosing ring is exactly how it sounds: a ring that encloses the sigil and signs. Without it, the spell is incomplete.⁷

The quality of the spell relies solely on the size and neatness of the glyph. If the lines are wobbly, then the effect of the spell is dulled and won’t last long. Similarly, if the size of the glyph can also change the intensity of the spell.⁸ This makes penmanship one of the most important elements of producing spells. It also means that each person’s glyphs are unique to them; there is no way to perfectly reproduce the glyphs of others because of the hand-drawn element.

Using the three elements of the glyphs, spells are also capable of producing customizable effects. Coco frequently uses these glyphs in order to create unique spells and items that had never been created before, such as the “wingcloak.” This is an item created by Coco and her friend, Tartah, that acts as a mobility aid for those unable to walk.⁹ This is just a single example of the flexibility the magic system provides.

This magic system is distinctive from any other within mainstream manga. Everything from the process of producing spells, the materials required, and the result is unique. Many fantasy manga do not provide such a detailed magic system with clear limitations as this. Many take a more simplistic approach. However, Witch Hat Atelier abandons the notion of simplicity in favor of details that help to drive the plot forward.

Thoughtful Plot Elements

Like most fantasy manga, the plot of Witch Hat Atelier revolves around magic. The first major conflict was caused by outsiders interfering with Coco’s magic, causing her spell to go awry. Every conflict following that also relates to magic with Coco having to go through a magical trial to move up in level, experiencing the barrier of limitation in her magic leading to personal struggles, and having to go up against “evil” witches called Brimmed Hats.¹⁰

Brimmed Hats came to be after the “Day of the Pact.” Previously, many tragedies occurred due to the widespread use of magic, including war. To combat this, Pointed Hat witches decided to limit those who could draw magic to a select few. Anyone who learned the secret would have their memories wiped, and those unaware of the truth of magic are referred to as “Unknowing.” This pact ensured that magic would not be used to cause harm.¹¹

Brimmed Hats were witches that actively rejected this pact. They continued to teach magic to those outside of witch society and used forbidden magic for their own benefits. This forbidden magic includes body alterations, permanently tattooing glyphs onto people’s bodies, and using offensive magic.¹² They were also the ones who caused Coco’s spell to go haywire. Throughout the manga, the Brimmed Hats appear more and more, becoming the driving force of major conflicts.

Whether the Brimmed Hats got involved or not, every conflict in the story relates to magic in some shape or form. Qifrey fell victim to the Brimmed Hats’ inhumane practices at a young age, completely reshaping his future. Coco’s fellow apprentices also face conflicts directly relating to magic. Agott feels immense pressure to live up to her family’s reputation as witches, and Richeh was verbally abused by her previous magic teacher, causing her approach to magic to change and effecting her familial relationships.¹³

Even outside characters such as Tartah and Custas have struggles relating to magic. Tartah comes from a line of witches, and he has a disease called “Silverwash” which causes him to be unable to see colors correctly. As a result, he was never able to train in the ways of magic.¹⁴ Custas is an Unknowing whose legs are paralyzed, so he relies on magic to move around. As the story goes on, we see magic begin to take root within Custas’ storyline despite his status as an Unknowing.¹⁵

This plot element allows for the exploration of numerous themes, including freedom and the dangers of total governmental control within a society. Even though the Pointed Hat witches are outlined to be the “good” guys, the restrictions placed upon witch society are explored within each character’s arc. Coco was previously an Unknowing, so this plot element shines through within her story. We see her struggle as an outcast within a society that values status and how that shapes her development.

We also see the effects cutting magic off from outsiders has within Custas’ character as magic has the power to heal him, but instead, he is left paralyzed. The idea of whether or not the pact taken by the witches was the correct choice is brought forth, and the consequences of said choice are outlined as the story continues.

These elements within the plot of Witch Hat Atelier provide a nuanced storyline that separates itself from other fantasy manga. The complexities within each arc and the themes found all illustrate a unique approach not often taken in fantasy manga. The use of a detailed hard magic system also aids in the plot development as it allows for limitations that drive the plot forward. These world building elements allow for a truly one of a kind manga.

Art That Transcends Manga Conventions

Visual elements are the most important aspect of a manga. It is not uncommon for people to pick up a manga or drop it solely due to the art style it has. The style of manga is something that has set it apart from western comics. Witch Hat Atelier continues to set itself apart from other forms of visual storytelling through its art style. Breaking traditional art conventions found within manga, Witch Hat Atelier provides a unique art style that steps away from what is typically expected from manga. Everything from its character design, the action scenes, and the landscapes depicted are truly remarkable.

Character Design That Tells A Story

The biggest factor that sets Witch Hat Atelier‘s art style apart from the typical manga style is the characters. Character design can make or break a story, and, in Witch Hat Atelier’s case, the designs elevated the entire manga. This is done through how the characters are drawn. Generally, there is a very specific style that is associated with both anime and manga. This style constitutes exaggerated facial features, unrealistic body proportions, and impractical clothing. However, Witch Hat Atelier fully contrasts this notion.

Although the art style is still reminiscent of the typical manga style, it includes unique style choices that are similar to semi-realistic styles found in western comics. This is especially true when looking at the characters’ facial features. As previously stated, a key element of manga styles is the unrealistic facial features, which can include enlarged eyes and dramatized expressions. These elements are usually found in every character, regardless of age. However, Witch Hat Atelier does not rely on these elements.

Instead, this manga takes a more realistic approach to character design utilizing the semi-realistic art style. The younger characters such as Coco and her fellow witch apprentices all have facial features that are similar to the typical manga style, though still not as dramatized, while the adult characters have features that are reflective of their age and disposition.

There is no unnecessary fan service found within the character designs, and each design suits the age of the character. In other words, the children dress and are treated as children. They have clothes that reflect their age rather than taking the stance of, “It’s just a drawing, they aren’t real kids.” In a similar vein, the adults are dressed as adults rather than being infantilized. This has become somewhat of a rarity within fantasy manga; fan service, regardless of character age, has become the norm. The designs also don’t follow traditional gender norms, and, instead, allow for male designs that aren’t hyper-masculine.

In addition to the overall look of the characters, the outfit designs also set Witch Hat Atelier’s art style apart from other fantasy manga. One advantage that visual forms of storytelling such as manga have over others is the ability to use character design to tell a story. Witch Hat Atelier does just that with all of its characters. However, there are two character designs that set themselves apart from the rest in terms of individuality and storytelling: Qifrey and Olruggio.

Qifrey & Olruggio

While Qifrey acts as Coco and her friends’ teacher, Olruggio takes on the role of “Watchful Eye.” Watchful Eyes monitor ateliers to ensure that forbidden magic is not in use. Their main job is to report any illegal activity rather than being involved with the atelier itself.¹⁶ Despite this, he becomes an important role model for the apprentice witches within Qifrey’s atelier, making him a key character.

Qifrey and Olruggio are two characters who are shown to have a deep connection. They grew up together and were with each other throughout all of their struggles. Given this, both of their designs complement each other in terms of color and style, with them having similar color palettes and androgynous clothing styles. However, at the same time, these elements also show their contrasting personalities.

From his first appearance, Qifrey is depicted as a warm and inviting character, with his color palette consisting of mainly whites. He is put together and graceful. Olruggio seems to be the complete opposite. His color palette consists of mainly blacks with white as a secondary tone, and his personality is incredibly grumpy. The clothes themself are also loose, showing a laid back personality type. This inversion of their color scheme creates a yin and yang effect, allowing them to be shown as a cohesive pair.

However, their opposing clothing doesn’t merely serve as a point of connection. They also show how, despite their closeness, they are complete opposites of each other. While Qifrey’s clothing is tight and put together, especially around his neck, Olruggio’s is loose and breathable. This helps to depict their internal struggles. As previously stated, Qifrey has a dark past regarding the Brimmed Hats. He was forced to go through unimaginable experiences due to their cruelty, and it shaped how he grew up.

By depicting him in tight, constrictive clothing, Qifrey is shown to be closed off and tied to his past despite his warm disposition. Even though years have gone by, he is still obsessed with seeking revenge on the Brimmed Hats who tormented him.¹⁷ This obsession has tied him down to the point where he is unable to be relaxed and carefree; he is too haunted by the tragedy of his childhood. The subtle elements of black within his mainly white outfit also allow for the darker part of his personality to shine through.

In contrast, Olruggio wears loose clothing that represents the freedom he can experience. He isn’t closed off and untrusting, despite what his initial appearance may show. He is a very caring and trusting person who just wants what’s best for Qifrey. He isn’t tied down by a dark past and his own fears. Instead, he can relax and go through life at his own pace. The splashes of color within his outfit show his carefree nature as he isn’t limited to a monochrome color palette. He has color in his life that Qifrey lacks because he is lost in the past.

The two are characters that perfectly parallel and contrast each other through their character designs while also breaking traditional design conventions through the androgenous style of their clothing. Most male characters within fantasy manga are depicted as being very masculine, but that isn’t true for Olruggio and Qifrey. Instead of continuing the trend of hyper-masculinity in fantasy manga, Witch Hat Atelier emphasizes unique design elements. It also steps away from the unrealistic designs that serve solely for fan service purposes, creating character designs of value.

Dynamic Action & Beautiful Landscapes

Within fantasy manga, it can be hard to consistently produce high-quality action scenes and landscapes. However, Witch Hat Atelier breaks down this notion and provides intricate detail within each scene. The landscapes, fight scenes, and even simple movement scenes are all done in a way that completely captures the reader’s attention.

A precedent for the level of detail within landscape and character actions is set within the very first volume. As Qifrey introduces Coco to his atelier, the entire scene depicts a landscape stretching out into the distance without a single detail being left to the imagination. Everything from the lights reflecting off the water, from the sun, to the individual bricks on the houses’ roofs are drawn out.¹⁸

This level of detail is usually lost within mainstream fantasy manga. Witch Hat Atelier, however, embraces it within each panel. However, the landscape isn’t the only thing of note within scenes such as these. The fluidity of character movement is also showcased, even if only by a small amount. Where landscapes are shown, so are characters admiring them. Such is the case in this scene with Coco looking at the atelier in awe. Even though she takes up a small portion of the panel, the movement of her hair and clothing adds an additional element to the landscape. It makes it seem so much more real, completely elevating the effect.¹⁹

Volume two showed that the level of detail illustrated within the first volume was here to stay. Within the volume, the Stairway River is introduced. This river is located near Qifrey’s Atelier, where the bridge towering over it collapsed after an unfortunate incident, throwing the landscape into disarray.²⁰ Despite that, no detail was lost in the art.

Even the small inclusion of Olruggio on a horse was given attention as not to take away from the beauty of the scene. In fact, the movement of the horse’s tail flows with the waves of the river, allowing for the characters to be perfectly in tune with the landscape. This landscape provided just as much detail as the previous, but an extra element was added that completely shifted the scene: magic.²¹

Given the unique effects of Witch Hat Atelier‘s magic system, its presence allows for distinctive landscapes and dynamic movements within scenes. Within this scene, the Brimmed Hats used magic to turn the river into sand.²² This shifted the entire landscape, showing the duality of detail that Witch Hat Atelier‘s style provides.

In the blink of an eye, the landscape went from chaotic, rough tides to a calm, smooth desert. Just like the landscape from volume one, this one’s detail stretched as far as the eye can see, not taking any shortcuts within the art.²³

Along with elevating landscapes, the use of magic allows for remarkable action scenes as offensive magic is considered to be forbidden within the world of Witch Hat Atelier, causing the characters to take a unique approach to their actions.

In volume five, there was a conflict with one of the Brimmed Hats. In pursuit of the assailant, Qifrey used his water horse spell to catch up.²⁴ Shirahama’s depiction of the water in combination with Qifrey’s movements allowed for an incredibly fluid action scene, capturing the attention of the reader. The beauty of Qifrey’s magic, paired with the intensity of the situation, allowed for the scene to be even more impactful than it otherwise would’ve been.

The same volume showcased another incredible action scene that utilized the element of movement within art perfectly. During the same altercation with the Brimmed Hats, an apprentice witch, Euini, fell victim to forbidden magic. The way the scene depicts the magic by drawing the viewer’s eyes to the bottom of the panel, gradually darkening Euini’s color palette from white to black, allowed for the corruption caused by the spell to be clearly illustrated. It builds a harrowing feeling within the viewer, and, by drawing the character outside of the panel box, the action is emphasized.²⁵

These are only a few examples of how dynamic action and landscapes are portrayed within Witch Hat Atelier. As the series progresses, the beauty of the manga’s art style continues to get a spotlight. As the series continues, more settings are introduced, allowing for the further development of landscapes, the conflict with the Brimmed Hats is heightened, leading to more action scenes, and characters continue to grow and change, resulting in their designs becoming even more unique. The art style of Witch Hat Atelier is truly one of a kind and sets it apart from other fantasy manga.

Characters Full of Depth & Purpose

The last element that sets Witch Hat Atelier apart from other fantasy manga is the characters themselves. Apart from their designs, the personality and storylines of each character build depth within the story. This is done although the main characters are children. Even with a younger set of characters, they are all so complex with their struggles, desires, and stories that help to drive the entire manga forward.

Breaking Cliches In Character Development

When faced with younger characters within fantasy manga, two routes are taken: complete innocence or unnatural maturity. The employment of “loli’s,” female characters who are childlike and cute but are adults, is also not uncommon. However, Witch Hat Atelier provides a realistic depiction of young characters, not straying too far onto either side of the spectrum found within fantasy manga. These characterizations provide nuanced storylines that allow for the characters to develop in meaningful ways as the manga progresses.

Coco, the main character, is the perfect example of this within the manga. On a surface level, she is a child who is fascinated by magic. She grew up wanting nothing more than to be a witch, and she was finally given that chance. However, that chance was given to her through a tragic event that completely reshaped her future. Instead of getting to experience the fantasy she dreamed of all her life, she was put in the center of a complex plot within the world of witches.

Despite her age, she is forced to overcome numerous challenges that shake the foundations of everything she thought to be true. She witnesses horror after horror and is made out to be a sort of martyr. The story sets up the idea that she will be the center of change, whether she wants to be or not.

However, despite all of this, that childlike wonder found within her character never burns out. Her approach to magic is simple, and she struggles just like every other character. She is not made out to be an infallible prodigy, which is a common trope within fantasy manga. Instead, she’s a kid in an unfamiliar world who’s just trying to undo her mistakes because she’s the only one who can.

This characterization shifts from character development tropes within many other fantasy manga. This is because of the realistic element within it. Although it would have been very easy for Shirahama to create a genius prodigy who pushed for the world of witches to change, she chose to create one who struggled and made mistakes. Coco is an exemplary portrayal of insecurity, ostracization, curiosity, and joy. A character like her is not one you see very often within fantasy manga.

Coco’s fellow apprentice witches are given the same amount of complexity and consideration within their characterization and development. This is especially true for Agott. In her initial introduction, Agott is shown to be a direct foil to Coco; the two were different in every way. Where Agott came from a renowned witch family, Coco was previously an Unknowing. Where Coco had a welcoming, happy personality, Agott was closed off and focused solely on improving.²⁶

However, as Agott began to develop, the motivation behind her mindset became clearer. She hails from the esteemed Arklaum family, who are all powerful witches. She was treated as an outcast after being framed for stealing someone else’s spell.²⁷ This led to self-esteem issues and a severe need to grow stronger. She wanted to prove to her family that she didn’t steal anything and was a capable witch.

Due to her mindset, she looked down on Coco. She tricked Coco into prematurely participating in the first trial that determines whether an apprentice is a qualified witch.²⁸ She was stuck on the idea that an Unknowing could not be a proper witch due to her past experiences with her family. She was seen as mediocre and worthless by the Arklaum’s, so she projected the same sentiment onto Coco in an attempt to be better than someone.

As the story progressed, the two were able to mend their relationship as the story went on and eventually became a pair. Agott saw Coco as worthy of being a witch and wanted to grow and develop together. This, however, did not erase all of her insecurities because of her status as Coco’s foil. Although the two grow close, their relationship seems to be reminiscent of Qifrey and Olruggio’s. They oppose each other yet help each other grow, and many, many plot points are driven forward through their relationship.

Regardless, Agott is one of the characters that has shown the most development in Witch Hat Atelier thus far. Even though she acts as a foil, she’s her own person outside of that. It may seem like the stereotypical “ice queen goes soft” trope, but her characterization is a much more complex take on the idea. She feels pressure to undo the lies tied to her name and prove she is a worthy witch, causing her to have a one-track mind towards improvement. However, she develops far more than just her magic.

Agott can reconnect with the childlike wonder she lost in the pursuit of proving to her family she is worth something. Rather than taking the standard approach of a tsundere personality, Witch Hat Atelier depicts Agott as embracing the change and growing because of it, shifting her cold demeanor to a happier one.

Coco and Agott aren’t the only two complex characters who show great development. Witch Hat Atelier illustrates many amazing characters throughout the volumes and breaks away from typical character conventions. Instead of the main characters being shown as trouble makers, they are simply kids who are hurting. Each of them has experienced struggle and acts accordingly. Shirahama builds meaningful, depth-filled characters rather than following fantasy manga trends, taking Witch Hat Atelier to an entirely different level.

How Witch Hat Atelier Stands Out In Fantasy Manga

It is no secret that all fantasy manga employ tactics similar to those of Witch Hat Atelier. After all, magic systems, detailed art styles, and lovable characters are staples of manga. However, Witch Hat Atelier sets itself apart through its magic system that steps away from typical fantasy manga systems, an art style that is far from the “anime style” tied to manga, and through characters that are truly complex and realistically written.

It especially stands out against mainstream manga that have gained popularity over the years, including Fairy Tail and Black Clover. Both of these manga are prime examples of the typical fantasy manga conventions that are employed. Both are filled with generic magic systems, similar plots, standard manga art styles, character designs that emphasize fan service over individuality, and character personality cliches.

Starting with Fairy Tail, the magic system, while technically a hard system, still lacks the complexity and uniqueness found within Witch Hat Atelier. Fairy Tail’s magic system uses magic circles to cast spells. A person’s magic is tied to their spirit, and they must have faith in order to utilize it. Every time they cast a spell, their magic power is depleted, so the more magic power one has, the more they can cast.²⁹

While, in theory, the method of casting allows for interesting fight scenes and detailed panels, magic circles do not show up frequently as the manga progresses. Instead, the spells are just cast as they are. This takes the unique element away from action scenes.

Additionally, the idea of magic power determining the strength of a spell and magic circles being used to cast is frequently used within fantasy manga. In fact, Black Clover employs a similar magic system. However, rather than using magic circles, they use grimoires. Everyone with mana is born with an elemental affinity, and upon turning fifteen, they receive a grimoire. The size of their grimoire determines the number of spells they can cast.

Just like Fairy Tail, Black Clover’s magic system uses magic power called mana. The strength of a person’s spells and the length of time in which they can cast all depends on their mana levels.³⁰ However, there is a lot of flexibility within the magic systems, allowing for the characters to use a variety of spells at their leisure. This is a method of magic that can be found in the majority of fantasy manga, excluding Witch Hat Atelier.

The plots of Fairy Tail and Black Clover are also extremely similar and very common. Both follow groups of magic users as they fight bad guys, with Fairy Tail following the Fairy Tail magic guild and Black Clover following the Black Bulls magic knight squad. The “power of friendship” trope is often employed to include power ups throughout the plot.

The art styles are also standard manga styles. The facial features are exaggerated and the bodies even more so, typically depicting women in an extremely objectified and unrealistic manner while the men are hyper masculine. The character designs highlight this fact with them being made to look nice rather than be practical in battle. This is especially true for the women of the stories as they’re designs emphasize fan service above everything else.

The main characters of both series are loud, idealistic, and seen as annoying by viewers. Lucy Heartfilia, the main character of Fairy Tail, is not given meaningful development in the eyes of fans because her use as a fan service device overshadows the depth of her character. Similarly, Fairy Tail’s second main character, Natsu, only develops in terms of battle prowess and magic. His actual character development is minimal.³¹

While Black Clover does employ more methods of character development than Fairy Tail, it still does not compare to Witch Hat Atelier. Asta, the main character of Black Clover, is very similar to Natsu. In fact, they are almost carbon copies of each other in terms of personality. This is because Shonen manga tends to have similar character types, especially when looking at the main characters.

Asta does grow as a character, but it is mainly in relation to his power rather than his own internal struggles. He faces insecurity, but, because he’s a Shonen protagonist, he overcomes it quickly.³² There isn’t any meaningful development that plays out over the course of the manga.

This quick change of mindset is common within fantasy manga. As they typically focus on plot development, the characters themselves are overshadowed by cliches even though they have so much potential. Fantasy manga use these tropes found in both Fairy Tail and Black Clover frequently. The consistency of the storylines provides a sense of comfort to viewers, and there is typically a new twist in each interpretation.

Witch Hat Atelier breaks all of these conventions, taking tropes and utilizing them in meaningful ways as was seen with the yin and yang dynamic of Qifrey and Olruggio, and in Agott’s “ice princess” archetype. The magic system is something completely unseen within mainstream fantasy manga. It limits the characters, allowing for meaningful developments throughout the story rather than mid-fight powerups.

The story itself isn’t like other fantasy manga. It doesn’t rely on battle scenes and numerous arcs that introduce different antagonist groups. It instead focuses on steady conflicts that are character driven, using magic as a tool rather than a fun element of the story.

Fan service is fully out of the picture in Witch Hat Atelier, allowing for truly unique character designs to be illustrated. Rather than over sexualizing female characters and hyper masculinizing male characters, the designs show personality. They fit the setting, and all mesh well together. Plus, the art style is refreshingly different from the general manga style promoted in fantasy works. The fluidity of the landscapes and action scenes that are elevated through the magic system are a step above other fantasy manga.

Witch Hat Atelier sets itself apart from fantasy manga such as Fairy Tail and Black Clover, and breaks away from traditional conventions found in fantasy manga in turn.

The Future Of Fantasy Manga

As fantasy manga continues to grow in popularity, new ideas will begin to take shape within the genre. Witch Hat Atelier is the first step towards this. Contrasting other fantasy manga, Witch Hat Atelier ignores common conventions and focuses on its own identity as a fantasy manga.

Kamome Shirahama built an incredibly clever magic system distinctive from any others found in mainstream fantasy manga, stepped away from plots focused solely on plot and growing in power, showcased a unique style of drawing that elevated the entire story, and created characters that were so much more than simple cliches and fan service methods.

Witch Hat Atelier sets the standard for what fantasy manga can be. It’s a manga that has not had the chance to step into the limelight like many others, but its value goes far beyond its popularity. If ever there was a time to read a fantasy manga, it would be now. Witch Hat Atelier deserves recognition for the beauty of its world, story, art, and characters.

Footnotes

1. “Witch Hat Atelier (Manga).” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
2. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 1, Kodansha Comics, 2019. ↩︎
3. Marshmallow. “Hard and Soft Magic Systems.” Choice of Games Forum, 25 Jan. 2020. ↩︎
4. Marshmallow. “Hard and Soft Magic Systems.” Choice of Games Forum, 25 Jan. 2020. ↩︎
5. “Conjuring Ink.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
6. “Magic.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
7. “Magic.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
8. “Magic.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
9. “Wingcloack.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
10. Kamome, Shirahama. Witch Hat Atelier. Kodansha Comics, 2016-, 13 vols. ↩︎
11. “Day of the Pact.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
12. “Brimmed Cap Group.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
13. Kamome, Shirahama. Witch Hat Atelier. Kodansha Comics, 2016-, 13 vols. ↩︎
14. “Tartah.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
15. “Custas.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
16. “Watchful Eye.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
17. Kamome, Shirahama. Witch Hat Atelier. Kodansha Comics, 2016-, 13 vols. ↩︎
18. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 1, Kodansha Comics, 2019. ↩︎
19. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 1, Kodansha Comics, 2019. ↩︎
20. “Stairway River.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
21. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 2, Kodansha Comics, 2019. ↩︎
22. “Stairway River.” Witch Hat Atelier Wiki, Fandom, Inc. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025. ↩︎
23. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 2, Kodansha Comics, 2019. ↩︎
24. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 5, Kodansha Comics, 2020. ↩︎
25. Shirahama, Kamome. Witch Hat Atelier. Translated by Stephen Kohler and Lys Blakeslee, vol. 5, Kodansha Comics, 2020. ↩︎
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