Witch Hat Atelier Manga Review Vol.1 (Manta)
Title: Witch Hat Atelier Volume 1
By: Kamome Shirahama
Publisher: Kodansha
Available on: Manta
Status: Ongoing
Age Rating: 12+
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre
First Impression Review
Coco has always loved magic since she was young. After meeting a mysterious witch at a festival who gave her a book of spells and a wand, she is keen to make spells like a witch. When a witch named, Qifrey visits Coco’s Mum’s shop for materials. He ends up casting a spell to fix a carriage that travels by using magic, Coco sneaks a peek and witnesses how Qifrey used magic with ink.
Curious, Coco that night tries to cast magic like Qifrey using the magic book she received from the festival as a child, however she unknowingly ends up casting a forbidden spell which freezes her whole house and Mother in ice! Qifrey manages to save Coco. Distressed by what happened to her Mum, she asks Qifrey to teach her magic so she can help save her Mum.
From here on out, the journey begins as Qifrey takes Coco to his witch’s Atelier where three other apprentices reside and we see Coco learning how to use magic amongst her peers in their adventure.
The world building detail is very interesting which helps us understand and engage in the challenges Coco goes through as she gains her confidence as an apprentice witch.
I love how Qifrey has a positive mindset when teaching Coco, he’s such a good mentor. He seems to have other motives too and Coco seems to be a means to find witch’s that are related to the forbidden book of spells Coco received.
Art Style
Absolutely love the artwork! The intricate detail and shading enhances the whimsical vibe for the magical setting, such as the Pegasus carriage with its curved edges and cute shading on the roof. First few pages are also in colour which looks amazing.
Is it worth a read?
Overall, it’s a great read and fantastic imagery full of magical world building and character development as we see Coco grow in her Journey. Would definitely recommend reading Witch Hat Atelier which is available on Manta now! An anime adaptation is also currently airing this season.
I’d give this manga a 4.5 out of 5 and would happily recommend it!
If you enjoyed this review, please show some love by clicking the heart icon below—it really means a lot! Have a great day! ^^
*PR material, image provided by Manta Comics as part of Manga Reviewers Club