WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE tells a stunning, heartfelt story

Writer/Artist: John Tarachine
Letterer: Cale Ward and Jessica Burton
Publisher: Titan Manga (Titan Comics imprint)
Translator: Jonathan Clements and Matoko Tamamuro
Publication Date: October 31, 2023Somewhat Recommend
Rating: 15+
Genre: Manga (JP), Fantasy, Supernatural

REVIEW RATING: ⭐⭐⭐1/2. Witch of Thistle Castle, Volume 1, shows stunning artwork in a heartfelt story about a witch and her apprentice discovering their place in a world that hates their very existence.

Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, Witch of Thistle Castle, written by John Tarachine, follows an outcast witch, Marie, and a highly effective teenager, Theo. Marie is answerable for defending the world and Theo himself from the wonderful energy inside him.

Theo is a 13-year-old boy with an immense energy dwelling inside him referred to as the “blood of righteous anger.” The Church of Edinburgh has been his caretaker up till this level in his life; nevertheless, they’ve handled him like a prisoner, protecting him from the skin world. When we first meet him, he’s introduced into Marie’s magic store together with his arms certain and a masks/cloak overlaying his identification. Marie isn’t eager on taking him in however reluctantly agrees after seeing how he was introduced in.

Theo doesn’t know something about his energy, so Marie has to show him how magic is used. I loved studying concerning the magic system together with Theo. Marie explains that witches can see spirits, and by negotiating with them, they will use magic. She warns him that to make use of magic, he must have a steady thoughts as a result of the spirits can overpower him.

When Marie and Theo have been out, I cherished seeing the structure round them; the element on the buildings made them stand out on the web page. In this quantity, we additionally study that the church is an entity that holds energy and performs an vital function within the jobs that some witches take.

An factor that I’d have favored to have the creators discover extra was what the overall inhabitants knew about spirits and magic. They point out witches being burned alive up to now however don’t go into the dynamic between witches and people within the current time. It’s additionally unclear whether or not people know concerning the existence of spirits. The sequence preview states that Marie and Theo discover a place for themselves in a world that hates them, so I felt like this story factor fell flat. There is animosity between the church and Marie and Theo, so I hope there’s extra growth on this space in future volumes.

The artwork on this quantity was my favourite a part of the sequence. During the sooner pages, when there was extra uncertainty for Theo, the artwork was darkish and grainy to replicate the temper. The sequence maintains a darkish really feel all through, however the artwork barely lightens because the story continues and Theo begins to get out of his shell. When they revealed somebody new or an vital second, the panels have been extraordinarily detailed and had a shoujo/josei artwork type that added magnificence.

VERDICT: Somewhat Recommend. If you’re on the lookout for a fantasy manga about witches and spirits, I’d test this out. If you’re on the lookout for one thing like Witch Hat Atelier with extra motion, this sequence may not be for you because it has a slower tempo. There are conflicts all through the story, however the motion could be very minimal. Some elements of the story weren’t as satisfying as I’d have favored, however general, I discovered the ability system/magic on this distinctive and loved the artwork all through.

(featured picture: Titan Comics)

Will you be including this to your to-be-read checklist? Leave a remark under! Titan Comics launched the fantasy supernatural manga Witch of Thistle Castle on October 31, 2023. The quantity has 5 chapters and is offered in print, digital, and retail for $12.99.