2016-06-29

Flying Witch

Flying Witch (ふらいんぐうぃっち) is a 12 episode super natural slice of life series based on the manga of the same name by Ishizuka Chihiro.  The series ran on TV in Japan over the Spring of 2016.

    Kowata Makoto is a witch in training, following in her older sisters foot steps.  All witches of a certain age must move out of their parents care to continue their training.  Makoto moves hours away from home to live with relatives in a small country town in Aomori (northern Honshu).  There, with her non-witch relatives, she goes to school and practices her trade.


    The quiet town is perfect for Makoto's personality and witch craft.  She explains her customs and training to her cousins and their parents, not entirely hiding what she is from them.  Her training is aided by her sister, a world renowned witch, who frequents the house to offer advice and sample potions.  As she settles in to her new home, Makoto makes contact with other witches in the area as well as the local spirits and other magical personalities.

    Unlike pretty much every other show dealing with witches this one is quite easy going with the world of magic.  There are no epic battle against forces of evil, no complicated ceremonies, no ancient mystics.  For the most part the series is a very calming slice of life tale that just happens to have a few characters with super natural knowledge.  The witches are more of the traditional role; herbalists, naturalists, mystics.  As opposed to spell throwing, chanting super beings.  The most blatant use of their abilities is when they are flying around on their brooms, but they do so discretely, not wishing to make waves with people who are unaware of their abilities.  They live in the background helping any way they can.


    This was an enjoyable series, even if not much was accomplished in it's story telling.  The characters are well developed, even if they live in a blissful world, free from worry.  The artwork is well done and matches the feel and themes of the show rather well.  There is a penchant for well detailed female butts in the show, which seemed a bit odd given the innocent tone and feel of the series over all.  Or maybe it was something that I noticed that wasn't on purpose and is really a reflection of my own ideals.  Either way, the show was pretty good all around and honestly I could do with more of it.

   Flying Witch was simulcast on Crunchyroll.  I'm sure a video release is pending, but as with many things these days, I am more interested in the manga coming over.  Vertical has picked up the license but I am unaware of any release dates,


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