The bit about rationing the reading is too relatable. Every time I cave in and binge a manga I'm immediately filled with regret after realizing that it's gonna be months till a new volume. 😭
One of the things I really like about WHA is the way it proposes a "new" approach to the teaching-learning process. It shows a kind of pedagogics based on mutual respect and on the nourishment of each student's "talents" and interests without failing to address their weaknesses or neglect helping them to open up to possibilities they haven't explored or considered yet. I feel this comes accross especially clearly in the chapters that explore the character of Richie. I won't go into too much detail for the sake of those still reading, but I feel like every person who wants to be a teacher should read this manga as a foundational text.
Good point. PoodlePa would ofc say that this "new" approach is really the "old" approach 😊 - the one he practised for many years in the education sector. But we're talking 50 years ago .. and people forget that advances were ever made. It makes me a bit sad that nowadays you have to fight for an approach that we took for granted, and in some respects is still being practised and developed at least here in our NZ schools.
@@Food4Dogs Yes, it's quite sad that education has become such a reduced and one-sided thing in so many places, insted of being the virtuous spiral where teacher and pupil feedback of each other in a participatory model of learning. By the way, I love your channel. I hope in time I manage to stay so open, curious and fun as you have.
Yes! The pedagogy aspect of Witch Hat is one that I find so fascinating, especially as I had the opportunity to go to Montessori schools when I was young. And so it's fascinating to see that tailored approach to teaching in how Qifrey teaches the girls, versus what we see of other teachers and ateliers. It's also a refreshing (in an old fashioned sort of way) contrast to other modern magic school stories - most of which seem to take place in a large school with classes and years and a set curriculum; instead opting for a much more traditional master & apprentice type of teaching environment. (I do like that Shirahama is very balanced in her portrayal, that this style also has its pitfalls and negative aspects.)
My experience with this manga hits scarily close to home, the author Shirahama, graduated from a highly regarded Art university (Tokyo University of the Arts) and she mentions (I think from her twitter) that a lot of the themes and storytelling she does for this manga is based upon her experiences. I'm actually close to graduating from an Art based University as well and the things you've mentioned in the storytelling section of video are things I've witnessed from my peers and have felt myself too many times. The commentary on talent and ability, self worth and confidence hit so hard because she truly knows how it is especially since her artistry is beyond amazing and must've taken blood, sweat, tears and years of dedication to hone. It's fitting that the magic comes from 'drawing' and when that beautifully illustrated magic orchestrated from all those themes come jumping from the pages, that is how I truly feel when creating art, it's pure blissful magic.
I love Witch Hat Atelier, it blends its beautiful art style, wonder narrative and world building with extremely human characters, all masquerading a truly dark and stifling dystopia world, and a narrative about good intentions and free expression
Witch hat is one of my all time favorite things 😊 its entirely adult w/o needing anybof the tropes that "adult" fiction/fantasy usually uses. Though seriousnitnis aware that its characters are children and is very keen on protecting them. So lovely
I envy you for being able to ration your reading I started reading Witch hat atelier a couple days ago and i'm reading whenever i have free time And once ran late on something because of it It's one of the most catchy and addicting stories i have read
Rationing requires iron discipline! It's not an innate ability. 😄 It took many years of strenuous practice. IOW, it's something you learn over the years.
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES I take the UA-cam Community Guidelines very seriously and I assess any dubious comments against them. Those that clearly infringe those guidelines are removed. I *will not tolerate* any type of intolerance on my channel. I have had to remove yet again a blatantly anti-gay rant (talking about "perversion" etc.). There is simply no place for this harmful and bullying behaviour. This is a friendly, welcoming and tolerant place - for all to enjoy while respecting each other. I repeat: INFRINGEMENT OF UA-cam COMMUNITY GUIDELINES is not acceptable here.
witch hat atelier is such a beautifully crafted story, both in art and writing. it's one of my favorite manga of all time and it made my day seeing you made a video about it (and mentioning dungeon meshi as well!) thank you for sharing your love for this incredible author and her work. i'm not sure if you've read eniale & dewiela by shirahama, but i would recommend it as well!
That's a timely tip! I just bought Eniale & Dewiela a few weeks ago, it was finally available here; but haven't had time yet to read it (just a peek at the first chapter, hehe).
This manga is so fantastic, I started buying manga a couple of years ago and it kept catching my eye until I took the chance and got it without even checking a preview and it was the best decision I have taken when it comes to manga, so happy to see that you love it too! Since you mentioned coloring books I wanted to share something I'm sure you and other may find useful: Since I'm from Chile I buy it in spanish, and there is currently 2 editorials publishing it, one of these is Milky Way Ediciones (from Spain), and they released an actual coloring book with artwork from the manga, its really good quality so if any of you reading this comment have wanted something like that, go and try to get it! its totally worth it! (Just in case, the title of the manga is Atelier of Witch Hat in the official spanish translation, just like in japanese, I do wonder why they changed it in english)
I loved watching this video! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, it is a wonderful story. Later this fall volume one of Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen is coming out ( In the US at least) which is a collection of stories that all have to do with cooking, and it also includes real recipes for the food they make. If they’re also releasing it where you live, it might help to fill the long waits in between volumes.
This was such a lovey and gentle video. I have fallen off the anime and manga bandwagon but was recommended this video based on some wonderful video essays that I've been watching about Delicious in Dungeon. I was fascinated by Witch Hat Atelier's gorgeous artwork and also heard the story has a wide range of characters including those with disabilities. I also wanted to say that I'm so happy to see an adult review manga and anime- it is so incredibly refreshing. Manga and anime often get dismissed as young adult dribble, but I have read some absolutely moving manga and watched some incredibly well-crafted anime. I will certainly have to pick up the Witch Hat Atelier manga.
I wish you a wonderful read. 😃 For me, as someone who has studied literature over many decades, manga is simply another form/branch of literature - you can get the ones intended for quick consumption, and then there are ones that rival any classic story in the literary canon.
Witch Hat Atelier's art style is what got me interested in reading it, it looks so beautiful and unique. If you like manga with storybook vibes I'd recommend The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún. It's story is sad though, but it's well written, the art is very good, and father/daughter dynamic between the two main characters is sweet. It felt kinda fairytale-like.
Witch Hat Atelier is truly a absolutely amazing manga. I read manga for 20 years but rarely come across a story like this. And the artstyle is in my top 3 of all stories I have read so far. I don’t read mangas that often anymore but I am very glad that I picked up this one. I actually got to know about it through cosplayers I have met on a convention. Now I made two costumes of WHA on my own and every time I wear them I realize how unknown the story still is (at least in my country). But it is a great possibility to introduce the manga to others. I adore how dark the story gets and that the one we get to know as a good guy (Qifrey) actually is rather suspicious and doesn’t have such a white vest as we think. At the same time he portrays the typical picture we have of a good teacher, being kind, encouraging and knowledgeable. A great manga about morality and societies opression and finding your own way.
I'm sold. I'm always looking for new high fantasy manga with unique, intricate magic systems, and this seems like just the thing I could really sink my teeth into. Thank you!
I’ve just discovered you and your channel, and I have to say it’s wonderful to see someone of my senior talking about things I’ve loved like WHA and Ys. For many years I’ve enjoyed these stories and games and wanted to talk about them with well read people. Whenever I introduce manga to book readers there is a sense that this medium is inferior or a cheap and generic way to tell a story. I’ve heard people criticize manga and JRPG’s for looking homogenous and using too many tropes. I’m so happy to have found you here, and I look forward to what you’ll be talking about about next. ❤️
Hi Eric, thank you for your comment. The "Japanese games and manga are all tropes" is such an old chestnut, it really is deplorable that people still think like that. As I understand it, Japanese writers approach characters from a different perspective, starting out usually with what most westerners would call a "stereotype" (what I like to refer to as an "archetype"), but then slowly building and refining that character. I find a lot of Japanese creators are heavily into Jungian theory, and archetypes are of course a corner stone: library.fiu.edu/arh2000/archetypes I have to say that approach makes a lot of sense to me. In the end, whether it's Western or Eastern stories - shallow 'steretype' based pulp fiction exists in both cultures. Real artistic endeavour can be arrived at in a variety of ways - whether starting out from an archetype, or building an 'individual' personality from scratch.
I remember commenting on one of your community posts (from last year) about how I would go to bookstores to read the witch hat volumes! And you replied about how you have to preorder and plan and wait for each volume to arrive at your house. This made me realize how, as you said, “fortunate” I am to have access to them. I also said in the post that vol 3 was a game changer. My past self had no idea, given that I’ve just start vol 10 currently. I also loaned my copies of vol 1-5 to my cousin and got them hooked on it. I’ve been volunteering at several cons this year and saw WHA cosplayers for the first time at one in July, as well as merch from small vendors. My favorites are a wristlet with a design of brushbuddy and linked keychain of qifrey and the girls. But the majority of the little merch I’ve seen is qifrey so I’m still hoping for a bigger WHA following in florida.
Hi, I remember you mentioning reading WHA in bookstores! I was so amazed at the time. 😀 The cons and that merch sound delightful. I consider myself very privileged to have a brush buddy in my house now! 😉
I just wanted to say how much I admire your approach to spreading out your reading instead of binging. Personally, I find it quite challenging to resist the temptation of finishing a great manga or book all at once. It's refreshing to see someone advocating for a more measured and thoughtful reading experience. Also, kudos for shedding light on this underrated gem of a manga! It's truly amazing how some fantastic works can go under the radar for so long. Your recommendation has definitely piqued my interest, and I'm looking forward to diving into it. Keep up the great content, and thanks for sharing your reading insights!
I never heard about this lady before, but I love her already!! Going through her channel I can tell we have the same interests. I've been reading the manga for a few months now and the art is absolutely breathtaking. Already earned a new subscriber!❤🙂🙂
I actually wanted to have that slow reading experience like you mentioned by having breaks in between volumes and really digesting the text and art, but i just didn't have the restraint! it really is that good
The struggle is real when rationing the reading lol. Happened to me when I read the whole Otoyomegatari (a Bride's Story) in just 3 days, now its a miracle if you read a short chapter in under 8 months lol.
I was so happy to see people of all ages enjoying this series. I picked it up at my local comic book store and volume one looked absolutely beautiful. As a Beginner artist and animator this made my motivation go and I wanted to draw stunning things like that and they eyes had me hooked. The storyline is one ive been looking for and I'm glad that my dad took me that day.
I followed this manga since around the time it first released. The arts was wonderful, especially the framing of certain panels. The story also went deep and questioning of the status quo and society norms.
Oh boy! I actually JUST started reading this series after years of having people recommend it to me. The art is hands down some of the best I’ve ever experienced and the characters are so loveable. Looking forward to catching up!
Finally watched this and I agree with all the points you made! (I had this saved in my Watch Later to watch after I just got my copies of the series and told myself I'd check your video out once I've caught up!)
You've convinced me. I will be ordering the first volume as I have been looking for a Manga that I might enjoy. I myself am an artist and though I mainly draw and paint realism, I really love fantasy and whimsy 😊 I hope to be inspired 🎨🖌️✏️ Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦
Thanks a lot for the recommendation! I read in Japanese for studying and not only it has been interesting but the vocabulary is complex enough for my current level, best unintentional recommendation for students lol
@@Food4Dogs I don’t think so, I believe she’s on volume 3. Funny thing, she wanted to display some manga on her bookshelf, so I let her have the keeping of Spy X Family, Made in Abyss, Witch Hat and Hanako Kun. But you know, it really pained me to not have them in my own collection, being the man-child hoarder that I am. So the first time she threw a tantrum (the kind where she trashes the entire room), I took the opportunity to return the books to my office. I’m not proud of it. Have you been keeping up with Oshimi”s Blood on the Tracks? Really something.
@@billcrabtree8700 Oh boy .. parent and child fighting over WHA set! 😆 No, I haven't kept up with Blood on Tracks. I know that when I go back I need plenty of uninterrupted time, which is in short supply atm. I'm also keeping notes, which slows me down, bc I know I will want to talk about it. And Flowers of Evil too.
I love this series so much. The art and composition are stunning and I got caught up in the story straight away. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships between the girls develop and them problem solving together using the magic system. I also got the fudemushi plush cos the little guy is so cute
I'm very mechanical & the magic is just that. I fell in love with it and every moment is seeing the young ones dabble in the power & beauty of it, responsibility of it, and growing with it with their own identity. My top favorite Manga.
I really loved knowing that you really like the story that will now become an anime in 2025. I liked the page, and I wanted to recommend another read if you can see it, but a journey to the afterlife is also very good. From Brazil. 🤗
I'm so glad you enjoy the series! I remember recommending it in your community post about The Promised Neverland! I wasn't sure if you'd like it or not, but I'm glad you do! My UA-cam subscription box seems to have stopped showing your videos for some reason, so I only just saw this video. I'm just glad to see the love of one of my favorite Manga being spread about!
Ah yes, this is sadly a common UA-cam problem. YT stops showing notifs for a variety of reasons, but a channel like mine (classified by YT as "underperforming") gets chucked down the ladder and they just stop sending out notifs or recs. Maybe check that the actual "bell" notifications is switched on (it sometimes gets reset whenever YT does some updates).
I remember i was in a book store and saw the cover of Witch Hat Atelier in the shelve and i was drawn to it. It's an incredibly magical story with wonderful art and it feels so fantastic to read. It's a favorite of mine now and i love seeing the passion for the manga. I can't wait for the anime adaptation, i hope it's just as magical as the manga❤
I've been rationing Berserk mainly due to the fact I can't afford all the deluxe edition volumes at the moment. I'm thinking of collecting this next, I'm so excited and glad to find a video like this about the series.
@@jutzo8869 the problem for us in Aus/NZ now is the terrible exchange rate for the US dollar - that plus shipping charges and import tax inflate prices an awful lot. ☹
You have an amazing taste as always! I have to show my friends now that I have a great review from you. They can't tell me that fantasy and witches are outdated now
I have this series in my collection including the limited edition vol. 11 (notebook and illustrated cards) and vol. 12, but I didn't dare to unpack my fudemushi yet. It's really great, but not recommended to beginners in Japanese, if you want read original. It's top tier in art, settings are great, characters and story is pretty good as well. I can recommend other great series and in my opinion visually the best series 「乙嫁語り」/ "The Bride's Stories". It's set in the 19th century central Asia. It's published in Japan in regular and wide edition - hard cover and very large pages.
It's a pleasant surprise to see you in my recommendations again--reviewing Witch Hat Atelier! I watched your video on how you got into gaming. I'd love to see more manga reviews! edit: There's an anime adaptation coming out btw! the trailer is already out, and it's looking really good so far.
Yes, I know about the anime - we've been talking about it ofc on the Community page, where we often talk manga and anime. Btw, if you use the Notifications "bell", you don't have to wait for random UA-cam "recommendations" for my channel 😄. It's very rare for UA-cam to ever put me into their recommendations; you could be waiting another year or two ...
I was about to start this one, went for Sousou no Frieren instead (which is also fantastic, definitely recommend). Now you reminded me of hat atelier again so I might as well try it again.
I watched the trailer for the anime adaptation for this that recently came out and it immediately drew me in with it's beautiful world and art. I really hope it lives up to the trailer and what I've heard of the manga. Either way - even though I'm not one to really read manga, I've definitely been convinced to give this story a try in one form or another depending on how the anime turns out.
I'm in a weird Position in my Reading Speed. I've received all currently available volumes on my Birthday. I've been breezing though the volumes so far, absolutely causing me to miss some detail, but my enjoyment hasn't been hamperes by it yet. It's definetly a worthy choice as my last new read, because I've actually managed to reach the limit of how many stories one can read, remember and comprehend simultaneously, so I have to resist quite a few promising stories and probably drop some (other than Witch hat Atelier) for the time being.
Dear Britta, I've just discovered your channel and watched this video because I love Witch Hat atelier, and I wanted to thank you for making such comforting videos! I don't know why but your presence is really soothing and relaxing, I'm going to watch your videos often! I also love what you have to say, it's very interesting! Thank you for existing ❤️
I’m glad to see you talk about this manga. Both this and Delicious in Dungeon are great. Delicious in Dungeon in particular very much took me by surprise as the story unfolded.
I still have to catch up with Witch Hat Atelier, but I adore it so far. And I have also read and even reviewed Delicious in Dungeon too. I Agree that it's really slow, but starting from volume 3 the story and art improve so so much
@@Food4Dogs I'm eager for the anime too, I'm sure it will be wonderfully animated, but I don't know if it will pay justice to some of the manga's most beautifully illustrated panels
@@tio_kitsune Some of the detail inevitably suffers in anime .. yea. But I have 2 volumes, so I'm pretty familiar with the style and detail of the manga.
I have the first volume on Bookwalker, but I haven't read it yet! I want to start getting much more physical content and restrict spending on digital content to what is only available digitally or available in subscription services, but I may give at least some of the first volume a read tonight!
Good plan. It will also help protect your eyesight (take it from me, backlit screens are terrible for eye health), reading physical books. Plus the tactile pleasure. 😊
Just bought the first chapter. Honestly I bought it mainly for the artwork, I wanna be a mangaka myself so I need good mangas to study from, but I think I'm gonna love the story as well :3
@@Food4Dogs I know Kinema Citrus was interested but it’s still up in the air. As long as it’s not Studio Deen, after what they did with the Star Ocean anime I’ll never trust them again 😖
No need for all caps 😎 No, I never do "reaction" videos. Never. I swear it on my eyesight and my honour: I will never ever do one of those utterly pathetic reaction videos. That's not how I operate. Talking about anime and manga etc. is done on the Community page. Properly.
Thanks for your review. I could listen to you for hours. Your voice is so calming and I like the way you explained the story and characters. I'll give this manga a try 😊 The plushie is so cute!!! 🥰
The bit about rationing the reading is too relatable. Every time I cave in and binge a manga I'm immediately filled with regret after realizing that it's gonna be months till a new volume. 😭
I'm going through that with Asadora!
Same. And then a new chapter/volume/episode of something drops and its like.... oh crap it's been 3mo and I need a refresher
double the time for the translation to come out. waiting for the new volume to come out, waiting for the translation and localization to be done.
I just binged through the entire series yesterday. 70 gorgeous chapters and now I'm utterly left bereft.
i find that when i binge the manga, i miss a lot of details. i need to force myself to read a few chapters at a time to let it sink in.
One of the things I really like about WHA is the way it proposes a "new" approach to the teaching-learning process. It shows a kind of pedagogics based on mutual respect and on the nourishment of each student's "talents" and interests without failing to address their weaknesses or neglect helping them to open up to possibilities they haven't explored or considered yet. I feel this comes accross especially clearly in the chapters that explore the character of Richie. I won't go into too much detail for the sake of those still reading, but I feel like every person who wants to be a teacher should read this manga as a foundational text.
Good point.
PoodlePa would ofc say that this "new" approach is really the "old" approach 😊 - the one he practised for many years in the education sector. But we're talking 50 years ago .. and people forget that advances were ever made. It makes me a bit sad that nowadays you have to fight for an approach that we took for granted, and in some respects is still being practised and developed at least here in our NZ schools.
@@Food4Dogs Yes, it's quite sad that education has become such a reduced and one-sided thing in so many places, insted of being the virtuous spiral where teacher and pupil feedback of each other in a participatory model of learning.
By the way, I love your channel. I hope in time I manage to stay so open, curious and fun as you have.
Yes! The pedagogy aspect of Witch Hat is one that I find so fascinating, especially as I had the opportunity to go to Montessori schools when I was young. And so it's fascinating to see that tailored approach to teaching in how Qifrey teaches the girls, versus what we see of other teachers and ateliers. It's also a refreshing (in an old fashioned sort of way) contrast to other modern magic school stories - most of which seem to take place in a large school with classes and years and a set curriculum; instead opting for a much more traditional master & apprentice type of teaching environment. (I do like that Shirahama is very balanced in her portrayal, that this style also has its pitfalls and negative aspects.)
Witch hat atelier is so good. The art is fantastic and story is very gripping.
And now it's announced it is getting an anime!
My experience with this manga hits scarily close to home, the author Shirahama, graduated from a highly regarded Art university (Tokyo University of the Arts) and she mentions (I think from her twitter) that a lot of the themes and storytelling she does for this manga is based upon her experiences. I'm actually close to graduating from an Art based University as well and the things you've mentioned in the storytelling section of video are things I've witnessed from my peers and have felt myself too many times. The commentary on talent and ability, self worth and confidence hit so hard because she truly knows how it is especially since her artistry is beyond amazing and must've taken blood, sweat, tears and years of dedication to hone. It's fitting that the magic comes from 'drawing' and when that beautifully illustrated magic orchestrated from all those themes come jumping from the pages, that is how I truly feel when creating art, it's pure blissful magic.
Thank you, lovely comment!
What a lovely outfit! You look like the headmistress of a very reputable wizard academy 😊
😆😊 oh good!
I was rummaging around for a pointy witch's hat, but alas ..
@@Food4Dogs That would have been very fitting! But a great video nonetheless, thank you for the delightful recommendation!
I love Witch Hat Atelier, it blends its beautiful art style, wonder narrative and world building with extremely human characters, all masquerading a truly dark and stifling dystopia world, and a narrative about good intentions and free expression
Witch hat is one of my all time favorite things 😊 its entirely adult w/o needing anybof the tropes that "adult" fiction/fantasy usually uses. Though seriousnitnis aware that its characters are children and is very keen on protecting them. So lovely
I'm so glad people (with good judgement) can see and appreciate this point.
I envy you for being able to ration your reading
I started reading Witch hat atelier a couple days ago and i'm reading whenever i have free time
And once ran late on something because of it
It's one of the most catchy and addicting stories i have read
Rationing requires iron discipline! It's not an innate ability. 😄
It took many years of strenuous practice. IOW, it's something you learn over the years.
COMMUNITY GUIDELINES
I take the UA-cam Community Guidelines very seriously and I assess any dubious comments against them. Those that clearly infringe those guidelines are removed.
I *will not tolerate* any type of intolerance on my channel. I have had to remove yet again a blatantly anti-gay rant (talking about "perversion" etc.). There is simply no place for this harmful and bullying behaviour.
This is a friendly, welcoming and tolerant place - for all to enjoy while respecting each other.
I repeat: INFRINGEMENT OF UA-cam COMMUNITY GUIDELINES is not acceptable here.
witch hat atelier is such a beautifully crafted story, both in art and writing. it's one of my favorite manga of all time and it made my day seeing you made a video about it (and mentioning dungeon meshi as well!) thank you for sharing your love for this incredible author and her work. i'm not sure if you've read eniale & dewiela by shirahama, but i would recommend it as well!
That's a timely tip! I just bought Eniale & Dewiela a few weeks ago, it was finally available here; but haven't had time yet to read it (just a peek at the first chapter, hehe).
@@Food4Dogs that’s awesome to hear! i hope you enjoy it thoroughly when you find the time to read it ❤️
Lots of things.
The art, the page composition, the story, the characters ,the creature designs.
It's so full of imagination I'm kinda envious.
This manga just resonated with me in a way no other magic story has. The artwork is so beautiful and the way magic works is so well done.
This manga is so fantastic, I started buying manga a couple of years ago and it kept catching my eye until I took the chance and got it without even checking a preview and it was the best decision I have taken when it comes to manga, so happy to see that you love it too!
Since you mentioned coloring books I wanted to share something I'm sure you and other may find useful: Since I'm from Chile I buy it in spanish, and there is currently 2 editorials publishing it, one of these is Milky Way Ediciones (from Spain), and they released an actual coloring book with artwork from the manga, its really good quality so if any of you reading this comment have wanted something like that, go and try to get it! its totally worth it! (Just in case, the title of the manga is Atelier of Witch Hat in the official spanish translation, just like in japanese, I do wonder why they changed it in english)
What a pleasant surprise to see you review witch hat! such a treat of a manga and a video!
I got into Wotch Hat Atelier because of your community posts! It's in my favorites of all time now thank Britta!!
Amazing manga! It quickly entered my top 3, even maybe #1. Can't recommend it enough.
I loved watching this video! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the series thus far, it is a wonderful story. Later this fall volume one of Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen is coming out ( In the US at least) which is a collection of stories that all have to do with cooking, and it also includes real recipes for the food they make. If they’re also releasing it where you live, it might help to fill the long waits in between volumes.
Yes! I've seen it listed for pre-order here and I'm getting it! 👍🏻
this manga is just so enchanting, i've only discovered it a few days ago and it's already my favourite manga
Haha, yes, that brushbuddy ... had a visitor here who knows nothing about manga and WHA, who made a *beeline* for brushbuddy! 😁
This was such a lovey and gentle video. I have fallen off the anime and manga bandwagon but was recommended this video based on some wonderful video essays that I've been watching about Delicious in Dungeon. I was fascinated by Witch Hat Atelier's gorgeous artwork and also heard the story has a wide range of characters including those with disabilities. I also wanted to say that I'm so happy to see an adult review manga and anime- it is so incredibly refreshing. Manga and anime often get dismissed as young adult dribble, but I have read some absolutely moving manga and watched some incredibly well-crafted anime. I will certainly have to pick up the Witch Hat Atelier manga.
I wish you a wonderful read. 😃
For me, as someone who has studied literature over many decades, manga is simply another form/branch of literature - you can get the ones intended for quick consumption, and then there are ones that rival any classic story in the literary canon.
Witch Hat Atelier's art style is what got me interested in reading it, it looks so beautiful and unique. If you like manga with storybook vibes I'd recommend The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, a Rún. It's story is sad though, but it's well written, the art is very good, and father/daughter dynamic between the two main characters is sweet. It felt kinda fairytale-like.
Yes, I have 3 volumes of Girl from the Other Side, but wasn't quite happy with it. I'm now waiting for the anime to release.
Witch Hat Atelier is truly a absolutely amazing manga. I read manga for 20 years but rarely come across a story like this. And the artstyle is in my top 3 of all stories I have read so far. I don’t read mangas that often anymore but I am very glad that I picked up this one. I actually got to know about it through cosplayers I have met on a convention. Now I made two costumes of WHA on my own and every time I wear them I realize how unknown the story still is (at least in my country). But it is a great possibility to introduce the manga to others.
I adore how dark the story gets and that the one we get to know as a good guy (Qifrey) actually is rather suspicious and doesn’t have such a white vest as we think. At the same time he portrays the typical picture we have of a good teacher, being kind, encouraging and knowledgeable.
A great manga about morality and societies opression and finding your own way.
I'm sold. I'm always looking for new high fantasy manga with unique, intricate magic systems, and this seems like just the thing I could really sink my teeth into. Thank you!
Stumbled upon your channel looking for Witch Hat A videos. You are wonderful and i cant wait to watch more 😊
Thank you and welcome!
Glad you're reading this fantastic manga, truly one of the most unique fantasy stories out there
I’ve just discovered you and your channel, and I have to say it’s wonderful to see someone of my senior talking about things I’ve loved like WHA and Ys. For many years I’ve enjoyed these stories and games and wanted to talk about them with well read people. Whenever I introduce manga to book readers there is a sense that this medium is inferior or a cheap and generic way to tell a story. I’ve heard people criticize manga and JRPG’s for looking homogenous and using too many tropes. I’m so happy to have found you here, and I look forward to what you’ll be talking about about next. ❤️
Hi Eric, thank you for your comment.
The "Japanese games and manga are all tropes" is such an old chestnut, it really is deplorable that people still think like that. As I understand it, Japanese writers approach characters from a different perspective, starting out usually with what most westerners would call a "stereotype" (what I like to refer to as an "archetype"), but then slowly building and refining that character.
I find a lot of Japanese creators are heavily into Jungian theory, and archetypes are of course a corner stone: library.fiu.edu/arh2000/archetypes
I have to say that approach makes a lot of sense to me.
In the end, whether it's Western or Eastern stories - shallow 'steretype' based pulp fiction exists in both cultures. Real artistic endeavour can be arrived at in a variety of ways - whether starting out from an archetype, or building an 'individual' personality from scratch.
watching this now because I'm so excited for the anime!!
Yes - I'm sure it's gonna be awesome! 😀
One of my favorites! Glad to see you love it too, and are sharing the good word!
I remember commenting on one of your community posts (from last year) about how I would go to bookstores to read the witch hat volumes! And you replied about how you have to preorder and plan and wait for each volume to arrive at your house. This made me realize how, as you said, “fortunate” I am to have access to them.
I also said in the post that vol 3 was a game changer. My past self had no idea, given that I’ve just start vol 10 currently. I also loaned my copies of vol 1-5 to my cousin and got them hooked on it.
I’ve been volunteering at several cons this year and saw WHA cosplayers for the first time at one in July, as well as merch from small vendors. My favorites are a wristlet with a design of brushbuddy and linked keychain of qifrey and the girls. But the majority of the little merch I’ve seen is qifrey so I’m still hoping for a bigger WHA following in florida.
Hi, I remember you mentioning reading WHA in bookstores! I was so amazed at the time. 😀
The cons and that merch sound delightful. I consider myself very privileged to have a brush buddy in my house now! 😉
Thank you, picked up first volume in community library and really enjoyed it
I just wanted to say how much I admire your approach to spreading out your reading instead of binging. Personally, I find it quite challenging to resist the temptation of finishing a great manga or book all at once. It's refreshing to see someone advocating for a more measured and thoughtful reading experience.
Also, kudos for shedding light on this underrated gem of a manga! It's truly amazing how some fantastic works can go under the radar for so long. Your recommendation has definitely piqued my interest, and I'm looking forward to diving into it.
Keep up the great content, and thanks for sharing your reading insights!
Thank you, appreciate the feedback.
Was so excited to click this video! I started the series a year or two ago after you mentioned it on the community tab ☺️
I never heard about this lady before, but I love her already!! Going through her channel I can tell we have the same interests. I've been reading the manga for a few months now and the art is absolutely breathtaking. Already earned a new subscriber!❤🙂🙂
Welcome - and you can just call me Britta. 😀
I actually wanted to have that slow reading experience like you mentioned by having breaks in between volumes and really digesting the text and art, but i just didn't have the restraint! it really is that good
The struggle is real when rationing the reading lol. Happened to me when I read the whole Otoyomegatari (a Bride's Story) in just 3 days, now its a miracle if you read a short chapter in under 8 months lol.
Oohhh ... A Bride's Story! I have the first 2 volumes, what a lovely manga.
I caught up in a week and the wait is killing me, you are so right to ration it!
Very excited for the anime adaption that's coming up! Have a friend who's more of an anime watcher than manga reader who I think will love it.
I was so happy to see people of all ages enjoying this series. I picked it up at my local comic book store and volume one looked absolutely beautiful.
As a Beginner artist and animator this made my motivation go and I wanted to draw stunning things like that and they eyes had me hooked.
The storyline is one ive been looking for and I'm glad that my dad took me that day.
I've never heard of this! The art looks absolutely gorgeous. I'm definitely going to be checking it out.
I've been wanting to read this series for ages!! I'm so happy you reviewed it, it reminded me to put it back on my radar ☺💞 wishing you well
I followed this manga since around the time it first released. The arts was wonderful, especially the framing of certain panels. The story also went deep and questioning of the status quo and society norms.
Oh boy! I actually JUST started reading this series after years of having people recommend it to me.
The art is hands down some of the best I’ve ever experienced and the characters are so loveable. Looking forward to catching up!
Oh no Brita I love the atelier series and now I think this might be my new collection!
Witch Hat reminds me of older manga, yet with more thoughtfulness in the artstyle, worldbuilding, and characters.
Finally watched this and I agree with all the points you made! (I had this saved in my Watch Later to watch after I just got my copies of the series and told myself I'd check your video out once I've caught up!)
You've convinced me. I will be ordering the first volume as I have been looking for a Manga that I might enjoy. I myself am an artist and though I mainly draw and paint realism, I really love fantasy and whimsy 😊 I hope to be inspired 🎨🖌️✏️ Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦
Thanks a lot for the recommendation! I read in Japanese for studying and not only it has been interesting but the vocabulary is complex enough for my current level, best unintentional recommendation for students lol
You’re the coolest.
Not that it’s a competition, but still.
😂 Has your daughter got to vol. 10 yet ...? (Not that it's a competition 😎)
@@Food4Dogs I don’t think so, I believe she’s on volume 3. Funny thing, she wanted to display some manga on her bookshelf, so I let her have the keeping of Spy X Family, Made in Abyss, Witch Hat and Hanako Kun. But you know, it really pained me to not have them in my own collection, being the man-child hoarder that I am. So the first time she threw a tantrum (the kind where she trashes the entire room), I took the opportunity to return the books to my office. I’m not proud of it. Have you been keeping up with Oshimi”s Blood on the Tracks? Really something.
@@billcrabtree8700 Oh boy .. parent and child fighting over WHA set! 😆
No, I haven't kept up with Blood on Tracks. I know that when I go back I need plenty of uninterrupted time, which is in short supply atm. I'm also keeping notes, which slows me down, bc I know I will want to talk about it. And Flowers of Evil too.
I love this series so much. The art and composition are stunning and I got caught up in the story straight away. I really enjoyed seeing the relationships between the girls develop and them problem solving together using the magic system. I also got the fudemushi plush cos the little guy is so cute
I'm very mechanical & the magic is just that. I fell in love with it and every moment is seeing the young ones dabble in the power & beauty of it, responsibility of it, and growing with it with their own identity. My top favorite Manga.
I really loved knowing that you really like the story that will now become an anime in 2025. I liked the page, and I wanted to recommend another read if you can see it, but a journey to the afterlife is also very good. From Brazil. 🤗
I love WHA and love finding other people who have read it!
I saw the art somewhere and I was immediately hooked. soo beautiful
i just started reading it yesterday, and I'm loving it. I think I might give it to my niece when I'm done.
Oh sweet Britta, I wish I knew a beautiful soul such as you. Thanks for the video, especially the Xenoblade ones.❤❤❤❤
Thank you for watching Xeno - it means a lot to me! 🌹
I'm so glad you enjoy the series! I remember recommending it in your community post about The Promised Neverland! I wasn't sure if you'd like it or not, but I'm glad you do! My UA-cam subscription box seems to have stopped showing your videos for some reason, so I only just saw this video.
I'm just glad to see the love of one of my favorite Manga being spread about!
Ah yes, this is sadly a common UA-cam problem.
YT stops showing notifs for a variety of reasons, but a channel like mine (classified by YT as "underperforming") gets chucked down the ladder and they just stop sending out notifs or recs.
Maybe check that the actual "bell" notifications is switched on (it sometimes gets reset whenever YT does some updates).
I remember i was in a book store and saw the cover of Witch Hat Atelier in the shelve and i was drawn to it. It's an incredibly magical story with wonderful art and it feels so fantastic to read. It's a favorite of mine now and i love seeing the passion for the manga. I can't wait for the anime adaptation, i hope it's just as magical as the manga❤
Frau Apfelkuchen! Now I'm hungry for traditional German apple cake! 😄💖
this was the latest manga that i started, i am about 2 volumes in and it is fantastic. the art is absolutely next level.
thank you for the recommendation I read thru it so fast. a very fun manga. it is quite dark at times. also you did a fantastic job avoiding spoilers.
Thank you for that feedback!
Hahaha. The cover of volume 1 drew me in too. I read about 50 pages in the bookstore before I bought it.
I've been rationing Berserk mainly due to the fact I can't afford all the deluxe edition volumes at the moment. I'm thinking of collecting this next, I'm so excited and glad to find a video like this about the series.
I understand, those deluxe volumes are hard to afford. In my country, a Berserk Deluxe volume goes for 100 dollars.
@@Food4Dogs In Australia it goes for around that much too. Though on Amazon I got the first few for around aud$50-60 each.
@@jutzo8869 the problem for us in Aus/NZ now is the terrible exchange rate for the US dollar - that plus shipping charges and import tax inflate prices an awful lot. ☹
@@Food4Dogs Exactly, I could at least do without the import tax.
@@jutzo8869 How much is it for you? It's 15% for our GST.
You have an amazing taste as always! I have to show my friends now that I have a great review from you. They can't tell me that fantasy and witches are outdated now
They never were outdated! Maybe your friends are a bit outdated ..? 😉
I have this series in my collection including the limited edition vol. 11 (notebook and illustrated cards) and vol. 12, but I didn't dare to unpack my fudemushi yet. It's really great, but not recommended to beginners in Japanese, if you want read original. It's top tier in art, settings are great, characters and story is pretty good as well.
I can recommend other great series and in my opinion visually the best series 「乙嫁語り」/ "The Bride's Stories". It's set in the 19th century central Asia. It's published in Japan in regular and wide edition - hard cover and very large pages.
Thank you for your comment.
I have Bride's Story - a really beautiful manga.
It's a pleasant surprise to see you in my recommendations again--reviewing Witch Hat Atelier! I watched your video on how you got into gaming. I'd love to see more manga reviews!
edit: There's an anime adaptation coming out btw! the trailer is already out, and it's looking really good so far.
Yes, I know about the anime - we've been talking about it ofc on the Community page, where we often talk manga and anime.
Btw, if you use the Notifications "bell", you don't have to wait for random UA-cam "recommendations" for my channel 😄. It's very rare for UA-cam to ever put me into their recommendations; you could be waiting another year or two ...
britta, i just found your channel and i can only say that i could listen to you forever. I will start the series because of you.
Welcome. Let me know how you like it. 😀
OMG YOU HAVE A BRUSH BUDDY!!!
I discovered this manga 2 months ago. I love it! I agree with everything you said. I hope they'll make an anime too.
An anime is reportedly in the works.
I’ve been meaning to check this out for so long
such a beautiful manga, i've had a friend read it and love it, was considering it for a while, so i'll take this video as a sign to pick it up!
fantastic breakdown of my favourite manga! you've gained a new subscriber
I love Witch Hat Atelier
I was about to start this one, went for Sousou no Frieren instead (which is also fantastic, definitely recommend). Now you reminded me of hat atelier again so I might as well try it again.
Wow the art is really beautiful, I love the inking. Once again another amazing piece of media to add to my backlogs, thank you!
I watched the trailer for the anime adaptation for this that recently came out and it immediately drew me in with it's beautiful world and art. I really hope it lives up to the trailer and what I've heard of the manga.
Either way - even though I'm not one to really read manga, I've definitely been convinced to give this story a try in one form or another depending on how the anime turns out.
I love this manga, I relate with Agott, and the story is a wonderful and artistic masterpiece.
Agott is such a good character - very complex.
You seem really nice ,looking forward to watching more content from you. Also super excited for the anime coming out next year I believe
This was a lovely review of the series! I'm halfway through right now and it is absolutely incredible. Hope all is well!
Thank you for speaking about this manga, I looked it up and started reading and I love it!
I'm in a weird Position in my Reading Speed. I've received all currently available volumes on my Birthday.
I've been breezing though the volumes so far, absolutely causing me to miss some detail, but my enjoyment hasn't been hamperes by it yet.
It's definetly a worthy choice as my last new read, because I've actually managed to reach the limit of how many stories one can read, remember and comprehend simultaneously, so I have to resist quite a few promising stories and probably drop some (other than Witch hat Atelier) for the time being.
Oeeeh I think this will be my next Manga Series! 😍 🧙🏼♀️
i'm so happy to see a video about this manga!!!! the drawings are gorgeous
never heard of this series. thanks for the video on it Britta i will check it out and see if i like it.
Dear Britta,
I've just discovered your channel and watched this video because I love Witch Hat atelier, and I wanted to thank you for making such comforting videos! I don't know why but your presence is really soothing and relaxing, I'm going to watch your videos often! I also love what you have to say, it's very interesting! Thank you for existing ❤️
Thank you, and a very warm welcome. 🙂
Ok, I was already intrigued, but this video convinced me❤ thank you and keep being awesome!
Musical queue during brush buddy plushie showcasing? Ok yeah I'm subscribing this is amazingly wholesome
I love witches. I'll definitely check this out.
I’m glad to see you talk about this manga. Both this and Delicious in Dungeon are great. Delicious in Dungeon in particular very much took me by surprise as the story unfolded.
I still have to catch up with Witch Hat Atelier, but I adore it so far. And I have also read and even reviewed Delicious in Dungeon too. I Agree that it's really slow, but starting from volume 3 the story and art improve so so much
I have heard others say the story picks up, so that's great. I might just take the lazy route and wait for the anime. 😁
@@Food4Dogs I'm eager for the anime too, I'm sure it will be wonderfully animated, but I don't know if it will pay justice to some of the manga's most beautifully illustrated panels
@@tio_kitsune Some of the detail inevitably suffers in anime .. yea. But I have 2 volumes, so I'm pretty familiar with the style and detail of the manga.
Really does seem very lovely :D absolutely fabulous art to be sure :) thank you for sharing
I have the first volume on Bookwalker, but I haven't read it yet! I want to start getting much more physical content and restrict spending on digital content to what is only available digitally or available in subscription services, but I may give at least some of the first volume a read tonight!
Good plan.
It will also help protect your eyesight (take it from me, backlit screens are terrible for eye health), reading physical books. Plus the tactile pleasure. 😊
Just bought the first chapter. Honestly I bought it mainly for the artwork, I wanna be a mangaka myself so I need good mangas to study from, but I think I'm gonna love the story as well :3
👍
I just started reading this!! I'm currently at volume 4 and not gonna lie it's kinda scary right now ahha
It is! I just started vol. 5 and it's still scary! It's gone pretty dark .. 😶
You’re life goals!!! One manga I started is called Dungeon Meishi I recommend it 😊 Have a nice day!
Yes, I actually mention Delicious in Dungeon in THIS video ...
I absolutely LOVe this manga series! Heres hoping the anime is as excellent🤞
Yes, that's always a bit of a worry - do we know yet which studio is doing it?
@@Food4Dogs I know Kinema Citrus was interested but it’s still up in the air. As long as it’s not Studio Deen, after what they did with the Star Ocean anime I’ll never trust them again 😖
@@animetrashamvs oh dear, Star Ocean .. I don't think I even watched that.
I'd be happy with Citrus!
@@Food4Dogs Oh please continue to not watch it🙏🏾 Star Ocean deserved better than that. And I agree, Citrus has made some of my favorites.
Omg I love this manga I'm so glad you made a video on it!! If anyone is reading this just please read it its SO good and there is an upcoming anime!
i read one chapter a day , i love the series but want to consume it as slowly as possible.
WE NEED YOU TO REACT TO THE ANIME TRAILER! I’m excited to see what you think
No need for all caps 😎
No, I never do "reaction" videos. Never. I swear it on my eyesight and my honour: I will never ever do one of those utterly pathetic reaction videos. That's not how I operate.
Talking about anime and manga etc. is done on the Community page. Properly.
@@Food4Dogs sounds good, Ty!
Thanks for your review. I could listen to you for hours. Your voice is so calming and I like the way you explained the story and characters. I'll give this manga a try 😊
The plushie is so cute!!! 🥰
I'm keeping it in my backlog until I fall and binge it.
I love this video!!!