MeinMMO editor Nikolas Hernes caught up on a fantasy anime from 2026 and was impressed after the first episode. It showcases the world of wizards in a perspective he otherwise misses.
I no longer follow the various anime seasons as extensively as I used to. With movies, series, and video games, there simply wasn’t room for it. Nevertheless, I sometimes have phases where I catch up on many anime series.
In the current phase, I have not only caught up on Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen. I also braved Atelier of Witch Hat and was immediately impressed. It’s not just due to the great animation but an element that I missed in Harry Potter after the first film.
The Wonder of Magic
In Atelier of Witch Hat, it’s about Coco, who has always wanted to become a magician. However, only the chosen ones are allowed to, and she is not one of them. After an accident with a mysterious book, she is saved by Master Qifrey, who takes her to his atelier to learn magic.
The premise isn’t particularly innovative, but what the anime (and manga) makes of it is unique. Coco’s love for magic is evident from the first minute, and it doesn’t fade throughout the first 13 episodes. She marvels at the simplest spells and devices, and this wonder resonated with me as well.
Atelier of Witch Hat has a beautiful sense for the magical
aspect of magic and all that can be done with it. This immediately creates a contrast between magicians and ordinary people and a comprehension of the role and power of magic.
This childlike wonder is something I miss in many fantasy works, even in something like Harry Potter. The wonders of magic
fade into the background after the first part, and later, the same three spells are repeatedly spammed. But in Atelier of Witch Hat, I find myself thinking with every spell: “Wow, that’s cool!
No matter how trivial it is.
The beautiful animation from Studio Bug Films greatly contributes to this. The images created are incredible, and the first season of Atelier of Witch Hat is among the most beautiful anime I have ever seen.
The fantastic magic system, which weaves wonderfully into the world, also helps.
A magnificently animated scene can be seen here:
Logic Blends with Wonder
Attention: The following section contains minor spoilers regarding the workings of magic in the world. This is explained in the first two episodes.
Magic is triggered by special ink and drawn circles. Wizards use certain symbols and modifiers like arrows in the drawings to perform spells. This provides a tangible idea of the spells, and the anime takes it further: How can one create household items or make boats float automatically?
At the same time, it’s a coherent limitation to create sensitive situations without contradicting the logic of the world. The magic in Atelier of Witch Hat is its own science, which to me has always seemed plausible.
On the other hand, the mysteries make it more enjoyable. Especially the question of who is behind the witch hats and how they wield their forbidden magic quickly arises and creates tension. The anime thus also generates a dark side and a beautiful contrast to the wonder of the beautiful sides of magic.
Overall, Atelier of Witch Hat with its first season is a delightful entry into a world I want to explore further in the future.
Of course, my positive impressions are based solely on the first series of the anime, which is currently available, but it certainly has the potential to join the ranks of the greats at some point. But what do you think of Atelier of Witch Hat? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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