Guess who’s back with another anime review? *points to self* This one is quite fitting considering Halloween is almost upon us, and what better choice than a series about magic and witches?
I’ve been waiting for a while to review this one, and it’s an anime that’s on Netflix this time! If you like Harry Potter, witches, magic or all of the above then this is the anime for you. Say hello to Little Witch Academia.
Little Witch Academia is a two-season long anime that first started as a roughly 30 minute long OVA produced as part of the Young Animator’s Training Project’s “Anime Mirai” in 2013 by Studio Trigger. It earned its popularity incredibly fast due to its beautiful animation, wonderful cast and unique story that was both lighthearted and dramatic. Of course a second OVA soon followed the first, titled Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade and was funded through Kickstarter in 2015. Finally, this year we saw a full-fledged anime series take shape and Netflix aired the first season of 13 episodes back in June, with a second round of 12 episodes making up as second season soon after. The anime series takes place not long after the OVA series though changes a few key features – namely how the main character Akko received her “Shiny Rod” treasure. In the original OVA she finds the rod amidst buried treasures in a dungeon with her classmates. In the anime, she finds it in the Forest of Arcturus that is forbidden to students of Luna Nova Academy.
So now you’re probably asking why compare the series to Harry Potter? Well, the similarities are striking. Akko is a young witch who comes from a non-magical family, and in fact seems to have no magical talent at all. She’s also treated as something of an outcast, bullied by the more talented students who have been a part of the magical world all their lives. The series itself also takes place in a magical school called Luna Nova Academy that pretty much reminds me of Hogwarts only animated. Another great comparison series would be the old television show The Worst Witch (I used to watch it as a kid, it’s a fun series too!) that sported a very similar main character and premise of her learning to become a full-fledged Witch.
The story itself is fairly simplistic – Akko comes to Luna Nova Academy, is roomed with similarly outcast students (Lotte and Sucy). Together they become friends and explore the magical world, and learns that Akko’s magical Shiny Rod that she found in the woods is in fact the key to restoring magic to the entire world. Overall it’s a pretty tried and true story, and I’ve seen it many times before in other media – but what makes it stand out in this series is how well written it is, and how invested you will get in the characters, particularly Akko. If you ever felt like you didn’t fit in, that you struggled to reach your goals yet found a way to succeed, you will very much relate to her struggles.
(The three main girls from left to right – Akko, Lotte, Sucy)
What makes this series really stand out aside from the story, is the animation. The original OVA was entirely hand-drawn, and while that may not be the case for the anime series it still looks absolutely stunning. Lots of bright colors, great character designs and smooth animation abound. It has a very light, fairytale feel to it that really fits the magical world/magical girl concept it has going for it.
The only flaws I can really see from this series are how at times it can get a bit too saccharine sweet, and the whole ‘saving the world with magic’ can be a bit childish for some. However despite that, it has its charms and earns its place as a very well made series. I’m glad the creators were able to take their two OVA episodes and expand the world they created here into something worth watching over and over again.
Overall, Little Witch Academia is an adorable anime, and one I highly recommend to viewers. Both adults and children I think will find a lot to enjoy from this anime. You can find Little Witch Academia and the two OVA episodes currently (and exclusively) on Netflix.
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