‘The Witch and the Beast’ casts its spell on viewers
As I eagerly await the next episode of Solo Leveling to come out, I’ve found myself searching the Internet for something to fill that void.
It was then when I received a press statement e-mail from a colleague announcing that the music of a certain Japanese band had been selected as the theme song for a new anime The Witch and the Beast.
Curious as ever, I decided to look up the anime, especially since I’ve never heard of it before.
Ten-minutes into the first episode, and it’s gotten my attention.
SPELLBINDING SAGA
It’s not your typical fairy tale. It’s a captivating Japanese seinen manga series that’s been making waves since its debut in November 2016.
Crafted by Kousuke Satake, the spellbinding tale began its journey in the pages of Young Magazine the 3rd before finding its home in Monthly Young Magazine, and has sold a whopping 950,000 copies worldwide (digital editions included).
It’s so good that it’s been published in the United States, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea and even China!
With its richly detailed artwork and a narrative that’s as enigmatic as it is enthralling, The Witch and the Beast has captivated readers and now, its anime adaptation from Yokohama Animation Laboratory that premiered in January 2024 is casting a spell on the small screen.
Now, before you conjure up images of broomsticks and cauldrons, let me tell you, The Witch and the Beast offers a fresh twist on the classic witch narrative.
Directed by Takayuki Hamana and written by Yuichiro Momose, at its core are two intriguing characters: Ashaf (voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa), a towering figure with a penchant for keeping to himself, and Guideau (voiced by Yo Taichi), who may appear as a delicate young girl but harbours a mysterious and formidable alter ego sealed within a coffin strapped to Ashaf’s back.
Together, they’re on a mission assigned by the Order of Magical Resonance, venturing across the land to track down rogue witches and bring them to justice.
But hold onto your hats, because this isn’t your run-of-the-mill witch hunt.
As Ashaf and Guideau traverse the countryside, they’re not just battling mystical foes; they’re also grappling with the complexities of power, identity and the blurred lines between good and evil. And lurking in the shadows is a particularly menacing witch whose nefarious deeds threaten to upend society as they know it.
Sidenote: there’s also some slight gore, but not as much as Hell’s Paradise.
GLOBAL GROOVE
Now, let’s talk about its opening theme song.
The theme song’s titled Soumonka by Sokoninaru, and has been making waves all over the globe, especially in the West, racking up some serious streams.
Sokoninaru, the genius behind the music, is a three-piece band known for their mind-blowing technical skills and heavy sound. Plus, they’ve got both male and female vocalists layering melodies and harmonies like nobody’s business.
But wait, there’s more! Sokoninaru isn’t just big in Japan – they’ve rocked stages all across Europe, and even headlined some shows in Taiwan and Hong Kong.
SMOOTH MOTION
With stunning attention to detail, the animators bring to life the richly detailed world crafted by the manga’s artist Kousuke Satake. Every frame is filled with vibrant colours and intricate designs, immersing viewers in a captivating visual experience.
The character designs are particularly striking, with each character meticulously crafted to reflect their personalities and roles within the story. From the towering figure of Ashaf to the enigmatic presence of Guideau, every character is brought to life with nuance and depth.
But it’s not just the characters that shine in the anime adaptation. The backgrounds are equally breath-taking, with lush landscapes and intricate cityscapes providing the backdrop for the characters’ adventures.
The animation itself is smooth and fluid, with dynamic action sequences and subtle character movements adding to the overall sense of immersion. From the smallest facial expressions to the grandest magical displays, every detail is rendered with care and precision. A sort of ease on the eyes – detailed yet simplistic.
If you have plans to take this anime series on, you’ll have to know that it’s only exclusively available for viewing on Crunchyroll for now, as they hold the licensing rights. With approximately five episodes released thus far, the series is still updating, so there’s no rush to dive in just yet. – Izah Azahari
