Burn the Witch, the newest work by popular Jump manga artist Tite Kubo since Bleach, has been popular in both its one-shot and short-running serializations. Starting at the end of 2023, an anime adaptation of the one-shot will be broadcast and streamed on television and video streaming sites. Kubo's worldview will once again be brought to life in anime, creating a buzz. This article will introduce the work's style, production background, and other information you should know before watching the anime!
Introduction: What's the Story?
The story is set in London, where 72% of deaths are linked to beings known as dragons. Only residents of "Reverse London," the other side of London, can see these dragons. Even among them, only a select few can directly interact with them. Everyone else is unaware of their existence. The protagonists, Ninny Spangcole and Noel Shinbashi, are chosen to become "witches" and are tasked with protecting and managing the dragons.
About the Style
This work is said to be set in the same timeline as Bleach. While the worldview is dark, the protagonists, Ninny Spangcole and Noel Shinbashi, also add a bright and unique element. Dark worldviews are Kubo's specialty, and with BLEACH, he pioneered new territory never before seen in Jump works, garnering popularity. The story's setting, modern-day London, is also unique in its incorporation of elements like witches and dragons, gradually drawing readers into the story.
Production Background
"BURN THE WITCH" was created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Weekly Shonen Jump. The editorial department expressed a desire to read a work related to BLEACH. After initially publishing a one-shot version and discussing an anime adaptation, Kubo began writing a serialized series. A new episode, a prequel to the one-shot, was serialized and released as an animated feature film. It's quite unusual for a manga artist to hand over a story and then draw the manuscript while the original work is being adapted into an anime, and Kubo commented, "It was a first-time experience and an interesting one."
Review of the Work
The work has received high praise, and writer and editor Kazushi Shimada praises the relationship between Ninny Spangcole and Noeru Niibashi. Shimada commented that the two characters, who have different goals and personalities, show unity in battle, which he likes. He also commented that Ninny and Noeru each have their own rules, and that their chemistry when they face an enemy that goes against them is outstanding, and that their unyielding strength is what makes them so appealing. He particularly praised Ninny for her "positive attitude, always believing in her own abilities." Fellow writer and editor SYO commented that the series has similarities with "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts," praising the excitement unique to the magical world.
Summary of Things to Know Before Watching the Anime
Knowing the anime's style and production background will help you enjoy it more when you actually watch it. It will also help those who are planning to read the original work feel more immersed in the story. As a new work by Tite Kubo, it has been a hot topic since the original was published and has received high praise. Since the theatrical version was released, its popularity has grown even more. I can't wait for the broadcast and streaming of "BURN THE WITCH #0.8"! That's all for today. Thank you for reading.
