Have you heard of the popular work "The Atelier of Witch Hat"? It's a manga known for its classic fantasy, and it's been getting a lot of buzz. You'll be drawn in by its picture book-like, fairy tale-like world and meticulously drawn illustrations. If you haven't seen it yet, it's definitely worth checking out. In this article, we'll introduce the magic that appears in "The Atelier of Witch Hat." You're probably wondering what kind of magic there is, and what exactly is magic? Let's take a look.

What kind of work is "The Atelier of Witch Hat"?

There are many works that feature magic. Among them, "The Atelier of Witch Hat" is a classic magical fantasy. The story and setting are simply classic, instantly resonating with readers. The protagonist, Koko, is young, straightforward, and pure. The story surrounding her has a picture book-like atmosphere that will take you back to your childhood. If you're a fan of works featuring magic, this is a must-read.

The Artwork is Captivating

Artwork with Connected Frames

As you can see from the illustration, the artwork is incredibly detailed. Each frame is meticulously drawn. Despite the amount of detail, it doesn't look cluttered, and the balance is truly wonderful. It's an artwork you can't help but stare at. The artist, Kamome Shirahama, graduated from the prestigious Tokyo University of the Arts' Department of Design. It's clear that he's a serious manga artist. His pen strokes are as authentic as a picture book, and he pays close attention to the characters' expressions and movements. By the way, if you look closely at this image, you'll see that the frames are connected!

All the characters are fascinating!

All characters

Another reason I recommend "The Atelier of Witch Hat" is that the characters are simply fascinating. Each character's personality is completely different, but it's clear that they all have pure, straightforward personalities. From the main character Coco to her magical master, Kifree, and the other apprentices, each character has their own unique charm, which is great. The characters are drawn in great detail, and their expressions and clothing ornaments are never boring to look at. Not only that, but the characters' personalities and the worldview are also very captivating. Essentially, "The Atelier of Witch Hat" only features magic that brings happiness. Watching it will make you feel happy and thrilled!

[The Atelier of Witch Hat] A Brief Plot Summary!

Here's a brief synopsis of "The Atelier of Witch Hat." Reading this will surely make you want to read the rest of the series.

The main character is "Coco," a girl who dreams of magic.

Picture Book-Style Coco

The main character is "Coco," a girl from a small village. Coco has always dreamed of becoming a wizard. However, in this world, only those born with magical abilities can become wizards. With no other choice, Coco helps out at her mother's tailoring business. However, she isn't giving up. Even while helping out at the tailoring business, she even plays pretend magic. One day, a mysterious man appears before her. The man, who arrives as a customer, turns out to be a wizard named Kifree.

Meeting Kifree

Kifree

Coco is thrilled to meet the wizard she's always dreamed of. At that moment, Kifree ends up re-casting the Feathered Carriage's magic. In this world, it's forbidden to see the magic being cast. Koko is ordered to keep watch, making sure no one sees him casting it. However, she manages to sneak in through the window and see Kifree drawing a magic circle.

Koko Becomes an Apprentice

Koko's Apprenticeship

Koko, having violated a taboo, sees a spell. There, she realizes that the "magic picture book" she bought at the festival years ago is actually a model for drawing the magic circle needed to cast a spell. What's more, the "bonus pen" she received at that time was intended to be used to draw that magic circle. That night, Coco immediately copied the magic circle from the magical picture book and created magic. However, it was a forbidden technique. That's why Keefree appeared and prevented Coco from the magic. Coco's mother had been turned to stone along with her house by magic. In order to save her mother, Keefree took Coco on as his apprentice without erasing her memories. This was an exception. This is where Coco's adventure to save her mother begins!

What is "Magic" in [The Atelier of Witch Hat]?

Koko receiving a hat

From this synopsis, we can see that "magic" in "The Atelier of Witch Hat" is actually something anyone can use. However, those who cannot use magic are treated as "ignorant," and in this world, magic is not available to those who were not born as wizards. It's a contradiction, isn't it? However, precisely because magic is something that anyone can use, it is prevented from being used indiscriminately. Using magic without fully understanding how it works is extremely dangerous. In fact, this is what caused the tragic events that befell Koko and her mother.

Who is the "Brim Hat" who sold the "Magic Picture Book" and pen?

Brim Hat

When Coco was little, she bought a "Magic Picture Book" and a pen at a festival. These were the tools she needed to cast magic. Coco had always dreamed of becoming a wizard. But it's surprising to learn that she's actually known how to cast magic all this time. Incidentally, the character who sold Coco the magic book was a character named "Brim Hat." He likely intended for Coco to use forbidden magic. His appearance alone makes it clear that he's a terrifying character. However, not much is actually revealed about him within the story. While there's no doubt that she's the mastermind behind "The Atelier of Witch Hat," we're all curious to see how things will unfold. Perhaps we'll even see her battle with Keyfree and Coco and the others!

Magic in "The Atelier of Witch Hat" #1 ☆ Flying Magic

When you think of wizards, this is the most iconic magic, isn't it? Coco and the others often fly. Surely everyone has dreamed of flying. Incidentally, she not only has the ability to fly, but also the ability to jump high. This is achieved by drawing a magic circle on the bottom of her shoes and placing both feet together. This ability is often used in the series. It's apparently more difficult than it looks, but Coco is currently practicing.

Magic in "The Atelier of Witch Hat" #2 ☆ Cloud Magic

The name "cloud magic" sounds like something straight out of a fairy tale! It's an unfinished magic dreamed up by one of Coco's companions, Tetia. She dreams of creating a new magic. It's a spell that allows you to ride on clouds, and while it's not particularly useful to the person who uses it... it's romantic and lovely, isn't it?

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #3 ☆ Fire Magic

There's also a spell called "Fire Magic" that gives you an advantage in battle. It really makes you feel like a wizard. This is the magic of Coco's companion, "Agate." Coco and her friends were once transported to another world by the "Brimmed Hat." There, they found a large dragon. In this critical situation, Agate used fire magic. It's a highly advanced spell, and it succeeded in temporarily keeping the dragon away. Don't you think it's a wonderful spell that makes the story exciting?

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #4 ☆ Sleep Magic

This magic suddenly became heartwarming. This is the magic of Orugio, the "Watchful Eye." Orugio is another wizard in Keyfree's atelier. This magic was created to help Coco and the others get a good night's sleep while they study hard! It's so kind, isn't it? Orugio is a bit of a tsundere, so he doesn't speak openly, but you can tell he cares about Coco and the others. It's a soothing magic. The many magic spells that bring happiness like this are one of the charms of "The Atelier of Witch Hat."

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #5: Ribbon Magic

This is another fairy-tale-like magic! This is another magic created by Coco's friend, Riche. When Riche suddenly leaves the room, dissatisfied with Keyfree's instruction, Coco searches for her. Then, beautiful, glass-like ribbons appear before Coco. They're dangling in abundance right in front of her. The depiction of this scene is so beautiful, I was moved. While not specifically suited for combat, Riche's original magic is free-spirited and incredibly adorable.

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #6 ☆ Lighted Cobblestones

Actually, this is the first magic Coco fell in love with! It dates back to the scene where she first encountered the "brimmed hat." The brimmed hat tells Coco that the lighted cobblestones that light up when you step on them are all magical. It's a common form of magic in this world, and when you step on them, the cobblestones glow softly. Light is born every time you walk. Doesn't that sound quite romantic?

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #7 ☆ Memory-Erasing Magic

As the name suggests, this magic erases the memory of the target. Coco wasn't originally a magician. Non-magicians are forbidden from seeing her use magic. However, Coco witnessed Keyfree use his magic. Normally, her memories would have been wiped. However, in order to save her mother, she was given an exception and made an apprentice. However, the "Magic Police," which acts as a police force in the wizarding world, did not approve of this. At one point, they almost wiped Coco's memory as well.

Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat] #8 ☆ Water-Fierce Magic Sword

Don't you think it's a cool magic just from the name? This magic first appeared in a scene where Coco and her friends were stranded in a raging river in their carriage. The raging river was quite turbulent, so the wizard Keyfree and his partner, Orugio, came to her rescue. This magic was a sturdy sword with countless magic circles drawn on it, allowing it to split water.
Apparently, it can even split the ocean! It's a powerful and cool magic, and it's advantageous in water-based battles.

Summary of Magic in [The Atelier of Witch Hat]!

Color Picture of Koko

That concludes our introduction to the magic that appears in [The Atelier of Witch Hat]! It's surprising to learn that magic, which is thought to be restricted to those born as wizards, is actually available to anyone. However, precisely because anyone can use it, we must be extremely careful when using it. You're probably curious about who sold young Koko a magical picture book and pen at the festival. Furthermore, we learned that there are many different types of magic. While there are magic spells for fighting, it seemed like there were a lot of magic spells that brought happiness overall. Were there any spells you wanted to try?

Let's read "The Atelier of Witch Hat"!

Picture Book-Style Koko

Watching "Magic" might have you wanting to read the series. The truth is, "The Atelier of Witch Hat" doesn't have that many volumes released yet. It's slowly gaining popularity, so if you want to check it out, now's the time. If you're interested, be sure to give it a read.

Source
The Atelier of Witch Hat ©Shirahama Kamome・Kodansha Ltd

 

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