Little Witch Academia is a label that refers to a popular Japanese anime franchise. It originated as a short film created by Yoh Yoshinari for the Anime Mirai 2013 project. The film was received positively and gained a significant following, leading to the production of a full-length anime series. The main idea behind Little Witch Academia is centered around the adventures of a young witch named Akko Kagari. She enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy, a prestigious school for witches, with the goal of becoming a great witch like her idol, Shiny Chariot. Akko is determined to prove herself and overcome the challenges that await her at the academy.
We take for granted that only certain kind of things exist - electrons but not angels, passports but not nymphs. This is what we understand as `reality'. But in fact, `reality' varies with each era of the world, in turn shaping the field of what is possible to do, think and imagine. Our contemporary age has embraced a troubling and painful form of reality: Technic. Under Technic, the foundations of reality begin to crumble, shrinking the field of the possible and freezing our lives in an anguished state of paralysis. Technic and Magic shows that the way out of the present deadlock lies much deeper than debates on politics or economics. By drawing from an array of Northern and Southern sources - spanning from Heidegger, Junger and Stirner's philosophies, through Pessoa's poetry, to Advaita Vedanta, Bhartrhari, Ibn Arabi, Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra's theosophies - Magic is presented as an alternative system of reality to Technic. While Technic attempts to capture the world through an `absolute language', Magic centres its reconstruction of the world around the notion of the `ineffable' that lies at the heart of existence. Technic and Magic is an original philosophical work, and a timely cultural intervention. It disturbs our understanding of the structure of reality, while restoring it in a new form. This is possibly the most radical act: if we wish to change our world, first we have to change the idea of `reality' that defines it.
In an age in which our most serious crisis is not spiritual but environmental, Campagna s form of magical thinking falls short of its world-changing objectives. By drawing from an array of Northern and Southern sources spanning from Heidegger, Junger and Stirner s philosophies, through Pessoa s poetry, to Advaita Vedanta, Bhartrhari, Ibn Arabi, Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra s theosophies Magic is presented as an alternative system of reality to Technic.
Akko is determined to prove herself and overcome the challenges that await her at the academy. Throughout the series, Akko befriends other witches, including her roommates Lotte and Sucy. Together, they navigate through the various trials and tribulations of school life while experiencing both humorous and heartfelt moments.
Technic and Magic: Federico Campagna in conversation
Technic and Magic: The Reconstruction of Reality is an original philosophical work, and a timely cultural intervention.
We take for granted that only certain kind of things exist – electrons but not angels, passports but not nymphs. This is what we understand as 'reality'. But in fact, 'reality' varies with each era of the world, in turn shaping the field of what is possible to do, think and imagine. Our contemporary age has embraced a troubling and painful form of reality: Technic.
Under Technic, the foundations of reality begin to crumble, shrinking the field of the possible and freezing our lives in an anguished state of paralysis. Technic and Magic shows that the way out of the present deadlock lies much deeper than debates on politics or economics. By drawing from an array of Northern and Southern sources – spanning from Heidegger, Junger and Stirner's philosophies, through Pessoa's poetry, to Advaita Vedanta, Bhartrhari, Ibn Arabi, Suhrawardi and Mulla Sadra's theosophies – Magic is presented as an alternative system of reality to Technic. While Technic attempts to capture the world through an 'absolute language', Magic centres its reconstruction of the world around the notion of the 'ineffable' that lies at the heart of existence.
Technic and Magic disturbs our understanding of the structure of reality, while restoring it in a new form. This is possibly the most radical act: if we wish to change our world, first we have to change the idea of 'reality' that defines it.
Biographies
Federico Campagna is a philosopher and writer. His latest books are Technic and Magic: The Reconstruction of Reality (Bloomsbury, 2018), and The Last Night (Zero Books, 2013). He is the editor of Franco Berardi’s philosophical anthology Quarant’anni Contro il Lavoro (Derive Approdi, 2017). He has presented his work in institutions including the 57th Venice Biennale (Venice), Documenta 13 (Kassel), the Serpentine Gallery (London), Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art (Moscow), MACBA (Barcelona). Federico is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Communication at the Royal College of Art, London.
Franco 'Bifo' Berardi is a writer and theorist based in Bologna. His work revolves mainly around the aesthetics of the contemporary psychosphere. His latest books include Futurability, Phenomenology of the End, and The Soul at Work. In the 1970s he was one of the founders of the pirate radio station Radio Alice, the magazine A/traverso and of the political movement Autonomia.
Heidegger, M. (1977) The Question Concerning Technology and Other Essays. Trans. William Lovitt. New York: Garland Publishing.
The underlying theme of friendship and self-belief is prevalent as Akko learns to appreciate her own unique talents and discovers her own path to success. Little Witch Academia label has gained popularity not only for its charming and whimsical animation but also for its relatable characters and uplifting storylines. The show appeals to a wide audience, including both children and adults, with its positive messages of perseverance, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself. The franchise has expanded beyond the original short film and subsequent anime series. There have been manga adaptations, video games, and even a Netflix spin-off series titled "Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade." The label has spawned a dedicated fan base and continues to draw new viewers with its enchanting world and lovable characters. Overall, Little Witch Academia is a beloved label that has captivated audiences with its magical storytelling and endearing characters. It serves as a reminder to follow one's dreams, believe in oneself, and find strength in the bonds of friendship..
Reviews for "Little Witch Academia's Stunning Visuals: Anatomy of an Animated Masterpiece"
1. Jennifer - 2/5 stars:
I was really disappointed with "Little Witch Academia Label". I had heard so many great things about the main series and was excited to dive into this spin-off. However, the storyline was lacking and the characters felt one-dimensional. The dialogue was also quite cheesy and didn't capture my attention. Overall, I found the whole experience to be underwhelming and not worth the time.
2. Robert - 1/5 stars:
I couldn't even make it through the first episode of "Little Witch Academia Label". The animation quality was subpar and the voice acting felt forced. The plot didn't grip me at all and I found myself losing interest quickly. It's a shame because I was a fan of the original series, but this spin-off just didn't live up to my expectations. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars:
I found "Little Witch Academia Label" to be quite forgettable. The whole concept of the spin-off felt unnecessary and I didn't connect with the new characters introduced. The pacing was also off, with some episodes feeling rushed and others dragging on. It lacked the charm and magic that made the original series so enjoyable. Overall, I wouldn't recommend watching "Little Witch Academia Label" unless you're a die-hard fan of the franchise.