Little Witch Academia Saga is a popular anime series that follows the adventures of young witches in a magical school called Luna Nova Academy. The story revolves around the main character, Atsuko Kagari, also known as Akko, who dreams of becoming a great witch like her idol, Shiny Chariot. Despite lacking magical abilities, Akko's determination and positivity lead her on various inspiring journeys filled with friendship and self-discovery. The saga is divided into three main parts: the original short film, the anime television series, and the sequel film. The original film, released in 2013, serves as an introduction to the magical world and the characters. It follows Akko's arrival at Luna Nova Academy and her participation in the annual witch parade.
Little Witch Academia, like its central character, has a ton of hidden potential. Since this first season was all about setting up the world-at-large, there’s definitely something more interesting in its future. As it stands, however, Academia is a fun and light series that’ll be worth watching for fans of great animation. It’s just light on plot you can truly invest in.
For a show about a magical school where crazy things are possible, at one point Akko chases a bee around a ballroom while Flight of the Bumblebee plays in the background. As these first 13 episodes are about Akko s daily life in the school, most share the same outline Akko learns about a new thing, messes up the new thing, stumbles around until she fixes the new thing.
It follows Akko's arrival at Luna Nova Academy and her participation in the annual witch parade. The anime television series, which aired from 2017 to 2018, expands upon the world and introduces new characters and challenges for Akko and her friends. Throughout the series, Akko and her friends face obstacles, learn valuable life lessons, and overcome their own shortcomings to achieve their dreams.
Review: Little Witch Academia (Season 1)
I’ve been anticipating Little Witch Academia for quite some time. Studio Trigger, the studio behind Kill la Kill and Space Patrol Luloco, produced a series created by Yo Yoshinari, who’s worked on Medabots, Gurren Lagann, and Neon Genesis Evangelion. Meaning it was okay to be a little excited for the series given the combined talent involved.
While Netflix’s Western distribution has certainly derailed some of the hype I had for the series (chopping the current 25 episodes in half, not releasing the series on a weekly basis as other distributors are able to do), I’m pretty satisfied with what we got. 13 episodes of a great looking, cute, Looney Tunes inspired series that needs juuuuust a little more depth.
Little Witch Academia (Season 1)
Director: Yo Yoshinari
Rating: TV-Y7
Release Date: June 30, 2017 (Netflix)
Akko’s (Megumi Han/Erica Mendez) been dreaming of going to the Luna Nova Magical Academy ever since she was a child. Although she has no real magical abilities herself, she’s been inspired by her idol Shiny Chariot, a famous witch entertainer who disappeared ten years ago, to become a great witch herself. The first season then follows Akko and her accidental friends, the studious Lotte (Fumiko Orikasa/Stephanie Sheh) and the poison lover Sucy (Michiyo Murase/Rachelle Heger), as they stumble and fumble through their first couple of weeks at the academy, unlock the mysteries of Shiny Chariot’s Shiny Rod, and prove they’re as good at magic as everyone else.
You can’t discuss a Studio Trigger series without getting past the necessary praising of its animation. I was wondering how Trigger’s fluid action animation would translate into a world with a tone completely offset from what they’ve done in the past, and it seems the choice was to embrace a more slapstick vibe. Drawing influence from everything from, uh, Pawn Stars to Looney Tunes (which was super noticeable when Akko accidentally gave herself rabbit ears), Little Witch Academia has tons of personality in every frame. It’s slightly reflective of that art design philosophy where as long as you can recognize the character, they’re on model. Trigger’s most prominent squash and stretch techniques are used here primarily to emote. Akko is probably one of my favorite Trigger series characters because the team wasn’t afraid to constantly make her look ridiculous. Giving her a true underdog charm really helps elevate the standard formula most episodes have.
As these first 13 episodes are about Akko’s daily life in the school, most share the same outline: Akko learns about a new thing, messes up the new thing, stumbles around until she fixes the new thing. It’s super cute, yes, and doesn’t devalue Akko as a character, but it really hammers home how standard of a hero’s journey story the series is telling. Since the episodes tend to have a week-by-week pace (meaning most developments don’t seem to carry over from episode to episode) rather than emphasize the greater story arc of the Shiny Rod and its seven super spells, some plot feels like filler. I’m sure some episodes are here for strictly character development, and it’s great to see completely fantastical settings from time to time (such as “Akko’s Adventures in Sucyland”), but I found myself not caring about whether or not Akko was going to pass her fish exam or whatever.
But even with a few weaker episodes, the strengths of smaller moments help give Little Witch Academia its own footprint. For a show about a magical school where crazy things are possible, at one point Akko chases a bee around a ballroom while “Flight of the Bumblebee” plays in the background. Rather than fuel utterly fantastical mayhem, the magic of the world is used to make situations more unworldly. This Looney Tunes-esque scene plays out in a natural fashion, oddly enough. This scene, goofy as it is, completely fits the series and Akko’s character. Very few things are out of place. This grounded, yet otherworldly nature of the world eventually gives more weight to the more emotional beats toward the end of the season too.
Little Witch Academia, like its central character, has a ton of hidden potential. Since this first season was all about setting up the world-at-large, there’s definitely something more interesting in its future. As it stands, however, Academia is a fun and light series that’ll be worth watching for fans of great animation. It’s just light on plot you can truly invest in.
I can’t quite recommend this series yet, but seeing as how it started as a short film, then a longer film adaptation, now a TV series, and even spreading to games, Little Witch Academia has an appeal not many other shows have. It’s just so pure.
7.5
Solid and definitely has an audience. There could be some hard-to-ignore faults, but the experience is fun.
I can’t quite recommend this series yet, but seeing as how it started as a short film, then a longer film adaptation, now a TV series, and even spreading to games, Little Witch Academia has an appeal not many other shows have. It’s just so pure.
In 2017, a sequel film titled "Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade" was released, continuing the story from the original short film. The film delves deeper into the magical world and focuses on the theme of acceptance and unity. It explores the dynamics between witches and non-witch students at Luna Nova Academy and highlights the importance of collaboration. One of the main themes running through the saga is the power of believing in oneself and embracing individuality. Akko's journey inspires viewers to pursue their dreams and overcome their own insecurities. Additionally, the series promotes the value of teamwork and friendship as the characters learn to work together and support one another. Overall, the Little Witch Academia Saga is a heartwarming and charming tale that enchants viewers with its magical world and endearing characters. It explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance, illustrating the transformative power of following one's passion and believing in oneself..
Reviews for "Little Witch Academia Saga: A Celebration of Female Empowerment and Sisterhood"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Little Witch Academia saga. The story felt lackluster and the characters were one-dimensional. I had high hopes for this series based on the positive reviews I had heard, but it just didn't live up to the hype for me. The animation was beautiful, but that wasn't enough to make up for the weak plot and underdeveloped characters. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - I wasn't a huge fan of the Little Witch Academia saga. While the animation was stunning and the magical world was captivating, I found the pacing to be slow and the plot to be predictable. Additionally, I felt that the characters lacked depth and weren't as engaging as I had hoped. It had its moments, but overall, it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars - Little Witch Academia saga had potential, but it fell flat for me. The humor felt forced and the storylines were clichéd. I didn't find myself connecting with any of the characters and the whole concept of a magical school for witches felt overdone. The animation was well-done, but that alone couldn't save the series for me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and memorable anime experience.