Little Witch Academia TV Series Review

So it is with a heavy heart that the Little Witch Academia TV series has reached its conclusion in Japan, though the series is recently made available on Netflix. Probably not for those who prefer seeing two guys beating the living hell out of each other. Still, if you want quality anime that also represents what anime is to newcomers, Little Witch Academia is basically it.

The TV series is a remake of the first two films. In addition to borrowing elements from the films, it also expands on the show's lore, such as Shiny Chariot's origin.

The TV remake can be divided into two major arcs. The first 13 episodes is a series of misadventures for protagonist Akko as she tries to master magic despite her less than standard results. These episodes range from the adorable to the outrageous, with several references and memes here and there. It is also in these 13 episodes that voice actress Megumi Han really shows off her talent as Akko, being able to express several types of emotions that fit Akko's character perfectly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Another thing I enjoyed with the first half is Akko's virtually unyielding spirit and motivation. She is that determined to master the art of magic no matter what. It's quite inspirational to see her keep going in spite of the hardship she went through. You could easily interpret this in a variety of ways, such as your religious faith, success in the business world, etc.

When we reach the second half, things changed up as Akko gets a dose of reality that yes, she has an unyielding spirit, but that's not enough for her to learn and master magic. She has to work really hard to achieve her goal. It is also in the second half when show's plot finally reveals itself. Akko is given the Shiny Rod, which its true power of restoring magic to the world can only be unlocked if she is able to recite the 7 Lost Words and their hidden meanings. So the second half has Akko figuring out the Lost Words, along the way interacting and forming bonds with other characters.

At the same time we are introduced to the series's antagonist, Croix Meridies. Croix is aware of the 7 Lost Words and is attempting to unlock those herself, but in a very twisted manner. She was Chariot's former friend and rival and the relationship between the two broke down over Croix's jealousy of Chariot, and wanting the power of the Shiny Rod for herself. This was quite a giveaway in the show's 2nd opening, where we see Akko and her rival Diana walking past each other before revealing a young Chariot and Croix, indicating that Akko and Diana are also following the same path. So it all comes down to how Akko and Diana settle their differences. The last few episodes of the series places Akko's unyielding spirit to the ultimate test as revelations are put out in the open and with the fate of the world at stake.

To veer off for a moment, the way the final conflict is handled is something that I've been discussing over when it comes to another series - Dragon Ball. This is because both feature the concept of Yin and Yang, Light and Darkness, Good and Evil. Most fans of Dragon Ball firmly believed that the fights within Dragon Ball are settled by whoever has the strongest power. For me, especially with the current Dragon Ball Super series, it is less about who has the stronger power and more of the concept of Yin and Yang and how these two forces interact with each other. This concept is the forefront of the final conflict in Little Witch Academa.

Storywise, I really can't find anything wrong with the way Studio TRIGGER wrote the series. Personally, I was a bit disappointed when the show took a serious turn, but it served a purpose and was executed perfectly. The ending is done the way TRIGGER is always known for, with the way they handled their previous works like Kill la Kill, and even going as far as their years under Studio Gainax with Gunbuster, and with incredible animation to boot. I am very glad how everyone gathered up and interact with each other, making me want the series, should it continue, go to an episodic format with everyone having their own misadventures.

To put it in another way, I would like Studio TRIGGER to write an episode of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, or the Equestria Girls spin-off, as that's how Little Witch Academia ultimately ends up being - the girls get together, learn the value of friendship, and their faith in magic. Just like My Little Pony.

Historically, Studio TRIGGER does NOT do continuations of their IPs after one season. However, more recently they have announced a 2nd season of Inferno Cop as well as upcoming announcements of their future projects, which they've yet to do so as of this recording. Given that Little Witch Academia did leave a bit of room for a sequel, then there is a possibility that the show gets a 2nd season.

Word has it that Yoh Yoshinari, the director and creator of Little Witch Academia, wanted Akko and Andrew to end up as a couple, but was persuaded by the producers to do otherwise. Naturally, I was disappointed the romance didn't happen as Akko and Andrew had great chemistry together. That said, I do side with the producers because the plot of the second half has so much going that there's no room for the two to hit it off. So I'm just crossing my fingers that, should the series get another season, Akko and Andrew would have more time together and build their relationship.

I understand that Little Witch Academia is not for everyone because its overall presentation is more towards the Disney-like crowd. This is in spite that the show is more aimed at the anime fanbase as it aired late nights in Japan. But those who don't see this as their cup of tea are missing out on a great storyline, great animation, great comedy, and it has a very likable cast and great vocal talent. Not only is this series a contender for Anime of The  Year, but as I said at the very beginning of this review, it is an excellent entry point for anyone wanting to get to the anime medium. You want to know what makes anime so great? This is the prime example. On a scale of 1 to 5, I give Little Witch Academia: The Series, a 5 out of 5.

Little Witch Academia TV Quick Thoughts

So earlier this week, Studio TRIGGER, the team behind hits like Kill la Kill, Inferno Cop, and more recently Space Patrol Luluco, just aired their latest project on Japanese TV - the TV adaptation of Little Witch Academia. Already those who've seen 24 hours after it aired are already calling it as contender for Anime of The Year in 2017. I can't blame them. When I watched the episode, I was actually shedding tears. Not because it's sad or anything, but the entire presentation of the first episode of Little Witch Academia is just beautiful.

For the uninitiated, Little Witch Academia, or LWA for short, is an adaptation of the two films of the same name also from Studio TRIGGER that came out some years ago, to universal acclaim by critics and fans (the 2nd film, in particular, was funded via Kickstarter by around $625,000). The TV version follows the same story as the films, but given a lot more detail and a number of changes. As such, you do not have to watch the films to enjoy the TV series.

Now I made a review of the two films and gave them both 5 out of 5, as they are indeed so beautiful and a must see for everyone, whether you are an Anime fan or otherwise. The TV version is no different. From the surface, you might think it's a an all-female version of Harry Potter, and you may be right as LWA does have similarities. Having said that, the execution is done very, very well I would wish J.K. Rowling should give it a watch and express her thoughts on it.

As for the changes in the TV series from the films, I personally welcomed it. It provides an expanded scope of the world of LWA, as well as further expansion into the personas of the characters. The first episode has teased that there's a lot in store for our main characters, and it may not be as light-hearted as we see here. So for those who want a little bit of a darker tone, you're going to get it. Given TRIGGER's track record when it comes to action sequences, I expect nothing less than pure awesomeness. As usual, since the staff at TRIGGER are huge fans of Western Animation, those with a good eye can spot a cameo appearance of a well known animated character.

So yes, Little Witch Academia is amazing and I am just blown away by how Studio TRIGGER handled it. That's why I call them the next best thing after Stuido Ghibli, which is why TRIGGER gets courted a lot by Cartoon Network and others for a possilble collaboration. Which is also why I'm so surprised no one ever bothered to pick this up for an American release on Cable TV. Instead, the series will be available on Netflix, though I don't know when and if Netflix will air it in its entirely or a week at a time.

Anyhow, I will watch Little Witch Academia to the very end, and I strongly encourage every one of you, regardless of your taste in Anime or animation in general, or even if you don't watch cartoons at all. Check this out. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.