Ichi the Witch: Why you should be reading this tale of magic and friendship

Ichi the Witch, also known as Madan no Ichi, has quickly made a name for itself as a highly imaginative fantasy manga. The series has been published in Weekly Shonen Jump since September 9, 2024, with 39 chapters released to date.

At first glance, Ichi the Witch may seem like a typical manga centered around magic and friendship themes. However, it offers a compelling story with an expansive world, memorable characters, touching themes, and a unique approach to magic and spells.

Ichi the Witch is set in a world where creatures called Majik embody supernatural powers. By completing special tasks assigned by the Majik, witches can tame them and harness their abilities. Although only women are initially believed to be capable of becoming witches, a young boy named Ichi breaks through this barrier.

As a hunter with a sharp instinct for danger, Ichi’s life changes after he acquires a Majik called King Uroro and joins the ranks of the witches. Being the first of his kind, Ichi is recruited into the Witches Association and is mentored by the Abyssal Witch, Desscaras.

While initially naive about the ways of the world, Ichi quickly faces a series of challenges that open his eyes and motivate him to seek a fulfilling life. Ichi the Witch is a captivating story that feels fresh while also honoring classic shonen tropes.

The idea of Majiks, where creatures must be obtained to gain magic powers, is incredibly creative, especially since the Majiks themselves have unique personalities. Their trials depend on various conditions, making them both easy and deadly.

Ichi the Witch has also refined its pacing, avoiding rushing through the plot while maintaining enough speed to keep viewers engaged. The core of the series is its perfect mix of action, emotion, and comedy. At first, the manga was more light-hearted, highlighting the funny banter between the relaxed Ichi and the proud Desscaras.

However, over time, the stakes become clearer, and the story fully explores its emotional depth. For example, the latest manga arc, the Bakugami Arc, features a powerful villain called Bakugami who steals sadness from people, turning them into fanatics who follow it blindly.

Sensing the danger of losing touch with one’s emotions, Ichi teams up with Gokuraku to free the country from the villainous Bakugami. This forces the citizens to confront their past traumas but also teaches them to accept loss and move on. The result is a tear-jerking sequence that demonstrates the true potential of the manga.

Similarly, another important emotional theme the story explores is the value of friendship and family. Ichi is a boy who has lived alone in the forest his entire life, never experiencing human connection. However, after becoming a witch, he forms meaningful friendships with his peers.

This helps him better understand the nuances of human emotion instead of just reacting to danger. Ichi’s growth, combined with the story’s shift from a charming magical adventure to a more complex tale of drama and action, creates a highly engaging reading experience.

The All-star team behind Ichi the Witch

Ichi the Witch is created by two experienced manga industry veterans who have combined their talents to develop this series. Firstly, the story is written by Osamu Nishi, best known for Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun. While the comedic and heartwarming elements of her earlier work are also present in Ichi the Witch, she has chosen to intensify the drama and increase the stakes. The art is credited to the highly acclaimed Shiro Usazaki, who previously worked on Act-Age.

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While Act-Age was abruptly cancelled, its stunning artwork and designs remained among its greatest strengths. Usazaki’s talents are also evident in Ichi the Witch, with magical battles, character designs, and detailed backgrounds that lift every panel.

Therefore, now is as good a time as any to catch up on Ichi the Witch, which is just starting to gain momentum and is likely to attract mainstream audiences in the future.

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