A quick exit.
Creative Staff
Story/Art: Asahi Sakano
Translation: Adrienne Beck
What They Say
In a world full of Evils, humanity’s only hope is the inhuman power of the witches.
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
Guardian of the Witch is coming closer to a time where I make a choice on whether to continue or not with it. I figured I’d give it ten chapters to see what it does to make me want to continue on which is basically about a single volume or so depending. I’ve liked aspects of what Asahi Sakano has done so far but there’s a quickness to it that keeps it from really getting to reveal its ideas well and you end up with something more superficial than it needs to be. The artwork is still the strong point with it but we do get a little more story material here that helps and a new character introduction that could be quite interesting to see how they factor into things and what history they bring.
Fafner’s fight against Gen and Ruli with Manasfa by his side has gone fairly well so far, all things considered, but I had to laugh when Fafner finally gets a good swing in and it pretty much takes Gen out of the picture. Because of the dynamic with his witch, Gen can’t actually do much as everything is weakened because of it. And that has him going the bluster route in order to make play at everything being in his favor and that he and Ruli have to leave. It’s something that certainly fits the tone of the series but at the same time it just doesn’t work for me because it’s too easy of a way to bring the fight to a close while making sure that both Gen and Ruli can be allies down the line. Which we know is coming because Fafner and Manasfa are on the side of right. Fafner at least wants to continue the fight because he wants to beat the snot out of Gen after what he did to Nahta.
While this provides for some relief for Fafner and his group – and they do celebrate a little at first – Manasfa is pretty much down and out with the wounds that she’s taken from using her powers, which Nahta at least knows how to handle. But to make matters worse, the town locals have found out what’s gone on back in Berne and that has them casting suspicion on the trio here, which means they have to get out of there. The travel side is rough with Manasfa as she is but it’s good to see them back on the road and coming across new people that could be a real problem. That they run across some Evils first is not a surprise but the potential of what we’ve got here with this mysterious new stranger will keep me on the series for a few more chapters.
In Summary:
Guardian of the Witch isn’t bad, it’s just… familiar. It’s moving quickly with what it’s doing and providing a good bit of history along the way but it’s largely coming across as borrowed with bits of new mixed in. It’s an easy access kind of property and one that really does qualify as a good starter manga for readers. I do like what we get with some of the smaller moments, especially with our core trio after the fight, and I’m intrigued by our new addition at the end. Sakano’s artwork continues to be solidly fun in its execution and I like the design we get for Manasfa as the use of her magic is really showing across her face.
Content Grade: B-
Art Grade: B
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Shonen Jump
Release Date: March 15th, 2020
