Introduction:
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At the time of writing this review, the Witch Watch anime adaptation has just begun airing. With the added display, I expect the series to gain much more attention soon. However, as someone who has followed the manga since around 2022, I wanted to share my thoughts before the spotlight fully turns to it. This also marks my first time writing a review on AniList, and I don't think I could have picked a better title to start with.
As a long-time fan of comedy manga, I’ve read many series that attempt to balance humor with mostly romance but also other elements like action or slice-of-life—but few manage to juggle them as well as Witch Watch. This manga didn’t just make me laugh; it made me laugh to the point of tears. But what impressed me most was how it fluidly switches tones, proving itself to be far more than just a romance-comedy. Over time, it introduces suspenseful story arcs, intense action scenes, and moments of drama that slowly build it up to something greater.
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Kenta Sinohara:
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The author, Kenta Shinohara, is no stranger to blending genres. He’s best known for Sket Dance and also worked as an assistant on Gintama, which had a big influence on this series. The pacing and tonal progression in Witch Watch are heavily reminiscent of Gintama, shifting seamlessly from absurd comedy to emotional storytelling, yet he manages to put his own spin on it, resulting in a series that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Pro's:
What makes Witch Watch stand out is its expertly crafted humor. The comedy is quirky, self-aware, and often unpredictable. It plays with genre tropes and character dynamics in clever ways that feel genuinely original. Beyond that, the characters are impressively multidimensional. Both male and female leads are given room to grow, develop, and reveal different sides of themselves throughout the story. Their interactions remain engaging whether the chapter is focused on slapstick comedy or more serious developments, which makes the more serious moments even better.
As the series progresses, it becomes clear that Shinohara is laying the groundwork for larger, more ambitious arcs. The later chapters sometimes feature surprisingly strong action sequences, drama, and moments of suspense that raise the emotional stakes significantly, while still going back to that early playfulness. It’s this tonal flexibility that gives Witch Watch its staying power—just when you think it’s only here to make you laugh, it hits you with something deeper.
Con's:
That said, it’s not a perfect series. Some of the comedy-focused chapters miss the mark, depending heavily on niche humor that may not appeal to everyone. While some will find these bits charmingly eccentric, others might feel disconnected. Additionally, the slice-of-life pacing, especially in the earlier parts of the manga, might feel too slow or meandering for readers looking for a more plot-driven experience. This is also true for the later arcs of the series. While some of them become quite intense, the story ultimately stays rooted in its original genre and tone.
Conclusion:
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Still, these are minor criticisms in what is otherwise a deeply enjoyable and well-crafted series. Witch Watch is a refreshing, heartfelt, and often hilarious ride that keeps evolving the longer you stick with it. With interesting storylines, a cast of lovable characters, and a creator who clearly understands how to balance tone and genre, this manga delivers both laughs and emotional payoff in equal measure.
Whether you’re here for the comedy, the characters, or the slowly unfolding mystery behind the fantasy world, Witch Watch has something to offer. It’s a hidden gem (or used to be one) that deserves more recognition—and with the anime on the rise, there’s no better time to give it a shot.
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