The Witch of Artemis Volume 1

Manga
The Witch of Artemis Volume 1
By Chris Zimmerman
September 29, 2010 - 18:13

Tokyopop
Writer(s): Yui Hara
Penciller(s): Yui Hara
ISBN: 978-1-4278-1554-5
$10.99 US

As a boy, Kazuki often found himself thinking of the fantastical world of Artemis. Told to him in a series of stories by his father, Kazuki often dreamed of visiting the world even long after his father’s death. As fate would have it, an unintended meeting between himself and two girls claiming to have come from Artemis sends his life careening out of control. Not only are the two witches, but they also have contrasting personalities that deceive their true intentions. After narrowly escaping death from the nice witch, Kazuki finds himself spirited away by the Grand Witch Maries, whose temper is matched only by her aptitude in magic.

Unfortunately for Kazuki, life on Artemis isn’t all it’s cracked up to be as he finds himself surrounded by magic users. Further complicating matters is Marie who initially snubs him, but later on reluctantly allows him to tag along while she helps others, though she does so grudgingly.

The Witch of Artemis is a cute story with a few points that separate it from the norm. Among these is the interesting dynamic between Kazuki and Marie whose personality would classify her as a bad witch despite the fact that she helps others. Kazuki’s unending optimism is also worthy of note as he continues to put on a smile regardless of all the abuse he takes at Marie’s hands as well as others.

Sadly, aside from an interesting premise, everything else just comes off as average. This is hardly the first series to use the premise of a child traveling to a magical world nor will it be the last. While it does attempt to add a different flavor to the classic formula, everything comes off as average, though fans of fantasy will probably be too caught up in the multiple witch girls to notice.

Rating: 7.5/10

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The Witch of Artemis Volume 1