Izetta: The Last Witch is the first anime I’ve watched from fall anime season 2016. An original project from Ajiado Animation Works, Izetta: The Last Witch couldn’t be a more promising start to the season. Recent anime like Gangsta, 91 Days and Joker Game have all dipped into that dire, early-century setting feeling, but Izetta: The Last Witch injects whimsy, magic and personality into an episode 1 premise whose heavy setting might otherwise depress the viewer past bearing.
Izetta takes place in an alternate universe version of World War II. Princess Finé is our fiery, tomboyish protagonist, whose determination to save her people powers her through episode 1 like a pretty, violet-eyed force of nature. Germania’s ambitions threaten Izetta’s small home country of Eylstadt, so she meets with a representative of Brittania to discuss what she can do to solicit Brittania’s protection.
The titular Izetta is a tiny red-haired witch who possesses uncertain magical abilities, at least one of which is to fly. Capable of wiping out entire battalions, Izetta has been taken captive by the Germanians and put on ice… until she wakes up, pulsing rainbows, using a rifle as a broomstick and rescuing the Princess.
I loved Izetta and it is at the top of my must-watch queue for this season. Princess Finé is a Relena Peacecraft unfettered by ridiculous, unrequited affection for a tousle-mopped terrorist. Driven and focused from the first moment we see her, Princess Finé is the kind of smart, tough cookie you want to root for without any kind of repulsive, overweening perfection grafted on to substitute for personality.
On top of that, it’s clear that she’ll have a powerful attachment to Izetta, who we know will pledge her devotion to Princess Finé’s cause. I love the idea of a magical girl anime crossing wires with a political anime in a bed of Studio Ghibli magical realism and brave, determined female protagonists.
It’s way too soon to tell if Izetta: The Last Witch will devolve into moe yuri-bait, but it really doesn’t seem to be conceived as such so far. This show is not about Princess Finé finding a purpose in her listless life or cutely pursuing a random hobby of the day – the stakes are very high for herself and for her beloved kingdom. Germanians are antagonists with teeth, ruthless and brutal.
While we didn’t get to know Izetta yet in episode 1, we do get to see her magic in action. It’s every bit as impressive as one might hope, and she’s every bit as otherworldly in her introduction. Other characters, like a young Germanian officer and his glittery-eyed mentor, may have more nuanced roles later on, but hopefully won’t drag the spotlight away from Princess Finé, Izetta, and their almost impossible fight.
For its gentleness and magical realism, as well as its female protagonist, Izetta reminds me of Flying Witch . Its art style reminds me of Snow White With the Red Hair, and its episode 1 pacing and urgency remind me of the better Gundam series, with a whirlwind of political points and counterpoints under consideration. You can check Izetta out on Crunchyroll here, where it debuts with subtitles every Saturday at 11:45 AM.
Are you watching Izetta: The Last Witch? What did you think of episode 1? Feel free to discuss in our comments section below.
