Name(s): Little Witch Academia / Wakate Animator Ikusei Project / 2012 Young Animator Training Project / Anime Mirai 2012 / LWA / リトルウィッチアカデミア
Format: Movie
Studio(s): Trigger
Related: Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade (2015)

While looking for a quick one-off to watch as a break from something else, I decided to look at the Anime Mirai 2013 entries again as it was the same event that gave me the highly-enjoyable Death Billiards. The fantastic art style of Little Witch Academia immediately caught my eye as it reminded me of Takehito Harada’s style, one of my favorite “anime” artists.

In fact, considering how inspired Little Witch Academia is by Japanese fantasy video games I wish it simply were some lost Nippon Ichi Systems RPG. But in any case, I’m happy with what turned out. The concept of a magic academy has always been such a brilliant idea that’d it be a shame to just leave it to the Harry Potter franchise, and numerous things have taken after it realizing that. However, Little Witch Academia is the first animated entry I’ve seen in this genre, and it takes full advantage of its medium to produce fittingly vibrant pastel-like colors and equally dazzling magical lights that does such a “daydreamer” story justice.

Though only 25 minutes, by mostly eliminating lengthy transitions and establishing shots, Little Witch Academia finds just enough time to show us the basics of everything about the world and characters, and is actually fairly eventful as it fits in a balanced typical three-act structure. Akko Kagari is as generic a female lead as they come, but her bizarre creepy friend Sucy Manbavaran and typically pompous rival Diana Cavendish pick up some of the lacking charm.

Little Witch Academia hits the nail on the head in its understanding of the appeal of the “Magic Academy” genre, and backs it up with competent art and animation. With its Disney feel (if Disney were cooler) and warm vibe emanating from its smooth colors, it’s a very hard short to disagree with. In fact, I look forward to the sequel and only wish I could watch a series of this quality or a full movie (and by that, I mean none of that typical 80-minute runtime bullshit). Why is this not being funded?