Ichi the Witch (Madan no Ichi)

I recently discovered an incredibly captivating manga titled Ichi the Witch! In this manga's unique world, magic is portrayed as living beings with their own consciousness. To learn magic, one must overcome trials set by each magical entity, and traditionally, only women have been able to master it. (Those who successfully acquire magic are called witches.) The very first chapter immediately drew me in. The concept of a male protagonist, Ichi, mastering the legendary magic "King Uloro," which no witch had been able to master for a thousand years, felt extremely fresh and original. The decision to depict magic as living entities is brilliant. It creates thrilling possibilities—magic can become powerful adversaries or provide new avenues to develop unique abilities. But perhaps the greatest advantage of this creative choice is the emotional depth and drama that can unfold between humans and magic itself. Ichi, the protagonist, has a brave, loyal, and classic Shonen Jump personality. His naive interactions and humorous dynamics with Uloro remind me of beloved characters like Naruto and Tanjiro from Demon Slayer.

July 13, 2025

Not only does Ichi the Witch offer a solid, classic adventure, it also excels with its comedic timing and well-placed humor. There are several intriguing mysteries woven into the story, such as why Ichi could learn magic in the first place, and the backgrounds of his mentor and parents, which remain unresolved and promise exciting future developments. Currently, the series has only three volumes released, but given its engaging story, unique concept, and broad appeal, it seems highly likely that an anime adaptation is just around the corner.

July 13, 2025