MANGA REVIEW | "Flying Witch" - Volume Ten
Every volume of Flying Witch is like a quick escape to a world of comfort. Its pacing, visuals, and characters always manages to bring forth nothing but good vibes. In this volume of Flying Witch, the soul-soothing times have Makoto and Akane going somewhere they haven’t been in a long time: home.
After a day of exchanging homegrown foods, Makoto makes plans to see her parents. Akane reluctantly tags along, as their mother has been worried about her well-being. Upon entering Kanagawa, the sisters are greeted by family, friends, and a kind of magic that looks horrifying when it loses its power. That’s when Makoto and her two friend Miko and Yayoi set off on a quest to find out why a certain temple is suffering from torrential rainfall.
There’s a good amount of focus placed on being reacquainted with Flying Witch’s surroundings. (I mean, it’s been a year since the last volume, after all!) Seeing Makoto being chummy with her neighbors shows how closely-knit the community she currently resides in is. Everyone has a kind face, with a soul that’s just as warm and welcoming.
But when it comes time for Makoto and Akane to head to Kanagawa, the laughs can begin. Watching Makoto chase after a stuffed teddy bear is a funny visual gag, while the cats Chito and Kenny have an interesting time pretending to be dolls on the train ride home. (Perhaps a nod to Kiki’s Delivery Service?) Miko gets a great laugh when her duplication magic is on display, with Makoto and her father looking horrified by what happens when you touch a clone.
Perhaps the best humor comes in the form of Makoto’s quest. The mysterious rain that falls hard at the Gotoku-ji Temple leads to one catty situation, with the witches-in-training stumped on what’s going on. This leads to some very humorous expressions from the surprise cause, as well as an unexpected friend coming in to aid in finding a solution. All of it is wrapped up in the best way this manga can: with happy resolutions and warm embraces.
Flying Witch keeps the good times rolling, with its tenth volume showcasing a great deal of magic, humor, and warmth. Author Chihiro Ishizuka continues to deliver some of the most positive vibes in their narrative. The laughs are more hearty here, something that came as a surprise for this longtime reader. Nevertheless, when the laughter ends, Flying Witch always manages to bring us back to the realm of relaxation, as this volume has wonderfully demonstrated.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Tomo Tran of Kodansha Manga
