Little Witch Academia, is Trigger’s latest original anime release, with the first thirteen episodes (both subbed and dubbed) airing on the Netflix streaming platform, however, it should be noted that the total 25 episodes have been released with English subs in Japan. Based on the OVA short and sequel film preceding it, the anime TV adaptation follows Atsuko “Akko” Kagari as she enrolls in the once famous Witch Academy ‘Luna Nova’, which once housed her idol Shiny Chariot, whom she looks up to. Unfortunately for Akko, however, she lacks even the smallest amount of magic and struggles performing simple spells such as flying on a broom. With the help of her friends Lotte & Sucy, as well as her fellow Luna Nova students and Professor Ursula, she slowly begins to grasp hold of magic.

Little Witch Academia is a 2017 fantasy anime adaptation of the OVA and film sequel of the same name, it is produced by Trigger, and licensed by Netflix for streaming. The first thirteen episodes are available on Netflix in English dub and subs, the remaining twelve are currently available in subs only.

Editor’s Note: Due to the complete series having been released elsewhere, this review will contain near complete, to complete spoilers for all 25 episodes. Netflix viewers please be wary of this.

A charmingly animated anime adaptation suitable for all ages.

If you like Trigger & dig Boku no Hero Academia, then odds are you’ll end up loving Little Witch Academia. The TV adaptation is a far more expansive take on the OVA & film sequel to said OVA that preceded it. The story of the TV anime once again follows lead character Akko; an aspiring witch who’s dream is to become just like her heroine Shiny Chariot. A once famous witch who has since been shunned by most of the magic community and has gone in hiding. After attending the same magic academy as Chariot, Luna Nova, Akko begins to train under the magical arts, she soon learns that she has to work far more harder than her fellow students due to herself being magicless. As the story progresses, Akko will have to face the challenges surrounding not only her educating, but the mysteries of Luna Nova & Chariot’s disappearance.

Akko (right) with best friends Lotte & Sucy (background).

THE GOOD: If you’re a fan of Trigger’s previous work such as Kill la Kill & Gurren Lagann, to the point of recognizing their art and writing style, then chances are you’ll love Little Witch Academia, as it features both of the producer’s usual touch. It’s cute, hilarious, and has an very well liked cast of characters, and almost everyone gets some development and a respectable amount of screen time. The first arc deals with Akko’s growth as a witch, while the second has her realizing her growing magical abilities, while searching for seven magical words that will unleash the “reconstruction magic” and thus saving the world of witchery. The second arc also introduces Croix, a witch looking to combine magic with technology, because she feels the current age of magic is dying like most of the world. While each episode can often feel like filler, that’s not necessarily the case, as they all have a bit of their own singular plot that individually continue the main story of each arc. The series has a very satisfying closing to its story, especially for Akko.

A likely one off we’re sad to see end.

THE BAD: Not every character gets a closing arc come the end of episode 25, which is disappointing. And considering this is a Trigger production, there’s likely not to be a continuation or second season, although it is their first attempt at creating a franchise, so who knows what will happen down the road?

A great series with a (mostly) satisfying end.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Little Witch Academia was a hilarious, witty, charming adventure throughout its run. Akko is an absolutely adorable character, and the rest of the cast were enjoyable. It’s a shame that this is likely the end of the story, given Trigger’s history with continuations, but we’ll see. Otaku Dome gives Little Witch Academia a 87 out of 100.