Get lost in the book that inspired 2026’s most anticipated anime!

In today’s world, who doesn’t want to get lost in a magical adventure with captivating art and a whimsical story? Thankfully Kamome Shirahama‘s Eisner Award winner, Witch Hat Atelier, is here to whisk us away.

You might have seen buzz around Witch Hat Atelier recently with the release of its first anime season, a production that took nearly 4 years of meticulous care to replicate the magic felt from the manga. After years of dedication and delays, the studio BUG FILMS was finally able to start releasing season 1 last month. But why would they go through all that trouble for a seemingly cute coming of age story? Open page one of the manga and you’ll immediately understand why this story would be adapted with such love.

Coco is the kind and daydreaming daughter of a dressmaker who aspires to become a witch, but because only innate magical users can practice magic, she’s forced to give up on her dream. One day she meets a witch named Qifrey, and after she witnesses how he uses magic (by drawing complex runes with magical ink), Coco accidentally casts an unknown spell that encases her mother and house in crystals.

Not knowing what spell she cast, Qifrey takes Coco under his wing to help her undo the magic cast on her mother and fulfil her dream- all while trying to track down an ominous coven possibly behind the incident. As Coco immerses herself into this new, wondrous world, a sinister plot begins to thicken around her.

Kamome Shirahama, author & artist, brings a special flare to every page and layout she’s ever put out. Her style stands somewhere between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, with every line having purpose to what is needing to be conveyed. One of my favorite things about the manga is how Shirahama structures a page- she’s not afraid to leave space, which gives breathing room to the gorgeous details that fill every panel.

Whether this is your first time hearing about Witch Hat Atelier or you’ve been catching the release of the anime, we hope that you will give it a chance to spark a little bit of magic in your heart. While the regular Volume 1 is a great place to start (priced at $12.99+tax), we would be remised to not recommend the newly released Grimoire Edition (priced at 49.99+tax), which combines volumes 1-3 in a oversized hard cover. Perfect for appreciating the artistry of the story and great for anyone who has already been cherishing the manga series.

If you are interested in seeing what all the hype is about, let us know here by ordering with us. Safe casting witches!