The Increasingly Dark Vibes of Witch Hat Atelier (includes spoilers)

What started out as an innocent perspective of a little girl, excited to learn magic, turns into a commentary about the societal divide between magicians and humans. Coco is now aware of the reality of how their world works, and it isn’t fair.

*Spoiler from here on out!

The series had many tense moments. From Coco’s guilt about petrifying her mother (possibly killing her) to the earth-shattering knowledge that everyone is capable of casting spells, the manga has had its share of dark moments. But volumes 8 and 9 have cranked up the seriousness to 100.

Every moral dilemma throughout the series has led to Volumes 8 and 9. The consequences of concealing knowledge from humans get a close and personal look.

Custas makes a return in Vol 8. After the mudslide incident in Vol 2, his injuries sustained render him unable to ever walk. It’s against the law to teach humans magic and it’s illegal to cast dark Magic to heal. This gives Tartah and Coco the idea to create a magical tool for Custas to wear.

Although their creation was a success, and Custas could fly and glide wherever he wanted, his happiness didn’t last long. Bandits attack and are saved by a mysterious witch who shares the truth about magic and provides him with new legs.

With this new knowledge, he is understandably upset. I honestly can not blame Custas for his change in character and resentment towards witches.

If there was a way to solve a problem and someone gatekeeps the answer, wouldn’t you be angry? Wouldn’t you want to take charge? The author masterfully weaves a whimsical tale that transports you into a magical world while introducing thought-provoking content to ponder about.

Anyway, I hope there’s a happy-ish ending to this arc or the dilemma about magic is solved. Because that’s messed up. I feel for Custas, and I feel for the helpless Coco and Tartah.