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The publication history of "Eden of Witches" begins in France. Yumeji was recruited by the French manga publisher Ki-oon to draw the series. In addition to the French publication, the title has been published in Japan by Enterbrain in Harta magazine since October 2022.
Abrams ComicArts is bringing the work to the English-speaking market, and "Eden of Witches" is among the first titles of the Kana imprint, which may seem familiar to European fans as it is an offshoot of the Franco-Belgian manga publisher.
Currently, the series comprises seven volumes.
How Is Eden of Witches?
The beginning of the story is reminiscent of an old fairy tale. In the past, humanity lived in harmony with nature, but with the emergence of humans, the imbalance began. Humans, unable to communicate with other living beings, mistreated plants and animals, which forced nature to withdraw from the world and only allow witches to make contact with it.
The drawings contribute greatly to the atmosphere. The finely detailed lines, especially bringing nature and the Amurds to life, are the heart of this manga. There is a melancholic, almost old-fashioned aesthetic reminiscent of old woodcuts, which fits very well with the tragic, post-apocalyptic setting. The backgrounds are often sparse and empty, emphasizing the desolation of the world, but also highlighting the vast, untouched nature in the few remaining oases.
At the beginning of the story, Pili is a naive protagonist who knows her world exclusively through the lens of the secluded oasis. This naivety brings freshness to the narrative on one hand, but on the other hand, it causes Pili to get into dangerous situations that she cannot always assess correctly. Her journey, both internal and external, is characterized by a deep alienation from the real world, which she only gradually comprehends. Her development and interactions with humans and nature make up most of the emotional depth of the story.
At her side stands Oak, a mysterious, wolf-like companion who sprouted from a seed given to her by Toura. Oak is a mixture of animal and plant, and his design is fascinating and unique. Unlike in many similar narratives, their partnership does not immediately develop into a deep friendship. Oak is aloof and doubts Pili's abilities, while Pili herself still needs to learn to take responsibility. Their interactions are not characterized by rushed affection, but by slow approaches, misunderstandings, and quiet moments of understanding.
What certainly catches the eye immediately compared to other US publishers is the way the title is presented. The Kana imprint publishes its series as close as possible to the Japanese original, as is customary in Japan. Thus, you get a dust jacket, a cover image underneath, and color pages. Compared to the majority of manga publications, this approach of staying as close as possible to the Japanese or French publication method also leads to the paper and cover feeling very thin, in my opinion.
Is Eden of Witches Worth Reading?
"Eden of Witches" is a promising start to a dark story. The combination of an interesting ecological theme, an emotional journey of the protagonist, and impressive artwork makes the manga a worthwhile read. The first issue provides a solid entry into a world full of secrets and dangers. The dark, but beautifully portrayed world ensures that one remains curious about the development of Pili's journey.
Eden Of Witches Volume 1
€15,75
Long ago, plants and animals lived in harmony... until humankind came to power and, unable to coexist with nature, destroyed and exploited both flora and fauna without a second thought. Now the world has become a barren wasteland. But witches… read more
