WITCH OF THISTLE CASTLE VOL. 1 / Script and Art by JOHN TARACHINE / Published by TITAN MANGA

The Black Wood Clan of Scotland have used their magic to aid others for generations, despite the Church’s belief that magic is intrinsically evil. Yet they allow witches to work with the Church to deal with troublesome spirits. These are the terms by which Marie Blackwood, the last of her line, is allowed to openly run a magic shop in Edinburgh.

Marie has been largely free of the Church’s scrutiny, which suits the secretive young woman fine. Unfortunately, Marie was chosen to take charge of the 13-year old Theo. Now, in addition to the responsibility of protecting a teenage witch, Marie must also protect the world from the rare power that lives inside Theo: the Blood of Righteous Anger!

The first volume of Witch of Thistle Castle is an intriguing introduction to a magical world not too far removed from our own. It is a slow starter, it should be noted, and there is little in the way of action. The odd paradox is that while John Tarachine is largely concerned with introducing us to the setting, there is little overt exposition. Information like why all witches wear glasses and how they work magic through bargains with the spirits only they can see is revealed naturally through the narrative.

There is also not much in the way of character development in this first volume. We get very little sense of who Theo and Marie are beyond their powers. Thankfully, what little is revealed grips the reader, and leaves them wanting to read more about them and this world.

Tarachine’s art style is technically proficient, with a good grasp of detail. There is surprisingly less fan service than I expected based on the preview image of Marie in her underwear, which figured prominently in the promotional material for this book and the artwork focused on her legs. However. while there are a number of suggestive poses, there is nothing gratuitous in regards to the female lead. The same cannot be said of Theo, who has a nude shower scene. Marie’s friends also joke about the new man in her life, which has connotations I am not at all comfortable with.

With that warning, I still think Witch of Thistle Castle could be the start of an interesting new magical magna. I sincerely hope that Marie and Theo remain student and mentor, and there is no subplot regarding a forbidden romance to come in future volumes. The magic and the mystery of Theo’s power is enough to drive this series.

Witch of Thistle Castle Vol. 1 releases on October 31, 2023.