‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Episode 13 review: “Forbidden Magic”

After a season full of magical twists and turns, Witch Hat Atelier Episode 13 brings us to a conclusion! “Forbidden Magic” brings everything together satisfyingly, before leaving the audience on a cliffhanger for season two. Despite the focus split between the two different groups, Episode 13 does heavy lifting for the remaining early worldbuilding of the series. And for a finale, it’s a great conclusion to a stunning first season.

Everyone is special, and everyone has limits.

There’s something about watching three young witches work together so that their best qualities come out. Witch Hat Atelier Episode 13 is heavy with lore, but it doesn’t bog down the real driving force of the episode: the three young witches taking on a Brimmed Cap. Agott, Richeh, and Euini put their heads together to handle Sasaran, and it works, even if only for a little while. All three of them are able to show off the individual quirks that make their magic special — and their limitations as well.

It’s only because of Agott that Richeh realizes that only focusing on the magic she likes is detrimental in the same way Euini’s insecurities are. This is something that Qifrey has been telling her, but it only got through because she heard it from someone her age in this specific situation. Richeh coming to terms with her lack of magical ability while in a terrifying situation is emotional to watch because it ties in with the lesson that Coco is experiencing.

The best part of Witch Hat Atelier Episode 13 is Agott.

Agott is the underrated highlight of Episode 13. Her bravery when standing up to Sasaran is beautiful to watch, especially when you think about how terrifying a situation she’s in. Even though Sasaran sees through the lie Agott tells them, the fact that she recognizes exactly what they’re after and tries to lie is quick thinking on her part.

Her ability to be rational in a situation like this is admirable in general, but more so when you remember how old she is. Agott’s maturity and clear thinking are a key part of why she’s able to move ahead in these situations instead of getting emotional. It’s a great part of her personality that shines through in this finale.

Why there is forbidden magic.

Euini’s transformation in “Forbidden Magic” is heartbreaking. After becoming attached to him over the last two episodes, to see Sasaran turn his specialty into something monstrous is horrifying. It’s a reminder, after several episodes highlighting the downsides of the pact, that forbidden magic is forbidden for a reason. Choosing this moment as the foundation of the season finale creates a circle back to Episode 1 and Coco’s mother being the victim of forbidden magic.

There’s a reason Euini tells Agott and Richeh to run away when he transforms, and it’s because he knows the danger that comes with the type of magic cast upon him. It’s an emotional thing to watch after getting to see the progress he’s made to become a better witch in the cave.

Breaking the animation mold.

“Forbidden Magic” isn’t the first episode where Bug Films plays with the animation style, but it does utilize three different, distinct styles. Along with the usual animation, they introduce an unnerving, creepy sort of animation for the Romonon’s who were turned into gold and brought back the sketchy, black and white style animation seen in earlier episodes.

It’s these differences that bring the anime not only to life, but raises Witch Hat Atelier to leagues above other anime this spring season. The Romonon’s subtle differences from Qifrey, Coco, and Tetia make it clear that these are not normal people within the Witch Hat Atelier universe. It’s unsettling to see what little light shines off the gold while they creep out of the shadows toward the characters we’re growing to love.

Beauty in the horror.

On the other hand, the animation for Euini’s transformation is gut-wrenching to watch because it other’s him so well. Similar to in Episode 12, this change in style really homes in on how Euini views himself in relation to the other witches.

Bug Films also uses this style right at the end of the episode, as Qifrey is trying to protect Coco and Tetia from the Romonon as they realize they can finally get revenge on the witches they hate so much, even if they’re not the ones that turned them into gold statues. When it comes to using this sort of aesthetic, the animators seem to bring it out exclusively for the moments that need that emotional emphasis. It might seem like a small thing to do, but it adds so much to the episode.

A great conclusion to a magical season

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 13 is the finale that the show deserves for such a strong first season. Each character is on a path they need to travel so they can grow not only as witches, but as people within the universe. “Forbidden Magic” shows that season one is just the tip of the iceberg for Witch Hat Atelier. The world has so much more to offer to Coco, whether or not she’s ready to handle it.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 13 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

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Images courtesy of ©Kamome Shirahama/KODANSHA/ Witch Hat Atelier Committee