‘Witch Hat Atelier’ Episode 9 review: “A Nightmare Stained In Black”

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 9 does the heavy lifting to remind anime watchers of two things. The first is that whoever the Brimmed Capped witches are, they’re not giving up on their plan any time soon. The second? Qifrey (Natsuki Hanae) isn’t giving up on his plan to expose them. “A Nightmare Stained In Black” doesn’t shy away from the realities that make the world so unique, while focusing on the character-driven narrative that sets the episode apart.

From the jump, it was obvious that the focus of Episode 9 is on characters instead of action. This allows Coco (Rena Motomura), Qifrey, and the rest of the girls to shine in smaller moments. Tetia (Kurumi Haruki) in particular gets a moment to talk about how much she loves to be called sensei, as well as explain what her future pointed cap will look like. It’s a fun break from the chaos of the last two episodes. Additionally, watching Coco stay up late to practice drawing spells was nice to see, even if the reason was because of her nightmares and lack of ability. These moments remind watchers that this is a character-driven show first, even if those characters might be up to something a little suspicious.

Qifrey is a curious case: an instructor who tells the girls not to do something, only to turn around and do it himself. This comes into play when he tries to examine what is in Coco’s ink well, only for the situation to turn on him. Not only does this show exactly how powerful Inguin and the Brimmed Cap witches are, but it also digs more into his inability to use magic when wet.

We’re finally getting hints about Qifrey’s motive.

It’s a moment that leaves you nervous for Qifrey’s survival, only to turn the situation perilous when Inguin shows up before disappearing just as quickly. These isolated moments with Qifrey show that his composure isn’t as strong as the girls might think. At the end of the scene, the audience finally gets a peek at Qifrey’s motive. He mentions how they took something from him, introducing an interesting parallel to Coco.

Bug Films and Kamome Shirahama create a beautiful comparison between mentor and protege with Qifrey and Coco. This is most obvious with the scene of the two sitting next to each other and yawning. But it goes much deeper than that. The Brimmed Capped witches took something important from both of them – and while it’s not revealed exactly what they took from Qifrey just yet, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was on the same emotional level as Coco’s mother. It’s also clear that Qifrey himself sees their similarities in the way she rushes forward and tries to go ahead with things before thinking them through, or when she stays awake late to practice, which parallels Qifrey examining the inkwell.

Out of everything that happened this episode, Brushbuddy is the breakout star. Say what you want about the creatures, you can’t deny that they stole the show in Episode 9. From Puffpuff biting into the apple to helping Qifrey pat the dirt to mimicking Qifrey chewing on a leaf, it’s clear that the animators at Bug Films are having fun bringing the creature to life. It adds a level of whimsy to the anime, making the overall experience of watching that much better.

Details enrich Witch Hat Atelier Episode 9.

Director Ayumu Watanabe (Komi Can’t Communicate, Great Pretender, Akane-banashi) even mentioned that the animators grew attached to the brushbuddies. In an interview with Anime Corner, he said, “They’d just add them on their own. The Brushbuddy would be acting in the background while Coco and the others are talking.” When animators are having fun with what they’re creating, it comes through in their work, and it’s obvious that’s the case with Witch Hat Atelier.

The brushbuddy isn’t the only thing that the animators are putting effort into. Little things, such as the apple tree and the sweeping landscapes, come to life in spectacular ways that you can’t take your eyes off the screen. Even when Agott is flying through the air after Coco gives her the new shoes, it gives off Studio Ghibli vibes in the best way. It makes the world within Witch Hat Atelier feel that much more real, even with all of the magic happening within it.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 9 serves as the perfect foundation for the latter part of the first season. There might only be four episodes left, but the story doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The animators behind the story are making each scene a painting with careful hands.

Witch Hat Atelier Episode 9 is now streaming on Crunchyroll.

Images courtesy of Crunchyroll and Bug Films. 

Kayla Chu

Made up of feminism, sports, and cheap wine.
Questions, comments, inquries please be sent to kaylamchu@gmail.com