Brunn

Content Warning: Discussions of genocide, ableism, mental illness, and cruelty to kids.

Spoilers for Witch Hat Atelier: Major plot points from volume 1 and general discussion of characters from volumes 1-6.

“It turns out I’m not as hopeless as I thought! I’m not as hopeless as you always said I was! The fact that I can’t do the same things as everyone else might be the key that leads to things that only I can do.”

In the world of Witch Hat Atelier, magic is not some special ability only granted to the “chosen ones,” but a combination of knowledge, hard work, and skill. It takes practice and study, but with the right ink and an understanding of sigils, the only limits are your imagination.

Well. In theory, anyway.

Witch Hat Atelier begins with the premise that “anyone can become a witch” and then spends practically every volume introducing us to someone who’s been told “no, actually, you can’t,” whether because of their family, their learning speed or style, their physical abilities, or their mental health. Thankfully, the series always proves these naysayers wrong, telling hopeful stories not about “overcoming” differences, but working with and even embracing them.

Using its “magical school” premise, Witch Hat Atelier explores diversity among students and argues for the importance of accessibility throughout society, but especially in education. With supportive mentors and a focus on individual accommodation, anyone really can wield their own kind of magic.

This Marleine in a WHA AU, she's a brimmed hat, she's not evil per se... She became one because it was her only option to try to find a cure for people who got their memories unfairly erased.

Coloured version