#witchy comic

I have full intention to continue Witchy! It's been on hiatus since 2021 due to me shifting focus to work full time on my graphic novel, Strange Bedfellows. I talked a little more about this in the news section at the end of chapter 6, here, but I think it's worthwhile for me to check back in now with an update.

I should be wrapping the bulk of the work on Strange Bedfellows in mid-January. I still have a second book deal with my publisher, but I am building that project and its schedule around me only working 4 days a week on it, leaving me time to flex my creative muscles on other pursuits; one of those being Witchy.

Lately, when the inspiration strikes (and I have ten minutes of free time), I've been chipping slowly away at the script for chapter 7. I am still very much excited for where the story of Witchy goes.

The front half of my 2024 is loaded with some work trips and getting started on my next book, but I would like for Witchy to be back around that midway mark at the latest. Realistically though, when it returns I don't want to promise that the updates will be weekly or punctual, as I've become quite burnt out working on my current book while juggling the fated work/life balance. I'll do my best to update with some frequency, but my priority is my sanity.

Sadly, despite my passion for it, Witchy is a project that no one has ever wanted to pay me 1 million dollars for so I can work on it full time until it's done, but maybe if I'm lucky I'll get netflix money for Bedfellows.

If you'd like to contribute to the "please Ariel for the love of god I need to know what happens next to Nyneve" tip jar, my patreon is full of behind the scenes work on Bedfellows, my next book, and of course, Witchy.

love this webcomic so much (jirayu shows up for like 3 pages and yet. i would die for him)

extra super embarrassing and silly doodle dump under the cut

Witchy, Volume 2 by Ariel Slamet Ries

The eagerly awaited second collected volume of Ariel Slamet Ries’ hit online comic Witchy.

In the witch kingdom Hyalin, the strength of your magic is determined by the length of your hair. Low on magic and on the run after committing the ultimate heresy of cutting one’s hair, Nyneve and her raven companion, Banana, head into an ancient forest in search of safe transport. However, when Nyneve butts heads with the gruff and overbearing broom-maker Kaveh, she starts to wonder if she wouldn’t be better off in the hands of the Witch Guard.

Review: I went into Witchy, Volume 2 with pretty high expectations. I loved Witchy, Volume 1 (review here) and I was looking forward to a follow-up that would continue the incredible story I was introduced to. And if you're not familiar, here's how I summed up Witchy when I read Volume 1:

"Witchy follows one Nyneve, who has grown up beneath the shadow her father’s death at the hands of the Witch Guard — one that she might be conscripted to join. In the kingdom of Hyalin, your magic ability is measured by the length of your hair. The longer your hair, the stronger you are. But if you’re too powerful, the Witch Guard considers you a threat. Nyneve must grapple with her past and how to survive in Hyalin."

Volume 1 had queer Asian witches, a talking bird, and incredibly layered fantasy worldbuilding -- so of course, I loved it. (And if you haven't read it, you should really read it before diving into the second volume!) Volume 2 delivers on the promise of the first volume, sending Nyneve on a journey into the forest to meet broom-maker Kaveh. It's very much an inward looking story that focuses on growth, with a less intense and exciting pace than the first book.

While this slower story may not be your cup of tea (it was mine, but of course that doesn't apply to everyone), there is a lot to love about the second collected volume of Witchy -- Banana, the many queer characters, and the gorgeous art. It is just as stunning, rich, and fun to look at as ever. I'm a particular fan of the settings and the clothing throughout the story.

What really makes me happy about reading graphic novels in 2022 is just how many of them are queer, fantastical, and just a delight. It's a really good time to get into reading comics, particularly if you're looking for more queer and BIPOC representation. The Witchy series is a great series to start with, and I highly recommend checking out Volume 1, and moving onto Volume 2 if you enjoyed the first.

From what I can tell, the Witchy webcomic is ongoing, so I look forward to potentially reading a Volume 3 eventually. What I'm really, really looking forward to is creator Ariel Slamet Ries's next graphic novel project: Strange Bedfellows. No idea when that's coming out, but I'll be keeping an eye out.

The comic is on hiatus at the time but I highly suggest reading this if you like witches in an interesting world of witches.