Perhaps no other work of Italian fantasy literature can boast, to date, the global success of W.I.T.C.H. The comic book series, originally created by Elisabetta Gnone, Alessandro Barbucci, and Barbara Canepa and published by Disney between 2001 and 2012 – translated into 27 languages and published in over 70 countries – has returned to bookstores with a reboot that promises to engage a new generation of young readers…
In this modern graphic novel adaptation, the group of aspiring witches – Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin – battles a mysterious magical threat from another world. Thus, keeping the inspiration from traditional Japanese shojo manga, the story maintains female friendship at the hearth of the narrative but takes on new nuances to reflect the daily lives of today’s teenagers: the societal pressures conveyed by fashion, sports and technology and the struggles underpinning relocations, merged households, adoptions and transnational family relationships. Alessandro Ferrari’s script is open to investigate different experiences, sustained by a non-patronizing and empathetic attitude which feels refreshing and commendable.
Noi siamo gli oracoli di Kandrakar. Kandrakar ha il compito di proteggere la barriera. Se Elyon riuscirà nel suo intento la Terra verrà invasa e la sabbia nera consumerà ogni cosa. Tu sei la nostra Guardiana, Will. Usa i tuoi poteri! Salva la Terra!
Perhaps the most significant difference from the original story lies in the power structure of the magical world here represented: the protagonists are called upon from the Oracles to become Guardians and defend “good” with the help of the Heart of Kandrakar, the mystical pendent which enables them to transform into their superhero alter-egos and work together with the powers of nature. But when it is another girl and friend, Elyon, who is defined “evil” by the aforementioned Oracles for betraying them and using magic in ways that are not approved, the group’s unity will be put to the test. Who decides what is right and what is wrong? To whom, to what cause should they be loyal? This review contains no spoilers: you will have to find that out by yourself!
“Will, se ti fidi di qualcuno verrai tradita.”
“Ti sbagli, Tara. Devi solo crederci di nuovo.”
The decision to switch from a comic book format to a graphic novel and to adopt a euromanga style that differs from the original approach proves, in my opinion, to be a winning move. Giulia Adragna’s artwork, combined with Arancia Studio’s coloring and lettering, composes panels that are rich and dynamic yet easy to follow. The characters are very expressive and relatable for their target audience and the pops of neon and glittery magic blend in well with the more earthy traits of reality. It’s interesting to see how this format allows to weave the girls’ online and offline communications into a single, fluid narrative representative of the equilibrium that can be reached in their actual socialization.
All in all, my only criticism of this reboot project concerns its release schedule: with the first episode hitting bookstores in Autumn 2023, and a second published in Autumn 2024, readers are still waiting for a third chapter as of today. Even though we could read them as standalones, considering the general market turnover and the specific consumption habits of the target audience I suspect the hype and novelty to have worn off too quickly for the birth of a new, loyal fandom. Is it then true that – for a project to be successful – it has to be completed before starting its publication journey? I cannot expect to give a general answer to such a dilemma, but I can surely remember how quickly I was growing up and changing together with my interests during my teenage days, with stories having to find me at the right time to make an impact.
In conclusion, the W.I.T.C.H. reboot has proven to have the potential to be an equally engaging read for a new generation of teenagers and for the nostalgic grown-up fandom thanks to its balanced mix of well-known and original material. With an impressive team of writers, illustrators and graphic designers on its side, the project would only have to find a better route to navigate the stormy seas of today’s publishing market to bright back the heartfelt magic of friendship to its avid public.
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Title: W.I.T.C.H. Il reboot. Il cuore dell’amicizia
Author: Disney
ISBN code: 9788852242472
Publisher: Giunti
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What you will find in this book:
Young Witches
Female friendship
Power dynamics
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