Little Witch Academia is a popular Japanese anime series that follows the adventures of a young witch named Akko Kagari at Luna Nova Magical Academy. One of Akko's biggest inspirations is the renowned witch, Shiny Chariot, and she dreams of becoming a great witch just like her. However, Akko is not particularly talented in magic, which makes her journey at the academy challenging. Despite her lack of innate magical abilities, Akko is determined and passionate about achieving her dream. She forms a close friendship with two other students, Lotte Jansson and Sucy Manbavaran, who support her in her quest. These three become inseparable and face numerous adventures together.
The mangaka, possibly Keisuke Satō himself, also ships it. In an interview, he was asked if Akko will get together with Andrew in the further chapters of the manga, the mangaka replied, "Akko already has Diana.", and he also has made some art that is about DiAkko. In turn, the creator of the franchise wrote on Japanese image boards before the show premiered that although the show is not yuri in order to maintain its family-friendly atmosphere and better appreciated by the largest demographic, the studio is completely open to any shipping from the fans.
Her transformation into the mouse references how even with all the power in her hands, she s tied to the small beginnings that allowed her to become what she is today. Diana gives Akko her precious premium Chariot card to remind Akko the truth of A believing heart is your magic , which had inspired her to regain her own magic after it being absorbed by Chariot.
These three become inseparable and face numerous adventures together. One of the central themes of Little Witch Academia is the power of friendship. Akko, Lotte, and Sucy stick together through thick and thin, helping each other overcome various obstacles.
Little Witch Academia – 14
If the first half was about Akko realizing what Shiny Chariot’s influence meant to her, and how to apply her limited knowledge in magic towards matching her idol, the second half looks like it will be about Akko’s love of magic being challenged by the encroaching presence of technology.
If you were wondering when the “plot” would kick in, this looks to be where the show’s direction goes from developing Akko and following her misadventures to getting deep into the lore the show has been building up to. We’ve seen shades of what LWA‘s universe is like as Fafnir and Andrew’s family has hinted at the degradation of magic in contemporary society in favor of technological wonders. Episode 14 shifts this concept to overdrive with the appearance of Croix (Takeuchi Junko), the newest professor at the academy, who relies on magical Roombas to help her work her magic. Croix spends the episode trying to convince the other professors to integrate the academy with new technology. It’s a recipe for disaster, but all of the professors that weren’t Finnelan or Ursula were on board with giving Croix that much access to their power. It’s no wonder why they were so easily swayed around by the dragon, but this time around they should’ve got it together by now. I’m this close to predicting that this will cause Finnelan to warm up to Akko and Ursula in tsundere fashion once it hits the fan with whatever Croix is planning.
This episode also fleshes out aspects of the academy’s energy source as the fairies who help power the academy’s magic go on strike. Part of this helps pave the way for Croix’s tech to worm its way into the academy, but it also builds an interesting dynamic to Akko and Diana’s rivalry. While Akko was convinced by the fairies’ plight and joined them and learned all about the burgeoning issues between the high, middle, and lower classes. It does reflect on Akko’s talent of empathy and relations that she’s built with other factions such as the fish when she accidentally flushed Professor Pisces. It is also one of the first times we see Diana with a crowd against her with Akko and the fairies rallying against the privilege that Diana has lived under. There were only a couple times the show explored the insecurity and resentment Diana has with being well-adored, but it makes me optimistic that they’ll do more to expand on Diana more now that we’ve seen her in a situation where she was as alienated as Akko felt around highly talented witches.
One concern I have is Akko’s instant adoration of Croix. Throughout the episode, Croix constantly uses technology as a means of swaying Akko, the students, and the professors towards integrating her technology into their witchcraft, but Akko’s taking the bait. It might just be my reaction as a viewer because it’s clearer to us that Croix is incredibly shady in how she wants to find a means to control the academy’s power source so easily with SSS. On top of that, the hints that Ursula and Croix have a complicated and bitter history are mounting the further we get into the second half. It all culminates as Ursula returns from her delivery run to find Akko being happy to talk to Croix in the alleyway. From the way things go, the series should work out with Akko still loving magic, but for the time being, it does provide a great amount of tension to see Akko starting to admire Croix’s technological power, the exact opposite of Ursula/Chariot’s more straightforward magical approach. There’s much to look forward to the next time with Ursula meeting Croix for the first time in years under these circumstances.
ED2 Sequence
ED2: 「透明な翼」 (Toumei na Tsubasa) by 大原 ゆい子 (Ohara Yuiko)
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It’s kind of weird, considering how gung-ho ‘why couldn’t we be born in the Golden Age of Magic before all this stupid technology got in the way’ Akko has been.
GuileOpening Intro Analysis
– The opening starts off with Akko, Lotte and Sucy holding hands leading to spiral formation to the Seven Words of Arcturus till finally a tree which I call Yggdrasil, the world tree. In mythology, Yggdrasil was this very powerful and ancient tree that held the nine realms of the Norse Mythology. As you probably read, think about this, nine worlds and the Nine Olde Witches. Probably the Nine Olde Witches and Little Witch Academia as a world has influence of the Norse and I developed a theory which I will reveal later. – The transition from Shiny Chariot to Akko shows a lot. Chariot riding a broom through a blue colored sky till it descends to the earth with white backgrounds where Akko was. As you recall, Chariot was some sort of champion among Witches who could have saved the magic world but for some unknown reason, that didn’t happen leading to the mantle of Chariot, the Shiny Rod to be passed on to Akko. The blue skies represented the state of the world where there was some semblance of life but moving to today, we see the world is completely white showing how lifeless the world has become due to Chariot unable to fulfil her role. – Akko and her friends standing behind Luna Nova represents that the fate of the school is in Akko’s hand but also the support of the founders themselves, the Nine Olde Witches referencing Episode 11 where Woodward entrusted Ursula to help Akko in unlocking the remaining words. Diana behind the white background references that she won’t have the support of the Nine Witches or that her goal in saving magic would result in more lifelessness or in this case, destruction. All the students that stood, lined up in the middle meant to be that their fates on whoever’s hands. – Akko and Diana walking towards one another before walking away from one another shows the eventual clash between these two students mirroring the actions of Chariot and Croix until at the last moment, both Akko and Diana grabbed each other hands meaning Diana’s redemption of her character and siding with her rival and what might possibly be her true friend. As you have also noticed, the young versions of Chariot and Croix were shown but this time wearing white clothing which foreshadows what could possibly be their deaths or ascension to a higher plane of existence. – Next was the ‘ready for battle’ sequence. All of Akko’s friends, her teammates, Amanda and her team, Diana and Akko herself but before I talked about Akko, I want to talk about the ley lines. If you look closer, the ley lines had what looked to be branches or roots which connects to Yggdrasil. Why is that? Well, the answer is that what we are looking at are the roots of the world tree itself. The Ley lines are the Roots of the World Tree, Yggdrasil. So, all that meant is that all the Witches and the Faeries are taking in this magical energy from one of the most ancient forces in the universe. Also, could this mean the world where Akko is having her adventures is located at one of the nine realms. However, this presents a case on what’s happening to Yggdrasil. – We understand that magic came from somewhere, probably Yggdrasil but at some point, the magic is getting less which foretells a frightening conclusion, the world tree is dying. If that happens, all the worlds including Earth would be destroyed without Yggdrasil holding them together. That might be the purpose of Chariot. By reviving the Seven Words of Arcturus, they can revive Yggdrasil who will in turn support the worlds once more. – Moving on to Akko. Her transformation reflects on herself. The Elephant with the giant ears, Dumbo and since Dumbo made the impossible possible reflects on that Akko could perform miracles which amazed even Diana. Akko’s transformation to a Dolphin or a Shark tells how fluid or creative Akko can be, a reference to a new generation of artist which new minds. Akko’s transformation into a phoenix references how even in defeat, Akko could still rise up and continue her goal in becoming a Witch like Shiny Chariot. Her transformation into the mouse references how even with all the power in her hands, she’s tied to the small beginnings that allowed her to become what she is today. – Professor Woodward along with Ursula and Croix foreshadows the eventual relationship that is about to be discovered and Andrew’s presence is a reminder that even as a Witch, Akko started off as a human who has strong bonds with those around and ending with synchronization of brooms and wands informing us about a celebration that is about to come.
You my friend deserve a standing ovation for the exposition above. I couldn’t believe that there’s so much meaning behind the OP.
Velvet ScarlantinaIt works that you have a deep understanding on things. My accomplishments would be:
– The potential Yggdrasil plot. I hadn’t made the connection until I had a closer observation of the ley lines. They do look like veins of something and seeing is that we had the Shiny Rod growing out of the ground, the Arcturus Forest and Woodward’s affinity to nature, the connection was made clear that Luna Nova is taking place in one of the nine realms. Unsure which realms but I leave it to your interpretation. – Akko’s transformations was another accomplishment as I made a symbolism behind it during Episode 12 and 13. It wouldn’t be long before she made the transformation her greatest skills.
With the diverse background of RC readers, I’d say the comment section is where you can learn new things as well.
Daryl is the current head of House of Cavendish and Diana's aunt. Diana's relationships with Daryl is strained at best due to their clashing opinion about importance of tradition and their family's legacy. This later took turn to the worst when Daryl shamelessly attempted to sell her own family's heirloom to Hanbriges, angering Diana who more than determined to take over the position of Head of House of Cavendish, in which Daryl responded by attempted to stop her niece twice, resulting her and her daughters exposed to curse that fall on anyone who attempt to disrupt the ritual to become Head of Cavendish. Fortunately, after Diana saved her and her daughters from the curse that fall on those who dare to interfere ascension ritual (and gained Beatrix's silent praise), Daryl finally sees her errors and realized that Diana's compassion and stubborness, a trait she shared with Bernadette, are what made her a better future Head of Cavendish.
Their camaraderie and unwavering support for one another become instrumental in their growth as witches. Throughout the series, Akko and her friends encounter various challenges and face formidable rivals. They go on magical quests, participate in competitions, and even navigate the complexities of school life. As Akko strives to prove herself, she often finds herself entangled in hilarious and heartwarming situations. Her determination and resilience serve as inspiration to viewers, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's dreams. Another significant aspect of Little Witch Academia is the importance of staying true to oneself. Akko remains steadfast in her belief that magic should bring joy and wonder to people's lives, which sometimes conflicts with conventional magical practices taught at the academy. However, she learns to embrace her unique perspective and finds innovative solutions to problems by staying true to her beliefs. The character of Diana Cavendish, a skilled witch from a prestigious family, serves as a foil to Akko. Diana initially doubts Akko's abilities and dismisses her dreams. However, as the series progresses, Diana develops a newfound respect and friendship with Akko. This dynamic suggests the transformative power of understanding and acceptance, even between individuals with different backgrounds and skill sets. Overall, Little Witch Academia revolves around themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. Akko and her friends navigate the world of magic, embracing their strengths and weaknesses while learning valuable lessons along the way. The series resonates with viewers of all ages, encouraging them to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face..
Reviews for "Embracing Individuality: Akko's journey of self-discovery in Little Witch Academia"
1. Mary - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Little Witch Academia: Akko and Diana" because it felt like a rushed and poorly developed spin-off. The storyline was weak and predictable, leaving no room for any surprises or character growth. Additionally, the animation quality was subpar compared to the original series, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I was highly disappointed with this spin-off and would not recommend it to any fans of the original show.
2. Steven - 2 stars - "Little Witch Academia: Akko and Diana" lacked the charm and depth that made the original series so enjoyable. The characters felt one-dimensional and the plotline was overly simplistic, lacking the complexity and depth that the original show had. The pacing was also off, with certain scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on unnecessarily. While I appreciate the attempt to explore Akko and Diana's relationship further, it fell short of my expectations. Overall, I found this spin-off to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
3. Samantha - 1.5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Little Witch Academia: Akko and Diana" as it felt like a cash grab rather than a meaningful addition to the series. The plot was shallow and lacked any real conflict or stakes, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout. The humor that was present in the original series seemed forced and often missed the mark in this spin-off. Furthermore, the animation quality did not live up to the standards set by the original show, feeling lazy and uninspired. Overall, "Little Witch Academia: Akko and Diana" failed to capture the essence of the beloved original and left much to be desired.