Release that witch "Nightingale" is a popular Chinese web novel written by Er Mu. The novel has gained a considerable fan following due to its unique and captivating storyline. Set in a medieval fantasy world, the story follows the journey of Roland Wimbledon, a young man who is suddenly transported to another world. In this new world, Roland discovers that he has been chosen as the lord of Border Town, a small and desolate settlement situated on the edge of the kingdom. However, Roland soon realizes that magic exists in this world, and he is determined to use this newfound power to bring prosperity and development to his land. One of the most notable aspects of "Release that witch" is its well-developed and diverse set of characters.
One of the most notable aspects of "Release that witch" is its well-developed and diverse set of characters. Each character has their own distinct personality and backstory, adding depth and realism to the narrative. From Roland's loyal and intelligent adviser, to the witches who possess various magical abilities, the characters each play an integral role in the story's progression.
Broom-Hilda at 50 – Aging Gracelessly
While Broom-Hilda herself is 1500, the comic strip is just now turning 50.
Fifty years ago Russell Myers took an Elliot Caplin idea and formed Broom-Hilda.
Elliot Caplin worked in the comic industry just like his brother, Li’l Abner creator Al Capp. Caplin came up with the idea for a strip about a witch whose name was Broom Hilda. Harvey Kurtzman, a legendary EC Comics and Mad magazine artist, illustrated some Broom Hilda samples, but the strip didn’t sell.
Caplin met Barsotti at a party and asked if he knew another artist who might be interested in taking a strip for a test drive. Barsotti suggested Myers, who recalled getting a phone call from Caplin on a Friday: “He said ‘I’ve got this idea for a witch named Broom Hilda and that’s really all I have. Can you send me samples of your greeting cards?’”
Myers said he was caught off base by the request.
“So I sat down over the weekend and, just off the top of my head, did the first six Broom Hilda strips and sent them,” he said.
“(Caplin) called me back and said, ‘Oh my god, I love them.’ And he ran down the street and sold them. You know the old story of being an overnight success after trying all your life? That’s what it was.”
Myers and Caplin struck up a business partnership that lasted 30 years. Myers handled the creative aspects of Broom Hilda and Caplin, who died in 2000, took care of negotiations and the business side of the strip.
Officially the Broom-Hilda comic strip debuted on Monday, April 20, 1970:
above: the first Broom-Hilda daily strip from The New York Daily News
update – So on April 20, 2020 Russell celebrated the Golden Anniversary:
But the history books put the beginning of Broom-Hilda on April 19, 1970 because that is when The Chicago Tribune ran a promo piece in their Sunday Funnies of that day, proclaiming the start of the comic the following day. (I don’t know how many other papers ran the promotion.)
above: the promotion that ran in The Chicago Tribune comics section on April 19, 1970
The next day the Broom-Hilda comic strip debuted on the front page of The Chicago Tribune.
Any way you count it, the rough-and-tumble witch became an instant hit.
Broom Hilda beat the odds just to see print. The fact that she and strip-mates like Gaylord Buzzard and Irwin Troll have remained in circulation for a half century is witchcraft-level magic.
A few years ago Russell took another look at the first week of strips for the National Cartoonists Society’s magazine The National Cartoon!st; he remained happy with the gags and the art. Russell even mentioned that he wasn’t sure if the years of refinement, as all strips go through, was a good thing.
Back in the day one measure of a strip’s popularity was how many ComicBacks® were issued.
Broom-Hilda, in the 1970s and 1980s, had its share – and I, as a fan of the strip, bought most of them.
Along with the funny characters and gags, there is the surrealistic Haunted Forest landscapes and Russell’s designs to enjoy.
Today, if your local newspaper doesn’t carry the strip, Broom-Hilda can be read
at the Tribune Content Agency site and at GoComics.
While you are waiting to get those paperbacks shown above, Sunday Comics Debt
has a few entries from the past highlighting Broom-Hilda, Gaylord, Irwin, and even Grelber.
Mike Lynch features one particularly bizarre sequence where Broom-Hilda and Gaylord are confronted with the problem of disposing the body of a dead cartoonist.
He’s 81 and he has no plans to retire from the strip.
“There are days I am tired of it, sure,” he said. “But it has just become such a routine part of my existence. It’s just what I do. … I have longevity on both sides of family and good health, so I’m just going to keep grinding away.”
Even if Myers had a change of heart and retired tomorrow, Broom Hilda could continue for at least another year and a half because he works ahead and has an inventory of unused strips…
“Yeah. You tend to take things for granted. I live here and I look out my window. I look out on a river. People come by and say ‘oh, that’s beautiful.’
“Well, it is beautiful, but after you sit here for a week or two, you just don’t see it sometimes. It is just there. You take it for granted. But if I sit back and evaluate, I’m thinking, yeah, I’m sitting here in my house in my bedroom slippers and I can work the hours I want and I guess it is about the best job in the world for me.”
update – So on April 20, 2020 Russell celebrated the Golden Anniversary:
As the plot unfolds, Roland discovers that the key to unlocking the true potential of Border Town lies in the power of the witches. These witches, who were once feared and ostracized by society, now find themselves in a safe haven where they are free to use their abilities to aid the town. This unique twist on the traditional portrayal of witches adds a fresh perspective to the story and challenges societal norms. Another notable aspect of the novel is its exploration of themes such as power, discrimination, and societal change. Through the character of Roland, the author delves into the complexities of leadership and the challenges that come with it. Roland's visions and actions inspire the people around him, paving the way for societal advancement and the dismantling of long-held prejudices. The world-building in "Release that witch" is also commendable, as the author provides vivid descriptions of the kingdom, its history, and the magical elements that exist within it. This attention to detail immerses readers in the story and allows them to envision the world in which the characters reside. Overall, "Release that witch" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and societal commentary. Its well-crafted characters, intricate plot, and intricate world-building make it a must-read for fans of the genre. Whether it is exploring themes of power and discrimination or following the trials and tribulations of the witches, this novel has something to offer for readers of all tastes..
Reviews for "The Witch Mughtingale's Transformation: From Victim to Victor in Release That Witch"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Release that Witch Mughtingale" based on the description, but I ended up feeling disappointed. The pacing of the story was incredibly slow and it took forever for anything interesting to happen. Additionally, I found the characters to be quite one-dimensional and lacked depth. The world-building also left a lot to be desired, as the author failed to explain key aspects of the fantasy world. Overall, I was left underwhelmed by this novel.
2. Sarah - 1 star - "Release that Witch Mughtingale" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was disjointed and seemed to lack direction. There were too many unnecessary descriptions and tangents that detracted from the main story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. I found myself skipping large sections of the book just to get to the end. I would not recommend this novel to anyone.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Release that Witch Mughtingale" as it failed to hold my interest. The writing style felt dry and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged. The characters were forgettable and lacked development, making it difficult for me to care about their fates. The story itself had potential, but it was executed poorly. I found myself constantly waiting for something exciting to happen, but it never did. Overall, I was left disappointed with this novel.