Maria the Virgin Witch (Junketsu no Maria)
Directed By : Goro Taniguchi
Produced By : Production I.G
Genre : Comedy/Ecchi/Fantasy/Historical/Magic/Seinen
Maria the Virgin Witch is an adaptation based upon the manga of the same name by Masayuki Ishikawa. This adaptation is handled by Production I.G and directed by Goro Taniguchi ( Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch ) a winning combination if ever there was one.
Set in France during the Hundred Years’ War, between England and France, we follow the virgin witch Maria. Despising war and having promised to watch over a few individuals who have been enlisted, she sets about disrupting battles and eventually receiving unwanted attention from the heavens in particular Archangel Michael. A very enjoyable beginning to a new series overall, it’s always nice when a show doesn’t spend too much time introducing characters through various nonsense episodes. The show spends just the right amount of time introducing us to the characters before getting right to the meat of the show.
Production I.G is known for their great animation and storytelling, Maria the Virgin Witch being no exception. Visually stunning and with character designs that great it feels like stepping into the world of Studio Ghibli. To accompany the amazing visuals is an equally awesome soundtrack, a lot of series may have largely forgettable soundtracks but when a series has a great one then it can really help build the atmosphere. Production I.G really has the technical side of the show spot on and with Goro Taniguchi in the director’s chair the storytelling side is in safe hands.
With the manga being only three volumes long it does raise the question whether there is enough source material available to fill a full series. Thankfully the series is only set for one-cour at twelve episodes long; being set during a historical event should also help with any additional material if needed.
A very enjoyable beginning to the series so far, visually stunning with an equally attractive soundtrack it’s easy to believe you’ve stepped into the world of Studio Ghibli. With a compelling story based in real history I have faith that Goro Taniguchi and Production I.G will guide us along on an exciting and wonderful journey.
Unfortunately there is currently no streaming available for this series in the UK, but hopefully someone will pick it up soon.