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‘All You Need Is Kill’ Director Felt Destined to Tackle the ‘Perfect’ Sci‑Fi Epic’s Anime Adaptation

‘All You Need Is Kill’ Director Felt Destined to Tackle the ‘Perfect’ Sci‑Fi Epic’s Anime Adaptation

All You Need Is Kill might sound like a punch-you-in-the-face-titled new anime film brought to the U.S. by GKids to the average moviegoer, but to those in the know, the movie is actually the latest in a long line of adaptations of its source material.

Inarguably, the most popular adaptation here is Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt’s cult-classic sci-fi film Live Die Repeat, also known as Edge of Tomorrow. However, its roots go even further back than the Hollywood flick. Originally a 2003 novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, it was adapted into a manga by Ryosuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Death Note artist Takeshi Obata. In essence, the new adaptation’s trajectory into anime is somewhat backward, at least by traditional anime industry standards.

It follows Keiji, a foot soldier in Earth’s effort to push back an alien species, with our only recourse, awesomely, being mech suits to kill off the invasive hordes. Upon his untimely death, Keiji discovers he’s trapped in a time loop that repeats the day, with his only way out hinging on finding a way to break free. But he’s not alone. With him is humanity’s toughest soldier, Rita, who, tethered to a death loop that resets whenever either of them dies, fights (with a giant cyber axe) alongside Keiji to break out of their purgatory and win the war once and for all.

As with any work with the adage “adaptation” attached, its diehard fandom is cautiously optimistic while having reservations about seeing their baby brought to life once more by Studio 4°C (Children of the Sea). However, while fan scruples aren’t lost on Studio 4°C’s Kenichiro Akimoto, the director sat down with io9 to discuss why he felt compelled to stake his directorial debut on breathing new life into the lauded series.

Despite All You Need Is Kill being Akimoto’s first time in the director’s chair—his resume includes serving as a CG artist for the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc trilogy and as a CGI director for Netflix’s Children of the Sea—to him, taking on All You Need Is Kill boiled down to fate and “great” timing. 

“I had already been talking with our president, [Eiko] Tanaka, about possibly helming a project. And at the same time, Warner Bros. put together a proposal for an All You Need Is Kill animation project,” Akimoto said. “It just happened to all work together as perfect timing.”

Time‑loop stories are often inherently about trauma, memory, and identity—and, in a case of art imitating life, All You Need Is Kill’s fandom has felt its own version of that cycle, split between purists and those resigned to the series’ lot in life as a tale so popular it’s been adapted numerous times. So while Studio 4°C’s stab at reimagining All You Need Is Kill will certainly be novel to many flocking to theaters, it faces an uphill battle with its diehards, whose community remains famously divided between pessimistic and cautiously optimistic fans awaiting how the story will change.

After all, even by Akimoto’s own estimation, the original novel’s quality is both “complete and very perfect,” while the Hollywood live-action film, for taking its concept in a slightly different direction, was still “very entertaining.” By far the most apparent change in Akimoto’s adaptation of the story is that it follows Rita rather than Keiji, a first for the series, and adds more texture to the warrior by fleshing out her backstory beyond the tough exterior that Keiji and fans encounter in other adaptations. To Akimoto, this change helped Studio 4°C to craft a brand-new All You Need Is Kill adaptation worthy of standing alongside the earlier adaptations.

“When I was put in charge of the animation, I wanted to approach it as a challenge to have our own originality into the project itself. And I know as a fan, I would have felt the same, like, ‘Wait, please don’t change it.’ But at the same time, I also wanted to create something that was different. That’s why this is the approach we took.”

Given that Studio 4°C’s film is All You Need Is Kill‘s third adaptation, Akimoto understood it would invite comparisons. Still, his hope is that the movie will not only be truer to the title’s name, both thematically and in its 3DCG action, but also capture the beauty of its dystopian sci-fi world in a way only animation can.

“I wanted to showcase something beautiful within the story,” he said, specifically noting how important Keiji and Rita become to one another despite the doomed circumstances of their initial meeting. “Even though the story and the concept are the same, I wanted to have everybody experience a different form of entertainment.”

One way the film certainly differs from All You Need Is Kill’s other adaptations is its provocative, psychedelic art style. Compared with the dark, gritty look of the manga and the template-leaning sci-fi Hollywood look of the 2010s (see Elysium and District 9), Studio 4°C’s aesthetic feels like a mesmerizing, moving contradiction—one where the character models and background art are pastel, precise, and clean, yet also rough‑hewn and intriguingly scribbly. It’s kind of like if the elastic yet kinetic action of ’90s anime Crayon Shin-chan was placed smack dab in the middle of a 2D-meets-3DCG sci-fi action thriller. A sentence that goes hard for anime fans in the know.

Regarding All You Need Is Kill‘s striking look, Akimoto praised character designer Izumi Murakami for slow-cooking the anime film’s unique aesthetic. In addition to serving as Akimoto’s directorial debut, the movie also marked Murakami’s first time as a character designer. Although Akimoto admitted to giving her some rough ideas for how he envisioned Rita to look in the early stages of the movie’s development, the visual palette the All You Need Is Kill audience will see in theaters is a far cry from the early suggestions he floated. Which, to Akimoto’s estimation, was for the better.

“Murakami took a lot of inspiration from movie characters, and she drew a lot of different concept art for us. Initially, the character design for Rita was very photorealistic,” he said. “But as she brushed it up, it’s like it started to become more and more flat. That’s what I really like about the design. As Murakami was working on the sketches on her own, she started to get the concept of Rita in her mind. So that’s how her character design came to life.”

© Studio 4°C

From there, Akimoto says he didn’t need to submit many requests or changes to Murakami once her distinctive, stylistic identity as Rita rippled into the rest of All You Need Is Kill. A visual tone, he says, was paramount in meshing Studio 4°C’s penchant for appealing 3D animation—a hard‑found rarity in an industry where CG is often a whipping boy, dismissed as something that never quite comes together with anime fans outside a few rare‑case studios.

“The flatness of the character design is really important in my film, because these flat characters are going to be dropped into this 3DCG animation background. If the characters are too realistic, then the contrast would be too abrupt.  So I wanted to challenge myself into creating this very flat sort of animation style, and so that’s how this came to be.”

All You Need Is Kill hits theaters on January 16.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.



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#Kill #Director #Felt #Destined #Tackle #Perfect #SciFi #Epics #Anime #Adaptation

Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.

The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.

Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating

Infinix Introduces GT 50 Pro for Gamers with Improved Cooling and Control Features
	
Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.



The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.



Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating







The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.



In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.



Display and Performance



The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.



The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.



Camera and Battery







Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.



With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.



Price and Availability







In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix

The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.

In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.

Display and Performance

The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.

The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.

Camera and Battery

Infinix GT 50 Pro in different colors

Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.

With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.

Price and Availability

Infinix GT 50 Pro Unboxing

In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix">Infinix Introduces GT 50 Pro for Gamers with Improved Cooling and Control Features
	
Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.



The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.



Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating







The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.



In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.



Display and Performance



The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.



The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.



Camera and Battery







Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.



With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.



Price and Availability







In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix

has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.

The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.

Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating

Infinix Introduces GT 50 Pro for Gamers with Improved Cooling and Control Features
	
Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.



The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.



Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating







The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.



In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.



Display and Performance



The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.



The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.



Camera and Battery







Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.



With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.



Price and Availability







In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix

The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.

In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.

Display and Performance

The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.

The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.

Camera and Battery

Infinix GT 50 Pro in different colors

Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.

With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.

Price and Availability

Infinix GT 50 Pro Unboxing

In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix">Infinix Introduces GT 50 Pro for Gamers with Improved Cooling and Control Features

Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.

The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.

Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating

Infinix Introduces GT 50 Pro for Gamers with Improved Cooling and Control Features
	
Infinix has introduced the GT 50 Pro as a gaming-focused smartphone with meaningful upgrades. It solves problems such as overheating and delays when playing for long hours. The device integrates an advanced cooling mechanism, improved control, and strong performance capability.



The GT 50 Pro is for gamers seeking a high-end smartphone with no interruptions. While other phones focus on making phone calls and sending text messages, the GT 50 Pro is designed for gamers. This means better control and cooling features to ensure good performance.



Smart Cooling That Prevents Overheating







The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.



In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.



Display and Performance



The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.



The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.



Camera and Battery







Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.



With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.



Price and Availability







In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix

The HydroFlow Liquid Cooling system is specifically designed to address overheating in gaming phones. The cooling mechanism ensures overheating does not occur by shielding the heat-producing parts and simultaneously circulating liquid to disperse heat.

In addition, to make the gaming experience easy and smooth, the GT 50 Pro comes with pressure-sensitive GT Triggers. Such triggers offer fast input and control in extreme gaming situations, along with adjustable settings options.

Display and Performance

The GT 50 Pro is equipped with an enormous 6.78 inches 1.5K screen with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz. This ensures that the visuals are crisp and clear, especially when gaming or scrolling. In addition, the phone has high-brightness capabilities, ensuring you can view the screen in various lighting conditions. The phone is equipped with eye-care features that minimize eye strain during use. When it comes to audio, the device supports Dolby Atmos.

The GT 50 Pro runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chip, which uses a very efficient 4nm process. As such, the phone delivers smooth performance in any game and does so in a very power-efficient manner, meaning it won’t overheat or drain its battery.

Camera and Battery

Infinix GT 50 Pro in different colors

Infinix has added a balanced camera setup to the GT 50 Pro. The primary 50 MP camera should take clear photos thanks to the stabilization system and is used for landscape shots, alongside the 8 MP ultra-wide-angle camera. The 13 MP front camera is effective for selfies and video calls.

With a large 6500mAh battery, the GT 50 Pro offers longer battery life, including when playing games. The device supports not only wired but also wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the reverse charging feature is present; additionally, bypass charging provides heat management.

Price and Availability

Infinix GT 50 Pro Unboxing

In terms of availability, the GT 50 Pro is available in two storage variants, with 12GB of RAM and expansion support. It also supports RAM expansion for better efficiency. However, the price will depend on the region and may vary in different markets.

#Infinix #Introduces #Pro #Gamers #Improved #Cooling #Control #Featuresinfinix
Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions.

But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

Before ‘Witch Hat,’ Kamome Shirahama Blessed Us With a Hilarious Romp About Gals Being Pals
                Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions. But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

 © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy. Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

 So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

 What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

 And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie. © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy.

Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.

For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.

For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie.

Eniale & Dewiela Manga panel of women watching a sunset.
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier">Before ‘Witch Hat,’ Kamome Shirahama Blessed Us With a Hilarious Romp About Gals Being Pals
                Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions. But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

 © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy. Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

 So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

 What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

 And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie. © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier

 has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions.

But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

Before ‘Witch Hat,’ Kamome Shirahama Blessed Us With a Hilarious Romp About Gals Being Pals
                Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions. But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

 © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy. Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

 So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

 What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

 And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie. © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy.

Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.

For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.

For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie.

Eniale & Dewiela Manga panel of women watching a sunset.
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier">Before ‘Witch Hat,’ Kamome Shirahama Blessed Us With a Hilarious Romp About Gals Being Pals

Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions.

But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

Before ‘Witch Hat,’ Kamome Shirahama Blessed Us With a Hilarious Romp About Gals Being Pals
                Witch Hat Atelier has quickly become one of, if not the, must-watch anime of the season. So much so, you can’t fault fans for hitting a common anime adaptation impasse: watching weekly, banking episodes for a finale-day binge, or giving in and reading ahead in Kamome Shirahama‘s beloved manga. Decisions, decisions. But what if we told you there’s a secret third option—one that scratches the Shirahama itch to bask in her bespoke artistry and trades the unspeakable horrors awaiting Coco for a side-splitting, utterly riotous comedy? Well, good, because we are. That option is her slept-on, pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.

 © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy. Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

 So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

 What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.  			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 			 				 			 				 				© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press 				 		  For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

 And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie. © Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

If Witch Hat Atelier is Shirahama in her grand adventure, Dragon Ball Z era, Eniale & Dewiela was her at peak Dr. Slump whimsy.

Set in a world where heaven and hell coexist, the manga follows the unruly yet wildly endearing friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon—two gals tasked with collecting souls on Earth, a job they’d much rather procrastinate on by going shopping. Unfortunately for them, celestial bureaucracies run a tight ship, so shirking their duties only piles more work onto them.

So they have their fun wherever they can get it by diving into a generational rivalry of soul-dollect, ducking exorcists, and doing the absolute most in the process to one-up each other. Naturally, their daily angel-devil routine spirals into chaos, ranging from the benign to the apocalyptic, making for a hilarious, short-but-sweet read.

For comparison, Eniale and Dewiela’s dynamic gives Bayonetta and Jeanne a touch of Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, but with the debauchery dialed down from a raucous 11 to a mischievous five. In Witch Hat Atelier terms, Eni and Dewi read like the proto-blueprint for Agott’s tsundere bite and Coco’s sheepish naïveté reimagined as a madcap buddy comedy duo. Watching Shirahama remove her limiters and let these two wreak havoc—whether sabotaging each other’s soul quotas or teaming up to do the bare minimum—is a delight. And when they’re not butting heads, they’re simply gals being pals: shopping, scheming, and trying to live their best lives.

What I love most about the manga is that it’s Shirahama fully in her comedic bag, writing slapstick gags with an elasticity and confidence that feel distinctly aged-up, in line with Witch Hat Atelier‘s gentler whimsy. With each chapter, you can feel her stretching, riffing, and letting herself be unserious in ways that WHA‘s tone doesn’t always allow. Coincidentally, the manga also teases her natural aptitude for sapphic-tinged storytelling that WHA fans—especially Arkco-truthers (we see you)—will clock immediately. Shirahama’s genuinely funny here, but she’s also effortlessly flexing her ability to weave emotionally stirring beats into her gag comedy manga.

For readers who adore WHA’s visual splendor, rest assured: Eniale & Dewiela carries the same hallmarks. The panel work is exquisite, the ornate borders feel like thumbing through an ancient tome, and the intricate detailing is as gobsmacking as ever. But here, that craft is in service of pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a cavalcade of supernatural disasters born from the duo’s joint dumbassery—raising hordes of zombies while trying to turn a priest into both an angel and a demon, splitting the sea like Moses to find a missing earring, and firing a sky‑beam of souls straight into the heavens.

And when the manga isn’t serving killer runway fashion, heavenly‑hellish hijinks, or a few sapphic glances, it’s got heart. The standout moment comes in chapter eight, where Dewiela goes from hovering over an old woman like a vulture waiting to collect her soul to befriending her and her “fugly” guard cat. That chapter made me misty-eyed, I’m not gonna lie.

Eniale & Dewiela Manga panel of women watching a sunset.
© Kamome Shirahama/Yen Press

So if you need a quick, delightful read while you deliberate over whether you’re going to stockpile Witch Hat Atelier episodes or are simply craving more of Shirahama’s work (outside her Pokémon card illustrations—she contains multitudes), Eniale & Dewiela is absolutely worth your time.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Witch #Hat #Kamome #Shirahama #Blessed #Hilarious #Romp #Gals #PalsKamome Shirahama,Manga,Witch Hat Atelier

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