Ethan Carter
Witch Hat Atelier has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most captivating anime of the current season. It has captivated fans to the point where many face the classic dilemma common among anime enthusiasts: should they watch episodes weekly, save them for a thrilling binge on finale day, or dive into the pages of Kamome Shirahama’s cherished manga ahead of the show? The options can be quite overwhelming. Decisions, decisions.
However, what if we shared with you a hidden gem—a third option that satisfies the craving for Shirahama’s exquisite artistry while replacing the looming terrors awaiting Coco with laugh-out-loud comedy? Well, we’re excited to unveil that very option: her underrated pre-Witch Hat Atelier manga, Eniale & Dewiela.
If Witch Hat Atelier represents Shirahama’s grand adventure reminiscent of the Dragon Ball Z era, then Eniale & Dewiela showcases her whimsical talents akin to Dr. Slump.
This delightful manga transports readers to a vibrant world where heaven and hell coexist, following the charmingly chaotic friendship between Eniale, the angel, and Dewiela, the demon. These two characters, tasked with the responsibility of collecting souls on Earth, would much rather indulge in shopping escapades. Unfortunately for them, the celestial bureaucracy operates with strict efficiency, which means that avoiding their duties only leads to a mountain of additional work.
In their quest for fun, they immerse themselves in a generational rivalry of soul collection, cleverly evading exorcists while trying to outdo one another in the most outrageous ways possible. Their daily angel-and-demon antics spiral into a whirlwind of chaos, ranging from harmless mischief to apocalyptic scenarios, making for a hilarious and concise reading experience that you won’t want to miss.
For comparison, the dynamic between Eniale and Dewiela offers a playful nod to the relationship of Bayonetta and Jeanne, but with a level of mischief dialed back from a boisterous 11 to a cheeky five. In the context of Witch Hat Atelier, Eni and Dewi serve as a foundational blueprint for Agott’s tsundere personality and Coco’s innocent naïveté, reimagined as a zany buddy comedy duo. Observing Shirahama unleash her creativity and allow these two to create delightful chaos—whether they are undermining each other’s soul collection quotas or collaborating to achieve the bare minimum—is a joyous experience. When they are not clashing, they relish in each other’s company: shopping, scheming, and striving to enjoy their lives to the fullest.
What makes this manga particularly special is that it showcases Shirahama’s comedic prowess, crafting slapstick humor with an elasticity and confidence that feels distinctly more mature, aligning perfectly with the gentler whimsy of Witch Hat Atelier. As each chapter unfolds, you can sense her playful experimentation, allowing herself to revel in silliness in ways that the tone of WHA does not always accommodate. Interestingly, this manga also hints at her innate talent for weaving sapphic themes into storytelling, something that WHA fans—particularly those rooting for Arkco (we see you)—will undoubtedly appreciate. Shirahama’s humor shines through here, while she effortlessly integrates emotionally resonant moments into her comedic narrative.
For those who appreciate the stunning visual artistry of WHA, you can rest assured that Eniale & Dewiela retains the same remarkable characteristics. The panel layouts are masterfully crafted, the ornate borders evoke the sensation of perusing through an ancient tome, and the intricate details remain as breathtaking as ever. However, in this work, that exceptional artistry serves the purpose of delivering pure comedy. Across its three volumes, Shirahama unleashes a series of supernatural misadventures that stem from the duo’s collective antics—ranging from summoning hordes of zombies in a misguided attempt to transform a priest into both an angel and a demon, to parting the sea like Moses to locate a misplaced earring, and shooting a skyward beam of souls directly into the heavens.
When the manga is not showcasing fabulous runway fashion, heavenly and hellish escapades, or tantalizing sapphic glances, it also possesses an emotional core. One standout moment occurs in chapter eight, where Dewiela transitions from lurking over an elderly woman like a vulture waiting to claim her soul, to forming a friendship with her and her “ugly” guard cat. That particular chapter left me feeling misty-eyed, to be honest.
If you are seeking a quick and delightful reading experience while you ponder whether to binge-watch Witch Hat Atelier episodes or simply desire more of Shirahama’s exceptional work (beyond her Pokémon card illustrations—her talents are boundless), Eniale & Dewiela is undoubtedly worth your time and attention.
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Daniel Mercer
