Witch Craft Works is a fantasy anime series that first aired in 2014. This series is based on the manga written and illustrated by Ryū Mizunagi, which began its serialization in 2010. The anime adaptation, produced by the renowned studio J.C. Staff, adapted the initial portion of the manga and quickly gained a loyal fanbase. The studio is also known for creating hit anime like One Punch Man and Food Wars!. Witch Craft Works aired its first and only season on Tokyo MX from January 5, 2014, to March 23, 2014, and was later licensed by Crunchyroll for international streaming.
Although almost a decade has passed, fans have not given up hope for a Witch Craft Works Season 2. So, is there any chance of the series returning? Let’s revisit the anime’s storyline and analyze whether the series has a future.
What Is the Plotline of Witch Craft Works?
The anime follows the life of Takamiya Honoka, a seemingly ordinary high school student. His mundane life takes a sharp turn when he becomes entangled with Kagari Ayaka, the most popular girl at school, often referred to as the “princess.” Kagari, adored by everyone, has never spoken to Honoka despite sitting next to him in class. Honoka’s life changes forever when part of the school building collapses on him, and Kagari saves him using magic, revealing her true identity as a powerful witch.
Kagari explains that she has been secretly protecting Honoka from magical threats and will now openly safeguard him from harm. The story takes off as Honoka is pursued by other witches and mysterious enemies who aim to use him for their own sinister purposes. This marks the beginning of an action-packed and humorous adventure filled with magical battles, school drama, and a blossoming bond between Honoka and Kagari.
Will There Be a Witch Craft Works Season 2?
As of November 2024, neither J.C. Staff nor any other entity associated with the production of Witch Craft Works has announced a renewal for a second season. While many anime series see new seasons despite long gaps, the extended silence around this particular series does not bode well for its chances. Let’s examine the factors influencing the likelihood of a sequel.
Manga Source Material
The Witch Craft Works manga, written by Ryū Mizunagi, concluded its run on February 7, 2022, with a total of 15 volumes. The first season of the anime adapted the initial six volumes, leaving nine volumes of material unadapted. This is more than enough content for a second season. For fans eager to continue the story, reading the manga from volume seven is highly recommended. The English version of the manga is widely available for purchase.
Disc Sales
Physical disc sales were once a critical measure of an anime’s financial success. For an anime to be considered profitable enough for a sequel, it typically needed to sell 6,000–7,000 copies per volume. Witch Craft Works achieved an average of 4,377 units per volume, which, while respectable, fell short of this benchmark. Comparatively, top-selling anime during the same period, such as “Haikyuu!!” and “Love Live!”, sold over 25,000 and 67,000 units per volume, respectively. Although Witch Craft Works ranked 38th out of 145 anime released that year, its sales were not strong enough to guarantee a continuation.
Streaming and Digital Revenue
In the modern era, streaming platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon often play a significant role in determining an anime’s future. Witch Craft Works is distributed on Crunchyroll, giving it a platform to reach a global audience. However, the anime has not seen exclusive deals or collaborations with these platforms, which often serve as key indicators of a series’ potential for renewal. Additionally, the absence of related adaptations, such as mobile games or spin-offs, further limits its revenue potential, which could otherwise bolster the chances of a second season.
Popularity and Social Media Engagement
The official Twitter account of Witch Craft Works has approximately 10k followers, indicating modest popularity. While the series has a dedicated fanbase, its online presence and social media activity are relatively low compared to other franchises that have successfully secured renewals. Despite this, the anime maintains favorable ratings on platforms like MyAnimeList, showcasing its enduring appeal among fans.
Is a Second Season Still Possible?
Although the lack of new announcements and the anime’s moderate success in disc sales reduce the chances of a second season, it is not entirely out of the question. The availability of sufficient source material from the manga is a key positive factor. If renewed, production would take at least a year, meaning the earliest possible release date for Witch Craft Works Season 2 would be late 2025 or early 2026. But this possibility is quite low.
Conclusion: What Can Fans Do?
For fans eager to continue the story, diving into the manga remains the best option. The manga’s English version is easily accessible, allowing readers to experience the full narrative beyond the anime’s adaptation. While the hope for a new season remains slim, surprises are not uncommon in the anime industry. Until then, stay tuned for any updates, and keep the magic of Witch Craft Works alive!