Champignon Witch [Season 1 Episode 1]

Champignon Witch: A Whimsical Fairy Tale with a Heart of Gold

If you’re craving a cozy, fairy-tale-like anime that feels like a warm hug, look no further than Champignon Witch (Champignon no Majo). Season 1 Episode 1 introduces us to Luna, a “black witch” in a kingdom ruled by white witches, whose mere presence causes poisonous mushrooms to sprout—leading the townsfolk to fear and shun her. But here’s the twist: Luna isn’t evil. In fact, she’s a total sweetheart, and this episode sets the stage for a story about prejudice, friendship, and finding beauty in the misunderstood.

First off, let’s talk about the vibes. The art style is straight out of a children’s storybook—soft pastels, whimsical character designs, and a dreamy forest setting that feels both magical and nostalgic. The opening song, “Rosu,” by the band of the same name, is a standout: it’s upbeat, with a touch of folk, and perfectly captures the show’s blend of wonder and melancholy. As one fan put it, “That OP song somewhat surprised me. I’m impressed by the style.” It’s the kind of track that’ll get stuck in your head, but in the best way possible.

The episode wastes no time diving into Luna’s world. We see her wandering the forest, collecting mushrooms (she’s a pro at identifying the safe ones!), and trying to avoid the villagers who cross the street when they see her. The narration, which feels like a grandmother telling a bedtime story, adds to the fairy-tale charm. “Strong fairy tale vibes, especially with the narration,” another viewer noted. “It’s totally understandable why majority would be afraid of Luna and avoid her, it’s nonetheless sad. She isn’t a monster and it would be nice if people saw the good side of her too.”

Luna herself is the star of the show. Voiced with gentle curiosity, she’s a mix of innocence and quiet resilience. When a group of kids accidentally wander into her forest, she helps them find their way back—even though they’re terrified of her. Her interactions with her cow familiar (yes, a cow!) are adorable, and it’s clear she’s not the “evil witch” the townsfolk make her out to be. “Luna is a sweetheart,” one fan gushed. “She isn’t dangerous or someone to be feared.”

But it’s not all sunshine and mushrooms. The episode touches on deeper themes of prejudice. The white witches, who control the kingdom, view Luna as a threat, and the villagers’ fear is rooted in ignorance. “Champignon is an edible mushroom, but there are mushrooms that look very similar to Champignon but poisonous,” a viewer pointed out. “It represents how people mistake her as a malevolent witch, but she’s actually a benevolent witch.” It’s a clever metaphor, and it adds layers to the story without feeling heavy-handed.

The pacing is slow and deliberate, giving off major slice-of-life vibes. There’s no big action scene or dramatic plot twist—just Luna going about her day, trying to survive in a world that doesn’t accept her. “This is very lighthearted so it almost gives a slice of life vibe,” one fan said. “Looks like one of those cute fairy tale anime with fantasy themes. Luna herself seems like a curious character so the story will follow her adventures.”

Of course, no anime is perfect. Some viewers criticized the “absurd amount of exposition,” but for the most part, the feedback is positive. “Wow, if this show keeps up the quality of the first episode, this might just be a contender for my anime of the year,” another fan raved. “So imaginative and beautiful!”

What makes Champignon Witch stand out is its heart. In a sea of high-stakes shonen and dark fantasy, it’s a breath of fresh air—simple, sweet, and unapologetically earnest. The animation, while not groundbreaking, is charming, and the music ties everything together. “Love the music in this one,” a viewer commented. “It really stayed on the fantasy theme; it always throws me off when there’s a high fantasy anime and they bookend it with random pop song OP/ED.”

The episode ends with a hint of romance (or at least a potential friendship) when Luna meets a mysterious boy who doesn’t seem to fear her. It’s a promising setup, and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes. “Poor witch girl… She just loved someone but was still shy because of what people were talking about her,” one fan sympathized.

Overall, Champignon Witch Season 1 Episode 1 is a delightful start to what could be a hidden gem. It’s the kind of anime that feels like a warm blanket on a rainy day—cozy, comforting, and full of heart. If you’re into fairy tales, slice-of-life, or just need a break from the chaos of the world, give this a watch. As one fan summed it up: “That was good, felt very fairy-tail-ish. 5/5.”

So grab your favorite snack, curl up on the couch, and let Luna’s world sweep you away. You won’t regret it. 🍄✨