Once Upon a Witch’s Death [Season 1 Episode 1 The Witch With One Year to Live]

“Once Upon a Witch’s Death” Episode 1 Review: A Magical Start with Emotional Depth

Title: The Witch With One Year to Live
Studio: EMT Squared
Premiere Date: April 1, 2025

A Premise That Hooks You Instantly

The first episode of Once Upon a Witch’s Death wastes no time throwing us into the heart of its story. On her seventeenth birthday, Meg Raspberry, a bright-eyed apprentice witch, receives the worst news imaginable: she has exactly one year left to live. Her mentor, the enigmatic Faust, reveals that the only way to break this curse is by collecting a thousand “Tears of Joy”—a seemingly impossible task that sends Meg on a journey filled with magic, emotion, and self-discovery.

Right off the bat, the premise grabs you. It’s a mix of fantasy and emotional drama, with a ticking clock that adds urgency. Fans have compared it to Kobato., where the protagonist also embarks on a mission tied to human emotions, but with higher stakes—Meg’s life is literally on the line.

First Impressions: Fast-Paced but Not Rushed

The pacing of the episode has been a hot topic among viewers. Some, like one MyAnimeList user, felt it was “fast-paced but not overwhelming,” while others wished for more time to breathe and explore the world. The story dives straight into the conflict, which works for those who hate slow burns but might leave others craving deeper world-building.

Meg’s introduction is charming, though some fans noted that side characters like Faust could use more fleshing out. One commenter joked, “The Guild Receptionist from Goblin Slayer should take notes—this is how you make a cute character likable!” And they’re not wrong. Meg’s optimism in the face of doom is endearing, and her voice actor (Yoshino Aoyama) nails the balance between youthful energy and underlying fear.

Tone: Whimsy Meets Melancholy

The tone of the episode is a blend of lighthearted magic and deep emotional undercurrents. Some viewers loved this mix, calling it “sappy wholesomeness with a touch of wackiness,” while others felt it was too muted. One fan pointed out the parallels to Violet Evergarden and Clannad: After Story, saying, “Hey, let’s rip open some old wounds by combining Violet’s letter-writing with Clannad’s flower field—but with a genki witch!”

The emotional beats hit hard, especially in the scene where Meg witnesses a father and daughter reuniting. The tears she collects aren’t purely joyful—they’re bittersweet, which adds complexity to her mission. A Reddit user speculated, “What if Faust is lying? Maybe the curse is fake, and this is all a test to make Meg stronger.” It’s an intriguing theory that could add layers to the story later.

Visuals and Music: Simple but Effective

The art style is clean and colorful, though some fans called the designs “boring” or too safe. The animation shines in small moments, like the glow of magic or the shimmer of tears, but it’s not groundbreaking. The soundtrack, however, does a great job enhancing the emotional weight of key scenes.

Final Verdict: A Promising Start

Once Upon a Witch’s Death Episode 1 sets up a compelling journey with a protagonist you can’t help but root for. It’s not perfect—some pacing issues and underdeveloped side characters hold it back—but the emotional core is strong, and the premise is unique enough to stand out in a crowded fantasy genre.

As one fan put it, “I wasn’t sure about the premise, but Meg won me over. I’ll stick around for her adventures.” And honestly? Same. If the series can balance its whimsy with deeper character growth, it could become one of the standout anime of 2025.

Rating: 8/10 – A magical, tear-filled ride worth watching.

What did you think of the first episode? Let us know in the comments!