Once Upon a Witch’s Death [Season 1 Episodes 1-9]

Alright, let’s dive into Once Upon a Witch’s Death Season 1, Episodes 1-9. First off, this anime, produced by EMT Squared and premiering in April 2025, follows Meg Raspberry, a 17-year-old witch apprentice who learns she’s cursed to die in a year. The series mixes drama, adventure, and fantasy, exploring mortality and self-discovery—pretty heavy stuff, but does it deliver?

From the get-go, the art style stands out. Fans on MyAnimeList praised the “glowing flowery” visuals and dynamic fight scenes, especially the fire effects. The animation quality is solid, with some nicely choreographed battles that keep you engaged. However, not everyone’s a fan of the character designs. Some viewers criticized the “wobbly boobs” on the female lead, feeling it’s over-the-top, while others found the male MC’s design “nice” but his personality a bit flat.

The plot starts with Meg’s birthday revelation, setting up a ticking clock that adds urgency to her journey. The curse isn’t just a death sentence; it’s a catalyst for her growth. Under Ms. Faust’s guidance, she trains to break the curse, but the series also balances this with school life. Wait, school life? Yeah, Meg goes back to school after being attacked, which some fans found illogical. One commenter ranted, “I don’t like it when protagonists get attacked and then go back to school like nothing happened!” But others defended it, saying it’s part of her denial and need for normalcy.

Now, the harem debate. Oh boy, this divided the fanbase. Half the comments were like, “Is this a harem?” while the other half screamed, “NO, IT’S NOT!” Let’s clear this up: the witches surrounding Meg are interested in her, but it’s not romantic. They’re after her “White Stuff” (whatever that is—probably magic-related, not what you’re thinking). So, no, it’s not a harem. But the confusion is understandable, given the number of female characters vying for her attention.

The music is a highlight. The ending song, in particular, got rave reviews. Fans loved the “chibi head bobbing” and called it “catchy” and “hilarious.” The opening is decent too, with some CGI elements that didn’t bother most viewers. The OST sets the mood well, especially during emotional scenes, though a few found it “awful.”

Character-wise, Meg is a mixed bag. She’s determined but can be naive, which makes her relatable. Ms. Faust is a strong mentor figure, but some wish she had more depth. The supporting cast, like the Ivory Quintet Tower Witches, adds intrigue—their motives are unclear, keeping you guessing. However, the “jealous followers” at school were a turn-off for many. Their bullying felt forced, and the “Obama guy” (yes, that’s a thing) was just weird.

Pacing is another issue. The first episode moves quickly, which some liked for its action, but others felt it rushed character development. By Episode 9, though, the story starts to pick up. Meg’s training intensifies, and we learn more about the curse’s origins. The series does a good job of balancing slice-of-life moments with fantasy elements, but it could use more world-building. Where do these witches come from? What’s the history of the curse? These questions linger, which might be intentional to keep viewers hooked.

Humor is a hit-or-miss. The “princess” nickname Meg gets from her mentor is funny, and the bunnies (yes, bunnies) add a quirky touch. But some jokes fall flat, like the overused “glowing flowery” gags. Still, the lighthearted moments break up the drama nicely, preventing the series from feeling too bleak.

Now, the big question: is it worth watching? For fantasy fans, yes. The curse plot is unique, and the animation is top-notch. If you’re into character-driven stories, Meg’s journey of self-discovery is compelling. But if you hate tropes, you might roll your eyes at the “weak MC” and “protective mentor” angles. Also, if you’re sensitive to fan service, the boob jokes might annoy you.

In conclusion, Once Upon a Witch’s Death has its flaws—pacing issues, divisive character designs, and some forced humor—but it’s a solid fantasy anime with heart. The curse storyline keeps you invested, the action is fun, and the music is a bop. If you’re looking for something with depth that doesn’t take itself too seriously, give it a shot. Just don’t go in expecting a harem—you’ll be disappointed.

Final Verdict: 7/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s worth sticking around for Meg’s journey. The potential is there, and with more episodes, it could become a standout series.

P.S. The ED is still stuck in my head. Thanks, anime. 🎶