Wistoria: Wand and Sword may have flown under the radar for many anime fans this season, but thanks to the involvement of director Tatsuya Yoshihara, it quickly became a standout for me. By the time the series finale rolled around, Wistoria had managed to carve out a place in my heart, even though it’s far from flawless. With Season 2 now officially announced, it’s worth exploring what made this fantasy action series so compelling, while also acknowledging some of its shortcomings.
Strength in Creative Direction and Characters
One of the strongest elements of Wistoria is its creative direction and character development. When I first learned that some staff members from Black Clover were involved in the production, my curiosity was piqued. The end result didn’t disappoint—it was a visually engaging and well-executed show that successfully brought its fantastical world to life.
While the animation and battle choreography, particularly in Will’s fight against Julius, were undeniably impressive, Wistoria had more to offer than just flashy visuals. The characters themselves are likeable and relatable, with a touch of mystery surrounding their backstories. Will, the protagonist, is easy to root for, which is essential for a show like this. If the lead character falls flat, the whole series risks collapsing. Fortunately, Will’s journey, as someone who overcomes being looked down upon for his inability to use magic, provides an emotional anchor that keeps the story engaging.
Pacing and Plot Challenges
That said, Wistoria isn’t without its flaws. One of the most noticeable issues is its tendency to rush certain storylines. The Grand Magic Festival arc, for example, felt hastily executed, and the buildup to Sion and Will’s confrontation could have been developed into something much more substantial. Instead, it came across as rushed, preventing the full impact of what could have been a pivotal moment. Moreover, moving from one bully (Sion) to another (Julius) as obstacles for Will felt somewhat redundant and uninspired.
This hurried pacing gives the impression that the series was unsure about its longevity, leading to an uneven narrative. There were moments of brilliance, but also instances where the plot felt undercooked. However, even when the writing faltered, the high-quality production and solid direction helped carry the series forward.
Female Characters and the Role of Villains
Another standout aspect of Wistoria is the portrayal of its female characters. Unlike many fantasy anime where female leads are relegated to love interests or damsels in distress, Wistoria’s female cast is more nuanced. Elfaria, though Will’s love interest, is also a prodigy mage and a member of the prestigious Magia Vender. Similarly, Lihanna and Colette hold their own as respected mages, giving the story a more balanced and inclusive feel compared to other anime from this season.
One potential downside is that the series didn’t clearly establish its main villain early on. Some viewers might see this as a drawback, but there’s also a refreshing twist in how the antagonists don’t even perceive themselves as “main villains.” They are ruthless, but not yet fully explored, leaving room for intriguing developments in future episodes. Whether this ambiguity works depends largely on personal preference. The lack of a central antagonist in the first season could be seen as either a slow burn or a missed opportunity.
Comparisons and Future Potential
As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate toward dungeon-crawling anime, I approached Wistoria with caution. However, after watching DanMachi, another series created by Fujinori Omori (the mind behind Wistoria), I found myself making comparisons. While DanMachi has its charm, I prefer the cast of Wistoria. There’s something about these characters that feels more engaging, even though Wistoria is still in its early stages.
The series has a lot of potential moving forward, especially with Season 2 on the horizon. Omori seems to have hit the mark when it comes to crafting a likeable ensemble, and I’m eager to see how their stories unfold.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Start with Room for Growth
While Wistoria: Wand and Sword didn’t drastically decline in quality after its first few episodes, there was a noticeable dip in fan ratings from Episode 2 through the end of the season. Some episodes were merely good, while others were truly outstanding. Overall, Wistoria managed to stand out as one of the summer’s best new anime, despite its imperfections. The animation, direction, and engaging characters kept it afloat, even when the pacing faltered.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword may not be a perfect series, but it has all the ingredients to become a fan favorite. With Season 2 on the way, it’s clear that there’s much more story to tell, and I’m excited to see where it goes from here. If the series can build on its strengths while addressing its pacing and narrative issues, it has the potential to be something truly special in the fantasy anime genre.
