La bruja del castillo de los cardos 1

アザミの城の魔女 [Azami no Shiro no Majo] #1

by John Tarachine, Lyn Adler (Translator), Lawrence González Álvarez (Technical Editor)

Laissez-vous envoûter par La Sorcière du château aux chardons, un manga de John Tarachine qui vous plongera dans le quotidien peu ordinaire d'une sorcière des temps modernes.
Marie Blackwood, surnommée la sorcière noire d'Albion, vit à Edimbourg où elle tient une petite boutique de magie. Héritière d'une puissante famille orthodoxe, elle est aussi et surtout une femme solitaire. Mais quand l'église lui impose de devenir la tutrice du "sang de la juste indignation, jeune adolescent aux origines obscures, un nouveau quotidien s'ouvre à elle... Sera-t-elle capable de lui enseigner la magie, et surtout, de contenir toute sa puissance ?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Witches, Graphic Novels Manga, Magic

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Mizuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars.

As a story opener it's doing fine, the artwork and design is lovely and the British and European backdrop with witchcraft mixed in a modern society is fine enough. I will keep an eye on this series.

PS: not really wanting romance to be developed between the main characters since the boy is like...13 years old?

PSS: The Blood of Righteous Anger is half explained as a cure or the rage of Joan of Arc, or from a powerful witch that might be her. Nothing is clear yet.

[Peppa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idk about this …guess I will read the second one and decided if I will drop or continue it

[Shahar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Alba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nouvelle série de John Tarachine dont j'avais apprécié "Goodnight, I love you...". On voit bien que les dessins ont évolué et ont une grâce encore plus marquée, j'aime beaucoup. L'histoire est intrigante, c'est un urban fantasy qui se déroule en Écosse dans une réalité où les sorcier.e.s communiquent avec les esprits.... je suis bien curieuse de lire la suite. Ose-je espérer une tournure un peu queer ? A voir....

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first volume introduces a lot of things I like. I like one of the main characters, Theo, so far. Even though he has a mysterious dangerous power he comes off as a shy apologetic kid who just wants to make friends. I like the art and the way magic works in this universe.

This reminds me a lot of the manga series Ancient Magus Bride, even in the parts I wasn't crazy about, like some people being TOO interested in the young apprentice.

I hope to read more of this series.

[Manon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to admit this book wasn't for me at all. The writing style was not what I normally like, and I felt like the story didn't make sense at all.

[atealantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Histoire assez intéressante!! Je suis encore pas mal confuse avec certains éléments (comme on te plonge directement dans l'univers) mais au moins ça t'aide à mieux t'investir à l'un des persos principaux qui est également aussi confu haha xD Hâte de lire la suite, surtout pour voir que sera la plus grande intrigue de l'histoire et comment tout se déroulera!

[aspho’ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le dessin est vraiment très qualitatif, joli character design, et l'histoire est intriguante. Par contre ça me met un peu mal à l'aise la façon dont on sous entend une attirance entre Théo et Marie/d'autres persos alors qu'il a treize ans ??

[Lexie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jak to się mówi po angielsku, ta manga "gave me the ick". Wzajemne zachowania bohaterów są takie dziwne...

Styl jest całkiem ładny, ale wiele scen z duchami jest tak chaotycznie narysowanych, że nie mogłam się połapać. Ogólnie fabuła bardzo średnia. No nie podobało mi się.

[Orkson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strasznie szybko wszystko się dzieje ale raczej w mangach to normalne więc nie przykuwalam do tego zbyt wielkiej uwagi.

Marie kobieto błagam wyjdź za mnie 🙏🏼

And I need more Theo and Charles content 😝

Generalnie dosyć fajne i raczej kupię sobie dalsze tomy

4/5 ⭐️

[mith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had an arc and it honest to God looked like everything was copied from a machine from 20 years ago. Despite that, the at is pretty. The story is nothing spectacular yet.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start!! Beautiful art and style, Marie is a serious charmer, and Theo is adorable.

A talented, reclusive witch takes on a dangerous, naive apprentice, teaching him to negotiate--literally--with the spirits that wander the world. The simple magic system around the spirits (eye contact opens a deal with them, glasses keep them out) is neat and lends itself to some gorgeously creepy panels of the world crawling with monsters. Could do without the...I dunno, talk about how this 13 year old is Marie's boyfriend, "heehee," but it's not nearly as weird and I was braced for it to be.

[Nils | nilsreviewsit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witch of Thistle Castle Vol 1 by John Tarachine is set in Edinburgh where Witches who can see and make deals with spirits in exchange for power roam the streets. Marie Blackwood has kept herself to herself but her lonely life changes when Theo Edison, a young untrained and immensely powerful witch, is trusted into her care. Theo has a rather sad backstory, one where he was kept confined and told he was an abomination for being the Blood of Righteous Anger, a witch with pure power. I loved seeing these two misfits grow close, seeing Theo’s innocence when exploring the world and meeting people he’s been kept away from. The artwork supports the story beautifully with lovely details in each scene. The story does end abruptly but it leaves you wanting to discover what will happen next.

“Two lonely souls, hated by the world and loved by the spirits.”

Thank you Titan Comics for the ARC

[Crabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marie es una bruja escocesa que negocia con los espíritus y regenta una tienda de magia. Pero su vida da un vuelco cuando la Iglesia de Londres pone a su cargo a un aprendiz de mago que sufre una maldición.

Para empezar a hablar de este manga, la ambientación me tiene enamorada; los que llevéis por aquí más tiempo sabréis que vivo obsesionada con todo lo que tenga que ver con Escocia, así que cuando descubrí éste, no me cupo duda de que lo tenía que leer.

Centrándonos en lo importante, la ambientación me ha encantado. Escocia es un país muy misterioso y el retrato que hace este manga de Edimburgo, con su arquitectura tan característica, envuelta en misticismo, es todo un plus para la historia.

En cuanto a los personajes, en este primer tomo conocemos, principalmente, a Marie y su nuevo pupilo; y ambos me han conquistado por completo, son adorables y se hacen querer. Además, deja en el aire que ambos ocultan secretos que se irán descubriendo en próximos tomos.

A parte de estos protagonistas, vamos conociendo a personajes secundarios, algunos más de pasada y otros que se ve que van a cobrar una mayor importancia. Especialmente, hay uno que me da mala espina y tengo ganas de saber más de él.

De la trama en sí puedo deciros que este tomo es bastante introductorio, cómo es normal al ser el primero. En algunos momentos, incluso me daba la sensación de historia costumbrista con magia, pero también deja caer pequeñas muestras de lo que está por venir y cómo se van a complicar las cosas.

Finalmente, decir que el dibujo me parece precioso. Me quedaba un rato en cada panel embobada apreciándolo.

En resumen, un primer tomo con un dibujo que enamora, unos personajes que se hacen querer, una ambientación que me ha conquistado por completo y una trama que, aún siendo introductoria, atrapa mucho.

[Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

first off, thank you to titan comics for sending me a copy in advanced!!

i loved everything about this manga, and i’m really excited to continue with this series! the world building was written into the story very well so it didn’t feel info dumpy, but it still was sprinkled throughout the volume enough times to get a better understanding of the society and how magic works without it all being told to us at once. the characters are all very distinct and interesting, i can’t wait to see more of this duo, especially once marie really starts training theo. i also loved the art style a lot, it reminded me a little of the art in the winnie the witch books i used to read as a child but prettier. i’m looking forward to seeing how the main plot forms as we go along, i have a feeling it’s going to be really good. this book is the perfect read for autumn if you’re looking for a beautiful and whimsical escape into a mystical world of witches and magic. it’s both an interesting mix of gothic and cozy fantasy that will have you wanting more.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

My attention was grabbed by the Edinburgh setting, and the start of this comic story is there. Although the main characters travel elsewhere too. The art work is simple, but well drawn. The story line is a little vague as to what is really going on. I think I would need to read the next few volumes to get a better grip. Something I hope I have the chance to do. Thank you to Titan books and NetGalley for the comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Kayt O'Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Series Review (volumes 1-4)
3.5 stars

In a world where witches exist mostly (?) secretly, but with the knowledge and controlling semi-condemnation of the church, Marie lives out a quiet life in her English village, until the church forces her to become caretaker to a 13-year-old whose blood the spirits would loooove to consume because it makes him super strong or something. Magical shenanigans ensue.

(It's always obvious when I get tired of something in the premise or story when I do those summaries, isn't it?)

This was an intriguing series! The art is lovely, and the magic system/world is decently explained. Witches essentially have to make bargains with supernatural creatures every time they work magic, and most witches will have an ongoing pact with one, like a familiar who gets your blood (or hair, or wine) every time they do something.

Theo has been essentially held captive his whole life by the church, which heartily disapproves of witchcraft even as they seek to license and control its users. He's been assigned to learn from Marie for reasons I no longer remember nor care about because the real reason is We Need A Story.

Marie is a nice, lightly grumpy, attractive woman. Theo is a nice, kind, cute teenager. They make an excellent mentor-assistant pairing. Magical events happen. Marie gets less grumpy and unlocks a backstory for us. Theo unlocks a sad backstory for us.

The problem is that I'm having, obviously, a difficult time explaining why I might rate this 4 stars when my descriptions sound mid at best. To that I can only say: I enjoyed it and would read it again, so I figure it deserves the above-average rating.

I do think it should've been longer. Pacing in each story arc varied, and I did often think that it moved some explanations or characters' acceptances along too fast. I don't know its original publishing info, like whether it was planned to be 4 volumes (20 chapters) from the start; if it was unsure how long it would be running, that could explain the pacing issues.

Still, for a library borrow, absolutely a solid story.

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware of spoilers...

Yet another witch manga with immense world building and complete originality in terms of the basis of magic and witchcraft. I greatly enjoy manga such as this, wherein it’s about witches but the reader finds out that non-magic-users have been wrong about witch society for one reason or another. Much like in Witch Hat Atelier (or even Sugar Sugar Rune), people who can wield magic and people who cannot, find themselves on opposite sides of a very thick divide. There is hostility and animosity to easily be found when intermingling, and the balance is held by only a small set of rules. Furthermore, witch society has developed incredibly with its own particular nuances, impressive inventions, and a different way of life. (Also, I must say that Kiki has the personality of a streamer with how curious, boisterous, and live-on-the-edge she is. The way she waits until the last second so that she can see it all; her sense for fashion, her friendliness, she has it all.)
Something about the way the story is told feels a little odd, but I feel as though that falls upon the editing aspect of this volume. It could have been edited better, but besides that, it’s intriguing and whisks the reader away into a fantasy world where magic is real, but only to those born with the sight to see the spirits that make it a reality. There was something that grounded the idea of this society a bit more for me and it was on one page wherein Marie and Franz are speaking of how there are many more spirits in Asia and that the witches over there are actually known as priests. This reminds me of Shinto shrines and priests and priestesses. Somehow, this perspective makes this world’s form of magic far easier for me to comprehend.
Lastly, is this another Jeanne d'Arc story? Very interesting, indeed... (Also, this is only the second series which I've seen to ever mention the word "apocrypha"!)

[Yoshiro · Rating 4 out of 5]

POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK: Początek mangi Wiedźma z Zamku Ostów tom 1 przenosi nas do Edynburga, gdzie mieści się pewien mały niepozorny sklepik. Jego właścicielką jest Marie Blackwood, potężna wiedźma z trudnym charakterem. To właśnie do niej zwraca się o pomoc Londyński Kościół, który oddaje jej pod opiekę pewnego młodzieńca. Ma ona nauczyć go posługiwania się magią. Zadanie to będzie o wiele trudniejsze niż sądziła ona na początku. Młody człowiek skrywa bowiem w sobie niezwykłą i niebezpieczną moc.

Ciekawą stroną mangi na pewno jest odmienne podejście przez autorkę do tematu magii. Stworzyła ona bowiem świat, w którym system czarów opiera się na negocjacjach z duchami, które kształtują rzeczywistość. Koncepcja ta jest dość oryginalna i dodaje głębi opowieści. Jest jednak pewne duże „ale”. Sama magia jest tu jedynie dodatkiem do bardziej obyczajowo-dramatycznej strony tytułu. Jeśli więc ktoś liczy na historię, w której fantazyjność i liczne tajemnice są stawiane na pierwszym miejscu, to może poczuć pewne rozczarowanie.

Pierwszy tom serii opowiada nam głównie o nowym codziennym życiu dwojga ludzi, którzy obaj są mocno wykluczeni społecznie. Muszą więc oni sobie zaufać i nauczyć się żyć razem, co będzie wymagać od nich sporego wysiłku. Dopiero obok tych treści widzimy jak Théo (nastolatek oddany pod opiekę Marie) rozpoczyna swój trening, co wiąże się ze stopniowym odkrywaniem pewnych tajemnic świata przedstawionego. Bohaterowie potrafią więc być intrygujący, ale mają również pewne swoje wady. Momentami ich zachowanie jest bardzo specyficzne (wręcz infantylne), a postępowanie dość naiwne. Psuje to trochę klimat mangi wytrącając czytelnika z napięcia. ...

https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/wiedz...

[CharlyyGentlePhoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

LE SANG DE LA JUSTE INDIGNATION (1)
Marie Blackwood, est une Sorcière noire de renom d'Albion qui est chargée de la formation du redoutable (malgré lui) Théo. "Le sang de la juste indignation"; Elle doit lui enseigner la magie.

"Pour résumer, la magie c'est un échange avec les esprits"

"Vous aimez la magie eihn?" "C'est même une addiction."

Héritage de Jeanne. Jeanne d'Arc étant une des plus puissantes sorcière de tout les temps. Elle avait conclu moult pactes (qui s'effectuent en regardant dans les yeux!) et quand elle fut incinérée c'est cela qui créa "Le sang de la juste indignation", dont Théo est l'héritier.

Ca se passe donc à Paris !!(dans une second temps). L'argent ne semble pas être un problème ! lol! Franz les choye...

Marie est resplendissante.

Il y a même un personnage qui s'appelle comme moi (Charles).

Théo semble évidement bisexuel et attiré par ce Charles.

Une lecture très Agréable! Comment lui mettre moins de 5/5? Pas de coup de cœur cependant.

Bonne Lectures chez vous.

En bref____
Théo est un magicien perdu qui est recueilli par Marie Blackwood. Il est promis à un brillant avenir au sein de la sorcellerie. Tout comme il pourrait représenter un grand danger. Marie et les autres vont lui apprendre à utiliser son pouvoir sans se faire berner par les mauvais esprits.

Positif____
Harry Potter pour adultes! C'est drôlement mieux.
La bisexualité du personnage adoptée tout naturellement sans se justifier.
La beauté de Marie.
L'histoire bien fluide.

Négatif____
Il manque un trémolo, un je ne sais quoi d'émotions.
_____
Phoenix
++

[lulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

a arte é muito linda e a história é interessante com uma premissa criativa. só achei complexo demais pra uma série de apenas quatro volumes, de cara dá pra perceber que é uma narrativa que não vai dar conta de tudo que propõe. se fosse só isso seria um 3/5 sólido, mas existe um fator que me incomoda muito: a sexualização do protagonista, um menino de 13 anos.

dá pra sentir uma ambiguidade meio romântica no relacionamento dele com Marie, uma mulher adulta e professora dele, logo de cara. no início achei que poderia ser coisa da minha cabeça e que eu estava vendo coisa onde não tinha, mas uma terceira personagem aparece depois dizendo mais de uma vez que o Theo seria namorado da Marie. sim, em tom de brincadeira, mas, dado que eu já estava sentido uma vibe estranha, a partir daí não deu mais pra negar que essa ambiguidade é intencional.

um outro personagem aparece depois, um homem adulto chamado Franz, e a forma como interage com o Theo não tem outro nome que não flerte. "ah mas ele é francês", bom ele poderia flertar com a mulher adulta que está bem ali. em outro momento que o Theo está se arrumado para um evento ele descreve a aparência do Theo como pureza e tentação. pois é.

enfim, pode ser que fique por isso mesmo, tudo no terreno da ambiguidade, mas só as insinuações já me deixaram muito desconfortável. vou parar por aqui.

[Valérie Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

C'est ma première série complète de John Tarachine. J'ai beaucoup aimé le début d'Ocean Rush de la même mangaka, alors j'avais le goût de plonger dans ces quatre tomes explorant le thème de la sorcellerie au sens le plus classique, dans une Grande-Bretagne moderne (certaines références à Harry Potter sont présentes d'ailleurs).

C'est ça, mais avec le style Tarachine, un peu brouillon, d'une grande élégance, échevelé et séduisant, comme un tourbillon d'énergie qui n'est pas dû à l'accumulation d'action mais au magnétisme de Marie, la sorcière noire parricide. Ici, le noir est la bonté, le blanc la laideur, la sorcière dont tout le monde doute et redoute est celle qui comprend le mieux. Elle m'a fait penser à la tante d'Entre les lignes #1, mais avec des pouvoirs magiques.

Bien sûr, j'aurais aimé un peu plus de révélations quant aux passés de Marie et Théo, il aurait fallu un peu plus d'explications sur ce qui s'est passé avec Lasair... Mais j'ai tout de même adoré cette Marie, sa relation avec Théo, qui souffre des peurs héritées d'un lointain passé. Marie, elle est tout ce qu'on a toujours reproché aux sorcières: elle n'écoute pas les pouvoirs en place, elle marche aux côtés de ce qui leur fait peur, elle résiste aux manipulations. Avec nonchalance et justesse. Ce qui n'est pas si facile à conjuguer!

[Clémence - Crépusculire · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’étais curieuse de découvrir La Sorcière du Château aux Chardons, un manga qui promettait une ambiance sombre et envoûtante, entre magie et mystères. Et globalement, j’ai passé un bon moment, même si quelques points m’ont laissée un peu sur ma faim !

Ce qui m’a tout de suite séduite, c’est l’ambiance gothique et mélancolique qui se dégage de l’histoire. On plonge dans un univers fascinant où la magie est omniprésente, mais jamais éclatante ou lumineuse. Édimbourg et ses ruelles offrent un décor idéal pour cette intrigue teintée de mystère.

J’ai également beaucoup apprécié le personnage de Marie Blackwood. Elle est charismatique, solitaire et possède une aura intrigante qui la rend immédiatement captivante. Forte et indépendante, elle semble pourtant porter un lourd passé, ce qui ajoute une profondeur bienvenue à son personnage. La dynamique entre elle et Théo l’adolescent qu’elle doit guider est également prometteuse. L’idée d’un apprenti au potentiel démesuré, à la fois protégé et redouté, apporte une tension intéressante à l’histoire. Cependant, dans ce premier tome, leur relation reste encore en surface, et j’aurais aimé voir plus d’interactions marquantes entre eux.

Malgré ces qualités, j’ai trouvé que le récit mettait du temps à réellement s’approfondir. L’univers est riche, ce qui nécessite des explications, mais certains passages sont un peu trop expéditif là ou j’aimerai avoir plus de détails. Bref, ces détails seront peut être approfondie dans les prochains tomes aussi je ne m’en formalise pas trop pour le moment. Enfin, même si la dynamique entre Marie et son élève est intrigante, les échanges manquent encore de chaleur ou de profondeur émotionnelle, ce qui aurait pu renforcer un peu plus l’attachement aux personnages.

[Snail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sound effect editing of this book was bad to the point of being really distracting. Using ** around SFX? verbs? If you don’t want to pay someone to edit the sfx properly—no problem. Go the ol’ Dark Horse route and stick a list of SFX and their translations at the back of the book. Don’t just plop over sloppy subtitles that interfere with the artwork and the reader’s experience of the book. …is my two cents. There were also a few pages that printed really badly; the tone caused that moire effect that looks super wonky when printed.

The translation felt a little… stilted. For example “Hush now” was nice the first time but got repetitive when used over and over.

Those localization issues aside, the art was pretty at times. I like how the main witch was drawn (especially her legs!).

The characters feel a little shallow. I’d like to see more monsters and spirits, so I’d probably try reading volume two, but I don’t have particularly high hopes.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

A frustratingly vague and disjointed story with uncomfortable levels of adults showing weird attraction or flirtiness to a 13-year-old boy ,:S
...a boy who, incidentally, looks suspiciously like Harry Potter =_=
Actually, everybody seems to get weird about him, so we get queerbaiting, too.
He, or his magic power, is given the grandiose title of The Blood of Righteous Anger, which even after you find out where the name comes from, makes no sense in the way it's used so far.
It makes no sense why the Church seems to be in charge of the magic world, or why they seem to openly employ someone they call heretic. If there's any coherent plot, I lost interest before figuring it out, and all that vagueness and ick factor made me forget it 5 seconds after putting it down.

Content concerns: smoking, adults creepily flirting with a 13-year-old, imprisonment

[Rick Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Marie Blackwood is the last in a long line of witches who have the ability to see spirits. Entrusted with care of a teenager named Theo, Marie must juggle mentoring this mysterious kid while dealing with the sudden responsibility of saving the world. I'll admit, this kind of manga with this kind of premise holds limited appeal for me, but the artwork was alluring so I gave it a shot. It's a bit more aimed at a more YA demographic, so perhaps those who enjoy those kinds of stories might like it a fair bit more. I, unfortunately, found this quite to be quite generic despite the attempt at building a unique mythology behind the witches. There's a lot going on in this first volume, but I can't say anything really grabbed my interest. It was cool seeing Edinburgh illustrated here though.

[Emma (littledollreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is yet another story that takes its world and atmosphere to a whole other level. I can't quite describe the feeling of satisfaction with this world that I experienced while reading. It just felt so whole correct and enchanting. Some combination of the art and story just melded together so perfectly. And speaking of the art it is beautiful. I also loved the direction this story took its magic. It's so original while still incorporating familiar elements of spirits. I found each of the characters to be fun to read about and I'm interested in learning more about them.

Some additional words to try and capture the vibe of this story:
- enchanting
- cozy
- magical
- soft
- lo-fi
- nostalgic

[Kristina Romero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the witches in Edinburgh theme of this series! It's got cozy gothic vibes and really beautiful art that highlights the cool architecture of Edinburgh and Paris. The characters are compelling and I am interested to see where the plotline goes and what Theo is capable of.

The only thing that really bothered me was the wildly inappropriate comments adults make all the time to Theo, the 13-year-old apprentice. Really wish that wasn't a common thing in this book because its pretty gross. As long as that doesn't cross a line, I'll continue to enjoy the fun autumn witchy atmosphere of this series.

[Sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good start in my opinion! I really like Marie’s character and also the take of sorcerer in this world who has to make contracts with spirits to use magic is a good perspective, it changes from other fantasy books.

We can see that the author puts a lot of care and detail on the decors, I love how Paris is portrayed in this and also the clothes, it’s very pretty.

The drawings are very pleasing to see and setting of the story is very interesting, I’m excited to see how the story will grow.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

A generic manga set in current time where witches exist but are frowned upon in Great Britain. Nor are they really needed much with modern technology. The subplots all felt half-baked and poorly laid out. There's this main witch who takes on an apprentice who knows nothing about magic but is naturally gifted. He has this "Blood of Righteous Anger" which is never explained but mentioned about 40 times. I didn't find this interesting enough to pick up the next one when it gets translated from French to English.