The Witch and the Beast, Vol. 9

魔女と野獣 [Majo to Yajū] #9

by Kousuke Satake

Dive into Kousuke Satake's suave and explosive manga debut, about powerful women good and evil, featuring a story of vengeance in a stylish, art-deco urban wonderland that's one part Fullmetal Alchemist and one part Cowboy Bebop .

Their business in the Fall finally concluded, Guideau and Ashaf next find themselves in a city teeming with artisans specializing in magical tools. Amid thetrivial and frivolous, Guideau is drawn to a mysterious doll said to have a deep connection with a witch. Could it finally be a new clue fortracking down Angela? If only the obstinate shopkeeper would be willing to part with it...

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Seinen, Action, Witches

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2022

Reviews

[Mizuki · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the huge battle with the vampires from the under levels, our MCs are now...tasked with looking after a little boy?

The first story about the cursed humanlike doll is quite nice! (and she is pretty talkive) Although it is not the best story out there.

More to come.

[ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved seeing Helga and Phanora again. This arc is bringing everyone back. It's gonna be so good, I can't wait for next month!

So, that was definitely a date at the beginning of this volume. No one can convince me otherwise. Now, did Ashaf really give Guideau a child to raise?! God help the poor child.

[Monica Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standing ovation to the mangaka for the art alone! I have yet to see a panel that isn't a beautiful pristine work of art so far 😍

[Kastie Pavlik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I might be rounding up a bit here, but some of the reveals feel properly large, which compensate for the confusion. This series is just stunning. It's complex with a huge world and many individual characters that play roles. The majority of this volume is spent with those other characters as a new arc begins. However. There is so much action and so much gore and magic, that a good chunk of the panels are indecipherable. Are we seeing fire or snow? Blood or power? So many people pop up that I lost track of who was on what side and who was betraying and all that etc.... 🤷‍♀️ It's a massive battle and seeing it in color would be a completely different experience. At one point, we cut away from a character for a bit, and then return, but it looked like Guideau and I didn't think she was there and had to flip back over a chapter to see which character it was to try to understand what was happening, or who cast what spell. It is unnecessarily confusing, especially when the entire battle is a flashback as to why Ashaf is presenting a child to Guideau. The gist, with a few minor spoilers...Witches converge on a castle where forbidden tools are stored, but they aren't all together, they just have the same goal (which we are not privy to), and similarly, allies to the order also converge in similar fashion. Everyone is super powerful so it's a huge battle with betrayals and reveals and Angela and a dragon. Essentially, the small details seem unimportant, and what matters for Ashaf and Guideau is that one of those forbidden tools grow into a rapidly aging infant, who, in 10 days time, appears to be a 5-7 year old boy. The flashback gives us the what and how of it, and develops new paths and new dangers for this arc. Thankfully, I waited to read this one until I had vol 10, so I'll delve into that now!

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I do love how they tie up ends from 3 volumes back- referencing "Karl Oakleave" or "Craig" one of the executioners attacking Falvell. It's weird- or interesting- how he chooses to take the form of a child. 😤 He better not harm Guideau, calling him a monster and whatnot.

Nevertheless, this is an interesting setup to the next part of the story! A mysterious gang of witches, mages, and Angela. Introducing the archmages one specifically. And a forbidden instrument that has grown into a child. I honestly can't predict what's going to happen.

My only gripe (not really a gripe, just a teensy thorn really,) was that some of the action scenes were a little difficult to read or decipher. I bet it would look stunning when animated though.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Felicissima di rivedere finalmente Phanora e Johan, anche se dentro a un flashback. Ora che Ashaf ha affibbiato un bambino a Guideau, per la ragazza sarà una gioia prendersene cura, considerando il grande lato materno che possiede… ci sarà di che divertirsi.
Cosa stanno organizzando di così importante le streghe, da dover addirittura far gruppo per il loro scopo? Il mondo magico sta attraversando un periodo di turbolenza mai visto prima e nuove figure arcane fanno la loro apparizione. Un bel volume, come sempre ben disegnato, che dà inizio a una nuova saga dai presupposti molto interessanti.

[pareidolia]

This volume starts with Ashaf and Guideau on what's definitely a date - even if the concept of dating is probably totally foreign to Guideau. A few days later, Ashaf presents Guideau with a child to raise. What could possibly go wrong?
The rest is a lengthy and action-heavy flashback bringing back some old acquaintances. I was thrilled to see Phanora and Johan again, but the title "Chaos Inside the Storm" is quite apt: the action sequences are still somewhat confusing and difficult to decipher. And that's after keeping track of all the different factions.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volume 9: (Chapters 42-48)

Guideau and Asyaf return from the world of vampires after defeating the Queen of Night and momentarily take a break to enjoy the city. However, after being drawn to a mysterious antique shop the two discover a very life like doll called a "witch's relic". But this doll is not exactly what It seems...and it may also have some connection the the Eternal Witch Angela.

[Konstantin R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is very unique not only in narrative but in art style. We continue to journey with Guideau and Ashaf and draw closer to "the witch" that has cursed "the beast." This volume also brings back the two other characters we saw in volume 2. It is one of the best dark fantasy series out there, with an artsy edge.

[Yumeko (blushes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a terribly beautiful work. Unfortunately it's impossible to feel connected with most characters, you can never feel like they're being challenged or anything because aside from literally everyone being overpowered, they give you information alongside that they use to solve whatever problem.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I love the story, Guideau and Ashaf were barely in it and a lot happened, much with little explanation. I kind felt bombarded with fight scenes and dozens of characters, most new. Can’t wait for vol 10. Hopefully everything will tie In together.

[Tasha Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so mad that there's only one more of these but they're so damn good (for the most part). I need to know what's happening next but alas, I dont have volume 10 and have been told by multiple people that it does nothing to wrap things up. Why fo authors need to go on hiatus 😭

[Ayo Odun · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
The dragon was hype as hell I’m ngl. Also lol is this going to turn into a “3 men(er well two men and an genderless monster) and a baby situation that’ll be hilarious. Although knowing this comic it’s going to end up tragic isn’t it…

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was just confusing for the most part.

[Anaika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Ida]

Volume 1-9 (chap 48)

[Sombre Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cette nouvelle aventure m'a l'air prometteuse !

J'avais peur qu'elle ne rechute et que l'on retourne au style du début de saga, mais pour le moment ça n'en a pas l'air !

[Madelynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was probably the most confusing one yet.

[Sarah Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good to see some old characters. But hard to get attached to people. Just want to see the main story.

[Avidreader365 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4

[Cecilie Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

it tells a lot of promis of what is to come.

[Keeloween · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guideau raising a child? 😂😂😂

[nobody · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3,5)

[Amanda Setasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art in this one is lovely, but it's still hard to keep track of, and now they're randomly protecting a kid.

[Mohammad Rahmany · Rating 3 out of 5]

به نسبت چپتر قبل درهم و برهم تر بود. امیدوارم سرعت داستان در چپتر آتی دوباره کم بشه.

[blue.iris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of older characters return, and in the end everything is sort of tied together (except for the ending part of course). The art is still wonderful, though, and there are plenty of action scenes

[GwenolaBarr · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review of Vol. 1 gives an overall insight into my feelings on this series.

This connecting story explores what happens outside of Guideau and Ashaf's bubble. The artwork for this epic fight was phenomenal, and the story gave a greater insight into the impending political struggles about to turn this world asunder. I cannot wait for the next volume to see where this goes.

[Florence Mullot · Rating 4 out of 5]

C'est toujours quand je me dis qu'on va enfin avoir un tome centré sur Guido et Ashaf qu'un événement pas possible se produit et nos deux héros passent à la trappe… C'est ultra frustrant, même si le tome était très bien, parce que justement j'ai cette impression qu'on se « débarrasse » souvent d'eux pour mettre en avant d'autres personnages. En neuf tomes nous n'avons eu que quelques petites miettes les concernant et moi j'en veux plus, beaucoup plus.

Après franchement, je ne vais pas me plaindre, on retrouve pas mal de personnages que j'ai beaucoup aimé avec Fanola, Matt et Helga notamment. Voir tout ce petit monde joindre leurs forces pour pallier à une attaque d'envergure cela laisse entrevoir des choses plutôt intéressantes pour la suite. Bien que dans des camps différents, ils sont capables de faire front une nouvelle fois et cette coopération m'enchante au plus haut point.

Je trouve par contre l'utilisation de la trahison au sein des différentes organisations un peu trop redondante à mon goût. C'est facile et en plus cela fait passer, notamment l'ordre des chevaliers sacrés, pour des incompétents. Pour un groupe qui se veut irréprochable, ça laisse sacrément à désirer. Surtout que l'influence des sorcières ou des artéfacts n'est plus à prouver. Un petit peu de renouveau serait plaisant.

Ce tome neuf de The Witch and the beast, même s'il nous offre pas mal d'action, reste somme toute introductif. On retrouve Angela qui visiblement prépare un sal coup, avec d'autres sorcières qui plus est, mais nous ne savons pas grand-chose de plus. L'arrivée aussi d'un magicien ultra puissant ne me dit rien qui vaille même s'il est du côté des « gentils ». En clair, on nous pose gentiment les pions sur le plateau pour nous préparer à la suite.

Je n'ose pas trop de réjouir de la fin de ce tome, même s'il est jouissif au possible, tellement la demande d'Ashaf est hilarante et absurde mais… j'ose espérer. En tout cas, cela est prometteur.

Un tome neuf de The Witch and the beast plutôt sympathique. J'ai notamment beaucoup aimé revoir Fanola et Helga, et surtout voir leur relation qui a quelque chose de très tendre même si leurs présences sont restées brèves. L'attaque de ce groupe de sorcières semble les prémices d'une grande catastrophe de quoi garder occuper nos héros.