Witchy, Volume 2

Witchy #2

by Ariel Slamet Ries

The eagerly awaited second collected volume of Ariel Slamet Ries' hit online comic Witchy.

In the witch kingdom Hyalin, the strength of your magic is determined by the length of your hair.

Low on magic and on the run after committing the ultimate heresy of cutting one's hair, Nyneve and her raven companion, Banana, head into an ancient forest in search of safe transport. However, when Nynever butts heads with the gruff and overbearing broom-maker Kaveh, she starts to wonder if she wouldn't be better off in the hands of the Witch Guard.
 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT, Comics, Queer, Witches

184 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2022

About the author

Ariel Slamet Ries is a Naarm-based, Ignatz-award winning cartoonist and author of the comics Witchy, Cry Wolf Girl, and the newly released Strange Bedfellows. After studying animation in Denmark for 4 years, they lost their degree in the post and unceremoniously bumbled into making comics for a living. They’re interested in using a fantastical lens to examine the mundane, and curating empathy for flawed characters.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good as the first volume but more focused

Witchy is an exile and will now be killed if she is caught. So after a few goodbyes, she sets off with her bird Banana to parts unknown. In the jungle she meets a man who helps her make a flying broom. This volume is mainly setup for the future.

[Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was just as beautifully drawn as book 1; the cartooning is masterful, but I don't have a very good sense of where the larger plot is going. This book was mostly a long side quest in which Nyneve learned how to make a broom under an exiled gay broom making master. I enjoyed this! However it didn't particularly seem to move the story forward. I will keep reading, but the sense of drama and urgency from the beginning of the first book is slightly missing here.

[Eva B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely had some second book syndrome happening but I really like Kaveh and the snippets we saw of Nyneve's mother. I'm always a sucker for rebellion plotlines and that aspect was my favorite part of the first volume, whereas this one is sort of like if all of The Empire Strikes Back had been Luke training on Dagobah--I appreciate the character growth for Nyneve, especially since she was pretty grating in this one, but it did get a bit dull and repetitive.

[Drew's ambitious reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decieded to pick this up on a whim and I enjoyed this one but was a little confused by the ending? If anyone here has read this one plz message me or comment down below. Also hope there will be a volume 3 soon!(: 3.5/5 stars

[Jan Agaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was super cute and i enjoyed it more than volume 1!

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books so much! We get so many queer characters that my gay heart can’t cope! It always makes me happy when I read a book like Witchy. It makes me feel like we are normalizing queer love… and also helps me to forget things like the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill in Florida. We are living in 2022 and yet it feels like nothing has changed. While the rest of the world is moving forward, America is stuck in the past. But I digress…

In this book, we get Kaveh the Broom Maker! They are setting out to meet him so that Nyneve will have an easier way of travel without getting stopped and found. The process of finding and creating the broom, as well as bonding with the spirit that lives inside of it is so beautiful.

I can’t wait to see where her journey will take her next.

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a sophomore slump is evident here as the protagonist goes on the run and ends up in what's basically an extended training montage with a broom maker who wants to help her make her own broom for flying because, y'know, witches do that. So it's Yoda time, but without the tortured syntax. And it's middle of the series personal growth time, as opposed to exciting advances in the overall storyline time.

It's a good time, mind you, but I'm holding out for a better time in future volumes.

[Anne-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the follow-up!

Banana the talking raven was the highlight but I appreciated the slower, more introspective, pace of this installment. A lot of it focused on connecting with your magic and the land (appropriate for Earth Day, I think) and building a magical broom.

More mysteries abound though with characters and their motivations!

I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.

[Shauni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I would change is that I want so much more. I’m so in love with this story, with the character, just everything!

[kaitlphere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how subtlety Nyneve's hair changes throughout this book. I also love how strong her emotions are, even while she keeps moving forward and doing what she has to. This volume adds details and complexity to the world without being overwhelming.

[Loz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the printing of this! Beautiful colors and still a great story

[Heather - hturningpages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still love this series! The art, the relationships, the journey! All are wonderful 🥰

[Sana · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I knew this day would come. The day I finally regale you with the sordid details of my past.'
'I mean we've known each other for, what, three days?'

Let me just get it out of the way that getting on page confirmation that Nyneve is, in fact, gay is the stuff dreams are made of.

Anyway, this was somehow even better than volume 1? I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. From knowing Banana's past to meeting Kaveh and knowing his queer love story and then the bonding between him and Nyneve and the teaching element of it all. All of it so fucking precious and I loved reading every page. Even Veda's little badass update 🥲

Batu and Prill making a comeback so soon, ahh. But not Batu going that they won't be running into Prill anytime soon only for Prill to arrive right at that moment. I love little opposing plot points like that. Prill and Nyneve, however, then proceeding to have the worst argument ever. That shit hurted 😭😭 Prill's mommy issues leaped out but god, as much as their argument sucked, it was also kinda refreshing to see them air their issues out. Their non-existent goodbye, though gaaaah

I lost it when Nyneve went, 'What are you two, my dads?' to Batu and Banana lajdld and then Banana going, 'I'd never lay a feather on her.' The bird theme around anything Banana does and say is ridiculously funny and keeps cracking me up. Oh and Kaveh telling Nyneve he knows about the glamor and Banana immediately on her ass about dispelling it, I fucking love those two. But Kaveh is fucking precious and the best teacher Nyneve could have asked for, I'm emotional 🥲

The art remains beautiful and some of the landscape panels were simply breathtakingly gorgeous.

I'm actually sad that the series is on hiatus until the author works on another comic series (which also sounds amazing) because this deserved to go on for like multiple volumes.

Favorite quotes:
'A kid and a bird trying to give me relationship advice. Tell me, what do you know about love?'

'Thanks, but I don't need you sticking your beak into my business.'

'Maybe circumstance is all someone needs to be special.'

'Thank you-- --for pushing me to come here. It was...a good idea.'
'Well, there are many more ideas where that came from!! For instance, have you heard the good word of the resistance?!'

[Rich in Color is now on StoryGraph]

I went into Witchy, Volume 2 with pretty high expectations. I loved Witchy, Volume 1 and I was looking forward to a follow-up that would continue the incredible story I was introduced to. And if you’re not familiar, here’s how I summed up Witchy when I read Volume 1:

“Witchy follows one Nyneve, who has grown up beneath the shadow her father’s death at the hands of the Witch Guard — one that she might be conscripted to join. In the kingdom of Hyalin, your magic ability is measured by the length of your hair. The longer your hair, the stronger you are. But if you’re too powerful, the Witch Guard considers you a threat. Nyneve must grapple with her past and how to survive in Hyalin.”

Volume 1 had queer Asian witches, a talking bird, and incredibly layered fantasy worldbuilding — so of course, I loved it. (And if you haven’t read it, you should really read it before diving into the second volume!) Volume 2 delivers on the promise of the first volume, sending Nyneve on a journey into the forest to meet broom-maker Kaveh. It’s very much an inward looking story that focuses on growth, with a less intense and exciting pace than the first book.

While this slower story may not be your cup of tea (it was mine, but of course that doesn’t apply to everyone), there is a lot to love about the second collected volume of Witchy — Banana, the many queer characters, and the gorgeous art. It is just as stunning, rich, and fun to look at as ever. I’m a particular fan of the settings and the clothing throughout the story.

What really makes me happy about reading graphic novels in 2022 is just how many of them are queer, fantastical, and just a delight. It’s a really good time to get into reading comics, particularly if you’re looking for more queer and BIPOC representation. The Witchy series is a great series to start with, and I highly recommend checking out Volume 1, and moving onto Volume 2 if you enjoyed the first.

From what I can tell, the Witchy webcomic is ongoing, so I look forward to potentially reading a Volume 3 eventually. What I’m really, really looking forward to is creator Ariel Slamet Ries’s next graphic novel project: Strange Bedfellows. No idea when that’s coming out, but I’ll be keeping an eye out.

Recommendation: Get it soon!

[Lucy Duggan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Once again, the artworks is stunning, as I said in my review of volume 1.

I still was a little confused with the storyline, this volume wasn't as bad though since we spent most of the story in the same place, although that didn't make it as entertaining, because all that really happened was that she made a broom.

I'm interested on how the storyline continues, but being honest, I won't be thinking about this storyline, and I'd only pick up the next volume (whenever it comes out) if I happen to see it or hear about it, I won't be checking for updates on it.

I feel like with graphic novels, it's hard for me to get invested and give it a high rating, because it's so fast paced, I just feel like I can't connect with the storyline or the characters. Maybe it's a me thing, I just don't think graphic novels are for me (being honest, I only read these to bring up my numbers for books read this year because I'm falling mega behind).

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read volume one and volume two back to back. I'm really enjoying this series. The worldbuilding is a blast, and I've really enjoyed seeing how the story progressed here. I hope that there's more coming, because this is hitting the spot for sure. Recommended!

[Victoria Hawco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witches riding brooms has never looked so good.

[sparklemaia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great, and it's cool to see Ariel's skill as a storyteller (both visually and narratively) grow between the first volume and the second volume. This one is queerer, funnier, more dramatic, and more poignant. Will absolutely be returning to this magical world of boats and broomsticks and sanctimonious birds and grumpy mentors and gay pining. Chef's kiss.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe like 3.5 stars? Not a lot happened. Mostly broom building.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banana is the best!

[M Aghazarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did the color style change halfway through?

[Snail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated.

[Snowdrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encore une fois, c’était trop bien.

Dans ce tome on continue la quête Nyvene et Banane, cette fois-ci, elle va à la rencontre de Kaveh pour se créer un balai etc.

Il y a pas mal d’acceptation de soi dans ce tome, on sent que le personnage principal évolue nettement et c’est juste trop bien, j’ai qu’une HÂTE: celle du tome 3 olala

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked this a lot less than the 1st volume! Wasn’t sure if i would continue this but it was free on Kindle Unlimited so figured why not! Could have been way shorter honestly! I don’t think this series is for me but I do appreciate the Queerness!

[Kasey Dennehy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series! Volume 2 was just as good as the first one. I love the artwork and story. I can't wait to see what happens in the next volume.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

How surprised was I when I found out that 'Witchy' was actually getting a second volume, three years after the publication of the first?

Now I've finally got it.

I read it, and despite it being very much a "middle" story - it is basically all about Nyneve learning to make her own broomstick, and it is nearly a hundred pages shorter than volume 1, and the antagonists are barely in it and nothing much progresses - it is still a charming, magical and heartwarming piece. It is part of Nyneve's coming-of-age journey, about her becoming a better witch while she is a fugitive in her world, escaping with her life on the fringes every day. She is at her lowest so far.

'Witchy Vol. 2' embodies something like a training arc in a shōnen manga/anime. It is a lot funnier and somewhat lighter than 'Witchy Vol. 1' - nearly every character has their moments, and the previously closed off and sullen Nyneve is her new, exasperated and sarcastic self as a seasoned broom-maker's apprentice (she's afraid of flight, and her strengths as a scholar as opposed to practical magic, and how she needs to overcome this, continue here). Her expressions and dialogue are priceless, and especially during her witch training she reminds me of Avatar Korra. She is nonetheless scared and depressed as Hyalin's most wanted. In this way she's become more relatable, I think; it shows she is only human and is trying to cope with her devastating situation - her life will never be "normal" or safe again - in her own habitude.

Nyneve's mentor Kaveh is humourous and complex, her academy friends/frenemies from before - Batu and Prill - only appear in the first chapter (Batu really is too good and pure for any world), and her mother Veda remains a prisoner of the Witch Guard, but she has no way of knowing yet that she's still alive.

What a poor, traumatised teenage girl. Whether she is "special" or not, motivated or not, or is just being used and manipulated for some grand plan, I hope Nyneve works it all out, achieves what she needs to on her own terms. Making her own magic. I don't doubt she will, however, as indicated by the comic's end; highlighting what an individual she is, regardless of tradition and what other people think.

I expected nothing less from a fugitive who in fact did absolutely nothing wrong and is an innocent at the heart of it. It is she who will overthrow the corrupt, messed up magical system of her kingdom. A reluctant, clumsy, frustrated, low self-esteemed, but smart, creative, and brave heroine - one of the best kind.

Oh yeah, and the second volume is overtly, hella queer; queerer than the first one. Nyneve expressly wants to settle down with a girl someday (plus she calls Batu's sister "hot"), there are nonbinary players (courtesy of the nonbinary author, Ariel Slamet Ries), and a certain character's transgender identity isn't brought up, but that helps its portrayal as something that's no big deal; a nonissue that doesn't need to be mentioned in the current circumstances.

'Witchy Vol. 2' - small, but worth the wait. There's a swelling, meaningful weight to it, too. A character-driven, character development magical brew.

Read my review of the first volume here for more.

Final Score: 3.5/5

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After cutting off her hair and becoming the kingdom’s most notorious fugitive, Nyneve is on the run. Trying to lay low when you’re wanted everywhere is complicated, but luckily her raven companion Banana has just the idea - a broom-maker in the deep forest. As Nyneve struggles to learn under Kaveh’s gruff teachings, she has to grapple with her entire approach to magic and decide if she might be better off being captured anyways.

It’s been a while since I read the first volume of Witchy, but I enjoyed this second installment after a brief adjustment period trying to remember enough about people’s backstories to feel comfortable being swept away by the story. Nyneve continues to be complicated, very quick to make rash choices and is easily led by her emotions, so despite complaining that she’s alone and directionless, she is really the biggest architect of her current situation. Her time with the broom-maker was interesting, kind of a magic training montage complete with a little more confidence and healing for her after a rough start to life as a fugitive. I’m excited to see where the next chapter of her journey takes her.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay unfortunately this wasn't really a hit with me and the only thing saving it from a lower rating was the fact that I still essentially enjoyed my time with it and still want to continue on with the series. But the quality of this instalment was not great.

Firstly, the colour palette completely changed after the first chapter, which in itself I didn't like due to the inconsistency this created. But I ESPECIALLY don't like the new colour palette as it completely lacks the richness of the original, leaving the art feeling pale and lifeless.

Another thing I found lacking was the scope of the narrative. In the first volume this is present in Nyneve's quest and the political intrigue going on, and seeing the pathways of multiple characters. For most of this volume, the story focussed on Nyneve literally just training to make a broom. There is no development of the grander plot, or any interesting reveals etc.

Finally, while it was great seeing some character work with Nyneve, it felt like her decision to continue being on the run contradicted her resolution to NOT run away from hard things.