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While the epic confrontation between Ichigo Kurosaki and the Quincy king, Yhwach is taking center stage inBleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Tite Kubo has quietly unleashed another story that is set within somewhat the same universe —Burn the Witch. In contrast toBleach, which focuses on Japan, this new story brings us to the western hemisphere and provides a new viewpoint on the Soul Society and its operations.
Set in London,Burn the Witchshifts the focus from Soul Reapers to witches, from swords to tea, and from Hollows to Dragons. This lesser-known sequel not only expands theBleachuniverse but also showcases Tite Kubo’s ability to reinvent familiar concepts with innovative twists.
The Premise ofBurn the Witch
The setting ofBurn the Witchis Reverse London, a hidden society that runs concurrently with regular London. The Western Branch of the Soul Society employs witches and wizards in this setting, which is in charge of overseeing and managing Dragons. These mythical creatures are not the friendly, fire-breathing companions of fantasy literature; rather, they are lethal monsters that account for 72% of fatalities in the UK.
The story revolves around two witches, Ninny Spangcole and Noel Niihashi, who work for Wing Bind, a department dedicated to Dragon conservation and management. Ninny is a spunky, outspoken witch who moonlights as a pop idol in the “front” London. In contrast, Noel is calm, pragmatic, and slightly aloof. Her methodical approach to problems and no-nonsense attitude complements Ninny’s fiery nature.
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Instead ofBleach‘s Hollows,Burn the Witchtakes a bold step away by introducing Dragons as its central antagonists. Another striking aspect ofBurn the Witchis how it weaves British culture into its storytelling. Instead of Zanpakuto, witches use wands and magic, reminiscent of European fantasy traditions. The hierarchical structure of Wing Bind, with its various divisions and strict regulations, also resembles the bureaucracy of the original Soul Society but with a Western flair.
Burn the Witch: The Hidden GemThat Deserves More Attention
Initially,Burn the Witchmanga was published as a one-shot inWeekly Shōnen Jumpin 2018 before expanding into a four-chapter serialized manga in 2020. Though short, the series packed in enough world-building to captivate fans. In the same year, a three-episode anime adaptation was released, giving fans a cinematic introduction to Reverse London.
The anime adaptation perfectly capturedTite Kubo‘s signature art style, blending his detailed character designs with fluid animation. It provided a visual spectacle of broomstick chases, dragon battles, and a quirky yet dangerous world.
Moreover,Burn the Witchdirectlyties into theBleachuniverse, albeit in subtle ways. It takes place 12 years after the Quincy Blood War and 2 years after the events of chapter 686 ofBleach. However, the Western Branch of the Soul Society operates under different rules and faces distinct challenges compared to its Japanese counterpart.
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WhileBurn the Witchdid not achieve the same cultural impact asBleach, it has carved out a niche among fans who appreciate its unique setting and characters. It serves as a testament to Kubo’s creativity and willingness to explore new ideas within familiar frameworks. While Ichigo Kurosaki remains the face of theBleachfranchise,Burn the Witchreminds us that the Soul Society is a vast, interconnected world filled with untold stories.
Burn the Witchis currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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