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The Last Witch is a captivating young-adult adventure that mixes the dark whimsy of Over the Garden Wall with the family drama of Hocus Pocus.
Some people look out at the world and see terror — others look out and see adventure. These conflicting ideologies lie at the heart of The Last Witch, an endearing new series from BOOM! Box. On the surface, it is a magical look at a wondrous world through the eyes of two siblings with a bond similar to Hocus Pocus. As readers dive deeper into the story though, the dark whimsy of writer Conor McCreery and artists V.V. Glass and Natalia Nesterenko reveals itself, with frights that’ll keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is another delightful read from BOOM! Studios’ young adult imprint that deserves to be on the shelf of every fantasy fan.
The Last Witch tells the story of Saoirse, a young girl who lives in the Irish countryside with her father and brother, Brahm. One day, Saoirse ignores her father’s warnings to be wary of the Imbolc and goes on an adventure with Brahm. After running into their grandmother, the two discover the tower of Black Annis, one of the Cailleach’s handmaidens. The Cailleach is the queen of the witches and the return of her and her handmaidens signals the end of the world. Now, Saoirse and her family are the last line of defense between the Earth and the forces of evil.
Writer Conor McCreery shepherds The Last Witch and embeds the series with a wealth of heart. Saoirse and Brahm’s relationship is at the core of the series: they have a sincere love and affection for one another that comes through the page. The Last Witch‘s early scenes inform their dynamic, as Saoirse’s nurturing spirit helps Brahm recover from illness. Saoirse is a strong protagonist and watching her develop over the course of the story is rewarding. Like Clementine in The Walking Dead, Saoirse is smart and further develops her skills over time, ultimately becoming a formidable heroine to her people. Other characters like the children’s Nan and the Cailleach’s handmaidens also prove to be fun.
The greatest strength of The Last Witch may be in the art from illustrator V.V. Glass and colorist Natalia Nesterenko. Their work blends together to create beautiful imagery that carefully controls the pace of the narrative. The characters each have strong presences, with details like Saoirse’s loose hairs and Brahm’s weary eyes conveying their emotions as effectively as the script. Glass applies thought to all of the magical elements of the series: its arcane symbols and magical bursts are incredibly captivating.
Much in the same way Over the Garden Wall balanced frightful visuals with whimsical gags, Glass and Nesterenko’s art is just scary enough to be unsettling, without giving readers nightmares. Their imagination is on full display as the action ramps up, especially when Saoirse faces off against the various handmaidens. Saoirse feels small and impossibly fragile as she battles for her home, yet the power she commands comes across as truly spectacular. These fights highlight Saoirse’s adventurous personality and her commitment to family.
The Last Witch is a mesmerizing story with a remarkable spirit. Like Saoirse, the series is filled with passion and a desire to stand out from the crowd. The Last Witch uses Gaelic folklore as the inspiration for a timeless tale about coming-of-age and the consequences of unlimited power. The central cast is a great emotional backdrop for the epic action that unfolds. Conor McCreery, V.V. Glass, and Natalia Nesterenko effectively combine their skills to make The Last Witch a magical adventure for readers of all ages.
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