The manga landscape is constantly evolving, with new series vying for the attention of avid readers. Among the latest contenders is Ichi the Witch, a fantasy manga that has garnered attention for its unique premise and dynamic characters. While the series is still relatively new, one character in particular, Desscaras, has sparked discussion about the role of the overpowered mentor, a trope that is common in shonen manga. With a fresh take on the concept, could Ichi the Witch be setting the stage for manga’s next great overpowered mentor?
The World of Ichi the Witch: A Unique Magic System
Ichi the Witch unfolds in a world where Majiks, creatures of pure magic, roam free. Witches are specialized hunters who can obtain magic by defeating and capturing these Majiks. However, a long-held belief posits that only women can become witches. This establishes the setting and introduces the central conflict of the series when Ichi, a young male hunter, defeats a powerful Majik and becomes the first male witch. This subversion of established norms creates a unique power dynamic and sets the stage for the introduction of powerful characters like Desscaras. The manga, written by Osamu Nishi and illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump in September 2024.
Ichi: The Unconventional Protagonist
The narrative centers around Ichi, a feral young hunter who was abandoned in the forest at a young age. He has honed his survival skills and developed a strong connection to the natural world. His initial motivation stems from a desire to understand and hunt the powerful Majik. Ichi’s character is portrayed as both earnest and goofy, a plucky shonen protagonist. He’s driven by a desire to protect the village he often visits, and his core value system revolves around only killing when necessary. Ichi’s unexpected transformation into a witch is the catalyst for the series’ events, as he disrupts the established order and defies conventional understanding of magic.
Desscaras: The Powerful and Mysterious Mentor Figure
Enter Desscaras, a powerful witch who is quickly becoming a focal point of the narrative. She is introduced as an “Elite” witch, a high-ranking member of the Mantinel Witch Association. Desscaras stands out due to her immense power and her unique fighting style. Her initial encounter with Ichi is chaotic, filled with high-stakes combat and humorous interactions, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with. She’s an enigmatic character, and her interactions with Ichi suggest a mentor-mentee dynamic, but her true motivations and background are still shrouded in mystery. Some fans have noted that Desscaras shares similarities with Gojo Satoru from Jujutsu Kaisen, another powerful and seemingly untouchable mentor figure.
The Overpowered Mentor Trope: A Double-Edged Sword
The “overpowered mentor” is a common trope in manga and anime. These characters are typically exceptionally strong, experienced, and possess skills that far surpass those of the protagonist. Mentors are meant to guide the hero, helping them hone their abilities and navigate their path toward greatness. However, the trope has its drawbacks, often creating challenges for storytelling.
The Pitfalls of Overpowered Mentors
One of the primary issues with overpowered mentors is the risk of overshadowing the protagonist. If a mentor is too strong, it can undermine the hero’s agency, making it difficult for readers to see the protagonist as a flawed or vulnerable character. Gojo Satoru, a powerful mentor in Jujutsu Kaisen, has been noted as an example of this. His immense power can overshadow the narrative, and his lack of vulnerability or meaningful challenges have made some question his role as a mentor.
Another common issue is the overused “mentor death” trope. This narrative device, while often intended to elicit emotional responses, has become so prevalent that it has lost some of its emotional impact. It can often feel like a cheap way to provide character development for the protagonist, without truly exploring the mentor’s story.
How Ichi the Witch Approaches the Trope
Ichi the Witch appears to be taking a more nuanced approach to the overpowered mentor. While Desscaras is clearly powerful, the series seems to be focused on exploring her motivations and how her power impacts those around her.
Here’s what sets Desscaras apart:
- Mysterious Motivations: Unlike some mentors who are explicitly dedicated to training the hero, Desscaras’ motives remain unclear. This ambiguity makes her character more intriguing and suggests the potential for internal conflict.
- Unique Fighting Style: Desscaras’ power isn’t just about raw strength. She employs strategy and her knowledge of Majik to defeat her opponents, emphasizing that power isn’t everything. This approach highlights the importance of intelligence and skill in the world of Ichi the Witch.
- Not Always Invincible: While Desscaras is extremely strong, the series hints at her weaknesses. For example, she can be tricked by those who understand the nature of Majik trials. This vulnerability makes her more relatable and less like an untouchable figure.
- Focus on World Building: The series uses Desscaras to expand on the world’s lore and magic system. Her position within the Mantinel Witch Association allows the series to explore the bureaucratic structure of the witch society, and also reveal more information about the nature of magic.
Ichi’s Potential: Breaking the Mold of Typical Shonen Protagonists
One of the key reasons why Ichi the Witch is creating such a buzz, is Ichi himself. He’s not a typical shonen protagonist. Ichi’s journey as a male witch presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth that the manga is starting to explore.
Here’s how Ichi is breaking the mold:
- Survivalist Background: Ichi’s upbringing as a feral hunter gives him a unique perspective on combat and survival. He relies on his instincts and adaptability, rather than brute force alone.
- Unconventional Magic: As a male witch, Ichi’s magic abilities are different from his female counterparts. This sets the stage for unique power developments and makes the character more unpredictable.
- Focus on Cleverness: It’s implied that Ichi will overcome stronger enemies by using clever traps, ingenuity, and creative use of his magic, and not just through sheer power. This focus on intelligence and strategy could lead to more compelling fights.
- Challenging the Status Quo: Ichi’s very existence as a male witch challenges the established norms of his world, and could lead to greater conflicts between individuals and social structure.
Ichi the Witch: A Rising Star?
Ichi the Witch is still in its early stages, but it shows promise to redefine the overpowered mentor trope. By focusing on characters with clear flaws and motivations that go beyond just power, the manga is creating an engaging narrative that moves beyond the usual shonen tropes. The series has garnered positive reactions from fans, who are captivated by its unique characters, world building, and art style. The series’ blend of fantasy and action with a dash of humor has been praised, and fans are eager to see what unfolds as the story develops.
With its fresh take on familiar concepts, Ichi the Witch is rapidly gaining popularity and could become one of the next big series in shonen manga. The character of Desscaras, with her powerful presence and mysterious nature, might just be the most captivating and nuanced overpowered mentor to grace manga in recent years. As the series continues to explore its complex characters and dynamic world, it is certainly one to watch.
