Wistoria, Wand and Sword developed by Studio Actas and Bandai Namco hit the internet by storm in July 2024 finishing its first season by the end of September of the same year. Following the story of Will Serfort an average non-magic user attending a school whose entire identity relies on the mastery of magic. Will finds himself at the knife edge of ridicule and excessive bullying. Many despise him for being useless with magic and often wonder how he is able to stay in the school for so long.
Will however magicless is not talentless. With extreme physical prowess and battle tactics he uses his sword and martial knowledge to persevere and prove to everyone he is capable of great things.
Studio Actas surprised me with this one in all honesty. Popularly known for developing the Girls Und Panzer series this studio has often had its flare for the dramatic and strange and it shows with Wistoria. However, Bandai Namco and the assets they possess, have combined to create something both visually impressive and action-packed that I have been dreaming of for years now.
The trope of: student goes to school for gifted/magical students but doesn’t have any talent/magic is an overused and saturated plot. And yet It’s one that I just can’t seem to get enough of. Especially when shows like Wistoria show so many ways to crack an egg, it feels like you’re watching Food Wars.
I adore this show not only because of its insane fight scenes, which believe me blew me away, but because of its intense and often high-stakes narrative. Instead of the usual: “Everyone has a little magic/talent inside them” nonsense being spewed by other shows Wistoria takes a different approach. The first time we see Will he’s being told that if he doesn’t gather enough points within a week he’ll be expelled. FINALLY! A school system in an anime that isn’t catering to the special needs of one student to keep them enrolled!
This poor kid is fighting and risking his life daily just to keep a promise he made to someone he adores and loves. His ultimate goal is to become a Magia Vander. The Elite of all Elite Wizards within their world. And with no magic, it’s realistic that it’s a pipe dream. And he knows this, everyone knows this. Even the lecturers who cut him some slack here and there know it’s impossible. But he keeps surprising both himself and everyone that he is powerful.
Not in the traditional sense but more in his own way. Breaking this barrier between non-magic and magic users shows that magic can’t solve anything. And this shock to the system isn’t just suddenly accepted by everyone who witnesses it, they reasonably choose not to believe it, to call foul play and denounce his success. And each and every time he pushes through proving time and time again that magic isn’t necessary. Only drive and a hunger for your goals.
I love this anime man, it’s so well written and is honestly one of the best series you could possibly watch this year.