I spent years at conventions admiring the single issues of this comic and waiting for the day when they would be collected. Finally, my friends, that day has come.
Witchlight is the story of Sanja and her kidnapper: the witch Lelek, who captures Sanja so she will teach her to fight. Initially reluctant, Sanja has little waiting for her at home, and agrees to help her if she will stop cheating the residents of the local villages. Eventually Sanja learns that Lelek is on a quest to find her lost magic, and the two grow closer on their journey.
As they search for Lelek’s magic, they pass through many towns and villages, and battle other witches in paid contests. Through several lovely travel montages we watch Sanja and Lelek bond as Sanja learns the truth about Lelek’s magic, her family, and her lost village. The encounter in part 5 was a nice surprise, but the final act felt rushed to me. The catalyst for the final conflict isn’t a surprise, but comes out of nowhere, with the resolution coming shortly thereafter.
But as a whole this is a wonderful love story about bravery and kindness, full of beautiful artwork. Plus, almost every speaking character is a lady, which is pretty rad.