Unlike typical reviews I would do, this is going to be the in between of a serious series review and the casual weekly review. I won’t focus too much on plot, but as the three episodes as a whole. I say this because well, I mainly want to talk about this before the anime airs, as this is a prequel and an original prequel at that.
I checked it out when only the first two episodes were out at the time, one thing led to another and I am pretty hooked on the manga and really excited for the anime adaptation.
The first episode begins well into the series, the main character Chise has already meet both Elias and Ruth, (Manga wise this is about 10 chapters in). From their brief introduction, it flashes back before Chise became Elias apprentice, back to when she was a child. She could always see these strange creatures, and due to this her family does not really like her. Her parents become divorced, and she often finds herself alone. One day she is being chased by one of the strange creatures, and finds protection in a library in the forest. She finds safety and a means to escape her harsh every day life.
I do not want to spoil the ending, but it is a three-part self-contained story. Ultimately, it won’t have any effect on the series. However, despite being original, a lot of important facts are brought up throughout the series and in more detail. The manga (at least as far as I read being the first 25 chapters) does not go into detail of her past, only little snip bits and mentionings. The OVAs give a clear picture to what is references throughout and goes more in depth of her childhood.
It certainly was enjoyable, and now having read the manga, it is a lot more appreciated. If anything, despite being a prequel, it might be a good idea to check the OVAs out after Ruth appears. This is only because then you get to know who Chise is now, versus how she was, as well as the events that made her who she is now. Could you watch this before the anime, yes, very much so and be able to see that transition.
Compared to the manga, it leaves a lot out on the magical elements, but it also makes sense, since at the time when it takes place Chise is not aware of magic. It still keeps those magics elements in mind, while still taking a small step away to focus on the character’s past more.
The story is rather calming, but also has contains that sense of mystery and fear from mysticism. It is a perfect blend to gain an understanding of the world in this series, be it if it is a starting point or watched sometime after the start.
Overall Enjoyment: 90/100
Crunchyroll has Licensed the OVA series and Anime.
Feel free to comment your thoughts on the OVA or Manga.
As always I hope you enjoyed.
The Reviewer’s Corner has an Official Twitter. All updates, polls, and information on posts and future posts can be found there.
If you are a blogger who focuses on anime, manga, or comics and make you blog known feel free to visit the Blogroll page and leave a message.
Again, I hope you enjoyed and see you next time.
– Joe
The Reviewer's Corner 
Leave a Reply