English Dub Review: Brave Witches “Deadly Battle in the Freezing Cold”

Keep your hand in mine.

During Brave Witches episode “If You Want to Fight, Get Stronger!” Hikari Karibuchi overcame her weak magical abilities by channeling her power. “Deadly Battle in the Freezing Cold” open with Hikari getting to know fellow witch Georgette.

While Georgette typically avoids Hikari, it’s not a dislike for Karibuchi. Rather, she’s incredibly shy. However, Karibuchi discovers that Georgette has been cleaning the witches’ rooms, and moreover that she’s got magical healing abilities.

Hikari, Georgette, and Sadako Shimohara are sent on a mission to Petrozavodsk. Though it’s intended as a simple recon mission, the party arrives at the now-frozen over Petrozavodsk and discover a Neuroi awaiting their arrival.

This is one of the more intense episodes. I really like the battle sequences and animation in the snow. The whites, grays, and blues are accented by the green of fir trees. Eventually, the witches do destroy the Neuroi. It’s neat seeing their persistence as well as resourcefulness. Georgette and Sadako build a makeshift igloo to keep warm. Because of her healing powers, Georgette keeps Hikari warm.

As I’ve noted in the previous episode, the fan service can be a bit overbearing. “Our clothes were wet so we stripped down to share out body heat more directly,” Georgette explains. I mean, I guess that’s valid but still this comes across as fan service. Brave Witches feels strong enough that it doesn’t need to rely on fan service which cheapens the experience. Additionally, at times the characters sound a little whiny. “Deadly Battle in the Freezing Cold!” includes a bit more of this element.

I still really like the fun nature of Brave Witches. There’s a witty humorous vibe. Plus, the music and animation are still on point. This series entry lends a bit more on the overall Neuroi offensive. I like that it’s a perpetuation of what’s to come in the series and battle against the Neuroi.