“Witchy” is one of my personal favorite webcomics for a variety of reasons, but primarily in how well the art and writing suit one another to create an immersive reading experience. Especially since the author is still a student, the art quality and attention to detail is astounding.
Even panel to panel, the changes in colors can be very drastic yet still feel nuanced and natural because of their parallel to the story. Ries takes great care in choosing appropriate tones for each panel which directly aids to the whimsical realism in every panel, an aspect not just desired but also necessary for the storytelling. Being set in an imagined land, it can be difficult to create a sense of believability that is rooted enough in realism to seem like it could exist, but also take full advantage of its creative potential. “Witchy”s worldbuilding is constructed to work side-by-side with Rie’s artistic decisions, as even the details of sketchy linework and roughed panel edges create a subtle “ancient” feeling as if the whole story were being told on withered parchment.
The development of online comics provides a more free platform for artists to create upon without the concern of studios or companies pushing to avoid discussing controversial topics or adhere to a brand name - an opportunity especially crucial for minority artists. Comics like “Witchy” take this opportunity to express themselves creatively and help to put the artist’s name into the world, since there is an incredible potential of reaching a wide audience with online media and is likely the present and future of comics.
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