Burn the Witch is a one-shot that Tite Kubo of Bleach fame wrote in 2018. It was about two witches (Noel and Spangle) working for Wing Bind, an organization that helps control and protect dragons in Reverse London.
It was his first work released since the last chapter of Bleach, a chapter that wasn't met with loads of joy considering how the manga ended. It's also the last piece he's released as it seems like he's taking a hiatus from writing manga, a vacation he's more than earned. While many may have heard of the one-shot in passing, few know how tied to his previous work it is.
8 It's In The Same Universe As Bleach
This one is cheating a bit, but not everyone is aware that the one-shot is set in not only the same universe but after the events of the Quincy war. There's plenty of hints to it throughout the story without them outright saying it, like making mention of how they kill magical creatures indiscriminately over in Japan.
It's not until the very end of the book that the cats fully out of the bag, certain letters of the title being highlighted to spell out the word Bleach. Knowing that gives the whole one-shot a new spin to it, making you want to know more about the Wing Bind and how they relate to the Shinigami of Soul Society.
7 It's Getting An OVA
It was first reported here, but it seems like the one-shot will be getting the OVA treatment. That should excite any bleach fan, just for the chance to revisit the wonderful world that Kubo created. More than just that, this OVA could be a test to see how well a whole series would go.
If there is enough demand and pub for it, they may make Burn The Witch into a full-fledged series. With that comes more of Kubo's great story work, plus the chance to see cameos from some of the Shinigami in Soul Society. It'd be great to have the witches need to hunt a dragon in Japan, leading to tons of interactions between characters.
6 They Coexist With Their Spirits
This was shown during the manga and goes back to the statement that they kill spirits indiscriminately in Japan. Shinigami simply hunt hollows while the witches have managed to cultivate a strange ecosystem with dragons. One where they provide the humans of London with all sorts of necessities, such as electricity or even food.
One exception to this rule being Dark Dragons who are killed on sight thanks to the dangers they pose to those around them. It's an interesting stance to take and one that could lead to a cool story arc should the dragons try to rise against the witches.
5 It's Loaded With Over The Top Humor
Between Balgo being a gigantic pervert who can't stop screaming about seeing Noel's panties or the brattiness of Spangle's character as she calls out Noel for not knowing her Japanese heritage. There's one really funny moment where Noel's phone rings to the Dragon Ball interlude song that sets Spangle off.
This is one not everyone will agree with as a character like Balgo can be highly annoying in large doses, a fact that would seem to be the case if this were to become an actual series. In a one-shot, his antics are pretty enjoyable and give some nice levity to a series that doesn't seem to take itself too seriously.
4 It's Set Up To Continue
The amount of world-building in this for a one-shot is pretty incredible. First, you get an in-depth look at how there's a Reverse London as well as how the dragons function in said world. There are already rules in place for who can and can't deal with the dragons, supposedly you need to pass a test to be able to touch a dragon.
Beyond just that, there are hints to a Saber's division that seems like the fighters of the branch while the Pipers are more everyday tasks. There's so much that is begging to be explored in more depth.
3 There's Many Character Similarities With Bleach
The three main characters are all highly similar to someone from the Bleach universe. Balgo is easily a combination of Kon and Keigo, seeming like a one-note pervert and then busting out some highly emotional speech out of nowhere. Even though it was filler, Balgo's speech about his friend reminded me of Kon and Nozomi.
Spangle is one hundred percent Hiyori, right down to looking nearly exactly like her. Her penchant to fly off the handle and yell about everything is such a Hiyori thing to do. Noel's a bit harder to pinpoint, but she has a calm level-headedness that reminds me a bit of Byakuya while looking a lot like Bambietta.
2 It Follows a Similar Method Of Introducing It's World As Bleach
While Bleach focused more on Ichigo and the humans at first, Burn The Witch goes more towards showing off the world of the Witches and Reverse London. Obviously, that's a good decision as a one-shot focusing solely on Balgo would have been awful.
That said, it still brought the two worlds together in the same way. Rukia has to protect a powerless Ichigo, just as Noel and Spangle have to swoop in to save the helpless pervert Balgo. He even ends the one-shot gaining powers just as Ichigo did, becoming a haunted one (someone who came into contact with a dragon).
1 Main Cast Is Built For The Long Haul
While it was only a brief snippet, you can see the potential for a lot of development with the main three characters. Balgo has the chance to grow as a fighter due to being touched by a dragon, as well as a person, growing past being one-note. I could see him trying to protect Noel one fight, and helping grow a potential relationship there.
The chemistry between the two witches was high, banter is one of the most amusing parts. Spangle has the chance to grow into someone worthy of being in the Saber division. While Noel can gain aspirations of her own, as she seems too willing to take the easy route and settling into a comfort zone.