476th G-View: Luminous Witches

After a couple of delays this second spinoff (not counting the comedy shows) in the World Witches series finally got to air in Summer 2022. The catch with this group of Witches is they are not fighters but singers. Question is whether it was worth the wait. Let us find out as we take a look at Luminous Witches.

Check out my reviews of the main series Strike Witches and first spinoff Brave Witches.

Genres: Idols, Music, Sci-Fi, Yuri-ish.

Number of Episodes: 12

G-Rating: 7/10

Plot Summary: The war against invading aliens can’t be won by missiles alone. Team morale matters just as much as launching a counterassault, and that’s where Ginny and her friends come in. Instead of standing on the front lines with the 501st Joint Fighter Wing, the Luminous Witches of the League of Nations Air Force bring smiles to civilians displaced in the human-Neuroi war world with thrilling song and dance — not to mention aerial displays the likes of which the music world has never seen. While they might be non-combatants, these performers know the value of preserving the people’s smiles, and they’ll fight in their unique way to make sure those smiles never fade.

Put simply the Luminous witches are idol Witches whose goal is to heal the depressed and downtrodden victims of war through the healing power of song and pretty cool performances. Think something like Healer Girl but without the incredible “emotional metaphor worlds”. Now viewers expecting a hard look at the realities of war or tough to cheer up victims are not going to find that here. Yes, stories of our heroines and the people they meet affected by the Neuroi invasions along with ruins left by their numerous attacks are present but not expect anything super gritty. There are elements of a war drama but they are lighthearted, which is the point because this show is meant to cheer people up, not bring them down. That really is the gist of the show. It is about a group of girls with Witch powers who are not strong enough to fight the Neuroi but have other talents combined with singing and dancing that they use to help people. During their journey we learn more about their pasts and future aspirations along with other neat stuff about them. They are all likable and fun to watch become better performers and cheering up people all over the world.

As a cool bonus there are hints throughout the show longtime World Witches fans will spot as to when exactly in the timeline this spinoff takes place.It is not hard to figure out for longtime fans. Expect some cool little surprises too.

There is a simple reason why Mana is the sexiest member of the team besides reminding me of a slightly more packed Hibiki Ganaha..

As mentioned the Luminous Witches are not skilled in aerial combat or using firearms but have other talents, be it grounded or how to use their magic. Speaking of magic I do believe this is the first entry in the franchise to feature a connection between the Witches’ magic and how they obtained them through forming bonds with animal familiars. That might explain the origin of Witches’ animal features when transformed. Besides that there are other neat tidbits sprinkled throughout. It is an interesting new look into the world of Witches.

The presentation is good with important performances being a mix of JP CG and 2D flight animation, meaning the girls dancing on the ground is CG but mostly 2D when in the air. It helps the flying look cooler. I mentioned important performances because not every song on the show gets a full show. They are fun to listen to so despite not all of them getting featured on stage with a full on show they are all enjoyable songs. Plus it makes the ones performed on stage all the more special.

Yes. It actually happened. A World Witches show where most girls lower bodies are fully covered. This is either neat or a cardinal sin depending on who you ask. As consolation there is an onsen and swimsuit segment.

Time for the main event. While the girls become more friendly with each other over time their bonds deepen with specific members in character building episodes, though in Lady Aira and Ellie’s case they are pretty much already dating. Besides them almost every member finds a soulmate among the group. Their love power varies. The established pairings/couple are chill sweethearts after hooking up but some are a little more intimate with each other. There is even a lovesick fangirl that may bring back memories for Healer Girl fans.

Overall Luminous Witches is a fun and neat non-combat idol/singer entry in the World Witches franchise. The cast are cute, sexy and fun. The presentation is good, especially during flight scenes, as always for the franchise. Despite not all songs getting animated performances they are all fun to listen to. Said performances are pretty good too. The yuri is lovely with almost every girl hooking up with another member. Recommended to fans of the franchises though iffy for people expecting another panty shot jamboree, which this is not. They still get some sexy moments.