The Witch and the Beast: English Dub Launches Today, Bringing a Dark Fantasy Tale to Life

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

Exciting news for anime enthusiasts! Crunchyroll, the popular anime streaming service, has announced the much-awaited English dub release of the anime adaptation of Kōsuke Satake's "The Witch and the Beast" (Majo to Yajū). This announcement comes as a treat for fans of the series, which has been captivating audiences since its debut.

"The Witch and the Beast" is not just another anime; it's a journey into a dark and intense fantasy world. Originating as a Japanese manga series, it was first serialized in Young Magazine the 3rd in November 2016, and later continued in Monthly Young Magazine. As of August 2022, the manga has been compiled into 10 volumes, marking its success in the manga world. The anime adaptation, produced by Yokohama Animation Laboratory, premiered on television in January 2024 and has been gaining traction since.

The story of "The Witch and the Beast" is a compelling narrative centered around two intriguing characters: Ashaf, a tall, quietly spoken man, and his partner Guideau, a girl with an enigmatic and powerful alter ego. This duo is on a mission from the Order of Magical Resonance to bring rogue witches to justice. Their journey is not just about seeking any witches but is particularly focused on one who poses a significant threat to society.

The release of the English dub is scheduled for January 25, 2024, and it's sure to bring a fresh perspective to the series. The dub boasts an impressive cast, including Xan Cramer as Ashaf and Rowan Gilvie as Guideau. Alongside them are Lydia Mackay, Kelly Greenshield, and Kent Williams in other pivotal roles. The production team includes Jeremy Inman as the voice director, Samantha Herek as the producer, with James Cheek adapting the script. Gino Palencia and Zachary Davis bring their expertise as audio mixer and engineer, respectively.

Crunchyroll is not just releasing the series; they're ensuring it reaches a wide audience by streaming it concurrently with its airing in Japan. Additionally, Crunchyroll had earlier showcased the anime's world premiere at Anime NYC on November 17, increasing its anticipation among fans.

The storyline of "The Witch and the Beast" dives into a world where powers from the 17 "Origins" are passed down, setting the stage for a dark and thrilling adventure. It follows the journey of a man with a coffin and a girl with beast-like eyes, as they search for a witch responsible for a curse. This quest unfolds into a gripping tale of revenge and mystery.

As for the manga, it's currently on hiatus since January 2023 but has left a mark with its English release of the 10th volume in February 2023, published by Kodansha USA Publishing.

For fans who have been eagerly waiting for an English rendition of this dark fantasy, the wait is finally over. "The Witch and the Beast" promises to be a spellbinding experience, blending magic, mayhem, and a quest for vengeance, all starting from January 25 on Crunchyroll.

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