The Chinese animated series brings dark gritty magic into a medieval Isekai story.
Isekai is probably on of the most common tropes in modern anime, and unfortunately, due to the nature of its popularity and the influx of works under this genre in recent years, what once were unique twists and storylines now feel repetitive and boring for fans.
However, an upcoming isekai anime seems to promise something fresh and new for viewers to look forward to, and we're definitely excited for it!
Release that Witch puts a medieval twist on the Isekai trope
Exclusively premiered during Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2025 by Crunchyroll, “Release that Witch” is a Chinese donghua that blends together fantasy, intrigue, and medieval sensibilities. Judging from what we've seen from the first episode, the show is promising an exciting, compelling story ahead.
This anime, based on Er Mu’s novel series, takes place in a world where magic and witches exist. However, much like in Medieval Europe during the “Witch Panic”, witches are seen as public enemies and are executed as soon as they’re discovered.
The story begins during one of these witch trials in a backwater Medieval European town. An official goes to wake up the fourth prince of the country to order the execution but things turn out differently than expected.
Modern man Cheng Yan unexpectedly wakes up in the body of this fourth prince. Instead of killing the witch as what's expected of him and his rank, he chooses to save her life, and learns her name is Anna. Realising that witchcraft can replace a lot of the modern technology, Roland sets on a journey to recruit witches and use them for the betterment of the country and their own images. But the path to his goal will not be smooth at all.
“Release that Witch” first impressions
Of course, the first episode of the series mostly expanded on the existing premise, showing us the main characters Roland and Anna, along with other important figures. The art style in the series is amazing, as is the animation. The scenes involving fire were especially breathtaking. The voice performances were also great and the production team did a phenomenal job of bringing a backwater medieval European village to life.
The exact release date of the donghua hasn’t been announced yet, but Crunchyroll is set to stream the series when it airs. The series will come out sometime in 2026. If you’re a fan of the isekai and fantasy genres, then you should definitely add this series to your 2026 watchlist right now!