While Record of Ragnarok is well known for its deadly battles between gods and humans, its Monthly Comic Zenon sibling, The War of Greedy Witches, is quietly shaking up the scene. There are no gods here, only 32 of history’s most notorious women clashing in a bloody tournament.
When Record of Ragnarok Meets Kakegurui’s Style
The War of Greedy Witches (Japanese title: Majo Taisen) will feel instantly familiar to fans of Record of Ragnarok. It’s a death-match series with 1-on-1 battles, each chapter focusing on a single fight featuring flashy introductions, tragic backstories, and surprising twists mid-fight.
However, this series takes a darker psychological turn, crafted by Homura Kawamoto, the mastermind behind the intense mind games of Kakegurui. The tournament, called Walpurgis, is hosted by the demon queen Agrat bat Mahlat. It resurrects the greatest women at the moment of their death. The winner receives an ultimate wish, while the loser’s soul is erased from existence forever.
What sets Greedy Witches apart is its cast. The “witches” aren’t just legendary spellcasters. They include real historical figures branded as witches due to political power, societal fear, or their differences.
Each witch’s abilities stem from their deepest desires and the legacy they left behind. This makes the battles more than physical fights, they become clashes of ideologies and intense personal emotions.
Iconic Fighters That Have Anime Fans Hyped
The series kicks off with Jeanne d’Arc, saved from the stake to fight as the “Infinite Witch.” Her weapon evolves from a broken sword into twin fiery cross-blades. Jeanne’s special power lets her resonate with her opponent’s desires, enabling her to predict and fiercely counterattack, as shown in her battle against Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history.
Alongside Jeanne’s impressive debut, the Walpurgis fighters are all heavy hitters based on powerful historical figures. Tomoe Gozen, the legendary Japanese warrior, enters the fray fueled by a burning sense of justice and wields a deadly combination of bow and naginata with unpredictable skill.
In stark contrast is Elizabeth Báthory, the “Blood Countess,” who fights purely for pleasure using brutal torture techniques, reflecting her dark historical legacy. Other major figures like Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra, and the forest witch Baba Yaga also appear, each portrayed with unique powers tied closely to the myths and scandals that shaped their lives.
Why You Should Read The War of Greedy Witches Now
If you love brutal seinen battles, detailed artwork by Makoto Shiozuka, and deep psychological character exploration, this series is a must-read. It’s not just a fight arena but also a profound exploration of the question: “Who gets to define what a witch is, and why?”
With the story reaching its peak, The War of Greedy Witches deserves much more attention from survival manga fans.