Purgatory of Ashe: A Gothic Witch Trial Fantasy
What's the story about?
Tatsuya Endo, who you may know in the anime community as the author and artist behind Spy x Family, wrote a dark fantasy one-shot titled Rengoku no Ashe or Purgatory of Ashe. In this world, we see the clear inspiration that comes from both the Salem Witch Trials and the Spanish Inquisition. Following the tale of Bel, a young knight tasked with guiding pilgrims safely across cities and towns, is hurt during a fight with some bandits. As he is allowed free leave to enjoy the city, he stumbles upon some men giving a young woman a hard time. After saving her, she offers to treat his wounds at the nearby clinic. It is here we meet Ashe, a cold young woman who hides a terrible truth, though she seems to have a face that would make a stone blush, it's clear that she truly cares about those she helps at the clinic. Tatsuya (the author) can establish in two to three pages a friendship that feels both organic and platonic, immediately making the reader root for these two despite the turbulent times they live in. Oh, right...I haven't told you. The castle town they are in has a little fair that gets all the townsfolk riled up and ready to release the tension from their everyday lives. The Mad Festival of Fire, a public execution of young women who are believed to be witches. So, you know, no pressure on our two leads whatsoever.
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| Ashe |
Worldbuilding and Character-Writing
The way the country of Nemi and the religious order of Saint Beneze lay the foundation for a world that feels both authentic and lived in makes you feel as if you were wandering the streets of the city the moment you start to read this manga. "What do you mean lived in?" Every single step the characters took felt like I was right there with them. The way clothing plays an integral in the storytelling, how those in power act as if they were in the right due to their religious allegiance to the Pope in this universe. There is a wonderful scene where a fruit salesman suspiciously looks at Bel, but suddenly lights up with a mixture of joy and relief when he sees that he's accompanied by Ashe. The way witchcraft is explained in this story felt like a breath of fresh air and makes me wish we got a full series to see how other witches use their power and what activates them. Both Ashe and Bel get incredible writing to flesh out the dynamic between them, but even the supporting cast is written in a way that made me want to re-read this work while listening to The Witcher 3 soundtrack. That is how good the writing felt, organic with a sense of purpose. Not a single throwaway line.
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| I promise this is not a spoiler, just keep reading to find out. |
In Closing
Tatsuya Endo holds back on us regarding his writing on Spy x Family. Because if he could create such a vivid world with a one-shot manga, imagine what he could do if Shonen Jump gave him more free reign with his work. This title was one I read during the pandemic and had been wanting to write about for the longest time. And re-reading this has been such a joy, like meeting up with a dear friend. From the worldbuilding to the setting, the relationship built amongst the characters and how it ended, made me wish we got a full series from this story. Purgatory of Ashe is not for the faint of heart, there is disturbing imagery placed strategically to remind you that this is a bleak world. Yet, the moments of levity and joy feel almost like a rebellion, in the sense that they challenge the status quo. If you, my dear reader, are looking for a short manga to read during a rainy afternoon make sure to follow this link. Who knows, maybe the witching hour will find you, though beware not to get too caught up in it. You never know who you can trust. Until then, thank you once more for taking the time to read this article. Have a fantastic day.
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| Bel encouraging Ashe. |
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