A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch

This endearing isekai with a furry twist, the English-language debut from Kashiwaba, launches a slice-of-fantasy-life series. Madam Jeanne was once a powerful sorceress who helped a dashing hero defeat a Demon King in the Kingdom of Grifford. But saving her world was only rewarded by fearful townspeople deeming her magic dangerous and “sealing it away.” Decades later, she’s shunned as a grumpy loner who’s “always in a foul mood [and] prone to complaining.” Enter Torata, a cat from the “real world,” who’s hit by a truck and instead of dying, gets transported into Jeanne’s realm—and tripled in size—when the sorceress summons a Guardian Beast. Humor and mischief ensue as the oversize feline gets used to her new home and cranky companion (in their opening scene, Torata balks at a meal Jeanne’s cooked, demanding “my usual crunchies”), while more dramatic backstory fills in how Jeanne lost her glory. Pairing crisp visuals and an adorable, larger-than-life mascot, this will remind readers of Frieren and A Man and His Cat. While the premise isn’t unique, the developing bond between Jeanne and Torta tugs on the heart strings. Cat fanciers will be curious to see what this duo gets up to next. (Jan.)