In an unexpected turn of events, Witch Hat Atelier has been named the Best Manga of 2025 at the prestigious Harvey Awards beating out global behemoth One Piece and sending shockwaves through the anime and manga community.

This year has already been monumental for anime and manga fans worldwide. Hit titles like Solo Leveling Season 2 dominated screens early in the year, while new manga like Gachiakuta captivated readers with bold narratives and stunning visuals.

But when it came to manga, few expected a quiet underdog to dethrone the king.

A Surprising Victory

Earlier this year, Solo Leveling secured the title of Anime of the Year at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Yet it was the Harvey Awards often considered a pulse-check on the creative heart of the manga world that delivered the biggest surprise: Witch Hat Atelier emerged as the winner of Best Manga 2025.

The announcement stunned fans. While Witch Hat Atelier has long enjoyed critical acclaim and a loyal readership, it hadn’t reached the same global awareness as juggernauts like One Piece. Its soft, classical art style and introspective storytelling seem a far cry from the explosive shonen energy that usually defines mainstream hits.
But the surprise doesn’t stop there: One Piece wasn’t even nominated.

Why Was One Piece Missing?

The Harvey Awards, known for recognizing creativity and artistic excellence, allow any manga that released a volume the previous year to be eligible for nomination including One Piece. However, the absence of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary pirate epic has sparked speculation.

Some believe the nomination committee intentionally left One Piece out to level the playing field. With its massive fanbase and overwhelming popularity, any competition featuring One Piece could be seen as inherently unfair. Instead, the awards leaned toward quieter, emerging voices in the medium series that might otherwise be overshadowed.

Other notable nominees this year included The Summer Hikaru Died and Wind Breaker both thoughtful, evolving stories that, like Witch Hat Atelier, reflect the nuanced future of manga.

What’s Next for Witch Hat Atelier?

First released in 2016, Witch Hat Atelier has patiently built its reputation on the back of stunning illustrations and rich worldbuilding. Its long-awaited anime adaptation, now scheduled for 2026, is suddenly under a massive spotlight.

Fans and critics alike now see the anime as a potential breakout hit perhaps even the next Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End or Solo Leveling. The Harvey Award victory adds both prestige and pressure to the upcoming adaptation.
If the studio nails the tone and animation, Witch Hat Atelier could transition from “critical darling” to “global sensation” almost overnight.

A New Era of Manga?

The 2025 Harvey Awards may mark a turning point in the manga industry. While battle-heavy epics like One Piece remain cultural pillars, there’s growing room for contemplative, genre-blending stories that offer something different.

With its elegant storytelling, emotional depth, and now a major award win under its belt, Witch Hat Atelier proves that even in the shadow of giants, quiet magic can still cast the brightest spell.

Sources: gamek