Set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City during a seemingly permanent supernatural eclipse, Bytchcraft follows a queer coven bound by magic and blood, each bringing their own flair to the craft: a pretentious oracle who speaks with gods, an emo necromancer with a forked tongue, and a nature witch with the soul of a fairy tale princess. Under the guidance of their enigmatic guardian MTHR, the coven discovers they’re at the center of an ancient prophecy, and all wytchkind hangs in the balance. Bytchcraft #1 is written by Aaron Reese, drawn by Lema Carril, colored by Bex Glendining, lettered by Morgan Martinez and published by Mad Cave Studios.
Prior to reading Bytchcraft #1, I had the immense pleasure of reading and reviewing a webcomic version of the late Aaron Reese’s story three years ago. While that version of Bytchcraft features the same protagonists as this new version, they and every other aspect of Bytchcraft received a major glow-up in multiple ways. It is not necessary to read the webcomic version of Bytchcraft before reading issue #1, and honestly, it is best to go in fresh to fully appreciate it.
The characters have been given a fabulous makeover courtesy of artist Lema Carril and colorist Bex Glendining. In addition to the wytch protagonists Adriyel, Michele and Em, there are also new characters introduced in this issue, including the holy leader Lady Genevieve, the wytches’ guardian MTHR and the frenemy snake coven the Gorgons. Each of them has a unique design that is reflective of their personality, such as Em’s horned hairstyle and hoodie and MTHR’s regal emerald starry robes and crown. Their designs are enhanced by a balance of bright colors that make the fantastical moments pop, as well as light and earthy colors that complement the skin tones of the characters.
The protagonists are also notable in that they are grown-ass Black queer wytches who do not adhere to any respectability politics whatsoever. Michele asks her lynx familiar her thoughts on a slutty look before she and the others go out to a club, and Em shamelessly flirts with Kaa, a member of the Gorgons. They are funny, cunty and authentic, and I love them just as much as I did in the Bytchcraft webcomic.
Accenting the characters is the lettering of Morgan Martinez, whose speech bubbles and font change depending on the situation and the character speaking. MTHR, for example, has green speech bubbles and text boxes. I especially appreciated the rainbow text boxes used for the introduction of Adriyel, Michele and Em.
Perhaps the most promising thing about Bytchcraft as a serialized comic book is its intriguing plot involving some sort of prophecy and the threat of the cleansing power of Lady Genevieve. It is woven throughout issue #1 as an eerie mystery that reaches a shocking point by the end, enticing you to keep reading.
Last but not least, I want to pay tribute to the late Reese for creating this comic and thank him for encouraging me as a comic book critic and freelance writer. According to a newsletter written by Aaron’s friend and fellow comic book writer Stephanie Williams, Aaron’s untimely passing occurred in early January due to complications from sickle cell anemia. I did not find out about Aaron’s death until the publication of Williams’ newsletter in mid-February, and it shocked me to my core.
I often feel like the work of a critic of any medium is seen as valueless to everyone except creators. To have a vibrant, kind, creative soul like Aaron acknowledge my review of the webcomic version of Bytchcraft touched me deeply. Three years ago, I took a screenshot of Aaron shouting out my review on Twitter, and still have it. Even if I lose it someday, I will always remember it and Reese. Thank you, Aaron, and rest in peace and power.
Thanks to Williams and Mad Cave, Reese’s completed comic still gets to be seen by the world. However, it saddens me deeply that Aaron is not here to reap the fruits of his completed labor, because it is so sweet and delicious to behold. Bytchcraft #1 revitalizes the magic of Black queerness with a bolder vision, brighter colors and fierce, true-to-life characters.
Latonya "Penn" Pennington is a freelance contributor whose comics criticism can be found at Women Write About Comics, Comic Book Herald, Newsarama and Shelfdust, among others. Follow them @wordsfromapenn.com on Bluesky.
