An interesting approach and graphic novel style to World War II history. While I was enticed by the concept and more original research area, the work itself was rather difficult to get invested into.

"The Witches of World War II" by Paul Cornell is a captivating exploration of the untold stories of women who played pivotal roles during the war. Cornell masterfully sheds light on the often overlooked contributions of these courageous individuals, showcasing their resilience, intelligence, and determination in the face of adversity. This compelling read delves into the hidden narratives that have been overshadowed by history, reminding us of the power and strength found within the female spirit.

I really wanted to love this book, but I was underwhelmed. This is more appropriate for high school and older, as I anticipated, but I found it rather bland for what I find an incredibly interesting topic. This book child be a good, casual read for some, but it isn't groundbreaking.

I was very intrigued by this book due to the cover and title but sadly it did not live up to my expectations. I found the timeline throughout the story confusing and I feel like some of the characters were hard to keep track of who was who. Immediatly after reading it I would not have been able to tell you much of what went on or who people were.

This was a fun graphic novel to read. We see a group of people come together to help bring this war to a swift end. The mission won’t be an easy one, and there will be plenty of dangers along the way. Yet as this story comes to a close, life for each of these people will never be the same.

The Witches of WW2

Based on real people and certain events in the Second World War the graphic novel The Witches of WW2 brings to life the dilemmas of the British government trying to win a war by imaginative means. It’s well known that Hitler was very interested in the occult. Indiana Jones is a documentary isn’t it?

Doreen Dominey is working at the ultra secret listening station Bletchley Park when she is approached by another agent who wants to utilise her specialist skills-witchcraft. She’s nineteen and already a war widow. She researches folk traditions but agent wants her to recruit magicians to use their skills to mislead the German government.

Her first stop is Aleister Crowley, a real life occultist who did offer his services to help Britain at the onset of war, he was rejected, so they say. It’s down to Doreen to recruit a team to kill Hitler or rather to advance the cause of the war.

Before she knows it she’s on a heath with a coven attempting to bring down the Luftwaffe and that’s only the beginning. With her mismatched team this is far from an academic exercise as they take on a mission behind enemy lines. It’s a classic story of plucky amateurs giving their best mirroring the conscripts and volunteers who formed most of the armed forces.

The Witches of WW2 is a ripping yarn and fascinating that the characters are real people although no one is claiming that this is anything other than fantasy. The graphic novel format gives it the superhero feel and Valeria Burzo’s art work also reminds me of comics like Eagle that would have been around in the 1960s which was still pretty close to the war. It’s a great story and should have widespread appeal.

This was interesting, but I had trouble getting into it. I will buy it though because I’m sure some kids will enjoy it.

I don't read graphic novels - ever - but knowing the history behind this story intrigued me. It was a good read - a highly fictionalised account of course, but very entertaining and humorous in places. I like the concept of bringing a little glimmer of light to these particular real people, who studied the occult, in our historic past in WW2.
Can recommend.

Thank you Netgalley and TKO for letting me read this ARC in exchange for a honest review!

When in doubt, call a witch, or in this case a lot of terrifyingly skilled people within the Occult. Truly a wonderful comic where the lines of history, fantasy, and reality all mesh together. If you enjoyed movies like Fury or Inglorious Bastards or books like The Men Who Stare at Goats you will probably really love this comic.

Paul Cornell has once again left me in awe with his talent, the story is truly a thrill written specifically for my history loving heart. I am also enthralled with the art style of Valeria Burzo, between Castle Full of Blackbirds and this comic, I am turning into a diehard fan.

5/5 TKO does it again with another stunning comic under their belt.

The problem with doing occult World War II stuff is that the temptation is to have your cake and eat it, in as much as you can take the position that all the occult stuff is nonsense whilst at the same time playing it straight because Hitler believes in it. The Witches Of World War II plays this game, and not even with Indiana Jones's rigged deck, it is not a true historical story but it plays with real historical characters who you may never have heard of and Aleister Crowley, who you have. Crowley is the other problem here, though Cornell does his best to play him of as a narcissistic fabulist (wether he has powers or not), but the temptation to write him like Noel Coward playing John Constantine has to be shaken off on a number of occasions.

Without the occult this plays as a neat little spy story, of people guessing and second guessing motivations, and the added flavour of Wicca and covens in the wood are at least as interesting, and certainly more visually interesting, as an Enigma machine (which is a teak box lets be honest). And whilst I have had my Crowley moan above, this obviously could have been told with him as the lead rather than Doreen Dominy (Valiente), who is a much more interesting and questioning lead. Burzo's art does a good, precisely lined and shaded job of capturing a certain ambiguity (the coven scenes are great), and Bellaire's always excellent colours give it all a very muted autumnal feel. But there is a sense that being sensitive to the real history of these people, and the real actual war taking place around them, we have a fun biographical primer on the big movers and shakers in mid-cetury witchcraft in the UK, but it doesn't really pull together for an exciting tale.

The Witches of World War II by Paul Cornell and Valeria Burzo is a thrilling and unique take on the historical events of World War II. Set in the darkest hours of the war, the story follows Doreen Valiente, an expert in British folklore and the occult, who is approached by British intelligence at Bletchley Park, where she's working as a codebreaker. They tell her they know she's a witch and that her powers can be used to help capture Rudolf Hess, second in command to Adolf Hitler.

Valiente is joined on her mission by a cast of eclectic and fascinating characters, including the "most evil man in the world," a hard-nosed white witch, the founder of Wicca, and a professional exorcist and con man. Together, they must navigate Nazi-occupied Europe and put their powers to the test to achieve their goal.

The authors' writing is engaging and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of witchcraft and espionage. The characters are complex and well-developed, with their own unique perspectives on the war and their roles in it. The plot is unpredictable and fast-paced, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

One of the strengths of the book is its blend of historical fact and fiction. The authors have clearly done their research, and the events and locations of the story are rooted in reality. However, the inclusion of witches and magic adds a fantastical and intriguing element to the narrative.

Overall, The Witches of World War II is a compelling and enjoyable read, perfect for anyone interested in history, witchcraft, or espionage. The book is a testament to the authors' skill as storytellers and their ability to blend genres to create something truly unique.

The Witches of World War II is a book that blends factual and fictional elements to create something of an "alternate view" of the second world war. The story is presented in a realistic way and manages to create something that delves into a world that seems quite plausible in spite of its magical leanings.

The only negative, and this is purely based on personal taste, is that I personally found the art underwhelming. It is functional but lacked the vigor I would have hoped for such a story.

Though it is well worth a read for anyone who finds such an idea appealing.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This one wasn't for me. The synopsis sounded so interesting, and as a Hellboy fan who likes the occult/world war 2 mash up, thought I'd really enjoy it but unfortunately it didn't deliver.

I have read works published by TKO Studios before and they are usually dark/gothic in nature.

Even though this title has similar components, I didn't like it. I felt like there was a lot going on at the same time and I couldn't quite connect the plot with the characters. Maybe that's what the storyline is supposed to do to the reader?

In short, this was not my cup of tea and therefore, I did not finish it.

Thank you NetGalley and TKO Studios for giving me the opportunity to read this!

I had fun reading this! I'm always a sucker for beautiful artwork. I'm super fascinated by the occult, and I loved how this story connected itself with the occult. Wonderful, quick read!

Witches, The Occult, Supernatural and defeating Nazis. Heck yeah Sign me up. This book was so interesting. You have to see it to believe it.

3.5 stars!

This was an interesting read! I've never thought about the witches that had a hand in the outcome of major events before. It just felt like it was missing a bit of information that really could have made it a 4-star read.

Well wow I never realised that this was based on an actual person who worked during World War Two and was considered one of the historic figures considered to be part of the pagan religion. I have to say, this graphic novel was interesting enough that it brings you back in time to the 1940s when the war was raging on. Story wise, it was ok but confusing to know who’s who except for our main girl Doreen and that Crowley man she’s always annoyed about lol. The art was easy on the eye, not perfect but grand enough to read through the whole thing.

Many thanks to Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to review this graphic novel!

This is truly the most unique take on historical fiction I have ever read. The story follows five famous, real-life British occultists and spins a tale so fantastical about their actions during World War II. I had a blast reading this graphic novel and all of the twists and turns of where this story takes you. Just when you think you know what direction Paul Cornell will take the story, we are met with a new plot line taking this story elsewhere. In the approximately 155 pages of the story, we are given quite the spectacle of events from World War II. Another intriguing concept that this graphic novel focuses on is the belief in the occult. I really enjoyed how this was handled and how the characters respond to events tied to the belief in certain magical items or spells.

Valeria Burzo's artwork stuns throughout the graphic novel, sparing no expense for details, even with more complicated backgrounds. The character designs are fantastic for the 1940s and immerse the reader into the story and the era. Jordie Bellaire's colors are more muted, as was more common in the era, but focused on the symbolism behind colors a lot throughout the story, tying in the reds of the Nazis to certain characters, as well as some dream sequences. Sebastian Girner's lettering is impeccable throughout with well-placed and sometimes cleverly-placed balloons and sound effects.

This story is yet another example of how Paul Cornell is a storyteller that everyone should be reading. The concept alone is not something many would come up with and then the execution of the concept shows his mastery as a writer. This story is an unforgivingly wild rewriter of World War II history with a mythical and occult twist that will keep you turning the pages. If you are a fan of war stories that focus on people outside of the battlefield, punching Nazis, and a touch a witchiness, then you have to grab The Witches of World War II!

Rating: 8.75/10

How can a book about occultists recruited by the British government to fight Nazis be this boring?

Received via NetGalley.