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Difference between revisions of "Luminous Witches"
Alex T Snow (talk | contribs) (WIP PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH. That's the handheld entries, the rest may have to wait a day or so.) |
Alex T Snow (talk | contribs) (WIP PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH. That's the aircraft entries, just two sections to go) |
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==Degtyaryov DP-27== | ==Degtyaryov DP-27== | ||
− | Future Luminous Witches member Lyudmila | + | Future Luminous Witches member Lyudmila "Milasha" Ruslanova and other Orussian witches are armed with [[Degtyaryov DP Series Machine Gun#Degtyaryov DP-27/DP-28|DP-27]]s in a flashback. It's also standard issue for Free Gallian witches serving on the Eastern Front, such as Rosalie de La Poype of the 503rd Joint Fighter Wing. This marks the animated debut of the Typhoon Witches, which leaves the 505th Joint Fighter Wing as the last of the eight JFWs to not have an anime appearance thus far; the Mirage Witches feature prominently in the ''Contrail of Witches'' manga. |
[[Image:DP-28.jpg|thumb|400px|none|Degtyaryov DP-27 - 7.62x54mmR]] | [[Image:DP-28.jpg|thumb|400px|none|Degtyaryov DP-27 - 7.62x54mmR]] | ||
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==MG 42== | ==MG 42== | ||
− | The witch-version [[MG42|MG 42]], redesigned to use Patronentrommel 34 drum magazines, is held by future Luminous Witches member Aira | + | The witch-version [[MG42|MG 42]], redesigned to use Patronentrommel 34 drum magazines, is held by future Luminous Witches member Aira Linnamaa in another flashback. This flashback was originally captioned as taking place in 1941, which would make the MG 42 anachronistic, however the BD release corrected this to 1942. This correction is further reinforced by official artwork that depicts Aira using a [[Suomi KP/-31|KP/-31]] before this, standard among Suomus witches prior to the MG 42. While the other eight performers are inspired by period singers rather than pilots, Aira is based on a pilot (Aarre Linnamaa) due to her combat experience. |
MG 42s are also used by Alexandra Şerbănescu and Ottilie Kittel of the Typhoon Witches, while another is seen in the hands of Yoshika Miyafuji in a scene that parallels the sixth episode of ''Strike Witches''. | MG 42s are also used by Alexandra Şerbănescu and Ottilie Kittel of the Typhoon Witches, while another is seen in the hands of Yoshika Miyafuji in a scene that parallels the sixth episode of ''Strike Witches''. | ||
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==Ho-103== | ==Ho-103== | ||
− | The [[Ho-103]] appears in the hands of Imperial Fuso Army witches Fumiyo Kawaguchi and Tomomi Nishisugi. Although the Ho-103 has | + | The [[Ho-103]] appears in the hands of Imperial Fuso Army witches Fumiyo Kawaguchi and Tomomi Nishisugi. Although the Ho-103 has seen in various manga, used by other Army witches such as Amaki Suwa (who appeared in ''Strike Witches'' and ''Strike Witches 2'', unarmed), this is the gun's first appearance in a ''Witches'' anime. |
The witch version of the Ho-103 features an added pistol grip, off-hand grip, and ammo box, but is otherwise unmodified. | The witch version of the Ho-103 features an added pistol grip, off-hand grip, and ammo box, but is otherwise unmodified. | ||
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[[Image:LWHo1033.jpg|600px|thumb|none|As the Neuroi is spotted Fumiyo pulls her Ho-103 on target, giving a good look at the underside of the gun, including its added grips for use by witches. (Ep.7)]] | [[Image:LWHo1033.jpg|600px|thumb|none|As the Neuroi is spotted Fumiyo pulls her Ho-103 on target, giving a good look at the underside of the gun, including its added grips for use by witches. (Ep.7)]] | ||
[[Image:LWHo1034.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Fumiyo prepares to open fire with her Ho-103. This miko-style uniform is worn by many IFA witches. (Ep.7)]] | [[Image:LWHo1034.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Fumiyo prepares to open fire with her Ho-103. This miko-style uniform is worn by many IFA witches. (Ep.7)]] | ||
− | [[Image:LWHo1035.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Night witch Tomomi Nishisugi patrols the peaceful Fuso skies with her Ho-103 and Ki-43 striker; Fumiyo also flies a Ki-43. (Ep.12)]] | + | [[Image:LWHo1035.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Night witch Tomomi Nishisugi patrols the peaceful Fuso skies with her Ho-103 and Ki-43 Hayabusa striker; Fumiyo also flies a Ki-43. (Ep.12)]] |
[[Image:LWHo1036.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Tomomi uses her night witch antenna to amplify and rebroadcast the Luminous Witches' performance. The night witches' ability to communicate with each other over extreme distances serves them well, as their solitary patrols would otherwise be a rather lonely affair. (Ep.12)]] | [[Image:LWHo1036.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Tomomi uses her night witch antenna to amplify and rebroadcast the Luminous Witches' performance. The night witches' ability to communicate with each other over extreme distances serves them well, as their solitary patrols would otherwise be a rather lonely affair. (Ep.12)]] | ||
==MG 131== | ==MG 131== | ||
− | Waltraud Nowotny of the 503rd JFW is briefly seen flying alongside her squadron members, presumably armed with the [[MG 131]] that she's known to use. Waltraud and the remaining 503rd members not seen in combat (Bronislava Safonov, Huberta von Bonin, and Galina Kostylev) all receive a proper cameo in the final episode. | + | Waltraud Nowotny of the 503rd JFW is briefly seen flying alongside her fellow squadron members, presumably armed with the [[MG 131]] that she's known to use. Waltraud and the remaining 503rd members not seen in combat (Bronislava Safonov, Huberta von Bonin, and Galina Kostylev) all receive a proper cameo in the final episode. |
[[File:MG_131.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 131 - 13x64mmB]] | [[File:MG_131.jpg|thumb|none|400px|MG 131 - 13x64mmB]] | ||
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[[Image:LWFH1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Sanya on patrol over Petersburg with her Fliegerhammer. Consistent with ''Brave Witches'', she's still flying a MiG-60 striker. (Ep.12)]] | [[Image:LWFH1.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Sanya on patrol over Petersburg with her Fliegerhammer. Consistent with ''Brave Witches'', she's still flying a MiG-60 striker. (Ep.12)]] | ||
[[Image:LWFH2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Surprised to hear music on her solitary night flight, Sanya joins her fellow night witches in broadcasting the concert around the world. (Ep.12)]] | [[Image:LWFH2.jpg|600px|thumb|none|Surprised to hear music on her solitary night flight, Sanya joins her fellow night witches in broadcasting the concert around the world. (Ep.12)]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | =Britannian propaganda poster= | ||
+ | One of many propaganda posters in London features a stylized depiction of a Britannian witch and her rifle. The gun is difficult to identify due to its simplified nature, but it bears resemblance to the [[M1 Carbine]]. Given that the witch is clearly based on Mio Sakamoto (though not in an in-universe sense) it may instead be the Fuso witches' Type 99. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:LWpropaganda1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A stitched shot of the poster, its Britannian witch proudly defending her homeland. (Ep.1)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWpropaganda2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|''"The present you is a future figure of all the witches who follow after you."'' Felicia Louisa Gresley, an aristocrat of sorts, gives advice to Grace Steward after seeing promise in her plans. (Ep.1)]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | =Vehicle-Mounted Weapons= | ||
+ | ==Browning .303 Mk II*== | ||
+ | For their world tour the 72nd JFS is assigned a Lancaster Mk I, serial number ''W4113'' and given the squadron code LW-A. The Lancaster is armed with eight [[Browning_M1919#Browning_AN.2FM2|Browning .303 Mk II*]] machine guns, two in the nose turret, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The Luminous Witches' Lancaster is not fresh off the assembly line, but rather a war-weary Lancaster that has seen more than its share of combat missions. The bomber's interior gets a rather notable amount of screen time, serving as the setting for many scenes between concerts, and Grace is often seen manning the aircraft's wireless station. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In reality, Lancaster ''W4113'' served with No. 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF and bore the squadron code GP-J, while "LW" was the squadron code for No. 318 (Polish) Squadron RAF. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:Browning.303.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Browning .303 Mk II* - .303 British]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Virginia Robertson and Inori Shibuya fly alongside their Lancaster in the opening credits, giving a good look at its dorsal turret. The Luminous Witches fly Harvard strikers, standard trainer for Commonwealth nations; its original Liberian designation is AT-6 Texan. (OP)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII2.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Silvie Cariello, Joanna Stafford, and Manaia Hato follow, the Lancaster Mk I's nose turret seen here. Manaia calls the Harvards nostalgic when they're first seen (sporting their iconic all-yellow paint scheme), prompting Jo to say she thought they were called Texans. (OP)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII3.jpg|thumb|none|600px|All nine Luminous Witches form up around the Lancaster. The first two letters of RAF squadron codes denote the squadron, the third for individual aircraft within that squadron; if the Luminous Witches had additional aircraft, they would be LW-B, LW-C, etc. (OP)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII4.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Lancaster Mk I sets off for Roma, skirting the edge of Gallian airspace and the large Neuroi hive that hangs over it, seen from a distance later in this scene. The rear quartet of Browning .303 Mk II*s can often look like just two, as each side's pair are mounted close together. (Ep.5)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII5.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Aira Linnamaa, Maria Dietrich, Inori Shibuya, Manaia Hato, Lyudmila Ruslanova, Eleonore Gassion, Virginia Robertson, Silvie Cariello, and Joanna Stafford arrive in Romagna, in this stitched shot. The nose Brownings are visible through the turret's plexiglass. (Ep.5)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII6.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The bomber departs Roma, onward to Napoli and a dozen other concerts throughout the Mediterranean, Orussia, and Fuso. (Ep.5)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII7.jpg|thumb|none|600px|Inori's grandmother waves as they leave Fuso, heading across the Pacific to Liberion. They would have refuelled in Orussia, Alaska, and/or Faraway Land, as a direct route is twice the Lancaster's range. (Ep.8)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII8.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A magnificent stitched shot of the Lancaster and its passengers arriving in New York, its Browning .303s again visible inside their turrets. Specifically, this appears to be Newark Metropolitan Airport, with Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge to the right. (Ep.9)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII9.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The 72nd Joint Fighter Squadron returns home to RAF Heston. The design of RAF Heston's gate and sign appear to be inspired by those of RAF Scampton, long time home of the real world Red Arrows, who are similarly a nine-member team flying the then-current primary trainer aircraft painted red. (Ep.10)]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBrowningMkII10.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The Lancaster Mk I sits in its hangar at RAF Heston as Eleonore walks over alone, having mixed feelings about the band's upcoming performance in recently-liberated Paris. (Ep.10)]] | ||
+ | [[File:Lancaster_B_Mk_I_-_W4113_-_GP-J.jpg|thumb|none|600px|A photo of the real Lancaster Mk I ''W4113'', as GP-J. (Photo)]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Breda-SAFAT 12.7mm machine gun== | ||
+ | During a compilation of most of the characters' assignments before joining the Aviation Magic Band, an airfield in Harwich, Essex is seen serving as the base for the Romagnan 56º Stormo, where Silvie Cariello (or in full, Silvana Adelaide di Carignano) was previously stationed. 56º Stormo being based in Harwich is a reference to the real world Corpo Aereo Italiano, which flew alongside the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain; Harwich and the nearby seaplane base RAF Felixstowe were frequent targets of the CAI. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Several dozen Romagnan fighters are seen at the airbase, and though the specific model of aircraft is uncertain from this distance, due to its ubiquity they are certainly armed with [[Breda-SAFAT machine gun|Breda-SAFAT machine guns]] chambered in 12.7mm. Given their proportionally short wings and long tail as well as an apparent upper wing, they may be C.R.42 Falco fighters. Despite being a biplane the C.R.42 was a very modern design, entering service in 1939 and being well-respected as a fighter during the early years of the war, and was indeed flown by 56º Stormo during the Battle of Britain. | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[File:12.7mmBreda-SAFAT.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Breda-SAFAT machine gun - 12.7x81mmSR]] | ||
+ | [[File:LWBreda-SAFAT1.jpg|thumb|none|600px|The airbase in Harwich, with its probable C.R.42 Falcos. Although the Falco would be a bit dated by 1944, this itself fits with Silvie always being stationed away from frontline units due to her heritage. (Ep.1)]] |
Revision as of 02:26, 2 February 2023
Work In Progress This article is still under construction. It may contain factual errors. See Talk:Luminous Witches for current discussions. Content is subject to change. |
Five long years after the Neuroi invaded Europe, with setback after setback and loss after loss, humanity's morale is at an all-time low. Determined to continue doing what she can, retired witch Grace Steward has been attempting to get more funding and resources for the Aviation Magic Band, but is making little progress with the disinterested League of Nations Air Force brass. Not willing to give up on her desire to bring some measure of happiness to the war-weary public, Grace sets out to recruit more members for the Band, which will ultimately number nine in addition to herself; the 72nd Joint Fighter Squadron soon earns the name Luminous Witches, and sets out on a world tour.
With a roster of witches who, for a variety of reasons are unable to serve on the frontlines, Luminous Witches is not as combat-focused as other elements of the World Witches universe. Instead, the 72nd JFS is effectively a combination of air demonstration squadron (akin to the more modern Red Arrows, Blue Angels, or Snowbirds) and USO Tour, entertaining civilian and military audiences alike with aerobatics and music. The story begins in March, 1944 as Virginia "Ginny" Robertson makes her way to London from her home in rural Scotland, having until then lived a simple farming life without real appreciation for her talents as a witch. The Luminous Witches visit many locations not before seen in the Witches universe, and encounter many new and established characters during their mission to spread happiness through the power of music. For a world map featuring the Luminous Witches' world tour route, see the Talk Page.
Luminous Witches begins the same month as Strike Witches and takes place alongside as well as after that season, then continues parallel the first half of Brave Witches.
For more in-depth explanations of the lore and setting of the World Witches universe, see the first season's page.
Warning: Some descriptions and images are spoilers for the series, read at your own risk.
The following weapons were used in the anime series Luminous Witches:
Pistols
Tokarev TT-33
An Orussian officer at the LNAF meeting is seen with a holster for a Tokarev TT-33; the other officers, all of various nations, presumably have their own service pistols as well. The continued existence of the League of Nations is an excellent example of how much of the turmoil and political unrest of the real world 1920s/30s never came to pass in this universe.
Rifles
Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III*
The Lee-Enfield No. 1 Mk III* makes two small appearances, more notably in the hands of a Britannian sentry at RAF Heston, as well as what is most likely also an SMLE slung over the shoulder of a Free Gallian soldier in his recently liberated homeland.
Machine Guns
Browning M1918A2
In a flashback to Operation Dynamo in 1941, Captain Grace Steward and her two wingmen do what they can to cover the Dunkirk beachhead, armed with BARs. As with all witches, Grace is inspired by a real world military aviator; fitting her role in the story, she's based on actor and B-24 Liberator pilot James "Jimmy" Stewart, who would eventually retire as a brigadier general.
Degtyaryov DP-27
Future Luminous Witches member Lyudmila "Milasha" Ruslanova and other Orussian witches are armed with DP-27s in a flashback. It's also standard issue for Free Gallian witches serving on the Eastern Front, such as Rosalie de La Poype of the 503rd Joint Fighter Wing. This marks the animated debut of the Typhoon Witches, which leaves the 505th Joint Fighter Wing as the last of the eight JFWs to not have an anime appearance thus far; the Mirage Witches feature prominently in the Contrail of Witches manga.
MG 42
The witch-version MG 42, redesigned to use Patronentrommel 34 drum magazines, is held by future Luminous Witches member Aira Linnamaa in another flashback. This flashback was originally captioned as taking place in 1941, which would make the MG 42 anachronistic, however the BD release corrected this to 1942. This correction is further reinforced by official artwork that depicts Aira using a KP/-31 before this, standard among Suomus witches prior to the MG 42. While the other eight performers are inspired by period singers rather than pilots, Aira is based on a pilot (Aarre Linnamaa) due to her combat experience.
MG 42s are also used by Alexandra Şerbănescu and Ottilie Kittel of the Typhoon Witches, while another is seen in the hands of Yoshika Miyafuji in a scene that parallels the sixth episode of Strike Witches.
Ho-103
The Ho-103 appears in the hands of Imperial Fuso Army witches Fumiyo Kawaguchi and Tomomi Nishisugi. Although the Ho-103 has seen in various manga, used by other Army witches such as Amaki Suwa (who appeared in Strike Witches and Strike Witches 2, unarmed), this is the gun's first appearance in a Witches anime.
The witch version of the Ho-103 features an added pistol grip, off-hand grip, and ammo box, but is otherwise unmodified.
MG 131
Waltraud Nowotny of the 503rd JFW is briefly seen flying alongside her fellow squadron members, presumably armed with the MG 131 that she's known to use. Waltraud and the remaining 503rd members not seen in combat (Bronislava Safonov, Huberta von Bonin, and Galina Kostylev) all receive a proper cameo in the final episode.
Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai
The iconic witch variant of the Type 99 makes the smallest of cameos, slung behind Yoshika's back. This scene takes place shortly after the climactic fight in the sixth episode of the first season of Strike Witches, which aired fourteen years previous.
For the rather lengthy technical explanation of the witches' Type 99-2 Model 2 Kai variant, see its first season entry.
Autocannons
MG 151/20
Karlsland night witches Heinrike Prinzessin zu Sayn-Wittgenstein and Heidemarie Schnaufer make an appearance in the finale, armed as usual with MG 151/20 cannons.
Launchers
Fliegerhammer
Aleksandra Litvyak makes a second cameo in the finale alongside the other night witches, armed with a Fliegerhammer. Based on the Fliegerfaust and designed by Ursula Hartmann, the Fliegerhammer is a fictional nine-barrel rocket launcher, its heavy firepower a good companion for a night witch. The finale performance taking place on December 26, 1944 puts her in the skies over Petersburg, as she and Eila were visiting the Brave Witches at this time, covered in the Brave Witches OVA (Episode 7.5). Also of note, Tomomi's appearance in this sequence, seen in in the Ho-103 section above, is set a fair bit after sunrise, respecting the time zone difference between Europe and Fuso.
For additional details, see its first season entry.
Britannian propaganda poster
One of many propaganda posters in London features a stylized depiction of a Britannian witch and her rifle. The gun is difficult to identify due to its simplified nature, but it bears resemblance to the M1 Carbine. Given that the witch is clearly based on Mio Sakamoto (though not in an in-universe sense) it may instead be the Fuso witches' Type 99.
Vehicle-Mounted Weapons
Browning .303 Mk II*
For their world tour the 72nd JFS is assigned a Lancaster Mk I, serial number W4113 and given the squadron code LW-A. The Lancaster is armed with eight Browning .303 Mk II* machine guns, two in the nose turret, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The Luminous Witches' Lancaster is not fresh off the assembly line, but rather a war-weary Lancaster that has seen more than its share of combat missions. The bomber's interior gets a rather notable amount of screen time, serving as the setting for many scenes between concerts, and Grace is often seen manning the aircraft's wireless station.
In reality, Lancaster W4113 served with No. 1661 Heavy Conversion Unit RAF and bore the squadron code GP-J, while "LW" was the squadron code for No. 318 (Polish) Squadron RAF.
Breda-SAFAT 12.7mm machine gun
During a compilation of most of the characters' assignments before joining the Aviation Magic Band, an airfield in Harwich, Essex is seen serving as the base for the Romagnan 56º Stormo, where Silvie Cariello (or in full, Silvana Adelaide di Carignano) was previously stationed. 56º Stormo being based in Harwich is a reference to the real world Corpo Aereo Italiano, which flew alongside the Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain; Harwich and the nearby seaplane base RAF Felixstowe were frequent targets of the CAI.
Several dozen Romagnan fighters are seen at the airbase, and though the specific model of aircraft is uncertain from this distance, due to its ubiquity they are certainly armed with Breda-SAFAT machine guns chambered in 12.7mm. Given their proportionally short wings and long tail as well as an apparent upper wing, they may be C.R.42 Falco fighters. Despite being a biplane the C.R.42 was a very modern design, entering service in 1939 and being well-respected as a fighter during the early years of the war, and was indeed flown by 56º Stormo during the Battle of Britain.