Rather than pretend there is an easy answer to the conundrum faced by Effie, both Carlota and Selimene give her the most valuable tool in such a situation – the truth – and then make it clear that her decision will be respected and supported once she makes it. Ultimately, they respect Effie’s autonomy, and allow her to make her own decisions about how she wants to react to Shoo’s less-than-stellar behavior. Carlota notes that while it is possible to separate the art from the artist, it is also possible to “love something less” because of disagreements with the artist.

Selimene points out that Shoo’s songs haven’t changed despite the disappointing behavior, but Effie counters that she’s never to listen to Shoo’s music again. It’s a predicament that many readers have had to face, or will have to face in the future. Disappointed that Shoo is not the person that she presented herself to be, Effie declares that she is never going to listen to Shoo’s music again. The inclusion of these actual functions that have long been associated with witchcraft is one of the ways that The Witches of Brooklyn sets itself apart as a thoughtful, perceptive story about magic hidden in plain sight.Īnother one of the highlights of The Witches of Brooklyn is the way that it approaches Effie’s disillusionment with her musical idol, pop star Tily Shoo.

While Carlota and Selimene also engage in more overtly magical spells, the comic makes a point of including these more “realistic” herbalist activities.

They also provide acupuncture services, which they explain to Effie is a method of reopening blocked energy passages. They explain that many of the plants cultivated in their personal garden have healing properties, and tell her that they embody an ancient tradition of using plants to treat everyday aches and pain. Before Effie is completely brought into the magic fold, Selimene and Carlota describe themselves as “herbalists” to her.

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