When I finished the anime, I found that I enjoyed the first half significantly more because of how loose it was and how it focused less on the search for the words than on the interactions between the characters. This manga was basically exactly what I wanted it to be, as a bridge between the two parts of the series. This starts at the very beginning, and one or two other stories from the anime are also adapted, but most of them are one-and-done character pieces from before Akko learned the importance of the Shiny Rod's words. And they were just so slick! There's ones for Jasminka and Constanze and Sucy and Lotte and even the legendary broom. Everyone gets a turn and it's such a fun, worthwhile time.

The art looks like it popped directly off the screen, which I find I like less in Akko's case compared to the other manga adaptation. For the rest of the cast, I could take either, but the designs are great and well-realized here.

Watch the anime first, but definitely give this a look if you want more.