Hitomi #3: A Dark Moment in a Long Journey

Hitomi #3 is a beautifully drawn entry in this tale of revenge. This small scale story continues its violent journey and begins the schism between the two main characters.

As Hitomi and her teacher make their travels, they find a path filled with horrors that haunt the local village. When they meet one of the villagers, they are offered the opportunity to rid the evil in exchange for supplies and housing to get them along on their journey. They agree and head into the forest. The phantoms quickly capture Hitomi and her teacher and tie them up in a cavern. After negotiating their release, the teacher goes against his word and kills both of the phantoms despite Hitomi’s request. Once they return to the village, they collect their reward and prepare to continue their journey. Before they leave, Hitomi gets her first taste of violence and the issue ends with samurais entering the village demanding the teacher to return to the army.

HS Tak’s writing is very succinct. This issue feels like a small self-contained story that is part of a larger arc. This story isn’t for everyone. It’s violence feels like the characters are destined for a tragic ending. The art, while beautiful, highlights the violence. It’s bloody and the reds fill the page.

Isabella Mazzanti as the artist and Valentina Napolitano as the colorist make for a dynamite combo in art. The design mimicked a classical style—almost like a Japanese painting. The colors fill nicely and the line work is rough like a sketch done perfectly on its first draft. Characters feel worn and tired in their presence. The environments, backgrounds, and nature have a minimal style allowing the reader to focus on the characters and the contrast in their clothes against the green forest set pieces.