REVIEW: 'Hitomi' #2 by H.S. Tak, Isabella Mazzanti, and Valentina Napolitano

 

HITOMI #2

Writer: H.S. Tak

Artist: Isabella Mazzanti, Valentina Napolitano

Letters: Rob Jones

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: November 23, 2022

Cover Price: $3.99

Hitomi urges Yasuke to leave the Sumo Circuit and join her on the Edo road, where men and monsters roam wild but opportunities abound, and where she can begin her training in earnest.

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

'Hitomi' continues to evolve into an entertaining buddy adventure with layers to it. Hitomi's plan to avenge the death of her family at the hands of a youngerYasuke takes a backseat to her newfound partnership with him to go on adventures and be trained by the legendary samurai.

 It's a savvy move to be trained by the man you hope to kill but that notwithstanding, their chemistry as protege and master is a charming one. She's prickly and somewhat of a reluctant partner and he's more of the optimist with a confident leadership style. They're hired to rid a farmer of a wolf who's been attacking his sheep. H.S. Tak creates an entertaining story as his two protagonists try and work together with some surprising twists along the way. It's just an enjoyable read that feels more wholesome and pure than most comics. 

Isabella Mazzanti and Valentina Napolitano continue to bring a timeless aesthetic that adds to the charm of the story set in Feudal-era Japan. The inspiration of painted scrolls of ancient Japanese emakimono remains as it did in the first issue but the interactions and actions are more intimate allowing for more body language to convey the story. I'm reminded of stories with an older mentor and young apprentice and this follows in those footsteps in the best ways. 

'Hitomi' continues to evolve into one of the most charming comics on the market today. From characters to art, 'Hitomi' hits a soft spot for buddy adventures that warm the spirit and capture the imagination. A simple tale told extraordinarily well is a gift to readers that should satisfy the harshest of critics.