REVIEW: 'Hitomi' #3 by H.S. Tak, Isabella Mazzanti, and Valentina Napolitano

 

HITOMI #3 

Writer: H.S. Tak

Artist: Isabella Mazzanti, Valentina Napolitano

Layouts: Nicoletta Bea

Letters: Rob Jones

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: December 21, 2022

Cover Price: $3.99

Hitomi's lessons under Yasuke result in a trial by fire when the mismatched warriors agree to rid a village of its "witch" problem. The pair soon learns the village hides a much darker and more evil secret than the occult...

Score:

★★★★1/2 (4.5/5)

'Hitomi' has become an enjoyable adventure-of-the-month series with Hitomi and Yasuke traveling into a new gig with each episode. As part of her training, Hitomi follows Yasuke's directions (for the most part) as they've become warriors-for-hire. This month they're hired to rid a village of witches that terrorize their main road. 

With each new assignment, the two learn something about each other. It's a complicated relationship because Yasuke may be a mentor, but Hitomi still holds a secret grudge believing he killed her family. She's playing a long game to become a better warrior to someday avenge their death and kill Yasuke. Meanwhile, they need each other to survive every new dangerous adventure. H.S. Tak has done a wonderful job of developing camaraderie between the two leads, the feisty young Hitomi and the measured calm Yasuke. The dialogue is pitch-perfect and the action is abundant. The series is dependent on the two leads to be engaging and entertaining and Tak has been able to do that even when there isn't any action taking place. 

Isabella Mazzanti and Valentina Napolitano continue to create art that's charming, expressive, and timeless. There isn't a single misstep in composition, color, or choreography. The design choices seem very thoughtful and deliberate as in costuming and props. It's certainly a period piece and it would seem to me that they've done their homework. The little violence there is in the issue is all the more shocking and impactful because of its quick pacing and timing. It's not gratuitous but effective in what is not shown and shown. Because of Mazzanti and Napolitano, 'Hitomi' is a singular delight to read and look at. 

'Hitomi' #3 furthers the adventures of Hitomi and Yasuke with thrilling results. An engrossing story with a surprising cliffhanger rewards readers with this charming and entertaining title. Grab a copy, put your feet up, and get lost in this evolving buddy action adventure series.