A new title from Image, Hitomi hits dead centre with its first issue. In feudal era Japan, a young warrior is on the run, on a mission to learn from those whoever can teach her to kill. Orphaned by a marauding Samurai, she has nothing to lose.
Written by HS Tak, and illustrated by Isabella Mazzanti (colour by Valentina Napolitano. letters by Rob Jones), this is a tale worth reading. Tak takes a poetic approach to the story, illuminating just enough of the journey to enlighten us as we go along. It is as if we must discover the narrative by accompanying our lead character. The twists, plot revelations, and entanglements enchant us.
And that’s it in a nutshell: this is a story of a journey. But illustrated with grace and benediction, with careful attention to the right details. With Mazzanti’s poised and thoughtful stroke here and there, beautifully coloured, and an understated handling. Hitomi lulls us, cradles us, insulates us from unnecessary noise as we move along through Japan with our warrior, learning and lifting our hopes and knowledge. It’s a coming of age, a coming together of immovable foes.
This is a special book, well positioned to be an important one. Check it out.
Image, Hitomi #1, $3.99 for 25 pages of content
Anthony Andujar Jr. 
Newsdesk