Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1 Review

 

Writer & Artist: Yako Gureishi

Translators: Motoko Tamamuro & Jonathan Clements

Letterer: Ayoub Bensidi

Cover Artist: Yako Gureishi

Publisher: Titan Manga

Price: $12.99

Release Date: December 18, 2024

 

When the forest guardian finds a shackled child, something in her sad eyes touches his internal mechanisms. The metal man frees the Human girl. He packs supplies, puts on traveling clothes, and escorts her out of the forest. Where is the metal man taking her? And why did he give the Human girl a hooded cape adorned with horns? Let’s grab our walking sticks, leap into Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1, and find out!

 

Story

The first town they visit proves pivotal in the traveler's burgeoning relationship. The child knows her name is Somali, but little else. The metal man lacks experience with those living outside his forest. The inhabitants clamor to meet the forest guardian. They may live in a town. Still, they revere the woodlands for their life and vitality.

 

Toad Ma offers them free food, hoping to attract curious customers. The forest guardian tells them he is searching for Humans. Some townspeople recall Humans for sale in the marketplace. Toad Ma ate one once but prefers other foods. When the townspeople inquire about Somali, the forest guardian introduces her as a Minotaur. The locals see the horns rising from her hood and don't question his declaration. Still, a False Cat with five eyes thinks she smells delicious.

 

In Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1, the metal man has limited funds for their journey. When he buys an old map, he and Somali end up in a Relict Forest. The only healthy plants sprout from the giant animal carcass of the former guardian. The gray trees and white leaves remind the metal man of his sacrifice. By escorting Somali on a mission to find her parents, he condemned his forest to wither and die.

 

Yako Gureishi shares the wonder this odd couple feels for each other. The girl delights in each discovery. The forest guardian claims he has no feelings. Yet he argues with her, tends to her wounds, and grows unsettled when she expresses pain. Somali calls him Dad and holds his hand while they walk. As they search for clues to Somali's parents, the forest guardian learns new skills and gets more in tune with his feelings through interacting with others.

 

Art

Yako Gureishi immediately launches readers into Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1. The metal man kneels before the shackled child. Then, they embark on their journey wearing traveling clothes, cloaks, and lace-up boots.

 

Plants and giant mushrooms grow in the narrow streets of Toad Ma's walled city. Trees and bridges provide shelter, while enchanted mammals, reptiles, and birds wear clothes and hats. A woman with six arms waits tables and gifts Somali a three-eyed fish on a plate.

 

The golem can appear as fearsome as the alligator and dinosaur-like citizens who walk upright and wear clothes. His lace-up mask hides a large eye in the center of his "face." After Somali wanders off, the golem suggests she hold one of his metal fingers with her tiny hand. She may wander to explore the animals and plants, but Somali returns to walk or sit beside him. When she cuddles beside him, he rests his hand on her back as she sleeps.

 

Motoko Tamamuro & Jonathan Clements translate the uppercase dialogue that inhabits balloons and the background. The rattle of wheels through the forest alerts the golem to danger. And when someone removes her hood, Ayoub Bensidi’s sound effects help you feel the Forest Guardian's inner turmoil in Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1.

 

Physical Copy

This paperback features an attractive glossy color cover and spine with secure binding. Despite the detailed nature of Yako Gureishi's work, the interior pages hold the ink well. The binding is secure, and the paper quality prevents bleed-through. Dialogue and sound effects may vary in size, yet the print is easy to read. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a physical review copy.

 

 

Now, let's take a look at the physical copy:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finger not included

 

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts

Compared with the enchanted animals that rule the world, golems seem immortal. Yet few ever see them, as they tend to stick to their forests. In Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1, the golem has a new purpose. He wants to travel and reunite a lost child with her parents. Leaving the only home he has ever known, the golem explores nearby forests, towns, and villages. As he searches for the endangered Humans, the golem gets a chance to learn and grow, just like the girl he protects.

 

Rating 9.8/10

 

 

To look inside see my preview of Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1.