Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3 Review

 

Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3 Review

Writer & Artist: Yako Gureishi

Translator: Motoko Tamamuro & Jonathan Clements

Letterer: Skylar Rutan

Cover Artist: Yako Gureishi

Publisher: Titan Manga

Price: $12.99

Release Date: August 19, 2025

 

After departing the witch village, the Golem and Somali reach the foot of a mountain amid the forest. A guide directs them to the entrance and leads them inside to Anthole City. It's a thriving multilevel community tunneled into the heart of the mountain. Yet unlike the witch village, no one in the myriad of shops and restaurants offers them a free sample.

 

When the Golem tries to buy a map for the lands beyond the mountain, the shopkeeper suggests that they upgrade their wardrobe. Their clothes were fine for traveling through forests. When they reach the exit on the other side of the mountain, they will find the desert a more demanding environment. Can the Golem and Somali afford better clothes? And how does Somali feel about her life with the Golem? Let’s grab our walking sticks, leap into Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3, and see!

 

Story

While the Golem works for Kikilila and his wife Giina in their restaurant, Somali plays with the couple’s child. Kikila enjoys drawing flowers. So, when Somali shares her fear that he will eventually leave her, Kikila knows how to relieve her fears. Children aren't supposed to venture into the lower levels without adult supervision. But if Kikila and Somali can return with a Yozame flower, they can make her wish come true.

 

While Yako Gureishi keeps the spotlight on the Human girl in Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3, the Golem also gets a chance to shine. As he stumbles amid the hurdles of parenthood, Kokilila serves as a coach. Another local takes an interest in the travelers as the Golem works to fund their journey. Muthrica warns the Golem not to promise Somali more than it should. Yet even after the Golem and Somali depart Anthole City, Gureishi checks in on the Woolly Shurigara family in his extra one-page stories in between chapters. Kokilila, Giina, and Kikila may live in a bustling city teeming with interesting people. Yet when their new friends depart, they leave part of themselves behind.

 

After the endless possibilities of Anthole City, the travelers discover that the desert is far from barren. Instead, it sparkles with life by day and night. Yet the greatest mysteries they face are their fellow travelers, and the relationship that the Human girl and the Golem are building in Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3.

 

Art

While Somali disguises her appearance by wearing a horned cloak, Kikila resembles a bipedal llama. As they venture beneath Anthole City, plants, bushes, and flowers spring up amid the stalagmites. Mushrooms rise above them as in Alice in Wonderland, while a jellyfish wafts among the stalactites. Kikila helps the girl hide as a giant snail-like creature passes. But even the plants are on alert against travelers and eager to defend themselves.

 

Yako Gureishi grounds the imaginative with the recognizable to create a compelling fantasy world in Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3. Detailed art and shading bring this world to life. A medieval-style inn amid a labyrinth of tunnels proves a welcome refuge. The Golem's purchases in Anthole City reveal its feelings for the girl and its growth. While night scenes glow with life and wonder, Somali's delight in each culinary discovery also contributes to the striking realism amid the fantastic.

 

Motoko Tamamuro and Jonathan Clements translate the uppercase letters that appear in balloons, boxes, and panel backgrounds. Intense emotions turn balloons spiky when Kikila demonstrates bravery, and his parents show their concern. Skylar Rutan’s sound effects enhance Kikila and Somali's adventure beneath Anthole City, their journey through the desert, and their encounters with the people and creatures they meet. Thanks to Titan Manga for providing a physical review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

The Golem fears that the enchanted animals will discover that Somali is a Human. The girl shows little interest in finding her own people and wants to remain with her "dad." But as the dying librarian told them in the witch village, they walk a different path from most people. The light she saw in the travelers' eyes may dim at times, but it never dies in Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3.

 

Rating 10/10

 

To look inside, see my preview of Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 3.

 

For what happened last time, see my review of Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 2. 

 

For how this series started, see my review of Somali and the Forest Spirit Vol 1.