IDW Publishing 2019
Written by Bobby Curnow
Illustrated by Simon Gane
Coloured by Ian Herring with Becka Kinzie
Lettered by Chris Mowry
Consultant—Takuma Okada
Brandt discovers more about his family’s past as he reels from a surprise return of someone that played a pivotal part in his life. Meanwhile, a malevolent creature begins to stalk the departed denizens of the Ghost Tree...
I love the way that this represents Japan, it’s culture and it’s people’s belief’s. In many ways it reminds me of the Suicide Forest in that there is this mystical property to this place and this family that has an air of mystery surrounding it. When we were introduced to this and we met a very young Brandt I think he saw what his Jii-Chan was really doing as he talked to ghosts. I do believe that’s why he asked him to meet him here years after his death, as well as ensuring Brandt went back to the States without a date to return.
The writing here is spectacular and the way that I perceive this to be layered is astoundingly good. Brandt’s Jii-Chan is both happy and sorrowful for his grandson and what we see from him here is something that has such a deeper level than what’s merely on the surface. There are so many conflicting emotions that I see happening and part of me wants to slap the old man into the next realm and yet he obviously cares at the same time. Bobby has blown me away with the level and quality of writing here as the characterisation blossoms as captivating as the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in full bloom.
The ebb & flow of the story has this rhythmic quality to it that feels as if it sways with the wind. The events or encounters as they unfold have such a charming nature to them and even when Brandt is with his living family we already see a different side of him that is warmer and more understanding. The change a person can go through after a literal life changing moment and how fast they are able to adapt shows the measure of him. Bobby takes us through this incredibly well and Brandt’s startling ease in his new role in life has it’s pluses and minuses which we see on full display.
The interiors here are beautiful. There is a tranquillity to the work that is both expected yet seemingly innovative as well. I love that we see the panels constructed in ways that make the most of the space allotted and bring a warmth through the natural wood of the home or how the trees do actually do sway in the breeze. Then there is the attention to detail here which is simply stunning. When we meet Arami and to see the coat with it’s wooden buttons, or the lines on the top of her nose and how her hair is it’s breathtaking.
There is a creativity and imagination here as well in things like the demon we see who roams the woods. Everything we see conspires to bring this to life in a way that the reader will find fascinating and yet still finds a way to pay homage to the setting, the people and their culture. The utilisation of the page layouts and how we see the angles and perspective in the panels show off a beautiful eye for storytelling. The colour work here is as impressive as the linework itself. To see the way shading and highlights showcase light sources, the change in mood or from day to night all of this brings out emotions and feelings in the reader.
This is going to be the best low key series on stands right now. I feel it’s under the radar and it needs to be more in the spotlight. This is as much of a life journey, discovering your purpose when feeling lost and alone as it does educate about the people and culture of those in it. Entertaining, educational and emotional this should be your next Magnificent Obsession.