Review by Frank Plowright

Somali is accompanied by a Forest Spirit, assumed by those they meet to be a golem. She refers to him as father, but he’s in fact attempting to reunite her with her parents in the slightly more than a year of life he believes he has left. On some level the young Somali is aware her time with him is limited.

As Vol. 2 ended the Forest Spirit proved surprisingly adept at being a waiter, while Somali went wandering with the restaurant owner’s son Kikila. As much as anything the series concerns exploration and the wonders to be encountered by an open mind, and that’s certainly the case here as Yako Gureishi supplies the oddities to be found in watery caves beneath the city.

Somali’s underground journey occupies several chapters, Gureishi introducing a more experienced guide and features exotic plants and exotic creatures, all innovatively conceived and beautifully drawn. It’s followed by more in the continuing exploration of a well intentioned, but largely emotionless Forest Spirit attempting to be a good parent, learning all the time. It’s a nice counterpoint to Somali’s own uncertainties, but leads to a promise it may be impossible to keep.

Gureishi supplies shorter chapters than in the previous two volumes, indicating perhaps that she’s confident in a continuing flow of ideas. That’s certainly apparent during the desert journey which sees out much of the book. Danger returns here with readers privy to what Somali and her protector don’t know, and an appalling revelation ends this volume ensuring all readers will count the days until Vol. 4.

The quiet beating heart of Somali and the Forest Spirit is a complete contrast to the action rush of most Japanese comics, and all the more appealing for that.