Do you want a good story about “becoming a man” but one that might be bit more modern than you are used to? In which “becoming a man” might not mean what we think at first? Then you should try The Flower of the Witch by Enrico Orlandi (and translated by Jamie Richards).
And while I try not to start on a less-than-positive note, I will say the language was a little stiff at first. But soon your reading ear should fall into the pattern and flow through the story.
When the stranger, Tami, (after killing a demon) enters a village, the natural balance has been thrown off and war between the humans and the witches/demons ensues. But there is more than just fighting. This graphic novel has layers. There is the idea of family, of honor, of coming-of-age, of doing the right thing, and of making promises and breaking them.
It is not a quick read, or for a more sensitive reader due to some situational violence (which is tastefully done considering Tami is a swordsman and is most adept at using the sword). Overall, this book has gorgeous illustrations and text that must be savored, enjoyed and even, studied. The details fit the tone, slightly simplistic, but not simple. And it fits the people of the story. Colors are used to show time of day, ages, personalities and of course, the surrounding buildings and the land itself. Lines are straight, sturdy when the character fits such needs, and of course, curves and such fit others.
This is not a book I would probably read again, or at least, not right away. I can see a series of books. Possible before Tami comes to this point of his story, and maybe even what happens next as he tries to repair some relationships. And of course, there is even the stories of the other characters (such as the witch of the title even comes out and says it is not time for their story, but time for Tami’s).
I would probably not go younger than aged ten, due the concepts and less than the context. Though the skull and part of the spine of one of the demons’ earlier victims used as a hat is not only disrespectful, but also a little down right creepy.
