“Keep your eyes on my back and you’ll grow too.”

• Fujino

Look Back is, as its name suggests, a story that may require a moment of reflection and potential re-read to fully understand and appreciate what is happening. This is especially true when the second half of this emotional story is taken into consideration. It is a one-shot that tells an emotional story that sometimes becomes a little bit confusing.

Despite being a short story, Look Back weaves a bittersweet tale that empathetically captures the relationship between two girls as their relationship progresses from a one-sided rivalry to a supportive friendship. The growth of their relationship feels natural as they push each other to become better artists and expand their personal boundaries; becoming better versions of themselves. Watching as they find comfort and safety in one another is also portrayed beautifully, with Fujimoto utilising scenery to really convey the emotions that the characters are feeling.

Fujimoto also has the fantastic ability to explore the darker emotions that linger, often ignored, on the fringes of relationships. The mix of jealousy, regret, and loneliness feel realistic and, while not initially in the foreground of the relationship between Fujino and Kyomoto, it can still be sensed; creating a slight unease throughout Look Back. These elements are, however, handled with care and work in synergy with Fujimoto's style; especially his ability to convey emotion through facial expressions and landscapes.

Fujimoto's art is stunning, especially during the quiet scenes where the characters simply exist as themselves. Some of the best examples of this are from when Fujino and Kyomoto are drawing together. This kind of silent companionship can be a difficult thing to convey but, in not relying too heavily on speech, Fujimoto's art speaks loud and clearly. The reader finds themselves also simply existing alongside the characters in these moments.

The latter quarter of Look Back could get a little bit confusing for some, especially since there is no clear break between reality and daydream. However, it adds to the theme of reminiscence and the desire to change things in the past. It may be more impactful on a second read-through as it heightened the emotions of the early pages as well. I think the primary issue could have been averted if the visuals of the scenes had been altered slightly to create a visual distinction between these two although this definitely isn't a necessity.

This is a story that I found more impactful a second time; especially when knowing what to expect from the narrative and understanding the flow a little better. It also makes the focus on the quiet moments between Fujino and Kyomoto all the more poignant.

Overall, Look Back is an emotive, personal, and thoughtful consideration of the darker emotions that come from relationships. It retains a more optimistic approach to these elements when compared to Fujimoto’s other works, offering an ending that is bittersweet but hopeful. It is a reminder that, while difficult things will happen and the past can offer some reprieve, there is always a reason to continue going forward.