#comics of the 2010s
It is spooky season and appropriately a new adaptation of the paranormal Japanese BL comic series The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window by Yamashita Tomoko has begun airing, streaming in several countries. The ten volume comic series from which this newest adaptation derives is a very underrated work, at least overseas.
This paranormal series focusing on an assortment of characters who have spiritual powers, plus a yakuza and one veteran skeptical cop who nevertheless ends up needing to seek out special consultants, sometimes sets itself apart from many titles in its genres. A slow burn, creepy, engaging mystery with allusions and metaphors this BL comic gradually starts to peel back layers with the characters revealing why they might complement and belong with each other. In particular, the powers of the two lead characters, bookseller Mikado Kôsuke with special sight and exorcist Hiyakawa Rihito, are enhanced by (intimate) physical contact. This at times with a manner in comparison to sexual coercion or assault, among other aspects, raises eventual conversations on consent and boundaries.
However, the animated adaptation set for 12 episodes is so far underwhelming, uneven, and making curious choices (particularly in pacing and character dynamics) but has potential perhaps. It’s worth here bringing up the previous live action movie directed by Morigaki Yukihiro was released on home video in Japan this July.
Again, choices made there but I rather appreciated the film with Shison Jun and Okada Masaki in the lead roles alongside Hirate Yurina as necromancer Hiura Erika. While the comic also sits in the horror genre something about adaptations on the screen up the creepiness and gore factor. Yet, the supernatural aspects aren’t actually the scariest thing in Tricornered Window, and that film still understood this well. In contrast the anime doesn’t quite seem to know what to lean into or necessarily how.
But dear English speakers I can at least recommend the comic. Yamashita Tomoko is one of my favorite artists whose work one might often consider a little bit different and offbeat while at the same time part of traditions. And a creator who I respect for also considering the ethical questions of art. She knows what she’s doing and started something not only entertaining but truly interesting with this BL title way back in 2013. The ‘problematic’ as we might name is a conscious and whole integral theme.
Yamashita’s art, effectual and reminiscent of more minimalistic styles frequently seen in titles for women’s comics (a category which she also has many titles to her name) is animated in situations of comedy and starkly gripping during moments of horror. Examples of her colour work also captures an ethereal quality.
I have described Tricornered Window as one of the best of the decade. If nothing else here’s hoping the comic’s English edition will move from digital-only to also print one day. (The series also is/will be translated in other languages too.) I wish (in vain possibly) with greater exposure now for this story the good out of that will outweigh the bad.
The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window by Yamashita Tomoko is available in English translated by Jocelyne Allen with lettering by Vanessa Satone, digitally from SuBLime Manga
The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window live action film is available on Region A BD, Region 2 DVD (no subtitles) or streaming in Japan, view a trailer here
The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window TV anime series is currently streaming in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS on Crunchyroll, view a trailer here
