If you’re a regular reader here on Okazu, you are familiar with the name Molly Ostertag. I’ve been a fan of her work since 2013, when I encountered her and her work at MoCCA. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of backing and reading her masterwork Strong Female Protagonist, Volume 1 and Volume 2.

HOW THE BEST HUNTER IN THE VILLAGE MET HER DEATH is a little allegorical tale about facing one’s darkest fears in secret and accepting the truth of one’s self in the light. It’s also a modern fantasy in the style of Ovid’s Metamorphosis, in which need for/desire to change is expressed as physical transformation.

It’s a tale about obsession and how that can lead to negative consequences…or positive, if the truth is faced. And, it’s a tale about love.

This comic is simply told in first-person narrative and simply drawn, in black, grey and white with splashes of red for emphasis. It’s a tale that will resonate with most folks who have come through their own dark forests and transformed into their true selves. 

The link above leads to the ebook, but I think the physical book would make a great gift for a young queer friend who wasn’t yet sure of themselves or was unsure if there’d be a place at all for them in the world. It’s s lovely little book that will also make great stocking stuffers and secret santa presents. ^_^

Ratings:

Overall – 8

For your own piece of Molly Ostertag‘s journey (and possibly your own,) HOW THE BEST HUNTER IN THE VILLAGE MET HER DEATH, is a worthy investment.