Keep your eyes on my back and youll grow too. Fujino Look Back is as its name suggests a story that may require a moment of reflection and potential reread 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 oneshot 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 onesided 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 Fujimotos style especially his ability to convey emotion through facial expressions and landscapes. Fujimotos 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 Fujimotos 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 readthrough 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 isnt 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 Fujimotos 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.