Hiraku is a voluntary mute Ainu boy who goes on a journey that teaches him how to use his voice to defeat the antagonist before he can re-unite with his lost Grandmother.
Mariko the Kitsune Princess is swift and clever. She guides Hiraku into a fantasy world where he begins to learn how to regain his voice.
Hiraku's Grandma is known for her seafood soup and for singing and playing wonderful folk songs with her Tonkori instrument.
Akihi is one of the last Ainu warriors who lives as a fisherman in seclusion until one day he is possessed by a malicious fox spirit.
Akihi (Owl Form) - An Ainu warrior is possessed by a malicious mythical fox transforms into this owl beast form when he gets angry.
Captain Taka is the Chief of the Japanese police. He's in charge of finding a serial killer who targets Japanese official. He believes in supporting an environment in which the Japanese and the Ainu can co-exist in peace.
Jigoro is Hiraku's sword fencing instructor and Japanese friend is stern and stoic.
The Fox King retreated to a mountain top and turned himself into a tree in depression.
Hiraku looking over his Ainu village
Hiraku early concept
Hiraku's early concept
Mariko the Fox Spirit early concept
Japanese Police Chief early concept
Hiraku and Mariko resting with Kitsune
During the Japanese civil wars at the end of the 1800's, the Ainu who were the indigenous people lost their lands and lives fighting to defend themselves.
Kitsune Cave
Hiraku's Grandma - The Storyteller
Hiraku Visual Development
Hiraku is my personal graphic novel project about a mute Ainu boy who learns how to use his voice instead of his sword in order to re-unite with his lost grandmother in Japan. The Ainu patterns are comprised of symbols that represent protective magic. They are geometrical and are made using two colors that are high in tonal contrast. The colors of this project are earthy.