Mukai is a story of impressive scope, following two youths as they're caught in a seemingly motionless world where their surroundings are mashed together, as if swept along by a great storm. Kenta and Mika - the main characters - find themselves in a unique position. They're the only inhabitants in this world who can move. They can see others, but the other residents are husks of their former selves; revealed to be completely transparent when Kenta and Mika attempt to touch them. It's an intriguing premise, as expected from seasoned sci-fi novelist Tobi Hirotaka, but the scope of the story proves too much for a30-odd page one-shot.

Mukai attempts to tell a coherent tale, and while it is understandable enough, the pace is too quick to really garner any emotional investment from the reader. Tobi Hirotaka writes of parallel worlds, advanced science, a world spreading plague named the 'Grey Ocean' and of non-linear time; it's a little too much for such a short one-shot. The plot comes across as very rushed, with the author hurriedly telling one little tale in a universe that begs for further explanation. A story of this scope both deserves and needs to be doubled in length, at the very least. At only 31 pages, it isn't sufficiently told nor developed, with a lightning fast pace and characters lacking in personality and motivation.

Yukito Kishiro - of Battle Angel Alita fame - handled the artwork. This was his first venture outside of Alita's world in over a decade and unfortunately it seems as if some of his enthusiasm was left behind. Kishiro's page spreads are impressive and his characters are well drawn but, given the calibre of his other work, there's much to be desired. This is a huge shame, as the setting offers the opportunity for some stunning imagery, but instead ends up largely forgettable.

Mukai isn't an awful piece - it's a snappy one-shot with many interesting ideas - but it is certainly not up to expectations. Tobi Hirotaka and Yukito Kishiro are both established professionals with well-regarded work under their belts, but they've missed the mark somewhat here.