4.35 AVERAGE


Kicking myself for not reading this Webtoon sooner, but I'm so glad I finally did! I'm so glad this is getting published physically, because it's AMAZING and I know I'm going to need a copy. It's the perfect amounts of dark and suspenseful yet cute, cosy and funny. If that sounds strange, I'm sorry, I can't explain it any better. I thought this was so well done, and I already adore both characters.
adventurous fast-paced
adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

One of my favorite comics made into a graphic novel! I haven’t reread in some time, so it was very nice to revisit. The fast friendship between Kappa and Siren into a budding relationship was very sweet and well done. It’s the sort of story you’ll keep coming back to and want more. 

Likewise, the translation from WEBTOON to graphic novel was seamless. The panels lined up well and the artwork is still as stunning with vibrant colors and beautiful art. Martin has done a fantastic job creating a fantasy tale that is both parts heartwarming and fulfilling, even for a first volume. 

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy! 
adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The synopsis masterfully summarizes what this book is about, but it doesn't mention how touching it is, how addictive and entertaining all the pages are, because it is impossible to put it down once you start. A solid script serves as an entry to a very well-constructed world, every detail carefully thought out, but without making it unnecessarily complicated.
Full review (April 24): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2024/04/comic-castle-swimmer-volume-1.html

La sinopsis resume magistralmente de qué se trata este libro, pero no menciona lo enternecedor que es, lo adictivas y entretenidas que son todas las páginas, porque es imposible soltarlo una vez que empiezas. Un guión sólido sirve como entrada para un mundo muy bien construido, cada detalle pensado minuciosamente, pero sin volverlo innecesariamente complicado.
Reseña completa (24 de abril): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2024/04/comic-castle-swimmer-volume-1.html
adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Yummy yummy yummy i love it

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!

I really enjoyed THE CASTLE SWIMMERS so very much. It checks all the boxes for me: Gay? ✅ Mermen?✅ Good shark representation? ✅

 (listen sharks are not bad guys, ok people, it’s just that there was this horror movie that really rocked everyone’s face in the 80’s, ok? Sharks are actually just goofy lil guys and we should stop killing them for shark fin soup, and just let them LIVE). 

Ahem. 

Anyway. 

Gay shark mermen. Love it. I also was really impressed by the world building, I absolutely loved that. I was excited to find this webcomic online, so I can read more of it! 
adventurous dark hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

3.75 - Good
Endearing illustrations. Awkward dialogue that flows abruptly. Has an underlying darkness within the narration. Friendly and welcoming cast. Well-paced and engaging. Consistent themes of others' expectations and pre-determined fate. Delightfully nostalgic tale of finding yourself.
adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I read this originally on Webtoon but it was nice to revisit the story. I really love the artwork. It's crisp and clean without being too dull. Siren and Kappa are sweet, complex characters and I love seeing them interact. I also really enjoyed the world building. It's easy to understand without everything having to be over-explained so you're able to pretty much jump right into the story. The pacing and flow is perfect, making it a fun, quick read. I can't wait until more of the series is published!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Original setting (love that it is not just basic mermaids, but many types of human-fish hybrid), charming main characters and cute artwork that pops on the page. This 1st volume is more of a setup for the main story that seems to be coming and I already can’t wait for the next one to release. 

fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

This little story is original, interesting, and sweet. I enjoyed the art, and I'm definitely looking forward to continuing with the story! 4.5 Stars. Who doesn't love gay mermaids? Thanks to #NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for providing me with this ARC of #CastleSwimmerVolume1 for review.
adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes