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rainjrop's review against another edition
I love the cinematic art style and the character design. Glad I picked this up!
jnishi's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome graphic novel. I would’ve liked to see more character development but the illustrations were awesome and I loved seeing my Japanese culture being represented more in literature.
whatyoutolkienabout's review against another edition
5.0
I firstly want to thank Oni Press and Netgalley for sending me an E-Arc this book to review. My review is left voluntarily and is completely honest.
Issunboshi is Ryan Lang’s first graphic novel that is a retelling of the Japanese classic folktale of the same name. A western equivalent may be seen as Tom Thumb. The tale deals with a one-inch Samurai, Issunboshi who learns that no one is born a hero but rather the courage is inside us all to become one. Set in feudal Japan where creatures of myth and folklore are very much real, a powerful oni (demon) sets out to reforge the ancient spear and take over the world for the yokai. The only person who can save them is Issunboshi the would-be samurai who appears to hold the final piece of the weapon within him.
Although only 200 pages long Lang manages to create characters that are memorable with a beautiful storyline. One thing I adored about this graphic novel was the art style as well as the story telling. It suited the novel perfectly. It had elements of an almost Disney-esque style but fit perfectly to the story. I also loved the nod to traditional Japanese manga with a full colour cover and the interior pages being greyscale. I felt this added to the overall feeling of ‘old’ and the idea of it being a story passed down from myth and legend.
The other thing I adored was with so short a space we managed to see quite a few yokai from folklore including two of my favourites the tengu and bakeneko! I also loved how Lang did bring a bit of the story to the modern world such as Kenta and Sen who frankly are honestly the best (and historically speaking not to out of the question either).
In short this was the perfect read for me. I couldn’t get enough of it and I will definitely re-read. It’s an easy read and flows beautifully with some tender moments mixed into the action. I will definitely be getting a physical copy as well to add to my collection since I am sure it will look even more stunning then.
Issunboshi is Ryan Lang’s first graphic novel that is a retelling of the Japanese classic folktale of the same name. A western equivalent may be seen as Tom Thumb. The tale deals with a one-inch Samurai, Issunboshi who learns that no one is born a hero but rather the courage is inside us all to become one. Set in feudal Japan where creatures of myth and folklore are very much real, a powerful oni (demon) sets out to reforge the ancient spear and take over the world for the yokai. The only person who can save them is Issunboshi the would-be samurai who appears to hold the final piece of the weapon within him.
Although only 200 pages long Lang manages to create characters that are memorable with a beautiful storyline. One thing I adored about this graphic novel was the art style as well as the story telling. It suited the novel perfectly. It had elements of an almost Disney-esque style but fit perfectly to the story. I also loved the nod to traditional Japanese manga with a full colour cover and the interior pages being greyscale. I felt this added to the overall feeling of ‘old’ and the idea of it being a story passed down from myth and legend.
The other thing I adored was with so short a space we managed to see quite a few yokai from folklore including two of my favourites the tengu and bakeneko! I also loved how Lang did bring a bit of the story to the modern world such as Kenta and Sen who frankly are honestly the best (and historically speaking not to out of the question either).
In short this was the perfect read for me. I couldn’t get enough of it and I will definitely re-read. It’s an easy read and flows beautifully with some tender moments mixed into the action. I will definitely be getting a physical copy as well to add to my collection since I am sure it will look even more stunning then.
lindseyllado's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
devynreadsnovels's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Body horror, Animal death, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Death, and Violence
ailurop0da's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
story_singer_101's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
leafblade's review against another edition
3.0
I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every time I went to update my reading progress this book had disappeared from my shelves so first of all what the fuck, goodreads.
The art style on this one was absolutely stunning. Learning the author has a background working for Disney didn't come as a surprise at all, everything looks like a really polished storyboard for an animation movie. The character's expressions were flawless, the shapes and shadows and dynamic poses were all perfect. I wish it was in color, honestly, just to see what Ryan can do with it.
As far as the story goes, I just don't vibe with the particular folktale being retold here. The story flowed quite well and the stakes were fine, but when you don't like the foundation that much there's only so much the author can do to make you like the rest. The sprinkled in gay couple was a really good addition in my opinion, and the characterization in general was done well. How could it have been any other way, with the mastery of body language that Ryan has?
Every time I went to update my reading progress this book had disappeared from my shelves so first of all what the fuck, goodreads.
The art style on this one was absolutely stunning. Learning the author has a background working for Disney didn't come as a surprise at all, everything looks like a really polished storyboard for an animation movie. The character's expressions were flawless, the shapes and shadows and dynamic poses were all perfect. I wish it was in color, honestly, just to see what Ryan can do with it.
As far as the story goes, I just don't vibe with the particular folktale being retold here. The story flowed quite well and the stakes were fine, but when you don't like the foundation that much there's only so much the author can do to make you like the rest. The sprinkled in gay couple was a really good addition in my opinion, and the characterization in general was done well. How could it have been any other way, with the mastery of body language that Ryan has?
kimbeey13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75