Reviews

Ichiro by Ryan Inzana

lieperjp's review against another edition

4.0

I wasn't expecting this YA graphic novel to be so profound. A good story with some very interesting breaks into Japanese mythology. Also beautiful artwork!

katcountry0913's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

dead_vole_jumpscare's review

3.25

it has a good message and definitely feels relatable and pertinent, but it feels rushed toward the end and anticlimactic

dominicangirl's review against another edition

adventurous dark 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? No

4.0

toomanyfingees's review

4.0

Ichiro is a graphic novel that at once feels familiar and fresh. Ryan Inzana is definitely influenced by traditional Japanese art and lore and he blends both of these with Ichiro's very modern and relevant story of a boy dealing with his father's death during wartime, and dealing with war in general. I felt that this was a bit to short, if anything. In crafting this as a graphic novel, I felt that the story was rushed to completion. The part of the story where Ichiro travels to the world of the gods could have gone on longer and I would have devoured every page.

suspiciouspinecone's review

5.0

I loved it so much, I love the myths, I love the characters, I love it all.

CW: violence, war, racism

oddact's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful 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

4.75

The art is stunning. I love the description of his process at the end. Made me want to learn more about Japanese lore and gods. Very poignant about people and war. 

ktmomma's review against another edition

3.5

Loved the commentary about war. The storytelling by way of the illustrations was hard for me. 

mariakowal's review against another edition

adventurous reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

iffer's review

3.0

This Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel has gorgeous artwork and coloring that takes the reader along. Although the story was interesting enough, and I liked learning about Japanese mythology and Shinto tales, the story had a somewhat simple, didactic message about war, and the characters, though likeable, weren't complex. I think that Ichiro is definitely worth the read, especially since it's a quick one, for the gorgeous artwork and adept graphic storytelling, but I wish that there were more story for the gifted Inzana to tell.