Taproot is a very cute graphic novel about two boys who fall in love from opposite sides of death. Blue is a ghost who fell in love with Hamal, a gardener who is very much alive. When all the ghosts start being sucked into a creepy forest, Blue meets a Reaper who is hunting for a necromancer, the one who is killing the forest.

The story itself was ridiculously adorable and the artwork only made it better. There were some moments in the plot where I was confused on what exactly was happening but you kinda just got to go with it because it’ll work itself out.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review. Everything stated in this review is of my own honest thoughts and opinions.

This was an adorable and wholesome Queer graphic novel about a gardener and the ghost he falls in love with. I loved our sweet mid-sized gardener that just wanted to bring to life the plants around him and his best friend, who happens to be one of the many ghosts he sees. I loved how Blue just wanted Hamal to be happy, even if it wasn't with him. Taproot has a sweet happily ever after ending , I just wish it was a bit longer .

I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read and had great character development! Left me wanting more. Could definitely see this as a series. Would love to know more about their adventures!

I loved this book. I rate this 5 stars for being so cute and lovey-dovey. Hamal and Blue’s relationship was so wholesome. I loved the art style, writing, and all the details that come with the characters. I will recommend this book to those who are looking for a paranormal/romance graphic novel. I want more of Hamal and Blue’s journey and relationship. I do hope that Blue and Hamal can have a happy ending. I will be rereading this again if I ever get into another reading slump. Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for allowing me to read this book.

A wholesome read with stunning art, perfect for those of us who are tired of the bury-your-gays trope.

Book at a Glance:
M/M relationship
POC main characters

Taproot follows Hamal, a kind-hearted gardener with the ability to see ghosts, and Blue, a ghost who has fallen in love with him. Their peaceful life is shaken up when Blue starts randomly getting transported to a dead forest where he encounters a reaper.

First off, the art in this graphic novel is absolutely stunning. Its a short read, but you'll want to pause on every page just to drink in the artwork. I loved how Keezy Young used color to add depth to the story. Bold, eye-catching colors for our happy gardening days contrast nicely with the creepy and muted cool colors of the dead forest. I also thought it was cute that the ghosts were faded before meeting Hamal, and are colored a nice vivid green-blue afterward.

The characters were diverse and lovable. Even when crowds were drawn, they were diverse. I was so pleased to see multiple POC characters and even different body shapes. It honestly warmed my heart. Early on, Blue teases Hamal about a customer who might like him and I was preparing myself for shallow drama. I was pleasantly surprised to find no relationship drama and the girl was actually very kind and sweet. My one hang up was the reaper. Their design was amazing; very subtle but effective in the creepy factor. But their personality had me rolling my eyes at times. I know this is more to-taste and that others will love them.

I found the story itself to be disjointed and unsatisfying. This felt like the start of something bigger. Events were rushed and left me confused with a lot of questions unanswered. I won't list them because spoilers but I had to pause my reading twice because I was so confused.

Despite the lack of logical plot, it was refreshing to read a book that unapologetically raised a middle finger to the bury-your-gays trope. Just a wholesome, enjoyable story about two queer characters.

Overall, I found myself enjoying this read nonetheless. I would suggest this book for readers who want a quick and wholesome read, but not for readers who want an in-depth plot.

Such a creepy yet wholesome story. Wonderful writing and stunning illustrations. The characters are adorable. I had the best time following them around. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks a short paranormal story.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group for my copy! 🫶🏼

I was delighted to see Taproot available to review.

I had the pleasure of first reading this comic a couple of years ago, and gave it a 5 Star rating, revisiting it again and I'm happy to say the feeling is the same.

"A taproot is a large, central, and dominant root from which other roots sprout laterally."

I mean is there anything more dreamy than ghosts and plants? The specter of life and death woven together through a beautiful story of love and friendship. I think all any of us want is to be really seen by someone and be loved. There is something beautiful about a spirit being able to find that after they've passed.

I think one of the things I loved about this comic was having characters closer in age to me, not teenagers but adults navigating through life.

The artwork is colorful and helps tell the story really well.

This comic has strong queer characters without the story being expressly about that on the page. There's just a normalcy to the relationship that I love seeing, because the relationship is normal... As normal as a necromancer and Ghost can be.

With beautiful artwork and a cozy story, I really enjoyed reading this ARC from NetGalley and Oni Press. I really enjoyed the balance of life and death through the story. The little extras at the end in the design progress was really neat to see as a fellow artist.

A story about new beginnings and second chances. Sweet and profound with extremely loveable characters. Beautiful writing and gorgeous illustrations. 10/10 would recommend for a nice rainy evening with a cup of tea. 🌼🌱

Taproot is a queer, feel good, beautiful work of art. I instantly fell in love with Blue and Hamal. Hamal works at a garden shop and can talk to/see ghosts, Blue is a ghost and is Hamal's best friend. I felt instantly drawn into the world.

Taproot was just a breath of fresh air to read. Everything from the art style, colour choices to that ending!

I'd happily recommend Taproot to anyone looking for an adorable comic to read while snuggled up under a blanket with hot tea.

TW/CW: Death, Grief, Child Death, Car Accident, Blood, Bugs

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Taproot is a short and sweet graphic novel about Hamal, a gardner with the ability to see ghosts, and his relationship with Blue, a ghost.
Although the plot is quite simple, ultimately Taproot is a story about life, love and loss.
The artwork is absolutely stunning and captivating, with bright colors and incredible scenery.
It is the perfect book to go back to and enjoy over and over.

The story follows Hamal a Gardner and Blue a ghost, I initially decided to read this graphic novel because of the art style. . Overall the book was good, however, I wish it was longer. Often it felt rushed and sometimes segmented. I think the flow could've been better, but the story as well as the artwork made it so cute and a quick, easy read.

3.5 stars!

this was such a cute, wholesome graphic novel! i have to say i requested it on a whim because the cover is gorgeous. the art style is so aesthetically pleasing – it’s very soft, in a way. the landscapes and the way the artist drew nature left me completely in awe. the plot itself was cute – a love story between a gardener and a ghost. there’s also a grim reaper that appears at some point and i think that’s my favourite character, he’s just so sassy. hamal and blue were very interesting as main characters, especially hamal – he can see ghosts! they were just so loveable together. this graphic novel is simply amazing. my only critique would be that i wished the book was a bit longer and the story felt a bit rushed – especially the way they resolve the main conflict.

Very cute story about a gardener and his ghost boy! Lovely art style with a touching short story. Was a little confusing towards the middle, but easy to look past. 4.5 stars

4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The synopsis:
Blue has been living as a ghost for a year when he meets Hamal, a beautiful and sweet gardener who has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Together, their friendship develops into something more, but being a ghost, Blue can never truly be connected with Hamal.
My review:
I really liked the explorations thea author makes in this book. Although it was sad in some part it made me feel really cozy and relaxed in others.
The characters being queer and the easiness in it all, made me very happy. It was lovely graphic novel and I think if the author releases another book I will definitely check it out.
My only critique was that the book felt a little short because of the pacing but maybe it was because I really enjoy slow to middle paced stories.

A queer (mlm) story about a Ghost, a Gardener and a mystery.

This graphic novel was uber cute and wholesome and the art is amazing.

Halfway through I was sure I was going to give it 5 stars, but then things started happening a bit too fast. The conflict was resolved within a blink of an eye and I had to check that I hadn't accidentally skipped a few pages.

Maybe don't read this for the mystery element, but if you love queer love and paranormal wholesomeness, this is the graphic novel for you!

This graphic novel knitted every piece of my heart back together.

I actually got this for my brother a while back but had never read it myself. I’m so glad I finally did. This book is so wholesome, so queer and heartwarming and the illustration is an absolute joy to go through.

The storyline is unique and only grows stronger throughout, if you like cute ghosts and gardening with a side of spooky this is probably for you.

The colour pallets are so gorgeous and vivid, with a similar vibrancy to The Tea Dragon Society .

Just go read this, it’s a wholesome warm hug with a cup of tea in graphic novel form.

Thank you netgalley for providing me with an ARC.

TW’s listed below (skip if you don’t want vague spoilers)



Tw// mentions of death, grief.

Taproot by Keezy Young
A Story about a Gardener and a Ghost

4.5/5 ☆

Edition: Ebook, 140 pages, Second Edition

Disclaimer: I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this amazing opportunity!

This beautifully drawn comic is about Hamal and Blue, both are young men. The former is a gardener who can see ghosts and the latter is... well... a ghost!
While Hamal is not sure why he's the only one who can see ghosts (we will get to know the reason throughout the story), he enjoys the company of Blue and other ghosts even though it is not without difficulties. Some ghosts are still children and act like their age while the other humans are thinking that Hamal is a but crazy for talking to himself so much (as they can't see the ghosts).
And when Blue and Hamal start developing feelings for each other Blue gets to be sucked up into a strange forest where a reaper waits for him.

This story is so soft and lovely, I absolutly adore it. I love the art style, it has a dreamlike quality and the characters are unique and easily to distinguish. The love story is there but not the prominent part of the comic and fits well into the whole plot.
I guess the second part is the new addition to this second edition and I really liked it, especially the reaper! This all feels very well built and thought through.

The comic ends with a heartfelt afterword of the author and artist Keezy Young and some process artwork with commentary.

I really need a physical copy of this!!!

3.5

GAY PANIC!!!

Taproot follows the story of Hamal, a gardener and Blue, a ghost. We see their relationship blossom amidst a mystery that might end them both.
The artwork here is wonderful. It's saturated with vibrant colours. Most of the characters are likable with relatable mannerisms.
My only critique here is that the story feels as little rushed.

A Huge thank you to Netgalley and Oni press for providing me with this book.

This is one of the cutest graphic novels I've ever read. I was a little nervous about the ghost/human relationship, but it wasn't as weird as I was expecting honestly; it was actually pretty cute.

The artwork was beautiful as well! The color scheme and overall art style combined made the read much more enjoyable to me. The landscapes alone were gorgeous.

I'll absolutely be reading more of the author's work in the future!