I don't know how to explain this, but it kind of seemed like a fever dream.

I felt like I was thrown into the story, and I never found out why her hair worked the way it did. I like the premise, but for me the storyline and the art style didn't always mesh that well especially in the beginning with the parents and the counselor. However, the outdoor scenes I really enjoyed visually, and some of them gave off a slight ghibli vibe.

TW: dead animal
Honestly it felt unnecessary with the dead cats. Maybe I only feel that way because it's one of my only triggers, but took a break from it after the first one appeared.

I'm sure some people will absolutely adore it, but it wasn't my cup of tea.

Zoc is the domestic, honest story of a teenager with the ability to carry large bodies of water with her hair. Determined that she can use this ability for good - as well as a career - she sets out to help a flooded village. But moving water the way she does causes problems of its own. With a new friend in tow, she faces some hard truths and choices.

This is a very domestic, relatable comic, despite its supernatural premise. A quick read, with gorgeous landscape illustrations, and an ultimately hopeful storyline.

Zoc (Art and Story by Jade Khoo)

At first glance Zoc’s world is a lot like our own. Farmland spreads over hill and vale and people live in pockets of population resembling an agrarian culture from a simpler time. Travelling minstrels drift between these enclaves and here and there exist people with strange gifts that defy logic. Zoc is one such person. Water is drawn to her hair, trailing along behind her like a bridal train. Though slight in stature, Zoc can pull huge amounts of water in such a way, and aside from her love of minstrels it is her only interest and only gift.

Approaching the age where she will have to find work, she decides to try to use her gift. She offers to help drain water-logged land, and in doing so she begins a journey that will bring her alongside the minstrels she so loves, and bring her in contact with a strange boy called Kael, who may become the perfect partner in her quest.


Zoc is written and illustrated by Jade Khoo, an artist I had not previously been aware of, and consists of 160 or so pages of coloured line art that reminded me a great deal of the art of Kouhaku Kuroboshi (Kino’s Journey). This comparison is what initially drew me to the book, but quickly Jade Khoo moved past any such similarity. The writing is as crisp as the art, with very little extraneous to the actual story, and though the story is devoid of any fast action it never feels slow. Essentially Zoc is a drama set in an only-just fantasy world. It not only explores Zocs work prospects but considers the effects of her attempts, leading her to consider the wider moral implications of her actions.

Zoc is a deceptively simple book, from the story to the art, and it does not underline its message, but instead charms its readers with well drawn characters and convincing locations. Of course this means that the book is not for everyone. There are no moments of action, no fights or pyrotechnics on display, this book is about small moments of humanity, not spectacle. Though there is spectacle on display.

What draws the eye in this book is the landscapes. Drawn in simple relief, with the barest detail, it evokes a farmland similar to those from around where I was born. The characters, in spite of their fantastical elements, fit with these surroundings. Any conflict between them is practical, and not born of any prejudice or hate. The conflict of Zoc’s world is that of folk who live lives of toil, and who have little time for foolishness.

If I were to put on my critical hat for a moment I could pick faults with the book. The ending isn’t quite as fulfilling as I’d have hoped, and I wanted to see more of the minstrels that Zoc loves so much, but these complaints seem petty when presented with the book as it stands. Yes, I would like more from Zoc, but if anything, this is more a compliment than a complaint.

This book is a very quick read, and one I think you’ll probably remember with some affection once its over, probably looking forward to whatever Jade Khoo decides to release next.

This book, which follows the journey of a girl whose hair attracts water and a boy who spontaneously bursts into flame when someone is in pain, is certainly a bit strange! I feel like there's more going on beyond the story on the surface, but I can't quite put my finger on what it is (besides a reflection on what its like to be judged for being different and feel unsure about what you want to do with your life). It's very atmospheric and the art is lovely; it really draws you into the world of the graphic novel. I also loved the fantastical details, such as the fact that all the minstrels were different anthropomorphic birds/creatures.

The illustrations in Zoc were beautiful and evocative. However I didn't understand what I presume was a metaphor with Zocs hair attracting water.

This was a really random graphic novel about Zoc a girl that can collect bodies of water with her hair.
And she decides that she wants to have a job where she can use her hair. That leads her on a quest where she meets Kael, a boy that literally combusts when people are sad around him.
Together they join their powers/forces and do something to help people with these same powers.

The art style wasn't to my liking and the plot was new but weird since there was no world-building. For instance, the story is set in our nowadays world but there are magical beings and I only understood this halfway through it. So, it was a bit confusing to say the least

A fantastic fantasy novel telling a unique story. Zoc can drag rivers with her hair and she could hide that gift or help others. Her first try doesn't go as she planned, but soon she'll find an answer. Love the soft and slow pace of the panel and design including a few silent pages.
Although her ability is quite surreal the message is quite relatable. Don't give up your unique gift just to go with the crowd. You may be able for a while but not forever.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to give my honest opinion.

Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for this ARC!

Beautiful! I loved this so much. The story is so wholesome. The art style is charming and the characters are delightful. I loved the concepts of Zoc’s magic and the minstrels were very cool. And their relationship with Kael was lovely. Honestly this reminded me of a Ghibli movie which for anyone familiar with them is the highest compliment. This book was such a work of art and I loved every minute of it!

A big thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

You've heard of Rapunzel with her long hair. And Elsa with her magic ice powers. But what if you were to combine the two. In the sense that one girl collects water in the strands of her hair?

Zoc by Jade Khoo is a coming of age graphic novel, that follows the life of Zoc. A girl that has the ability, though some might call it a curse, to collect water in her hair. In the sense that follows her around like one big liquid puppy. But even as extraordinary as Zoc's life is, she begins to doubt herself and seeks purpose for her gift. But not before encountering some troubles that are the very definition of life.

I didn't quite know a lot about this novel going in, and I think that's the perfect way to explore it. As there is no set summary really to describe it. Save for it's about a peculiar meeting a peculiar boy. With not much romance thrown in. But that's all to say, that I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

This book is an absolute delight! The artwork is beautiful and the use of colour is breathtaking. The story of Zoc and her friend Kael is gently humorous and fabulously imaginative.
The concept of Zoc’s hair attracting and gathering water is a wonderful idea for a story of courage and dealing with difficult decisions and people.
I defiantly want this book in our library as I know many teens and pre teens who would love it.

Zoc is a slow, quiet book, focused on the journey rather than the destination. It speaks to the anxieties of late adolescence through it's protagonist and her search for something do with her life. Ultimately she finds it through a new friend with a similar dilemma.

The art style in this is absolutely gorgeous. The artist is such a talent. With the story, I wasn't sure what to expect but it was a cute story told in an interesting way. I would be interested to pick up more work from this artist.

Very cute, quick read about what it feels like to be the odd one out which resonates with me and I’m sure many other people can relate too.

The concept of Zoc is what interested me the most to read this graphic novel. As I was reading it Kael and Zoc’s friendship is the part I enjoyed the most.

I however did find the text to be a little small and I found it hard to read because of that. I thought the story was fast paced which gave a consequence of the story moving a little too fast at times where there could have been more information given to explore certain scenes in more depth.

Overall, Zoc was an enjoyable, fast read.

A short and sweet graphic novel, but there were some really poignant moments that made you feel for the main characters. This is a story of isolation, loneliness and coming to terms with the fact that some people are different from the rest of the crowd, and that it can hurt more to try and hide those differences.

I enjoyed the overall themes of this story, although I felt at points the dialogue was a little forced. I did really like the colour palette that was used, and the art style was beautiful. I especially loved the panels set in the evening where there was more colour contrast.

(Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this e-arc in return for an honest review).

So wonderful. Weird and slow and gentle.

The art is pretty and clear. You can't help but feel for the two main characters.

It deals with feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as friendship and family. A main theme is being unable to fit in - or rather, that making yourself fit in would drown an intergral part of your soul. There are no easy solutions and, ultimately, any path you choose requires a degree of sacrifice.

Another theme of the graphic novel is finding purpose in your life and choosing what you're going to be doing for the rest of your life (or at least the near future). The only thing we can hope for is finding a path in life which offers us peace of mind.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc.

Zoc is a beautifully designed reading experience. I loved the color, artwork, and fantastically crafted story. A graphic novel well worth reading and recommending.

This was a beguiling read. Would recommend trying if you like cute, whimsical, lighthearted reads, I have mixed feelings about the artwork and illustrations. I adored the palette of twilight and night panels, they were gorgeous! The Full-Screen Splashes were breathtaking yet few panels felt flat. The font was a bit hard to real in a digital copy. The characters were whimsical and adorable. Even though it reads like a simple, straightforward story it deals with a lot of important topics like finding one's place, bullying, and abuse in subtle ways. However, few dialogues and topics felt didactic and forced.

2.8/5

Thank you Netgalley/Europe Comics for this book in lieu of an honest review.

With magic embedded in the mundane, heartwarming narrative, and intricate graphics, Zoc has a little bit of everything. The graphic novel truly flies by as soon as you start reading. The story itself follows a girl who has the ability to collect water in her hair, and laden with a trail of water behind her, she tries to find her purpose in life. It's such as interesting concept that I was hooked. The graphics in the novel were incredibly intricate, especially the landscapes, and it really helped me in immersing myself in the world. The story throws you in the thick of it which some people may not like, but I really enjoyed as it gave a mystery element. I wanted to keep reading to find out more about the character and the interesting world around them. I also really connected with the main character who you can really tell is struggling to figure out her future, a problem everyone including myself can appreciate.
One thing to note about this story is that the font is a bit small, making it difficult at times to read the dialogue. I did read an e-version of this so that may not be a factor for a physical copy. Overall, the story was really cute, and it left me wanting more stories set in this world and more from these characters. I would highly recommend to anyone who wants a quick pick me up at the end of the day.

This was the story of an unusual girl with a very unique gift.

🍄 What I loved :
- the artwork is amazing : it really takes you into the story and keeps you engaged. The vistas were so beautiful.
- the story : the overall message behind the story was sweet and I found it to be quite endearing.

🍄 The not so good things :
- the dialogue at times felt too forced and preachy and pulled me out of the story as a whole.

***
Review in lieu of arc provided by netgalley.

I found this fresh, heartwarming, unpredictable and imaginative. <i>Zoc</i> is the story of a girl (maybe a woman?) who has the unique ability to gather water in her hair, and her search for purpose and community. I particularly liked the Studio Ghibli-esque art, and the green color palette (although as water being a common theme, I’m surprised it wasn’t blue). I’d def read more from this artist/writer.

Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the free review copy.