Thank you Oni Press and Netgalley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair, honest review.

This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel based on a Japanese folktale that might strike readers as a Japanese version of Thumbelina. It tells the story of the thumb-sized hero whose heart and strength helps him take on much bigger villains, and save the day. The style is very modern Disney, so very expressive and appealing, black and white images, with action that has probably been inspired by Anti-man movies, and the violence is appropriate for middle grade/secondary school. The story is relatively simple and straight forward, and tells it well for the number of pages (under 200 pages) but I feel like there was potential for a deeper story and more detail, if it had been a longer novel or a short series.

I recieved an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this! The art style was goergous and the monsters were very well done! This book is definetly appropriate for all ages, especially children. The only critique I have is that it felt really fast paced, but the overall message of the story was very wholesome and uplifting.

The first thing I loved about this was the art it was beautiful all the way through. It was a very fasted paced story but that is usually the case for graphic novels. But over all it was a fun and engaging story that I would read again.

Requested the ARC on Netgalley because the cover, the description, and the author sounded interesting.

If you’re looking for a sweet, fun, and spirited graphic novel, especially the kind that might appeal to preteens and teens, then this is the one.

I loved the simplicity of the folktale, the beautifully detailed illustrated panels, and the characters!

Over the past week, I enjoyed this story bit by bit, although it’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting.

Would recommend.

A beautiful book. One that covers a Japanese folk tale.
The story will sweep you up as you meet the family and their child.
A child who is destined for greatness. But will he succeed?
You will not be disappointed by this graphic novel.

Issunboshi is a good didactic tale on good vs. evil and how ultimately good wins despite all the obstacles hindering it. The graphics are pleasant on the eyes and done with great detail. These graphic novels are a good way to expose the global audience to Japanese mythologies and stories.

Thank you Netgalley and Oni Press for granting me access to an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Honestly, I fell in love with the graphic novel the moment I saw the artwork. It's so??? WHO LET YOU BE THIS GOOD I FEEL LIKE I JUST WATCHED A DISNEY MOVIE😭 I absolutely loved how well they made use of the lighting and blurs, it added so much depth to the drawings. I will admit that I expected the novel to be in full color because of the cover but it didn't really bother me. I didn't have any knowledge of Issunboshi until this so I can't say much about the story accuracy. The plot was a more classic plot so the story was somewhat predictable, but nevertheless I still enjoyed it. I'd recommend this to people who love reading graphic novels or any people looking for a casual read!

First off, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read an advance copy of this comic.

I've always loved folktales and have read or listened to other Japanese folktales before, so I was very excited to get the chance to read Ryan Lang's graphic novel retelling of the classic Issunboshi. The artwork was beautiful, the story was fantastic, and the characters were charming.

If a fan of folktales, samurai stories, tales of good and evil, or simply love good artwork, I recommend picking up a copy.

I really enjoyed learning about this folktale, beautifully illustrated and a captivating read all throughout! The only thing I wish was different was that the beautiful colors of the cover were used within the illustrations as well, the black and grey worked well I was just expecting something completely different after seeing the cover!

Fun and fast read with absolutely stunning art.

It stands well on its own, but there are some sketches at the end hinting there might be a sequel one day.

I love retellings of folklore and fairy tales and Issunboshi was one derived from an old Japanese folklore tale. I enjoyed reading this tale starting with the origin story of Japan and the “heavenly spear” used for its creation that later comes into the wrong hands in many different forms that are gathered. The hero of this tale, Issunboshi is only 1 inch high(the one inch samurai) which adds an extra element to this retelling and his true purpose in life. I was given a digital copy of this graphic novel from Netgalley and recommend giving it a read. The cover illustration is what drew me to this story and I’m glad it did!

I backed this on Kickstarter and was very happy to have seen it on here and that it got a lot of positive feedback. The art and story are both great. That's really all I have to say about it :)

Unfortunately after much struggle I am having to dnf this one. I'm not sure if the final product is in color, because I do not understand why they'd choose to have this made in greyscale. The art didn't look good at moments because of the weird contrast, additionally I really struggled to read the text in some panels due to it being extremely low. In color, I'm sure this would look amazing.

First of all I wanted to thank Ryan Lang, Oni Press and Netgalley for sending my an arc of this graphic novel.

Issunboshi was a pleasure to read. I really liked the art style of Ryan Lang, it look very soft and delicate. I don't know why, but it feels smooth and relaxing to look at (maybe I'm just weird). The story was interesting. I really love the Japanese culture and this book helped me discover a folktale I had no idea existed.
There are a few scenes of humour where I laughed while reading it.

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.

Fantastic read and superb graphics! I have read or watched a version of this story before, but I would love to have a copy of this at the library to recommend to others. Really love all the faces in his artwork!
Thank you NetGalley!

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this wonderful book! I really enjoyed the story, gorgeous artwork, and especially the timeless lesson the story teaches. Can’t wait to share this gem with my students who love anything graphic novels and manga!

A beautiful story about doing the right things and doing the best you can with the conditions you have.

The artwork is truly beautiful as well,, it complemented the story nicely.

Issunboshi is a graphic novel by Ryan Laing, retelling the Japanese fairytale of Issun-bōshi.

Based in feudal Japan, Issunboshi is an tiny man but with incredible strength and fighting skills. It is revealed that he houses a piece of ancient weapon (the soul) which was split into separate parts and hidden. Now that an oni has collected all the other parts, with the intention of ruling the world, it is up to Issunboshi to stop him.

Story wise, I doubt this is accurate to the original story so I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone looking for a faithful adaption. However, as a gateway novel for newbies to the tale, I think it was excellent.

The artwork is excellent and gave me Disney vibes.

I would I have liked to have had this graphic novel fully in colour rather than greyscale, and possibly lengthened into several volumes where Issunboshi‘s relationship with the side characters is better explored - as it seemed to get to the big world saving fight rather quickly.

A retelling of the Japanese folktale about the one inch Samurai. Written, illustrated, and colored by Ryan Lang with letters by Steve Wands. The book is stunning. It has a Disney animation feel to the art. Everything comes across as sweet. It was an excellent retelling.

5 stars