A graphic novella retelling of a Japanese folktale of the miniature samurai saving the day. It’s in black and white and visually it’s very beautiful, especially the full page illustrations (although the characters have a very Disney appearance).

I agree with other reviewers that we could do with more “middle” to the story to see how Issunboshi’s training with Kenta and Sen goes/develops as the book currently has a great beginning and ending. Please note that due to some minor bad language and some scary enemies, this book isn’t suitable for under 11s.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Wow. The art in this graphic novel is freaking amazing. I loved how all the fight scenes were so dynamic. You could absolutely feel the movement conveyed throughout the story. The pictures in the back (concept art?) were also freaking amazing, such a beautiful texture and lighting. This story was great. I think everyone that reads it will enjoy it, especially with all the lovely uplifting dialogue.

Personal rating:
3.25🌟, rounded down to 3🌟


Favourite quote:
“But what if my best isn't good enough? What if I can't be who I'm supposed to be?”
“You don't have to be the best to be a great man, Issunboshi. You become one by /doing/ your best.”

This graphic novel is a retelling of the Japanese fairytale of a one-inch samurai. I admit I felt a little let down when I first started the story because I expected coloured panels (blaming this on the coloured cover lol) throughout the novel, not black and white. But once I got used to it, the choice's pretty cool.

The story moved very fast, which is great because this way I didn't feel bogged down with every detail and was able to breeze through the story real fast. The downside is, of course, that I was not given enough time to bond with the characters, even Issunboshi himself. So by the time the climax arrived, I found myself not invested in the final battle at all. Still, if you're looking for a quick read and maybe to better acquaint yourself with one of Japanese fairytales, this could be the graphic novel for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a comic book that reads like a smoothly-animated Disney short based on Japanese folklore, this book is that. The visual storytelling combined with panelling and dialogue choices was so recognizably western animation that I felt like I was hearing voice actors at times! It is not a super nuanced take on either youkai lore or hero’s journey — the balance is heavily favouring Disney not Japanese folklore, if you ask me — but for what it is, I don’t think it was trying to be. A quick and pleasant read.

The art is undeniably top-notch but I just didn't find this retelling of a Japanese myth particularly interesting - at all, in fact. The art style and tone of the story is extremely Disney, which is impressive from an art standpoint and boring from a story one. I'm too old to be reading kiddie stories told in this twee, overly sweet style and, I tried, but I couldn't get through it.

What a fun, adventurous mythic tale! I was surprised with the amount of humor that popped out during the story and loved how well the author retold a Japanese myth, one that I was unfamiliar with but am definitely more curious to research after reading this tale. Thumbelina was always a favorite childhood story for me, and to see a different cultures perspective was a fun treat. The graphics are beautiful, and I could see these illustrations easily transferring to movie form (ps. this would be an awesome movie/series!). The shading was great, but I did find myself wishing the images, or some, were in color to show the colorful forest/setting and onis unique color, such as on the cover. The story was great, but it went too fast from one instance to another with little build up to the climax. I would have loved quests, training, etc... Anyone interested in Japanese myths and heroic adventure stories with demons and gods would love this story!

Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Fours Stars

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read with top-tier illustrations that looked like Disney storyboards, let alone dynamic graphic novel panels. The story itself had the heart of a classic Disney film too, the spark and humour, and heartfelt centre, while also retelling Japanese mythos and folklore with such loving care. There were a few sequences that were astoundingly cool, though I do have to say that it felt like the middle of the book was missing - great intro, awesome finale, but lacking on the build up in the crux of the novel.

The art was very nice, Disney like and very pleasant to the eyes. It was easy to follow every detail. The story was interesting, maybe a bit rushed. I know it's not easy to narrate a whole story in only a few illustrated pages. It was still very well described and the plot was interesting. This would definitely make a very nice short or movie.

Final rating: 3.5 ⭐

Issunboshi is based on the classic Japanese folktale of the same name which can mean "Little One-Inch". It is fast paced, brimming with action, and the art is so good. The character designs, both humans and monsters, were so cool! The sceneries and the feudal Japan setting were so intricately drawn, I took my time appreciating the full-length panels. In terms of the plot, it is fairly simple and follows the generic pattern of any classic, hero story. It's about doing your best despite your fears, and how no matter how small we feel, there is something we can always do. Overall, Issunboshi was an entertaining read that can be consumed in one sitting.

Issunboshi is a retelling of the eponymous Japanese fairytale of the inch-high Samurai. It's a coming-of-age/hero origin story that feels very much like the storyboard for a film (which makes sense; stylistically, it isn't hard to tell that Lang has worked on Disney Pixar films). Well drawn, with a strong storyline and some great concept art. I would have liked to know a little more detail about some of the characters, but overall this was a pacey, enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley and Ryan Lang for an e-ARC!

Sometimes we need to reach deep within to find the strength to do what the world needs us to do, to become who the world needs us to be.

To be honest Issunboshi is the first graphic novel I have ever read, but I had high expectations for the story. Ryan Lang delievered everything I could have wished for. This was such a delight to read through and look at all the amazing sketches and drawings. i am so in love with this story.

I am not familiar with japanese folklore or so, but I still enjoyed this masterpiece. I do hope to see more of the author's work!

Such a fun and quick read!

I loved everything about Issunboshi! The art, the setting, the story!!

It was amazing and had a beautiful message to it!

Issunbosh is a graphic book, provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Issunboshi is the retelling of a Japan folklore.. We are seeing a Tom Thumb character, a personification of the lance's power. Issunbosch is one of four parts of the sacred lance. The same lance was broken into four parts of which were hidden so that no one could weld it again, especially by any of many demons. He was rescued by Blind Noboro who takes on training Issunboshi.

What can I say? Nothing but good. The illustrations were were spot on as well as we get and great color chooses, I enjoyed this graphic book and recommend it highly

This book is such fun. The action is on point, the monster designs are super cool, and the protagonist is very likable. Reading this book felt like watching a fun action cartoon.The plot is a bit cliche, but since it’s based on traditional folktales a bit of that is to be expected. I’d definitely recommend this one to teens that love action comics. On the whole, reading this was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Issunboshi is an engaging mythical tale dealing with oni, magical beasts, and a brave hero. The art is fantastic. It could easily be made into a short film. I would have liked it to be longer. The story is so interesting I would liked it drawn out more, That happens with many graphic novels. Only the good ones make you want more. I recommend picking it up.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58709902-issunboshi
Reviewed Tim

The artwork of this story was phenomenal (Ryan Lang has contributed to major action packed and/or animated movies, so there’s that) and honestly you could totally imagine this being adapted for the big screen. You can tell this was done with a lot of love and passion for the original folktale and while the design work is obviously stunning, the writing is also pretty neat. Whether you are a graphic novel amateur or expert, or simply curious about this one, I say just go for it, you won’t be disappointed. I just wish it were longer because this was absolutely excellent. More graphic novels from Ryan Lang in the future, pretty please!

Issunboshi by Ryan Lang is a visually stunning graphic novel. It’s a folk tale retelling that is simple and enjoyable with focus on visuals done in Ryan’s distinctive style. The monsters in this graphic novel are drawn to look very child-friendly and the book in general is very appropriate for young readers. I thought it took away from the story a little, but as is usually the case with graphic novels, I wasn’t there for the story, but to gape at beautiful comic art, and it didn’t disappoint.

Wonderful story and fantastic art!
The story was really fresh and creative with bit darker undertones at parts. It was a nice fresh take on the standard fantasy hero. While it did keep similar elements to a lot of standard heroes it felt different than a lot of other stories. The art and style of keeping it all black-and-white and doing very realistic art was a great choice.

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

I liked it and I won't be surprised if Disney or any animation studio will make a movie based on this book, it might be this year or the next one and I would be happy to watch it.
I liked it so much for its inspiration from the Japanese myths and folklore. Issunboshi is like the idea of Hobbits in Tolkien's the LOTR, that "even the smallest person can change the course of the future" and also that we are not born heroes but we must discover the courage to become one like our six-inch-tall hero here.

I loved the story and the illustrations with all the monsters and the other characters of the book. Really make it as a movie.

Issunboshi is a graphic novel by Ryan Lang. It reimagines the Japanese fairytale of Issunboshi, the one inch man. In this graphic novel, Issunboshi is sent on a quest to defeat a demon that is trying to gain power.

I would say the highlight of this graphic novel is hands down the absolutely beautiful artwork. It was amazing and very reminiscent of Disney. The author has a background in working with Disney and you can really tell.

The story was sweet and had a lot to say. The moral of doing your best no matter what size you are is something that will really resonate with younger readers. I would say this graphic novel is perfect for kids in the 8-12 age range, though as an adult, I still thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is definitely something I will have to pick up when it is released because it was so good.