This was a really cute story. Perfect for a middle-grade audience. It was quick and easy to flow through. The art is amazing! I loved all the expressions and landscapes.

This retelling of Japanese folklore explains and pushes the story at a fast pace. It was easy to understand and follow.
I wish the story was a little longer just so we could get to know the characters better. But overall great for the intended audience.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced review copy!!
This was super cute! The art style was lovely and the story was fast paced and well written. I hadn't read the story of Issunboshi before so I was delighted to be approved for an ARC of this. Issun is the sidekick character in the videogame Okami, which is one of my all time favorites, so it was really cool to learn about the legend behind the character. The art is absolutely gorgeous in this. The copy I got was all black and white with the exception of the cover, so I'm not sure if it will be published like that or if the arc copy is just black and white. Either way, this was great.

The only criticism of this I could possibly find is how fast paced and quick it feels, but that may be a personal preference - so if you like your adventure stories to be pacey, look no further! I loved the way this explored how no chosen one can truly live up to that title unless they choose themselves, how a hero is not born but made, and how it isn't up to one singular individual to save the world, but how an extraordinary individual within a fight greater than themselves can make a signficant difference.
I did love this!

It felt a little quick and I was left wanting more. I don't know the original story, but this was overall really fun and entertaining. The illustrations were some of the best I think I've seen in a graphic novel, absolutely gorgeous! The writing was simple, but a couple times felt a little awkward or flat. The lesson/message was easily perceived and was inspiring. I really liked this story and would love to see more from this author/artist. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author/artist for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! I loved this graphic novel adaption of a story I grew up reading as a child. Being Japanese American, one of my favorite books was a collection of Japanese children's stories, including favorites like Peach Boy, Mr. Lucky Straw, and of course, Little One-Inch.

This imagined story takes the original tale of a one-inch boy who seeks his fortune and slays a devil and saves a princess, and turns it into so much more. This graphic novel gives us a completely new storyline. There is an evil demon who is searching for the 4 parts of an enchanted sword, and has 3 of the 4. The 4th, which is the spirit, lies within Issunboshi.

Issunboshi leaves his home to fight the demon and save the world. He makes some friends along the way, and learns that despite him being small, he can do brave and heroic things.

The art was stunningly gorgeous and I can't wait to get a copy for my home library! My kids, who love graphic novels, will adore this as well.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've read that the story isn't too much like the Japanese folklore, but I liked anyway. The art is pretty and the characters quite lovely. Issunboshi has mystic bast, myths, and legends. A nice mix.
I'm even thinking of buying it so

Thank you for the advanced copy!

Issunboshi is absolutely incredible! The art and shading (all in greyscale) is so beautifully done and the story is so incredibly unique and clever. The backstory dump at the beginning is easy to follow and really hooks you in, from there the comic just continues to build up with great action scenes and interesting lore and myths. Seeing creatures like Oni and Kappa depicted was also such an awesome edition and I really love the designs of them.

This is very enjoyable. It is a predictable story because it is the familiar tale of the good but unlikely hero fighting the evil monster, who is planning world domination. Despite this familiarity, it is an excellent story to read with really great illustrations. Also it has such a lovely ending and this is just what I was looking for.

Sometimes it is nice to spend time reading a predictable story and just enjoying the illustrations. The artwork made reading it even more worth while and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

It would have been nice if we could have been sent the coloured version to review instead of black and white.

Copy provided by Oni Press in exchange for an unbiased review.

"Summoning all of its power, the spirit disappeared from the sky...and was reborn a baby boy no bigger than a thumb." "We knew from the moment you came to us that you weren't the answer to our prayers, [said his parents] but to something much greater." Issunboshi, a six-inch would be samurai, wielding a sewing needle-sized sword.

Issunboshi was the manifestation of the spirit of good. He would be relentlessly pursued by an Oni who represented chaos and evil in the world. The Oni traveled with Gashadokuro (warriors created from the bones of victims of starvation), insatiable evil creatures who banded together to make the world perilous and dark. The Oni was consumed by visions of unimaginable power and the chance to be King of all Demons if he could eliminate his roadblock, Issunboshi. The good of mankind was balanced on the tip of Issunboshi's sword. He must defend the soul of the powerful spirit.

Issunboshi's training included lessons in agility, stealth, hand-to-hand combat and conditioning. How could a warrior the size of a blade of grass overcome his doubts to engage in battle? Words of wisdom ensued. "Even the strongest of hearts can be clouded with doubt." "You don't need to be a hero to stand up against evil."

"Issunboshi: A Graphic Novel" written, illustrated, and colored by Ryan Lang is a graphic treat. The artfully drawn characters, textured in black and white, and beautiful back lighting, enhance the beauty of this tale. The raw emotions expressed by Issunboshi and his friends were palpable. I felt fully invested in the outcome of the battle against the forces of darkness. Author Ryan Lang states that he "has a passion for stories about what it takes to be a hero." For this reader, he has projected positivity and self-worth, for readers young and old, through the retelling of a famous story in Japanese folklore. Highly recommended.

Thank you Oni Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a typical hero story from nobody to hero and is great for middle aged fantasy. The story itself was tropey but the art work complimented it well.

At the center of Issunboshi is the lesson that there is no one too small to make a positive change. This is an incredible graphic novel that brings the Japanese fairy tale to life. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is well constructed to bring the reader along despite not knowing the cultural and historical context of the story. This would be an incredible book for any middle- or high-school classroom. I was absolutely floored by the artistic choices made that help bring this entire book to life. Visually stunning and incredible story that leaves you wanting to know what is next in the incredible life of Issunboshi.

Issunboshi is a lot of fun! Based on Japanese folklore, it tells the story of a tiny guy who has to save the world. The story is told in a flowing, Disney-esque style. The art is beautiful and the pacing, while not without issues, moves the story along quickly.

Other reviewers have spoken of wanting more mid-story exposition of the training and growth of Issunboshi, but this didn't really bother me much. I've seen and read those kind of moments so many times in the past that I didn't miss it here.

I will admit that I am a little disappointed that the art is black-and-white. I think color would have added something to the book,

All-in-all this was an enjoyable read with beautiful artwork and design.

This could've have been a 5/5 star easily! The art style is unbelievably gorgeous, every page I was over the moon looking at it. This graphic novel is an adaptation of a Japanese folktale, the characters are very lovely and the plot is interesting enough. My one and only complain is how extremely fast paced it is, which I honestly completely undertand with such time consuming visuals it must have taken so much effort to make. I just wish I could get more out of such lovely characters and visuals. Would recommend for that alone.

This book was creative, funny and gripping. It launches you into the action quite quickly and I found myself flying through the book from there. The characters were very easy to love and the villains were quite menacing, although I found the skeleton soldiers scarier than the actual villain. I really enjoyed the art style and some of it gave me Breath of the Wild vibes. I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun read that's based on Japanese folklore.

An absolutely stunning retelling of the classic Japanese folktale with Disney-esque artwork (the author has worked on several Disney films). The story of a brave young man, Issunboshi, who is just six inches tall, he sets out to defeat the evil ogre bent on releasing demons into the world. Only Issunboshi can take on this monster who wields a weapon more powerful than any other on earth.

I am looking forward to adding this to my graphic novel collection. A thoroughly enjoyable tale with flawless illustrations.

The comic is a fantastic way to learn a bit more about the japanese folktale of Issunboshi. The style of the illustrations reminds me of Disney and upon looking it up I found out, that the author actually worked an Disney projects before. It's cute, in some parts it looks a bit unfinished (characters art not blending in well with the background or being prominent but a bit blurry) and I'm surprised it's in black and white, which in my opinion takes away from the wonderful illustrations.
Overall it's a cute story and a fast read, but it stays pretty plain. If you love japanese folklore and this style of illustrations though, it might be worth picking up.

This graphic novel feels a bit like a Disney-fied gender swapped Thumbelina, set amidst Asian mythology (Which I am not extensively versed in, so I can't judge how faithful or not it is in that regards.)

Enjoyable, but seemed short.

Although I liked the general arc of the story, the snarky comments of Issunboshi felt like they were trying too hard to be comic relief. The story has the potential to be a deep good vs evil epic, but I didn't feel the time and weight of the stakes. I did really like the art, though, and am excited to look at it again in color (the version I read is in black and white, so I hope a color version comes out eventually).

Language: None
Violence: Mild
Drugs: None
Sex: None

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this short graphic novel. The plot is wholesome and I loved the message behind the story to always believe in yourself no matter what size or shape you come in.

It's perfect for middle graders who want to enjoy fantasy and learn a thing or two about courage and determination and never giving in to fear.

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.