thank you netgalley for giving me an arc

honestly i loved everything about this comic!! the art style is so pretty and the story so sweet and capturing. the characters stole my heart and i really hope to see them happy soon <3

One of my favorite comics made into a graphic novel! I haven’t reread in some time, so it was very nice to revisit. The fast friendship between Kappa and Siren into a budding relationship was very sweet and well done. It’s the sort of story you’ll keep coming back to and want more.

Likewise, the translation from WEBTOON to graphic novel was seamless. The panels lined up well and the artwork is still as stunning with vibrant colors and beautiful art. Martin has done a fantastic job creating a fantasy tale that is both parts heartwarming and fulfilling, even for a first volume.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy!

This graphic novel was cute… but that was about it for me. For the first volume, everything kinda feel flat. The artwork was beautiful, but I felt like the story was too short. For 280 something pages, it really felt like not much happened.

The synopsis masterfully summarizes what this book is about, but it doesn't mention how touching it is, how addictive and entertaining all the pages are, because it is impossible to put it down once you start. A solid script serves as an entry to a very well-constructed world, every detail carefully thought out, but without making it unnecessarily complicated.
Full review (April 24): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2024/04/comic-castle-swimmer-volume-1.html

La sinopsis resume magistralmente de qué se trata este libro, pero no menciona lo enternecedor que es, lo adictivas y entretenidas que son todas las páginas, porque es imposible soltarlo una vez que empiezas. Un guión sólido sirve como entrada para un mundo muy bien construido, cada detalle pensado minuciosamente, pero sin volverlo innecesariamente complicado.
Reseña completa (24 de abril): https://tintanocturna.blogspot.com/2024/04/comic-castle-swimmer-volume-1.html

I read this originally on Webtoon but it was nice to revisit the story. I really love the artwork. It's crisp and clean without being too dull. Siren and Kappa are sweet, complex characters and I love seeing them interact. I also really enjoyed the world building. It's easy to understand without everything having to be over-explained so you're able to pretty much jump right into the story. The pacing and flow is perfect, making it a fun, quick read. I can't wait until more of the series is published!

The world of Castle Swimmers is honestly something so unique! A society of merpeople, with all of them having a prophecy involving the Beacon. The Beacon, is a special merperson with the ability to complete these prophecies, although not always in the way they think. The story does start slow, with only explaining the basis of the Beacon's place within the world, and focuses on the Shark's prophecy. The volume is honestly just setting the stage for the rest of the overall story. They also managed to reformat the webtoon style of the comic panels into a more traditional comic format. The readability is actually even better than it was when reading it in the original format. I look forward to reading more volumes on this series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Castle Swimmer is such a beautiful graphic novel with an interesting storyline. I remember finding it on Webtoons a couple of years ago and read what was out at that time, which was not even this entire volume. I never continued on with it for some reason though, but I will be now.

The illustration style stands out and drew me in instantly. I like how the story is playing with the idea of prophecies and chosen one stories. It definitely is making me wonder where the story is going to go from here with Kappa and Siren. I have to continue it on Webtoons so I can see what happens next.

I highly recommend this wonderful start to this series.

An absolutely stunning first installment by Wendy Martin!

From vibrant visuals and fascinating undersea world to charming characters and compelling plot foundation, this graphic novel is a success.

Something that can often fall flat for me in the graphic form is the personality of characters - because of this, what really stood out to me in this graphic novel was the skill Wendy had in illustrating emotion. As the reader I could tell from a single facial expression what the inner monologue of that character was and it made both Kappa and Siren feel sincere and tangible. I CARE so much about them because I KNOW them and like them!


As for the story itself: Oh boy do I love the good old “the prophecy says I’m supposed to kill you but oops… I think I like you” trope! I was rooting for these characters the second I met them and the plot, even though this is volume 1, has laid the groundwork to be a fantastic adventure!

I will say that this volume felt short to me, but with a project so sizable I’d much rather nothing be cut and there be many volumes than have things lost to fit into a page count!
Now, I must admit I am a fan of the original Castle Swimmer Webcomic that I have read (and still am keeping up with) in real time via webtoons. That being said I know generally what is to come with these characters and am SO excited that I’ll be able to have these comics on my shelf one day!

Special thank you to Netgalley and Ten Speed Press for the ARC of this graphic novel! I am leaving this review voluntarily!
(This review will be posted publicly 1 week before the currently listed release date.)

Castle Swimmer is a graphic novel series I always saw advertised to me on Webtoon, but never actually tried out until now. It seemed like something I would love, being an LGBTQ+ story about mermaids--a mythical creature books don't nearly focus on enough--so needless to say I was excited. And while I liked Castle Swimmer, I wasn't nearly as taken with it as I hoped I would.

This story suffers from what many long-running comics tend to go through, that being that the beginning just feels slow and like nothing it happening. That doesn't necessarily mean that things aren't happening, but it just feels like it because of how slow paced it seems. This is understandable, considering that it is still setting up lore and topics that will likely play a big role later, but it still doesn't help that it feels like nothing is really going on while doing so.

That being said, I will definitely be trying this series out again in the future. As I said previously a slow start tends to be something all graphic novel series go through, but from what I have seen, things look promising. Anything about mermaids is going to have me coming back for more, and the drastic improvement in the art style teased in the ending pages of this volume got me very excited for what's to come. If you are prepared for a slow start that may turn into something more exciting, I recommend checking this out!

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the ARC of Castle Swimmer by Wendy Martin.

Castle Swimmer" by Wendy Martin is a delightful graphic novel that immerses readers in a captivating underwater world brimming with vibrant characters and compelling storytelling. At its heart, the story revolves around Kappa, a lovable character yearning to find his place in a world where he's often exploited for his unique abilities.

Siren, the prince of the Sharks, initially seems like an adversary to Kappa, tasked with a mission that could potentially threaten his existence. However, their unexpected bond and evolving friendship add layers of depth to the narrative.

Martin's artwork is indeed a feast for the eyes, with its vivid colors and expressive characters breathing life into the pages. Each panel is carefully crafted to draw readers deeper into the enchanting underwater realm, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

What sets "Castle Swimmer" apart is its compelling storyline, which keeps readers hooked from start to finish. As Kappa and Siren navigate their respective challenges and confront the complexities of their world, readers are taken on an exhilarating journey filled with twists, turns, and heartfelt moments.

In conclusion, "Castle Swimmer" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys engaging graphic novels. With its endearing characters, stunning artwork, and captivating story, it's a tale that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

I will scream from the tallest mountain about my love for Castle Swimmer and no one can stop me!

I have followed this webtoon since its original start and when I say this story is SO good in every way. The art style is fun and playful and I can only imagine how hard it must be to constantly be thinking about how hair and things would move and react in water with every new update. Additionally the CHARACTERS!!!! Siren and Kappa have my entire heart but they are not the only ones. Wendy has woven a one of a kind world that is wonderful in plot and heart and everyone needs to buy this and join me in my love of these merfolk.

I have always loved the original castle swimmer webtoon and seing it finaly come to life in a published format is like a dream come true.
Wendy is an amazing artist and a beautifull story teller. The author manages to make us love all the characters and even to laugh in the more stressfull moments.

It's a beautiful comic about the burden of having to fulfil a prophecy you disagree with.
...
Kappa is the castle swimmer, the beacon. The chosen one, who has to fulfil the prophecies of all the merfolk and bring them riches in that way. It's a lonely life of only living to bring others happiness.
When Kappa is pulled to the castle of the sharks, he figures the prophecy to fulfil is of him dying at the hands of the prince, Siren.
Siren who was raised to fulfil the prophecy is beginning to doubt the way the prophecy has to be fulfilled and his doubts only grow after meeting Kappa.
The two share a burden of the prophecy and try to make it work another way. While the other folk also want a share of the beacon's presence.
I loved this first volume of the comic and am very curious to find out how this story will continue.
I loved the amazing artwork! The storytelling was quick to my taste, but that's more often the case with comics. All together this is an amazing comic with hints of love, anxiety and purpose, a good combo.

I was completely enchanted by the world that Wendy Lian Martin created, and found myself eagerly anticipating the development of Kappa and Siren's relationship and their fight against fate. The romantic tension between them added a rich layer to the story, making their adventure not just a quest for self-discovery but a poignant exploration of connection and love. I'm really excited to see where their journey takes them and can't wait to dive into the next "Castle Swimmer" story.

Not a fan :( I felt like nothing actually came to an end, and I was left with half a book. There was no significant romantic progression, not much plot progression, and the characters aren’t much better or worse off than they started.

AHHHHHHH I AM A GIDDY LITTLE FISHIE! I’m over here kicking my feet… this was everything! I’m about to go binge the rest of the series on Webtoon (for real for real). It’s got the chosen one, it’s got forbidden romance, it’s got slow burn, it’s got queer love- I am foaming at the mouth for more! The art is so adorable and the small details in each frame are delicious. I cannot wait to see where this story goes and how the curse will get broken. 10/10

Thank you so much to Ten Speed Graphic and Netgalley for gifting me a copy in exchange for my review.

*ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Actual rating: 4.5⭐️

Castle Swimmer is about the Beacon, named Kappa, needing to fulfil certain prophecies. He is drawn to his next one and can't leave the mer folk he is with (these are different sea creatures), until his latest prophecy is fulfilled. His newest prophecy leads him to the sharks, who suffer from a curse, and involves Siren, the young prince from that folk. BUT there is a catch. ...

The different characters, you get to know along the way, have incredibly endearing personalities. I was rooting for Kappa and Siren until the end of this first instalement. Both are misunderstood by the mer folk and live a very lonely life. I loved their connection and can't wait to know how it continues. I found that without needing a lot of words, the author gave all these characters core values and you understand their actions, their motives and what they want to achieve.

Can we please talk about how wonderful and sweet those drawings are, I loved every single scene and emotion depicted. I can't wait to see how the art style evolves in the next books.

This was such a cute story, I loved every single moment of it. Do keep in mind that there isn't a lot happening action-wise but the pacing works perfectly for the story and also to get to know the characters. I loved the unique world setting with the different sea species (mer folks) and them having all kind of prophecies and problems to solve. I hope to get to know all of them in the following stories. I also appreciated the fun facts about the shark folk included at the end of the book, which added to the authenticity of this created sea world. Lastly, I am curious how the realtioship between Kappa and Siren will evolve.

Overall, this was absolutely wholesome and I highly recommend you to pick up this comic-series and discover this beautiful world and cute relationships. It is a quick read with charming illustrations. Plus, it is queer! I hope that you will love it as much as I did. I can't wait to continue.

Kappa is the Beacon, a mermaid chosen to fulfill the prophecies of all the creatures across the ocean, often without a choice. Siren is a prince who has been told it is his destiny to kill the Beacon and fulfill the prophecy that continues to kill his people year after year. But when Kappa and Siren meet, Siren realizes that killing Kappa is the last thing he wants to do. The two bond over the feeling of being trapped by their destinies, and together they work on a plan to free Kappa and escape their fates.

I started reading CASTLE SWIMMER on Webtoon years ago, and I’m excited it’s finally getting published in a physical format! Not only is the story compelling and heartfelt, the art style is absolutely gorgeous. I love how distinct each species of mer-creature is (there’s some crazy stuff out in the ocean!) and the way Kappa really shines and contrasts Siren’s color palette. I can’t wait to read more!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Additional reviews will be posted on social media accounts during the week prior to the book’s release.

This was so cute!! I don’t know anything about this WEBTOON but I’m super invested in it now. I feel the anxiety and fear in Siren and the longing in Kappa. I wouldn’t want to be in either of their shoes. I actually wanted to tear up when I saw all the injuries the sharks had. The thought of them dying and being hurt and never being able to break their curse breaks my heart. Siren is the only one who can, but I would never be able to kill someone innocent either. I really look forward to seeing where the story goes and how it progresses. I also really love the art style.

This is a story about a boy who is born only to grant prophecy and everyone has their own prophecy. However they don't always turn out the way the people want them too. He finds himself in a dungeon with a shark prince who is a part of the shark's prophecy but does not want to do what is being asked of him. I can't wait to see where their story goes, and the art is very well drawn and pretty.