SubZero is graphically stunning. Junepurrr has outdone herself and I am thrilled to see more independent authors receiving publication contracts for passion projects started on WebToons. You can see her attention to detail on every page. By style alone- I would rate this graphic novel a 10/5.

However, the story fell a little short for me. It has excellent pacing and is considerably well-thought out but falls into a series of almost comforting cliches. Without giving anything away I will say that the romance did not feel (to me) as though it were cultivated organically. There's no 'one moment' that makes you go: 'ah-ha! there it is!' In fact, I found myself rooting more for non-canon relationships.

The secondary cast is what kept me reading throughout and I really hope to see more of them and more development in future volumes. I would be a liar if I said there weren't several series I adore where the supporting characters sustain my interest rather than the leads and so I plan to continue following this series to see where it goes. I am hoping, as with many independent authors, to only see improvement with time.

[Thank you to NetGalley and Oni Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]

Being able to re-read through all of volume 1 in one go has been divine (I originally discovered Sub Zero as a web comic). The vibrant art of this comic so perfectly compliments the adventure, romance, and suspense of this story.
SubZero is perfect for fans of magic, dragons, and romance. Junepurrr's writing will keep you on the edge of your seat while the beautiful graphics bring the story to life.

Loved this webtoon series and excited to see it in this format. Volume 1 is a bit short and doesn’t give us enough of a story unfortunately. Cannot wait to read the rest and see where the story takes us.

Mystery upon mystery. A story filled with courtly intrigue and politics. Where everyone has their own agenda and you don't know who to trust. O and also there are dragons.

SubZero is a novelized version of a webtoon that I happened to read in my early teen years when it was first released on webtoon. So when I saw this title on NetGalley, naturally I had to request it. It was fun and nostalgic coming back to this world with the stunning artwork, fun tropes, and the secrets that are yet to be revealed. Rife with dragons, war, and political intrigue with a slice of romance, this story will leave you wanting more.

I think this is a great start for this series however one thing that shouldn't transfer from webtoon are the cliffhanger endings that don't make sense for the ending of a book, but on the app are expected. If I wasn't familiar with webtoon content I would've been confused with the chapter this first volume ends on. It was too abrupt and came out of nowhere. This is a graphic novel and it should have a seamless continuation/better stopping points than the whiplash of how this ending was. It's off putting and should be addressed for further installments in the series.

Again, as a webtoon reader whose familiar with the frequent cliffhangers that keep you coming back, it doesn't translate well in book form. I will continue this series though, I enjoy it and think it's a fun read. I'm hyped to read the rest of these as they come up and thought it was cool to see how far this author has come since first interacting with her story. There's great potential here!

i was so intrigued about this graphic novel that i just have to read it. there's just something about arranged marriage trope of enemy clans between royalties. ofc the crown has to do their part in order for breaking the war and saving the people. also am a fan of dragons so it's nice to see how the plot will go as the story unfolds. can't wait to read more.

Wow it's great to read SubZero as a manga! I've read the webtoon since the early days so it was great to revisit the beginning of the story and see how Clove and Kyro first met and those very early days. This first volume covers the very beginning so expect many more volumes of their adventures and evolution of their relationship!

Going back to the beginning definitely reminded me why I was first hooked. You first meet Clove, the princess from a small kingdom that has been at war with Kyro's kingdom for 300 years. Kyro is the crown prince and set to marry Clove to end the war between their countries. Already an amazing premise and then you add that the ruling families can shift into dragons! As Clove enters Kyro's kingdom, navigates the political landscape, and has to build trust with Kyro so their marriage goes through, this first volume wonderfully sets up the world with the beautiful artwork.

While I did hope for the first volume to cover more, I think this is a great introduction to the series. I can't wait for more volumes to come to print and for others to discover this amazing series!

Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

This was a very fun manga! It felt different than most of the stories I've read a.d was rather refreshing too! I am hoping this story continues because it truly has a lot of potential. It seemed to have a natural flow and didn't seem rushed at all

"SubZero, Vol. 1" by Junepurrr is a captivating blend of romance, political intrigue, and fantasy that grips you from the very first page. The story follows Princess Clove of the Cerulean Dragon clan, who must marry her sworn enemy, Prince Kyro of the Crimson Dragon clan, to secure peace for her people. This union, however, is fraught with tension and hidden secrets.

The narrative is rich with well-developed characters and an engaging plot. Princess Clove is a strong and relatable heroine, determined to protect her clan despite the personal sacrifices she must make. Prince Kyro, initially perceived as a ruthless adversary, reveals layers of complexity that make their evolving relationship all the more intriguing.

Junepurrr's art is stunning, vividly bringing to life the world of dragons, clans, and political maneuvering. The expressions and actions of the characters are beautifully rendered, adding depth to the story. The tension between Clove and Kyro is palpable, making their interactions charged and compelling.

The storyline is well-paced, with each chapter leaving you eager for more. The delicate balance of power, the looming threat of war, and the burgeoning attraction between the protagonists create a dynamic and unpredictable plot. Clove's secret adds an element of mystery that keeps the reader hooked.

While the main plot focuses on the political marriage and its ramifications, the graphic novel also delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and identity. The supporting characters add richness to the narrative, each with their own motivations and backstories that enhance the main plot.

"SubZero, Vol. 1" is a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. Junepurrr has crafted a story that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging, making it a standout graphic novel. The intricate world-building and complex characters make this volume a compelling introduction to what promises to be an epic series.

The war between two dragon clans is neverending. Clove needs to do what is best for her people. As the last remaining heir of her clan, she agrees to a political marriage to the heir of the enemy clan.

There is no love between them initially, but discovering a secret makes them form an unlikely alliance.

The relationship between them is compilated enough, only adding to it are people working tirelessly to destroy the fragile peace between the kingdom and continue the war.

I love the art style, it is gorgeous, but I didn't like the story so much.

Now while the art style is absolutely gorgeous and I did enjoy the book itself I think it could’ve done with a little more backstory and if it was longer I would’ve had more time to get to know the characters (but I do understand as the story originally came from WEBTOON) it’s mostly just them meeting and then the vibes it feels very much like an introduction book which it really is but it wouldn’t hurt to have some more information thrown in there.

I really loved the graphics and the colors used - so beautiful! The story was very fun and the characters have some depth to them. I can't wait to read Volume 2!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Oni Press, and Junepurrr for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

4.25 stars! This story is seriously everything I love and want in a fantasy/romance with the bonus of amazing artwork to bring the story to life! I LOVE marriage of convenience when done well and this is perfect. The tension between Clove and Kyro is fantastic and their chemistry is palpable from the get-go.

I love love love the art and style of SubZero. The colors and details are phenomenal and it’s just so beautiful to look at. I’ve read this comic on Webtoon and I loved seeing the little revisions and changes in this edition! The comic translates very well into this edition for publication, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy as I’m sure it will translate even better in print.

The artwork of the dragons alone is worthy of the highest of praises, the colors whenever both the Crimson and Azure dragons are in a scene are fascinating and complement each other so well.

This volume of the story does a great job of setting a solid framework for the rest of the series. We’re introduced to the main characters, and the main problems they are facing, and we meet various, fun side characters and their storylines as well. The series gets even better in the episodes beyond this volume, can’t wait to see the rest of the volumes to come!

Thank you Oni Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC!

3.75/5✨

SubZero Vol one

📖 via E Arc

Firstly I’d like to thank NetGalley And the publisher for allowing me the reader the ability to have an advanced reader copy.

I love a good graphic novel, I saw dragons and beautiful character art and I really didn’t need much more to submit a request.

SubZero follows our two main characters Clove a Cerulian dragon, the last of her line and Cyro the crimson dragon, her enemy.

At the beginning of this graphic novel Clove is basically backed into a corner of a political marriage to end a 300yr war, they take the trek into enemy territory and things get slippery.

Cyro is a baddass and forced into a position of power. Full of dominate energy he pulls out the strength Clove has been hiding within herself.

This was a great introduction to the characters and world building as a first volume in a series. I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series develops!

Gorgeous illustrations, interesting storyline, I'll be interested in continuing this webtoon turned book as the series continues.

Reading this off the webtoon app was such a delight! What an intriguing story, worth buying the book whole!

I haven't read anything in comic format for a while, until now that I've read SubZero Vol. 1 and I can say that it is an excellent example within its genre: the illustrations are magnificent, the story is very attractive, the characters are very well designed and developed. In short, I really enjoyed reading this book.
My favorite characters? Clover, of course, Aaron, Zephyr and Kyro.
What I didn't like? The time I will have to wait to read the next volume.
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book

An amazing true enemies to lovers story!!
Possibly fated Mates?!
Magic, dragons, assassins, secret society, royalty.

Everything to make a great story!!

I've followed this story on Webtoons and happy to see it here on NetGalley!

Thank you to Netgalley and Oni Press for an advanced copy of this book.

What I liked:
There were tropes in here that are some favourites of mine like enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience. The artwork is lovely and I appreciate that it's in full colour.

What I didn't like:
I thought more was going to happen in this volume. There's a lot of backstory needed for this story but we only got the bare minimum. I also wanted more from the tropes I mentioned above. The enemies part seems like it's going to be incredibly short lived.

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

SubZero is such a fun story to read. Enemies to lovers and dragons?? I'm here, I'm committed, take my money.