Issunboshi
Ryan Lang
25th October 2022
I was not very familiar with the tale of Issunboshi (the one-inch samurai) prior to reading this graphic novel retelling, though I recognised the name Issun from playing Okami and Okamiden which feature a very small warrior of that name - I guess a hearkening back to the folktale that was only explored a little bit within the game, as it was mostly focused on the tale of Shiranui.
Anyway. This was a pretty good retelling as far as I can tell from my limited experience, and the art was really gorgeous. It honestly looked vaguely familiar whilst I was reading it, and it was only upon finishing it that I found out that Ryan Lang has contributed to things like Wreck-It Ralph and Moana, and then things kind of slotted into place. I feel like I could go on about the art a bit - it looks so gorgeous and polished, and the expressions on people's faces really come across beautifully. More than half of a graphic novel or manga for me is in the artistic interpretation, and this one really hit the mark for me.
I will say I didn't feel like I had enough time to really get to know or relate to the characters very much, but I still enjoyed my time with this. It felt very much like it was adhering to the 'Hero's Journey' template, and so did feel a tiny bit rushed in places - it might have worked as a multi-volume series to get that journey and growth really evident on-page, but these things are not always possible. Overall, it was a lovely one-sitting read - adventurous, funny in places, and sweet in others. I definitely recommend.
8/10 tiny samurai with big dreams~
{I received a review ecopy of this book from NetGalley/Oni Press in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own. Thank you!!}
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