Today's Fresh Friday Features reminds us that big power can come in small packages! From warriors only inches tall, to fighting against the ever-turning wheel of life, we are merely specs in the infinitely huge thing that is life and these are some of their journeys.
- Comic - Issunboshi: A Graphic Novel: An ancient demon wants to take over the world. The only person who can stop him is an inches-tall would-be samurai.
- Graphic Novel - Orc of Mine: Gyda Lionrock thinks her visit to Asclan Peaks is for one reason and one reason alone—to finally welcome a child of her own.
- Manga - Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide: Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married.
- Webcomic - The EightFold Path: KARMA CAN HAUNT YOU. An old warrior-monk must reconcile his past to save the future of his daughter and her new-born infant.
Issunboshi: A Graphic Novel, 197 pages - Published by Oni Press, (cc/ @GCpartnerships)
In a feudal Japan where creatures of myth and folklore are real, a demon sets out to reforge an ancient weapon to take over the world. The only person who can stop him is an inches-tall would-be samurai, who also happens to be the final and most important piece of the weapon. Issunboshi: A Graphic Novel is a lush retelling of the classic Japanese folktale reminding us that one is not born a hero–you must discover the courage to become one.
Story and Art by Ryan Lang
One of my favorite folk stories of all time, I was so excited to see this take on IssunBoshi. I loved the artwork, feeling a lot like a film or animation. Incredibly consistent character designs, smooth layout and compositions and panel flow. I adored the slower moments even if they were text tense with the lessons and conversations to have time to absorb information. The pacing is great, characters awesome, and in general stunning work. I had to read it all in one sitting.
Orc of Mine, 41 pages - Published by OrcofMine, (cc/ @OrcofMine)
Gyda Lionrock thinks her visit to Asclan Peaks is for one reason and one reason alone—to finally welcome a child of her own. She never would've guessed that she would leave something behind in these mountains, too. That she would leave her heart with one of Asclan Peaks' notorious inhabitants: a seven-foot tall, barbaric orc named Orvar, leader of the Azuk clan...
Story and Art by OrcofMine
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but life and happiness is more than just beauty. I like the messaging that it gives in that way, but I'm wondering exactly how the relationship will develop.
Our Not-So-Lonely Planet Travel Guide, 1031 pages - Published by TOKYOPOP, (cc/ @GCpartnerships)
Super serious Asahi Suzumura and laidback, easygoing Mitsuki Sayama might seem like an odd couple, but they made a deal; they'll vacation around the world and when they get back to Japan, they'll get married. As they travel from country to country, the different people, cultures and cuisine they encounter begin to bring them closer together. After all they're not just learning about the world, but about themselves too.\n\nA prolific BL (yaoi) manga artist, Mone Sorai has also published under...
Story and Art by Mone Sorai
Traveling around the world with the person you love through all the ups and downs is exhausting, but worthwhile. It's a big world out there and there's lots to see! Being lost in such a big world can be scary and overwhelming, but it's easier when you have a partner.
The EightFold Path, 294 pages - Published by Meff Illustrations, (cc/ @MeffIllustrations)
KARMA CAN HAUNT YOU. An old warrior-monk must reconcile his past to save the future of his daughter and her new-born infant. Accompanied by two street-rat siblings, Sha must tow the line between love and violence, honor and vengeance— can he find the inner strength to walk THE EIGHTFOLD PATH? Art by Carl MEFF Story by Joe Cristo (insta @issa___joe)
Story and Art by Meff Illustrations
Paying for the sins of the past is a trope that I love to see in media. No plot armor, no special guardian. Having taken a Buddhist art and culture class, I have a feeling I might know where this is going, and I'm excited for it.
That's all for now, but we'll have another set of Fresh Friday reading recommendations next week. You can also browse through our Featured Comics news section and add them to your Library for future reading!
Check out more amazing stuff from @ArtCrumbs below.
Did you get a chance to check out any of these fresh picks? If you enjoy any of these stories, don't forget to add them to your library, and share your thoughts in the comments below! You can also join our Discord server to talk with other readers and creators.