Hub

This is the first book in the five book graphic novel series, Okko. The artwork throughout is beautifully detailed. The book is a historical fantasy set in the Pajan empire; there is some magic throughout as well.

Okko is a Ronin and the leader of a small group of demon hunters. He is accompanied by Noboru (a vicious warrior who hides behind a crazy looking mask) and Noshin (a sake’ loving monk who seems to have an affinity for water spirits). Their paths cross with that of a young boy show more named Tikku whose sister, Little Carp, is kidnapped by pirates. Tikku begs their help finding his sister and, sensing demon involvement, they agree.

This is definitely an adult or older teen graphic novel; there is quite a bit of nudity and a lot of violence.

The above being said I really enjoyed this story a lot. The characters are great, they have a lot of personality and depth. All of the characters have some mystery surrounding them that as a reader I am dying to know more about.

The story is action packed and right from the beginning you are sucked into it. It’s definitely a page turner and the dialogue and story are both very well written.

The illustration is amazing; it’s full color with a lot of wonderful detail. I really enjoyed it a lot. There is a lot of excellent world-building here; the Pajan Empire has a very Asian tone to it and is broad and very well developed.

Overall this was an incredibly well done fantasy graphic novel. I enjoyed the characters, the story, the illustration, and the world a lot. I would definitely recommend this to fantasy graphic novel fans out there and look forward to reading the next one. show less

The art work? Superlative. The layout? a work of art. The characters? engaging. It's the story I couldn't stomach. Shall we say that violence is the only way to solve a problem? Clearly, it doesn't solve anything but plants the seeds for more violence. I do not accept the inevitability of violence nor its entertainment value. Dressed in such fine images, the violence is deceptive. Find another plot device to move a story forward!

The second volume of the collected Okko is even better than the first, with a more engaging story based on a reclusive sect of necromantic monks. Hub decorates this creepy tale with all the trappings: forbidden libraries, female samurai, and combat bunraku (puppets). It's all a lot of goofy fun, but Hub is a genuinely talented illustrator, and his lush, colorful panels are adorned with plenty of action and beautiful landscapes in the style of medieval Japan. This is a great export from the show more European comics scene, and it's a treat to follow a series that's as competently executed as Okko is. show less

This is the fourth and final book in the Okko series. Actually the end of this book states that there will be a 5th trade paperback, but the synopsis on the book says that this is the final volume...so whatever. I continue to enjoy the lush drawing and asian themed storyline to these graphic novels.

In this volume of Okko two of Pajan’s clans strike a marriage agreement between their clans in hopes of forming an alliance. Okko and his companions are hired to secure the area for the show more ceremony; however the young bride to be doesn’t want to get married and has plans of her own.

As with all the volumes of Okko the story is a beautiful blend of Asian influence and fantasy world. There is a lot of action and intrigue as well.

The illustration continues to be very detailed and just absolutely top notch; I love looking at the detailed pictures throughout.

I enjoyed this volume a lot. However this was never a 5 star graphic novel series for me because at times I have a bit of trouble following the story; there are a lot of characters and a lot of them look very similar.

Overall this was another well done installment in the Okko series. There is a lot of action and intrigue and some beautiful illustration. I really love the world building in these novels and the wonderfully quirky characters. However, at times the story is a bit hard to follow. I would recommend to those who enjoy historical fantasy graphic novels. show less