Graphic Novel Review – Okko: The Cycle of Water, Vol 1 by Hub (4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Teen+
Genre: Graphic Novel/Fantasy- reading
Size: 112 pages
Publisher: Archaia Studios Press
Release Date: October 2007
ISBN: 978-1932386455
Stand Alone or Series: 1st volume of the Okko series
Source: Bought
Rating: 4/5 stars

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 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.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge
– Mount TBR Reading Challenge