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Royals
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Expected 8 Dec 26You are invited to the shadowy back alleys of Seoul, South Korea, for a thrilling, mind-bending crime caper unlike any other!Twin brothers Paul and Castor have crafted the perfect poker hustle using their uncanny telepathic connection. Perfect until they’re caught red-handed by the most ruthless criminal syndicate in Seoul. To pay them back, the brothers must pull off a daring heist and use their gift for something bigger than themselves for the first time in their lives…if they don’t kill each other first!From Eisner Award-winning writer DEREK KIRK KIM (THE LAST MERMAID, Same Difference) and rising-star artist JACOB PEREZ (Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication December 8, 2026
About the author
Derek Kirk Kim
29 books105 followersDerek Kirk Kim is an award-winning Korean-American cartoonist. He won both major industry awards in 2004, the Eisner and the Harvey, for his debut graphic novel Same Difference and Other Stories, which was originally serialized on his website Lowbright (formerly known as "Small Stories"). He also won the Ignatz Award for promising new talent, in 2003, for the same graphic novel (which was originally published with the help of a 2002 Xeric Award).
Kim came to the United States when he was eight. He considers himself fortunate to have received formal training in the visual arts and in the craft of writing. Much of his early highly acclaimed work was done while living with his parents in Pacifica, California. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.
Kim came to the United States when he was eight. He considers himself fortunate to have received formal training in the visual arts and in the craft of writing. Much of his early highly acclaimed work was done while living with his parents in Pacifica, California. He now lives in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was fun. I enjoyed the Korean setting and the cast of characters, from our heroes to our villains.
I really liked the art style. I thought Perez did a great job at action squences, in particular. You could follow what was happening in fights from panel to panel and keep track of where all the characters were. That sounds like a simple task, but the more comics/manga/graphic novels I read, it becomes abudantly clear that it is truly a talent that not all illustrators have. I also really appreciated that the artwork depicted adult situations without ever feeling exploitative, especially of the female characters. I've been reading a lot of manga recently, and once again, you'd think it would be an easy task to just draw women without gratuitous boob and butt shots, but nope. I truly have to applaud Perez for giving us Minah; a female lead that is a love interest without being objectified.
As for the story and characters, I think Kim gave us a fun take on a crime caper with a paranormal twist. Paul was my favorite twin. I'm a sucker for a sardonic dude with glasses. I don't know that more needs to be explored in this story and with these characters, but I would gladly read another book from this creative team.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked the art style. I thought Perez did a great job at action squences, in particular. You could follow what was happening in fights from panel to panel and keep track of where all the characters were. That sounds like a simple task, but the more comics/manga/graphic novels I read, it becomes abudantly clear that it is truly a talent that not all illustrators have. I also really appreciated that the artwork depicted adult situations without ever feeling exploitative, especially of the female characters. I've been reading a lot of manga recently, and once again, you'd think it would be an easy task to just draw women without gratuitous boob and butt shots, but nope. I truly have to applaud Perez for giving us Minah; a female lead that is a love interest without being objectified.
As for the story and characters, I think Kim gave us a fun take on a crime caper with a paranormal twist. Paul was my favorite twin. I'm a sucker for a sardonic dude with glasses. I don't know that more needs to be explored in this story and with these characters, but I would gladly read another book from this creative team.
Thank you to NetGalley and Image Comics for access to this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Royals is a breezy, energetic read with a very fun premise. I love the concept of twin telepathy used for poker hustles. I'm always a big fan of superpowers being used for anything other than just fighting. The first issue, where we get to see this hustle actually play out, was easily my favorite of the series. Subsequent issues drift into more typical action-comedy vibes, but the brothers' ongoing telepathic banter always helps keep things feeling fresh. Ultimately, I do wish the series had stuck a bit more with the telepathic conmen vibes that made the first issue feel so original, but it was still a fun read throughout all six issues.
Newcomer Jacob Perez does a fantastic job with the art, keeping the comic high-energy throughout. It's worth noting that part of what makes Perez's pages feel so unique is the unusual panel structure he utilizes. While it obviously varies quite a bit from title to title, a typical comic book page will usually have around five or six panels. Perez's pages, on the other hand, usually have more like ten to fifteen panels. With each individual action highlighted, action scenes in particular feel more animated than I've maybe ever seen in a comic.
While the series itself may not have been quite what I hoped it would be, it's still a very worthy read that shows a lot of promise from both creators.
Newcomer Jacob Perez does a fantastic job with the art, keeping the comic high-energy throughout. It's worth noting that part of what makes Perez's pages feel so unique is the unusual panel structure he utilizes. While it obviously varies quite a bit from title to title, a typical comic book page will usually have around five or six panels. Perez's pages, on the other hand, usually have more like ten to fifteen panels. With each individual action highlighted, action scenes in particular feel more animated than I've maybe ever seen in a comic.
While the series itself may not have been quite what I hoped it would be, it's still a very worthy read that shows a lot of promise from both creators.
August 11, 2026
Brotherly Love in Action Packed Seoul!
Royals is an absolute blast and one of the most fun graphic novels I’ve read this year. Derek Kirk Kim takes telepathic twin brothers Paul and Castor and throws them into a whirlwind of poker hustles, gangsters, heists, and nonstop trouble. You’re going to be yelling at these brothers to get out of their own way. However, at its heart, this is a story about brotherhood. The twins’ relationship is packed with humor, loyalty, and the kind of bickering that only siblings can get away with, making them impossible not to root for. (And you might try with how these two torment each other)! At the same time, the action never lets up. This is a multifaceted mystery. There are twists and turns and evil agendas, and even surprise reveals that had my jaw on the floor! Every chapter introduces a new twist, chase, or impossible situation that keeps the pages flying by. Combined with Jacob Perez’s energetic artwork, Royals delivers the perfect mix of heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure. It’s fast, fun, and completely addictive. Don’t miss out!
Royals is an absolute blast and one of the most fun graphic novels I’ve read this year. Derek Kirk Kim takes telepathic twin brothers Paul and Castor and throws them into a whirlwind of poker hustles, gangsters, heists, and nonstop trouble. You’re going to be yelling at these brothers to get out of their own way. However, at its heart, this is a story about brotherhood. The twins’ relationship is packed with humor, loyalty, and the kind of bickering that only siblings can get away with, making them impossible not to root for. (And you might try with how these two torment each other)! At the same time, the action never lets up. This is a multifaceted mystery. There are twists and turns and evil agendas, and even surprise reveals that had my jaw on the floor! Every chapter introduces a new twist, chase, or impossible situation that keeps the pages flying by. Combined with Jacob Perez’s energetic artwork, Royals delivers the perfect mix of heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure. It’s fast, fun, and completely addictive. Don’t miss out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story starts off as a lot of fun, but it eventually gets a little too silly for its own good.
The core concept is super cool: a high-stakes sci-fi story involving superpowers, mind games, and a terrifyingly dark threat disguised as a victim lurking in the background. Paired with great artwork and slick visuals, the book sets up a genuinely scary reality for its characters and builds an intriguing hook right out of the gate.
However, as the story goes on, it relies heavily on non-stop fight scenes and a specific style of comedy. The humor wasn't really my type, and the constant jokes ended up undercutting the darker, high-stakes atmosphere. On top of that, the neat-and-tidy "happy ending" felt a bit jarring and unearned given all the chaos and major laws broken throughout the story!
Overall, it's a cool premise with good art, but the goofy tone and overly convenient wrap-up kept it from being amazing
The core concept is super cool: a high-stakes sci-fi story involving superpowers, mind games, and a terrifyingly dark threat disguised as a victim lurking in the background. Paired with great artwork and slick visuals, the book sets up a genuinely scary reality for its characters and builds an intriguing hook right out of the gate.
However, as the story goes on, it relies heavily on non-stop fight scenes and a specific style of comedy. The humor wasn't really my type, and the constant jokes ended up undercutting the darker, high-stakes atmosphere. On top of that, the neat-and-tidy "happy ending" felt a bit jarring and unearned given all the chaos and major laws broken throughout the story!
Overall, it's a cool premise with good art, but the goofy tone and overly convenient wrap-up kept it from being amazing
August 26, 2026
This is definitely a 5 ⭐️ read for me! One of the most fun, energetic, action packed and visually stunning graphic novels I’ve read this year.
Royals centers around the charismatic twin brothers Castor and Pollux (Paul for short), who go to Seoul to win another poker event using their special bond. Unfortunately, this goes wrong (as things usually do) and they end up being hunted by a notorious and dangerous crime syndicate, who eventually forces the brothers to pull off a massive heist at a local church using their powers. The many twists and reveals that follow are surprising and keep the story interesting and fresh.
Highly recommended if you enjoy a fast paced story about siblings, their complex bond (even more so due to their powers) and their (mis)adventures, all against the beautifully drawn background of Seoul.
_____________________
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Royals centers around the charismatic twin brothers Castor and Pollux (Paul for short), who go to Seoul to win another poker event using their special bond. Unfortunately, this goes wrong (as things usually do) and they end up being hunted by a notorious and dangerous crime syndicate, who eventually forces the brothers to pull off a massive heist at a local church using their powers. The many twists and reveals that follow are surprising and keep the story interesting and fresh.
Highly recommended if you enjoy a fast paced story about siblings, their complex bond (even more so due to their powers) and their (mis)adventures, all against the beautifully drawn background of Seoul.
_____________________
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Derek Kirk Kim has a rare talent for making characters feel instantly alive, flawed, and deeply empathetic within just a few panels. Royals is sharp, engaging, and visually stunning, balancing quiet, intimate character moments with dynamic pacing and expressive linework.
The dialogue flows naturally without feeling overwritten, and the visual storytelling does plenty of heavy lifting—every facial expression and subtle gesture carries emotional weight. It pulls you right into the dynamic between the cast and leaves you wanting to spend far more time in this world.
A must-read for graphic novel lovers who appreciate nuanced character-driven narratives, gorgeous artwork, and stories that don't take the predictable route. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The dialogue flows naturally without feeling overwritten, and the visual storytelling does plenty of heavy lifting—every facial expression and subtle gesture carries emotional weight. It pulls you right into the dynamic between the cast and leaves you wanting to spend far more time in this world.
A must-read for graphic novel lovers who appreciate nuanced character-driven narratives, gorgeous artwork, and stories that don't take the predictable route. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What do you do if you are able to telepathically talk with your twin in secret? (The answer is, of course, you do crime and get money.)
Two brothers find themselves in a bigger gamble they were prepared for after a hustle gone awry in Seoul.
A fun, heartfelt and fast-paced trip through the city's underworld and the brothers' relationship. The art is clear, dynamic and easy to follow.
Only the second half began to stray much into the tropes of an action flick - Which is either exactly what you want from the genre, or, but in my opinion, it turned too much cliché, which took away some suspense and tension from the read.
But ultimately a joyful read. Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
Two brothers find themselves in a bigger gamble they were prepared for after a hustle gone awry in Seoul.
A fun, heartfelt and fast-paced trip through the city's underworld and the brothers' relationship. The art is clear, dynamic and easy to follow.
Only the second half began to stray much into the tropes of an action flick - Which is either exactly what you want from the genre, or, but in my opinion, it turned too much cliché, which took away some suspense and tension from the read.
But ultimately a joyful read. Thanks to NetGalley and Image Comics for an ARC for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Image comics for a digital copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!
5 Stars! This graphic novel was incredible! I was thoroughly entertained throughout, and while usually I can see some twists coming I did not see many of these twists. It was very cinematic it felt like I was literally watching a movie, but it played off so much better than many action movies do with the comedy. I grew to really love the characters and be invested in the story even in such a short amount of time. I was so sad when it ended and I hope that these two work together again!
5 Stars! This graphic novel was incredible! I was thoroughly entertained throughout, and while usually I can see some twists coming I did not see many of these twists. It was very cinematic it felt like I was literally watching a movie, but it played off so much better than many action movies do with the comedy. I grew to really love the characters and be invested in the story even in such a short amount of time. I was so sad when it ended and I hope that these two work together again!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you for the chance to allow me to read this amazing comic before hand of its release.
The comic is a mix of action, comedy and the love of family. It has a great drawing and a wonderful plot that keeps you engaging and doesn’t leave you bored. I totally love Paul a lot.
I would like to mention though that even though the setting in Korea it doesn’t feel like Korea, mainly because gambling there is strictly prohibited and illegal for it to be on TV and guns isn’t legalization to be with anyone including gang members. But considering this a work of fiction it works well.
Other than that wonderful story
The comic is a mix of action, comedy and the love of family. It has a great drawing and a wonderful plot that keeps you engaging and doesn’t leave you bored. I totally love Paul a lot.
I would like to mention though that even though the setting in Korea it doesn’t feel like Korea, mainly because gambling there is strictly prohibited and illegal for it to be on TV and guns isn’t legalization to be with anyone including gang members. But considering this a work of fiction it works well.
Other than that wonderful story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of Royals.
What a blast!!
Derek Kirk Kim and first timer Jacob Perez bring us an action story worthy of the golden late 90s. Twins Castor and Paul share a telepathic connection and they're using it to get some easy cash at poker tables, but this time they've messed up with the wrong people.
Loved the Korean flavour to the story, the relationship between the two brothers, the twists and turns of the plot, but what I enjoyed the most is the morning tv cartoon feeling of the illustrations 🤩
What a blast!!
Derek Kirk Kim and first timer Jacob Perez bring us an action story worthy of the golden late 90s. Twins Castor and Paul share a telepathic connection and they're using it to get some easy cash at poker tables, but this time they've messed up with the wrong people.
Loved the Korean flavour to the story, the relationship between the two brothers, the twists and turns of the plot, but what I enjoyed the most is the morning tv cartoon feeling of the illustrations 🤩
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was genuinely so intriguing and a plot twist in here really shocked me. I wish I had a twin that I could communicate with and had powers with.
Twin brothers who often find themselves in dangerous situations, where one plays poker while the other one uses their telepathic connection to help him, finally get caught. And of course it doesn’t work out well in their favor.
Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for an Arc in exchange for an honest review!
Twin brothers who often find themselves in dangerous situations, where one plays poker while the other one uses their telepathic connection to help him, finally get caught. And of course it doesn’t work out well in their favor.
Thank you Netgalley and Image Comics for an Arc in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book blew me away. I gasped out loud so many times, if I hadn’t been reading it at work I probably would have screamed. An action packed adventure, maddening family dynamics, thrilling twists. I’ve been reading Derek Kim since the start and he just keeps surprising me. It’s about two brothers pulling a heist but it’s also about so much more. Received a free advance copy from NetGalley for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Love the art work!
This is some high speed, high action type of graphic novel.
Action from panel to panel. From when the action started it didn’t let up until the conclusion.
Castor was such an annoying character.
I felt it when his brother Paul was tired of his sorry behind.
Love that everyone had hands. No one was exempt from the fighting.
Minah was giving as much as she was getting and loved it. She wasn't a damsel in distress.
This is some high speed, high action type of graphic novel.
Action from panel to panel. From when the action started it didn’t let up until the conclusion.
Castor was such an annoying character.
I felt it when his brother Paul was tired of his sorry behind.
Love that everyone had hands. No one was exempt from the fighting.
Minah was giving as much as she was getting and loved it. She wasn't a damsel in distress.
June 17, 2026
I am sold
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
7/10
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An absolute blast. It's about 2 brothers with a telepathic link who run afoul of a gang in Korea and get into all kinds of trouble. That's all you really need to know. Just go read it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The most unexpectedly smart, cinematic book I've read in a while. Perfect 5/5.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews