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Rune #1
Runes: Les mille visages
Chiri is a fun-loving super cook looking for fresh adventures and ingredients, but her love of exploration has landed her in some serious magical trouble and she’s going to need all the help she can get to find home again.
Chiri and best friend Dai live in an orphanage right next to the deepest, darkest forest. On a scavenging mission to find some amazing new ingredients for her many culinary experiments, Chiri plunges both her and her best friend into the secret kingdom of Puddin’, a secret place plagued by the Thousand Faces Monster and inhabited by all sorts of magical people and critters. Befriending witches, bards, ogres and sorcerers, can our two protagonists make it home and more importantly, can they evade the darkness that has awoken on their arrival?
Chiri and best friend Dai live in an orphanage right next to the deepest, darkest forest. On a scavenging mission to find some amazing new ingredients for her many culinary experiments, Chiri plunges both her and her best friend into the secret kingdom of Puddin’, a secret place plagued by the Thousand Faces Monster and inhabited by all sorts of magical people and critters. Befriending witches, bards, ogres and sorcerers, can our two protagonists make it home and more importantly, can they evade the darkness that has awoken on their arrival?
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2024
21 people are currently reading
706 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
December 5, 2025
This was pretty much all of my favourite things rolled into one!
The natural representation and humour of Lucie Bryon's Thieves, the wonderous adventure of Luke Pearson's Hilda, with the fantastical imagination of a Studio Ghibli movie.
Rune tells the story of two best friends who stumble into a forgotten realm filled with magic, myths, and monsters. Trying to find their way home, they find themselves teaming up with some of the locals to escape the evil Shadow King and his wind-up toy minions.
One of the real highlights of this book is how sign language is incorporated so seamlessly into both the dialogue and the plot. This is something I've only seen done once before, in the Tea Dragon books, but here it's expertly woven in, giving some much needed representation to the deaf community in the medium of comics.
This is the first book in a new series, and it comes out on the 6th June from Flying Eye Books.
The natural representation and humour of Lucie Bryon's Thieves, the wonderous adventure of Luke Pearson's Hilda, with the fantastical imagination of a Studio Ghibli movie.
Rune tells the story of two best friends who stumble into a forgotten realm filled with magic, myths, and monsters. Trying to find their way home, they find themselves teaming up with some of the locals to escape the evil Shadow King and his wind-up toy minions.
One of the real highlights of this book is how sign language is incorporated so seamlessly into both the dialogue and the plot. This is something I've only seen done once before, in the Tea Dragon books, but here it's expertly woven in, giving some much needed representation to the deaf community in the medium of comics.
This is the first book in a new series, and it comes out on the 6th June from Flying Eye Books.
August 13, 2024
Read it on a train trip, was the best companion. One of the cutest comic books I've ever read. Mesmerising imagines in mostly pink and blue shades, cute, funny and magical characters. Vivid spreads with so much to look at and decipher. Also the storyline is exciting and sweet, filled with friendship and adventure, reminded me so much of N. D. Stevenson's She-Ra adaption or a Studio Ghibli movie. It's also purrfect for black cat lovers, haha. Cannot wait to read a sequel!
PS. There are characters who use sign language and signing is drawn as well, such a great idea, I haven't seen this before in comics.
PS2. I picked this up randomly in a bookshop and bought it cause I loves the colours and carachters on a first glimpse. Best idea of the week!
PS. There are characters who use sign language and signing is drawn as well, such a great idea, I haven't seen this before in comics.
PS2. I picked this up randomly in a bookshop and bought it cause I loves the colours and carachters on a first glimpse. Best idea of the week!
June 9, 2024
I’m glad to say Rune lived up to expectations. A fantasy adventure in the most wonderfully drawn world! To paraphrase Tim Probert on the cover: I came for the fantasy adventure and stayed for the PILLOW GOAT!
Pursued by bullies, Chiri and Dai roam into a never-trodden part of the forest where they pass through a portal into another realm. This other world -the brilliantly named Puddin’-lives in fear of the Shadow King- a malevolent being, who among other dark deeds, abducts people to do his evil bidding. Luckily, not everyone has given up on ridding the lands of his malignant presence. Chiri and Dai meet a fantastic cast of characters with whom they form an adorable and quirky crew to take on the Shadow King.
Chiri is deaf and she and Dai sign in order to communicate. I’m not deaf but I imagine this representation would go down well- I loved the way this was represented on page and the explainers about researching the process/ consulting the deaf community. I’ll save it for you to read but being able to sign in Puddin’ is akin to being a rock star or a super hero. There is also really cute LGBTQ representation in Rune.
Gorgeous artwork. Fantastical and cute, with some Ghibli-esque moments. I am taking it into school tomorrow and I imagine it will go down a storm. Next time I see it, it will be a dog-eared mess! And that cover is soooo beautiful🥲
Pursued by bullies, Chiri and Dai roam into a never-trodden part of the forest where they pass through a portal into another realm. This other world -the brilliantly named Puddin’-lives in fear of the Shadow King- a malevolent being, who among other dark deeds, abducts people to do his evil bidding. Luckily, not everyone has given up on ridding the lands of his malignant presence. Chiri and Dai meet a fantastic cast of characters with whom they form an adorable and quirky crew to take on the Shadow King.
Chiri is deaf and she and Dai sign in order to communicate. I’m not deaf but I imagine this representation would go down well- I loved the way this was represented on page and the explainers about researching the process/ consulting the deaf community. I’ll save it for you to read but being able to sign in Puddin’ is akin to being a rock star or a super hero. There is also really cute LGBTQ representation in Rune.
Gorgeous artwork. Fantastical and cute, with some Ghibli-esque moments. I am taking it into school tomorrow and I imagine it will go down a storm. Next time I see it, it will be a dog-eared mess! And that cover is soooo beautiful🥲
March 29, 2025
Mon personnage préféré c’est le chat qui s’appelle Roberto. Aussi y’a une faute page 116 ☝️
June 7, 2024
It's a story that captivates, enchants, and transports you to a magical world like I haven't experienced in a long time. You can feel the affection in every page; I expected nothing less from Carlos Sánchez. I hope they release more!
March 21, 2025
J'ai adoré !!!
Une bd très joliment illustrées sur une quête fantastique avec des personnes hyper attachants et drôles.
L'originalité en plus : un personnage est sourd et cela est très bien rendu dans la bd
Une bd très joliment illustrées sur une quête fantastique avec des personnes hyper attachants et drôles.
L'originalité en plus : un personnage est sourd et cela est très bien rendu dans la bd
May 13, 2025
Adventure Time x Studio Ghibli but make it pastel with magical goats
August 24, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of Rune. The art style and story structure are reminiscent of Adventure Time, Over the Garden Wall, AND Howl's Moving Castle. It's an addicting combination of magical silliness with darker undertones of lurking danger. The characters are adorably strange and beautifully flawed. Plus, the magic system is based off of Black American sign language! I can't wait to see how Sánchez continues the story in volume two.
July 1, 2024
This comic really impressed me! I had no expectations and it was amazing! The art was gorgeous and really fun and the use of sign language in the story was so creative and beautiful. I genuinely loved all of the characters and the journey that the story took me on. Hoping for another volume!!
May 29, 2025
Un super premier tome, avec des personnages attachants, et une personnage principale sourde qui signe ! Ce n'est vraiment pas courant et c'est trop bien intégré dans l'histoire c'est chouette.
Le style de dessin est un de ceux que j'apprécie beaucoup (pas loin de Steven Universe) pour la jeunesse, avec des expressions faciales très visuelles. Il y a également des détails en pagaille toutes les pages, notamment des runes que l'on peut s'amuser à traduire (perso j'ai pas tout fait car il y en a un petit paquet). Et tous ces détails permettent également de construire le lore de l'univers sans trop avoir besoin d'un personnage encyclopédie.
C'est une histoire en trois tomes mais l'arc du tome 1 est bouclé à la fin, avec des petits ingrédients semés pour la suite.
Une très bonne lecture, validée également par ma fille (8 ans)
Le style de dessin est un de ceux que j'apprécie beaucoup (pas loin de Steven Universe) pour la jeunesse, avec des expressions faciales très visuelles. Il y a également des détails en pagaille toutes les pages, notamment des runes que l'on peut s'amuser à traduire (perso j'ai pas tout fait car il y en a un petit paquet). Et tous ces détails permettent également de construire le lore de l'univers sans trop avoir besoin d'un personnage encyclopédie.
C'est une histoire en trois tomes mais l'arc du tome 1 est bouclé à la fin, avec des petits ingrédients semés pour la suite.
Une très bonne lecture, validée également par ma fille (8 ans)
November 18, 2024
Very good. Imaginative, strange, original and full of dark magic. Rune has a distinct Miyazaki aura about it that I really loved.
September 22, 2024
«De todas las criaturas que habitan la tierra de pastel no hay ninguna tan malvada y temida como el rey sombra, conocido por los ciudadanos de pastel como «el monstruo de las mil caras». Es un ser malévolo y tremendamente poderoso que siembra discordia y destrucción. No conozco las motivaciones del rey sombra, solo que busca provocar el caos y el terror en todos los pueblos y ciudades. Mi consejo, colegas viajeros, es evitarlo a toda costa.
Si lo veis, o veis a alguno de sus esbirros..., corred»
MARGARETH LA CRONISTA
Mil doscientos cuarenta y dos viajes por la tierra perdida de Pastel
Si hay algo que sabe hacer bien @harperkidsiberica es traer cómics super chulos y, aunque orientados a un público joven, su contenido y enseñanzas son para todos los lectores.
Y si además está ilustrado por @g_haller entonces es un acierto seguro.
Carlos Sánchez nos trae #Runas, una historia de fantasía, aventuras, ciudades extrañas y personajes de lo más variopintos y entrañables.
La protagonista, Chiri, es huérfana además de sorda, pero gracias a su amigo Dai nunca se ha sentido sola o rara. Un día se escabullen del orfanato hacia el bosque y, al salir, aparecen en una tierra completamente desconocida, llena de personajes extraños y peligros sacados de otro mundo.
Y, al parecer, son los dos niños de una visión que podrían ser la clave para acabar con el Rey Sombra...
No os miento cuando os digo que necesitaba una historia como esta en estos momentos, y es que la paleta de color escogida por @g_haller le queda tan bien a loa dibujos, que crea unas viñetas muy #cozy, muy reconfortantes, entrañables y, además, cargadas de detalles e información que están ahí para que las descubras como si de un Busca y Encuentra se tratase.
He pasado minutos enteros observando las escenas que ocupan dos páginas enteras y descubriendo detalles que no se explican en los bocadillos, o cosas del lore, o incluso acciones que van a ocurrir poco después pero ves cómo se desarrolla en el fondo.
Runas es una historia que me recuerda mucho a Studio Ghibli, a Hilda y Over the garden wall, o a cómics como #Lightfall de @harperkidsiberica y #EntoncesNosPerdimos de @editorialastronave y no puedo dejar de recomendarla.
Si lo veis, o veis a alguno de sus esbirros..., corred»
MARGARETH LA CRONISTA
Mil doscientos cuarenta y dos viajes por la tierra perdida de Pastel
Si hay algo que sabe hacer bien @harperkidsiberica es traer cómics super chulos y, aunque orientados a un público joven, su contenido y enseñanzas son para todos los lectores.
Y si además está ilustrado por @g_haller entonces es un acierto seguro.
Carlos Sánchez nos trae #Runas, una historia de fantasía, aventuras, ciudades extrañas y personajes de lo más variopintos y entrañables.
La protagonista, Chiri, es huérfana además de sorda, pero gracias a su amigo Dai nunca se ha sentido sola o rara. Un día se escabullen del orfanato hacia el bosque y, al salir, aparecen en una tierra completamente desconocida, llena de personajes extraños y peligros sacados de otro mundo.
Y, al parecer, son los dos niños de una visión que podrían ser la clave para acabar con el Rey Sombra...
No os miento cuando os digo que necesitaba una historia como esta en estos momentos, y es que la paleta de color escogida por @g_haller le queda tan bien a loa dibujos, que crea unas viñetas muy #cozy, muy reconfortantes, entrañables y, además, cargadas de detalles e información que están ahí para que las descubras como si de un Busca y Encuentra se tratase.
He pasado minutos enteros observando las escenas que ocupan dos páginas enteras y descubriendo detalles que no se explican en los bocadillos, o cosas del lore, o incluso acciones que van a ocurrir poco después pero ves cómo se desarrolla en el fondo.
Runas es una historia que me recuerda mucho a Studio Ghibli, a Hilda y Over the garden wall, o a cómics como #Lightfall de @harperkidsiberica y #EntoncesNosPerdimos de @editorialastronave y no puedo dejar de recomendarla.
May 2, 2025
such a cute story, looking forward to reading the sequel
January 3, 2026
Rune Review
5/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Enjoy!
I’ll keep this brief since this is a short graphic novel. The story follows two kids who are being bullied by some other kids and run away into the forest. While lost in the woods, they accidentally stumble through the portal to another world. From there, they end up meeting a bunch of cool people and learning some magic. But beware, a darkness lurks in the forest, and it might just be hiding in places you might not expect.
One of our two main characters is deaf, and she uses a modified version of sign language to talk. This just so happens to be very close to making signs for wizard spells, so it’s pretty easy for her to start learning magic. Her best friend eventually gets a sword and starts learning how to fence. They make quite a formidable team, especially as they keep collecting friends to help them on their journey to get home…maybe face off against the darkness together.
Their new friends include an old man and his cat, a couple awesome warriors they picked up from the local tavern, and eventually an old witch and her fox. 🦊 You know me and foxes, so of course I fell in love with this story. I just can’t say no to foxes. They’re so darn cute.
The art of this story is so cute. This is meant to be a middle grade graphic novel, and I think the art fits that really well. In addition to the art being cute, there are little hidden codes everywhere. The code is provided in the back so you can solve them, and it actually gives a lot of insight into the world itself. There’s one historical figure from this land named Bruno who is supposedly this big hero, but there are some quite conflicting cave drawings talking about him, so I’m too not sure.
I loved this. It was really cute, had codes to solve, and even had a fox! I know this just came out, but I already can’t wait for the sequel. I need you all to help me wait by reading this and telling me if you think the story about Bruno is true or not.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
5/5 stars
This will be a spoiler free review. Enjoy!
I’ll keep this brief since this is a short graphic novel. The story follows two kids who are being bullied by some other kids and run away into the forest. While lost in the woods, they accidentally stumble through the portal to another world. From there, they end up meeting a bunch of cool people and learning some magic. But beware, a darkness lurks in the forest, and it might just be hiding in places you might not expect.
One of our two main characters is deaf, and she uses a modified version of sign language to talk. This just so happens to be very close to making signs for wizard spells, so it’s pretty easy for her to start learning magic. Her best friend eventually gets a sword and starts learning how to fence. They make quite a formidable team, especially as they keep collecting friends to help them on their journey to get home…maybe face off against the darkness together.
Their new friends include an old man and his cat, a couple awesome warriors they picked up from the local tavern, and eventually an old witch and her fox. 🦊 You know me and foxes, so of course I fell in love with this story. I just can’t say no to foxes. They’re so darn cute.
The art of this story is so cute. This is meant to be a middle grade graphic novel, and I think the art fits that really well. In addition to the art being cute, there are little hidden codes everywhere. The code is provided in the back so you can solve them, and it actually gives a lot of insight into the world itself. There’s one historical figure from this land named Bruno who is supposedly this big hero, but there are some quite conflicting cave drawings talking about him, so I’m too not sure.
I loved this. It was really cute, had codes to solve, and even had a fox! I know this just came out, but I already can’t wait for the sequel. I need you all to help me wait by reading this and telling me if you think the story about Bruno is true or not.
Have a nice day/night everyone!
August 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Chiri and all the characters are awesome.
The story is great, but I especially loved the background that is under the surface. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops in next books.
The drawing is fantastic and it plays an important role in the story.
Although it says is for kids, I think it is suitable for all ages. If you want to have a good time, don't doubt it and read it!
The story is great, but I especially loved the background that is under the surface. I'm looking forward to seeing how it develops in next books.
The drawing is fantastic and it plays an important role in the story.
Although it says is for kids, I think it is suitable for all ages. If you want to have a good time, don't doubt it and read it!
May 26, 2024
This is gorgeous! Magic, evil, amazing friends and a deaf protagonists who signs in the book. When Chiri and Dai stumble through a portal they learn there’s more to them than they think! The masks on the bad guy freaked me out… but this is coloured beautifully! Definitely taking this to school… and hoping for a sequel!
May 21, 2024
Perfect perfect perfect
June 16, 2024
Great read. I loved the little Clues and hints throughout. Love the character work and the deaf representation. Looking forward to the next book.
July 1, 2024
The color palette, story, and characters are aces!
August 26, 2025
Quina sorpresa de còmic! No estic gens acostumada a la fantasia, però en aquest cas l’he gaudit moltíssim. L’estil de dibuix, la personalitat de cada personatge, la paleta de colors… Cada racó és ple de detalls. La història m'ha enganxat perquè tot i tenir punts previsibles, han aparegut tocs sorpresa que li han sumat valor.
September 13, 2025
hora de aventuras y ghibli en un mismo universo chapeaux
August 1, 2025
Just exactly what I want a graphic novel to be: fun, exciting, beautiful, with a great cast and funny dialogue. Highly recommend!
March 29, 2025
This is a gem of a graphic novel. The art is fantastic, incredibly vibrant and intricate with wonderful character design. Each character is unique and quirky and easily likeable. I suppose my one critique would be that the characters especially some of the side characters can feel a bit tropey.
The story was a classic, fight the bad guy and get back home, however there are enough twists as well as stops along the way for this not to feel dry or stale. As well as the art work just guiding you from page to page.
The strength of this book however is its heart, the way it incorporates BSL is fantastic with the use of movement arrows and coloured speech bubbles. The way it lightly touches on themes of found family, bravery, friendship and the joy of adventure I found incredibly evocative.
Overall this is a book I think both kids and adults alike would enjoy and still be left with wanting to know what happens next.
The story was a classic, fight the bad guy and get back home, however there are enough twists as well as stops along the way for this not to feel dry or stale. As well as the art work just guiding you from page to page.
The strength of this book however is its heart, the way it incorporates BSL is fantastic with the use of movement arrows and coloured speech bubbles. The way it lightly touches on themes of found family, bravery, friendship and the joy of adventure I found incredibly evocative.
Overall this is a book I think both kids and adults alike would enjoy and still be left with wanting to know what happens next.
April 25, 2025
this was such a cute adventure story and one that clearly will continue with another volume or two (maybe even more). the art style was so pretty and colourful, i loved how the vibrancy of the colours was used to differentiate between the two realms. each character design was very unique and there’s an element of found family which i always love. as i mentioned during a reading update, it does sort of remind me of over the garden wall if it was aimed for a slightly younger audience but i can’t wait to see how the story continues and how they finally banish the shadow king!
September 28, 2024
Em feia por que no complís expectatives, però les ha superat. És com un punt de trobada entre Steven Universe, Adventure Time, Gravity Falls i The Owl House amb personalitat totalment pròpia. Estic desitjant que surti el segon volum.
June 6, 2024
Carlos Sanchez’s Rune, The Tale of a Thousand Faces is not to be missed. The tale begins in Little Valley where two best friends, Chiri (who is deaf, wears hearing aids and is a master signer) and Dai (who is unfortunately scared of his own shadow) are deciding how to spend their day. The friends reside at Saint Clare’s Orphanage. Whilst minding their own business, the pair were unexpectantly attacked by a gang of older bullies. If they thought that their day could not get any worse, they were mistaken. Nothing could prepare them for their first dangerous adventure to lands unknown. This is the first Chiri and Dai offering from Sanchez, luckily there is more to come.
A trip into the deep dark forest, a journey past several ancient runes would lead them to the land of Puddin, on a trajectory towards the evil Shadow King. Not everything in Puddin can be taken at face value. Everything is not as it seems. Danger and evil is lurking everywhere. During their adventure, Chiri and Dai are confronted by monsters, druids, a witch, a dragon and the strangest of mechanical wind up minions. Have no fear reader! The unassuming pair have undiscovered skills. Little did they know that Chiri’s signing is similair to wizard speech and that she harnesses super powers which are waiting to be unleashed.
This book celebrates the power of friendship and collaboration because remember there is strength in numbers. Good overcomes evil. This book is aimed at 8 years and above. Featuring within the plot is a LGBTQ secondary storyline.
A trip into the deep dark forest, a journey past several ancient runes would lead them to the land of Puddin, on a trajectory towards the evil Shadow King. Not everything in Puddin can be taken at face value. Everything is not as it seems. Danger and evil is lurking everywhere. During their adventure, Chiri and Dai are confronted by monsters, druids, a witch, a dragon and the strangest of mechanical wind up minions. Have no fear reader! The unassuming pair have undiscovered skills. Little did they know that Chiri’s signing is similair to wizard speech and that she harnesses super powers which are waiting to be unleashed.
This book celebrates the power of friendship and collaboration because remember there is strength in numbers. Good overcomes evil. This book is aimed at 8 years and above. Featuring within the plot is a LGBTQ secondary storyline.
September 10, 2024
so cool!!! everyone read it NOW 🫶🏼🫶🏼
July 10, 2024
An incredibly cute and beautiful read!! Reminiscent of Hilda, with a magical world, a haunting villain, and a sweet relationship between the two main characters as they try to find their way home.
Seeing sign language depicted in a graphic novel was a first, and incredibly refreshing to see! The dynamics on the page and inclusion in the narrative were effortless and worked so well.
The art itself is absolutely gorgeous, with a pastel colour palette and so much going on in every background. The characters are expressive, and the world just speaks for itself. Truly, I adored this book and devoured it so quickly - I can't recommend it enough!!
Thank you to Flying Eye Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Seeing sign language depicted in a graphic novel was a first, and incredibly refreshing to see! The dynamics on the page and inclusion in the narrative were effortless and worked so well.
The art itself is absolutely gorgeous, with a pastel colour palette and so much going on in every background. The characters are expressive, and the world just speaks for itself. Truly, I adored this book and devoured it so quickly - I can't recommend it enough!!
Thank you to Flying Eye Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
RUNE is a fun read with an immersive, beautiful fantasy world. It has everything I want from a graphic novel: magic, mystery, adventure, friendship, and a touch of creepiness.
If Hilda and Aster and the Accidental Magic had a cousin, it would be RUNE. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an ARC.
If Hilda and Aster and the Accidental Magic had a cousin, it would be RUNE. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an ARC.
June 17, 2024
Great incorporation of sign language, both as natural representation and as a functioning part of the magical system. The resolution in this book feels a little easy, but this is also clearly a starting adventure. I expect the challenge level to go up in future books.
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