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Runeless
In a world in which magical runes determine a person’s fate, runeless best friends find themselves on opposite sides of an epic fight for justice.
This exciting fantasy graphic novel about friendship and power is perfect for 8-12-year-old fans of Amulet and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
In the wealthy city of Dura, a person’s fate is determined by which of seven magical runes they’re born with. And Fungai and Ngoni, both without runes, have nothing—except each other.
But when a mysterious, hooded figure known as the Vagabond offers to magically grant them runes, the boys see their chance for a normal life . . . though it comes at a terrible cost. For the first time ever, Fungai and Ngoni disagree—and their choices change everything, pitting them against each other in a bitter fight for justice.
Full of action and emotion, Runeless is the epic story of friends torn apart—and, against all odds, reunited—in an adventure that transforms their world.
Story Locale:a fantasy world inspired by pre-colonial Zimbabwe
This exciting fantasy graphic novel about friendship and power is perfect for 8-12-year-old fans of Amulet and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
In the wealthy city of Dura, a person’s fate is determined by which of seven magical runes they’re born with. And Fungai and Ngoni, both without runes, have nothing—except each other.
But when a mysterious, hooded figure known as the Vagabond offers to magically grant them runes, the boys see their chance for a normal life . . . though it comes at a terrible cost. For the first time ever, Fungai and Ngoni disagree—and their choices change everything, pitting them against each other in a bitter fight for justice.
Full of action and emotion, Runeless is the epic story of friends torn apart—and, against all odds, reunited—in an adventure that transforms their world.
Story Locale:a fantasy world inspired by pre-colonial Zimbabwe
224 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love the artwork and the African influence in Runeless. It creates a beautiful, distinctive world built around a simple and compelling divide - people are either born with magical runes or without them, and that one difference determines so much about their ability to survive and how society views them.
The story explores caste-based discrimination, segregation, politics and power, manufactured scarcity as a means of control, and the persistent human desire to love, connect, and fight for something better. I especially appreciated the way it shows how easily something that was meant to be good can be manipulated into a tool for power and profit. That felt particularly relevant to the ways people have manipulated systems and resources in our own societies.
My one real frustration was the mythology behind how people get their runes. I understood the underlying idea, but I found the explanation of the mythology and its origins a little muddled. I wanted to understand that piece of the world more clearly because it feels so central to everything that follows.
Still, I really enjoyed this. The artwork is gorgeous and beneath the fantasy is a story about inequality, control, and the ways people continue to find one another and resist the systems designed to keep them apart.
The story explores caste-based discrimination, segregation, politics and power, manufactured scarcity as a means of control, and the persistent human desire to love, connect, and fight for something better. I especially appreciated the way it shows how easily something that was meant to be good can be manipulated into a tool for power and profit. That felt particularly relevant to the ways people have manipulated systems and resources in our own societies.
My one real frustration was the mythology behind how people get their runes. I understood the underlying idea, but I found the explanation of the mythology and its origins a little muddled. I wanted to understand that piece of the world more clearly because it feels so central to everything that follows.
Still, I really enjoyed this. The artwork is gorgeous and beneath the fantasy is a story about inequality, control, and the ways people continue to find one another and resist the systems designed to keep them apart.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Runeless by Bill Masuku is an imaginative and emotionally resonant graphic novel that explores what can be achieved when a great heart, opportunity, and determination come together. Set in the vibrant city of Dura, where magical runes determine everyone’s fate, the story revolves around Fungai and Ngoni—two best friends born without runes, and thus, with nothing but each other.
What truly captivated me was how this story deftly balances action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. The artwork is vibrant and immersive, drawing readers into a richly developed world that feels both fantastical and relatable. The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, making each page a delight to explore.
The characters of Fungai and Ngoni reminded me of Professor X and Magneto from the X-Men series—both driven by a desire to change the world, but with vastly different methods shaped by their experiences. Fungai’s hope and compassion contrast with Ngoni’s more aggressive stance, especially after the allure of the mysterious Vagabond’s offer of runes. This dynamic adds depth to the story, illustrating how circumstances and choices can influence even the closest of friendships.
The backstory involving the ley lines and the origins of the runes is fascinating and opens avenues for future installments. It hints at the immense potential of these powers and the societal implications of their evolution, especially as new runes are introduced. I appreciated how the novel tackles complex, controversial topics—disability, poverty, child marriage, corrupt power—presented in an age-appropriate manner that still resonates with adult readers. It’s a reminder that even in middle-grade fiction, meaningful conversations can be woven seamlessly into the story. Runeless is a powerful story about friendship, identity, and the choices that define us.
Overall, I highly recommend Runeless for middle-grade readers and fans of graphic novels like Amulet or Avatar: The Last Airbender. It’s a compelling adventure that encourages young readers to think critically about justice, power, and what it truly means to change the world.
What truly captivated me was how this story deftly balances action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. The artwork is vibrant and immersive, drawing readers into a richly developed world that feels both fantastical and relatable. The visual storytelling enhances the narrative, making each page a delight to explore.
The characters of Fungai and Ngoni reminded me of Professor X and Magneto from the X-Men series—both driven by a desire to change the world, but with vastly different methods shaped by their experiences. Fungai’s hope and compassion contrast with Ngoni’s more aggressive stance, especially after the allure of the mysterious Vagabond’s offer of runes. This dynamic adds depth to the story, illustrating how circumstances and choices can influence even the closest of friendships.
The backstory involving the ley lines and the origins of the runes is fascinating and opens avenues for future installments. It hints at the immense potential of these powers and the societal implications of their evolution, especially as new runes are introduced. I appreciated how the novel tackles complex, controversial topics—disability, poverty, child marriage, corrupt power—presented in an age-appropriate manner that still resonates with adult readers. It’s a reminder that even in middle-grade fiction, meaningful conversations can be woven seamlessly into the story. Runeless is a powerful story about friendship, identity, and the choices that define us.
Overall, I highly recommend Runeless for middle-grade readers and fans of graphic novels like Amulet or Avatar: The Last Airbender. It’s a compelling adventure that encourages young readers to think critically about justice, power, and what it truly means to change the world.
October 31, 2026
Welcome to the wealthy city of Dura, where the divide between those born with runes and those born without is wide. And this division is reinforced by those in power. Here, two young boys have been cast aside because they were born without runes, and they cling to one another in an effort to survive. Not everyone believes that this division is just, however, and some will go to great lengths to restore balance to the community. But when the line between right and wrong is blurred, the future of everything remains uncertain.
This upper middle grade graphic novel is steeped in African culture and folklore and transports readers to a fictionalized, dystopian landscape that is engaging from the first moments. Fungai and Ngoni are the primary protagonists in the story, and their strong relationship is anchored in their choice to become one another’s family since their own families have abandoned them. As the boys discover more about their world, however, their interactions become more complex, especially because they do not always agree. This gives the book a feel of having a hero and a foil, but readers will not always be in agreement about which character possesses those specific designations. While there is a good amount of dialogue within this graphic novel, much of the story occurs within the visuals in the background, making for a dynamic and visceral design that is best for mature readers who can tolerate some of the darker sides of violence and injustice. Entertaining and thought provoking in its presentation, this book can be enjoyed more than once, and readers will come away with something new each time. Well-designed for readers who appreciate intense fantasy storytelling in a graphic novel format, this is a strong addition to library collections for mature middle grade readers and up.
This upper middle grade graphic novel is steeped in African culture and folklore and transports readers to a fictionalized, dystopian landscape that is engaging from the first moments. Fungai and Ngoni are the primary protagonists in the story, and their strong relationship is anchored in their choice to become one another’s family since their own families have abandoned them. As the boys discover more about their world, however, their interactions become more complex, especially because they do not always agree. This gives the book a feel of having a hero and a foil, but readers will not always be in agreement about which character possesses those specific designations. While there is a good amount of dialogue within this graphic novel, much of the story occurs within the visuals in the background, making for a dynamic and visceral design that is best for mature readers who can tolerate some of the darker sides of violence and injustice. Entertaining and thought provoking in its presentation, this book can be enjoyed more than once, and readers will come away with something new each time. Well-designed for readers who appreciate intense fantasy storytelling in a graphic novel format, this is a strong addition to library collections for mature middle grade readers and up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Runeless follows a group of orphans living in the slums who struggle to make an honest living because they were born without runes, the magical marks that allow ordinary citizens to use magical powers that allow them to contribute to their society in a meaningful way. A handful of people are born without runes, for some unknown reason. The ruling powers offer no support for those without runes, even going so far as to close the orphanage that once provided them with a home.
Left with few options, the children rely on a compassionate priestess who does what she can to help them survive. Eventually, they come to the conclusion that merely surviving isn't enough. When they are presented with an opportunity to change their futures, they each must decide for themselves which path they are willing to take. The story follows the results of those choices as we follow the paths of best friends Ngoni and Fungai, and what they choose to do with the new opportunities presented to them.
The artwork is vibrant and well done, and all of the characters are distinctive and thoughtfully designed. The story tackles themes of poverty, class conflict, and corruption, while still presenting them in a way that should be accessible to young teenage readers.
I enjoyed Runeless, and I think its themes will really resonate with young people who want to improve their circumstances and make the world a better place. It's an engaging story that explores some serious topics, and doesn't shy away from the consequences of those, but also shows that compassion and kindness can lead to a better world for everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an ARC for review.
Left with few options, the children rely on a compassionate priestess who does what she can to help them survive. Eventually, they come to the conclusion that merely surviving isn't enough. When they are presented with an opportunity to change their futures, they each must decide for themselves which path they are willing to take. The story follows the results of those choices as we follow the paths of best friends Ngoni and Fungai, and what they choose to do with the new opportunities presented to them.
The artwork is vibrant and well done, and all of the characters are distinctive and thoughtfully designed. The story tackles themes of poverty, class conflict, and corruption, while still presenting them in a way that should be accessible to young teenage readers.
I enjoyed Runeless, and I think its themes will really resonate with young people who want to improve their circumstances and make the world a better place. It's an engaging story that explores some serious topics, and doesn't shy away from the consequences of those, but also shows that compassion and kindness can lead to a better world for everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an ARC for review.
October 14, 2026
This is a solid 4-star review for me. I really enjoyed the story and could imagine more coming from this world in the form of prequels and sequels. The artwork was refreshing–not too stylized but not simply realistic either. Color matters in this story, emphasizing the world of those with and without runes.
The story itself has a unique premise and clever execution. I love the idea of a world where people can gain powers without it being just another superhero story. The main reason I didn’t give this 5-stars because I wanted more detail into the backstory and how the powers work. The geek in me just wanted more geeky details, and I also had a few encounters where the dialog was confusing, but it wasn’t enough to push me out of the action.
This is ideal for fans of stories from marginalized diaspora, specifically African, and alternative cultural views and experiences. Fans of the supernatural and mysticism, and nature lovers will also appreciate this tale. Plus, the coming-of-age obstacles embed into the magical adventures the main characters are navigating will appeal to readers of various ages.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this graphic novel.
The story itself has a unique premise and clever execution. I love the idea of a world where people can gain powers without it being just another superhero story. The main reason I didn’t give this 5-stars because I wanted more detail into the backstory and how the powers work. The geek in me just wanted more geeky details, and I also had a few encounters where the dialog was confusing, but it wasn’t enough to push me out of the action.
This is ideal for fans of stories from marginalized diaspora, specifically African, and alternative cultural views and experiences. Fans of the supernatural and mysticism, and nature lovers will also appreciate this tale. Plus, the coming-of-age obstacles embed into the magical adventures the main characters are navigating will appeal to readers of various ages.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this graphic novel.
September 26, 2026
Imagine a world where some people are born with runes, the magical ability to manipulate a certain element of nature. Those without runes are therefore second-class citizens. But two runeless boys are unwilling to be stepped on any longer, and though each one goes about it differently, they each seek out justice in their own way.
The metaphor here is not subtle, which leaves plenty of room for interesting conflict and iterations on the theme. Each character believes in justice, but their definitions of "justice" clearly differ, creating some fascinating moments of dialogue. But that's not the only thing this book is doing. It also has a remarkable magic system and some truly appealing illustrations. I admit I was a little confused about the ending and how we defeat a certain priest, and I wish that had been explained better. But overall, this is a thoughtful tale that has appeal both to social justice and to high-impact comic book action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
The metaphor here is not subtle, which leaves plenty of room for interesting conflict and iterations on the theme. Each character believes in justice, but their definitions of "justice" clearly differ, creating some fascinating moments of dialogue. But that's not the only thing this book is doing. It also has a remarkable magic system and some truly appealing illustrations. I admit I was a little confused about the ending and how we defeat a certain priest, and I wish that had been explained better. But overall, this is a thoughtful tale that has appeal both to social justice and to high-impact comic book action.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! The people of this world are divided into those with runes and those without. General wisdom is that no one without runes can gain runes, but Fungai and Ngoni are about to learn that maybe they could have runes. Their choices will have wide ranging consequences for themselves and their people. Tashinga is a guardian of the leyline and thinks she is protecting it and doing good deeds until her eyes are opened to the deception and corruption of her organization. She, too, must make choices about what to do with her power.
This was a real page turner. I wanted to keep learning about these characters and seeing what would happen next. I was reading a black and white advanced reader copy and I’m betting the artwork is much more spectacular in color, but I did love the art and it was clear most of the time what was happening. The storytelling is really good and I’m hoping this gets a sequel.
This was a real page turner. I wanted to keep learning about these characters and seeing what would happen next. I was reading a black and white advanced reader copy and I’m betting the artwork is much more spectacular in color, but I did love the art and it was clear most of the time what was happening. The storytelling is really good and I’m hoping this gets a sequel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Runeless is a striking graphic novel that follows a group of orphaned children as they fight to escape the harsh life they've been handed. The story is deeply rooted in African culture, and that rich cultural foundation gives the world a texture and authenticity that sets it apart. The artwork is genuinely beautiful, with illustrations that pull you into every scene and carry the emotional weight of the story. Just as strong is the storyline itself, which moves with purpose and keeps you invested in these kids' journey from start to finish. Above all, Runeless is a moving tribute to the tenacity of children, and it's a read that stays with you long after the final page.
I would recommend this to my former students as something they would enjoy.
Runeless is a striking graphic novel that follows a group of orphaned children as they fight to escape the harsh life they've been handed. The story is deeply rooted in African culture, and that rich cultural foundation gives the world a texture and authenticity that sets it apart. The artwork is genuinely beautiful, with illustrations that pull you into every scene and carry the emotional weight of the story. Just as strong is the storyline itself, which moves with purpose and keeps you invested in these kids' journey from start to finish. Above all, Runeless is a moving tribute to the tenacity of children, and it's a read that stays with you long after the final page.
I would recommend this to my former students as something they would enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What an amazingly wonderful story. This is African storytelling in a great form. This tells the story of children who were born without runes. Due to their failure to have a rune, they are the dregs of society. The orphans are unhoused and living on the streets with nothing to eat. They want to make the world better for themselves and for their friends, but how can one do that without runes. This was a deep and emotional story. Looking at poverty and changing, not only your means of being in and out of poverty, but also the means of changing society so it’s better for everyone. The artwork is fantastic and I think middle graders are really going to enjoy the story and see something in the world they see today and want to make change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read such a great story!
“The world doesn’t change without people bold enough to change it.”
That quote completely sums up the story. Runeless is beautiful not only in its artwork but the incredible story of how working together to create a better world can happen when you see the world as being together instead of separate.
I only hope this adventure will continue! I recommend this to those who love when friends come together to seek justice and bring people together.
“The world doesn’t change without people bold enough to change it.”
That quote completely sums up the story. Runeless is beautiful not only in its artwork but the incredible story of how working together to create a better world can happen when you see the world as being together instead of separate.
I only hope this adventure will continue! I recommend this to those who love when friends come together to seek justice and bring people together.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Runeless was a really interesting take on pre-colonial Zimbabwe, and systems of oppression. I really liked how the story made those heavier ideas easy for younger readers understand without oversimplifying them.
The artwork was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the magic system and the way runes were woven into the world. I kind of wish we had gotten a little more background on the runes themselves. The different types, where they came from, and how the system developed would have been cool to know but I also understand that that wasn’t really the point of the story. I know that there’s only so much world-building you can fit into a graphic novel.
Overall, this was a visually beautiful and thoughtful fantasy that uses its world and magic to explore oppression in a way that feels approachable for kids and teens. Definitely worth the read.
The artwork was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the magic system and the way runes were woven into the world. I kind of wish we had gotten a little more background on the runes themselves. The different types, where they came from, and how the system developed would have been cool to know but I also understand that that wasn’t really the point of the story. I know that there’s only so much world-building you can fit into a graphic novel.
Overall, this was a visually beautiful and thoughtful fantasy that uses its world and magic to explore oppression in a way that feels approachable for kids and teens. Definitely worth the read.
October 12, 2026
This is a stunning graphic novel, of three friends who most wouldn’t expect to work. Yet when they all are challenged in their beliefs they all have to find a new path forward in a world that doesn’t really accept any of them for who they are becoming. I was blown away by the story and the art work and I think that this is truly a graphic novel series to watch out for. I think that other readers are truly going to enjoy it, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for me to review!
This has some lovely art and a nicely organized magic system that could've spawned a whole series - it does seem a little rushed at the end but you KNOW it would make a dope-ass movie. Stellar character design, the artist did an excellent job having each character be unique in ways that complemented the storytelling.
This has some lovely art and a nicely organized magic system that could've spawned a whole series - it does seem a little rushed at the end but you KNOW it would make a dope-ass movie. Stellar character design, the artist did an excellent job having each character be unique in ways that complemented the storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for me to review!
I landed on a 3.25⭐'s.
The art work is beautiful. Parts are so well realized. The magic system for the most part makes sense and easy to follow. I just had a hard time staying focus. My mind wonder a lot which is odd with the medium. Equaling this is just okay for me. I would recommend because I think in the right hands it could be amazing.
I landed on a 3.25⭐'s.
The art work is beautiful. Parts are so well realized. The magic system for the most part makes sense and easy to follow. I just had a hard time staying focus. My mind wonder a lot which is odd with the medium. Equaling this is just okay for me. I would recommend because I think in the right hands it could be amazing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Great art (nice use of colours), an interesting magic system and an easy-to-understand story about greed and the pursuit of power. The ending felt rushed, and the pacing was really fast overall, but since it is aiming for middle-school kids, I understand the choice. I think this is a great story for that age group.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a solid start to a series! The worldbuilding is compelling, the drama fascinating, and the artstyle lends itself well to the story. This will be certainly be popular with fans of the Avater: The Last Airbender and Amulet graphic novels.
What a solid start to a series! The worldbuilding is compelling, the drama fascinating, and the artstyle lends itself well to the story. This will be certainly be popular with fans of the Avater: The Last Airbender and Amulet graphic novels.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A solid middle grade comic. It's set in an African world where most people have rune magic and those that don't are treated with contempt. So we've got these two runeless friends struggling to survive. They wind up on opposite sides about how those without runes should be treated. The royal family inserts their two cents as well. Not bad.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Beautiful art and beautiful message in this book. An emotional story about the issues of human nature that we still deal with today. Watching the characters develop throughout the events of the story was moving. I hope we can learn kindness and acceptance from this and make the world a better place. Definitely worth reading!
Read
October 23, 2026I enjoyed this graphic novel. I like how the story comes full circle: the runes began with good intentions, but people eventually twisted their use for personal gain. Over time, others began to recognize the errors of their ways and set out to do good. I also like how the ending leaves room for a second story. I hope we’ll see more from this creator!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Hierarchy, greed, pursuit of power, the young being the guiding light, non of it felt new or fresh. But for young readers this will be a nice read. Though like most comics the ending was rushed and felt somewhat convoluted.
July 17, 2026
Thank you Disney Publishing Worldwide, Kugali Ink, and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. I enjoyed this story full of magic, adventure, and beautiful, detailed art with a vivid palette. Suitable for a middle grade reader, it is a quick, enjoyable read.
September 20, 2026
Review of Advanced copy by NetGalley
4 ⭐️
This middle grade graphic novel follows two orphan boys born runeless,struggling to survive.
The artwork is vivid and beautifully done!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
4 ⭐️
This middle grade graphic novel follows two orphan boys born runeless,struggling to survive.
The artwork is vivid and beautifully done!
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Strengths: Beautiful artwork, original worldbuilding, great character design
Flaws: Preachy, slow action
If you don't like preachiness, you could get bored. However, I can't help but adore the artwork and amazing world that isn't like anything I've seen before.
Flaws: Preachy, slow action
If you don't like preachiness, you could get bored. However, I can't help but adore the artwork and amazing world that isn't like anything I've seen before.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
The illustration and narrative styles were both more like comic books than graphic novels. Interesting, but not really the sort of book my students pick up.
The illustration and narrative styles were both more like comic books than graphic novels. Interesting, but not really the sort of book my students pick up.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This graphic novel is packed with a great story line, great characters, great illustrations, and fast-paced action. Thanks to the publisher and edelweiss for an advance reviewer copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
there is a lot to chew on here. This is a packed story but it doesn't feel rushed. The world and magic system are fascinating and if the author wanted to write more I would gladly read it.
Review of advance copy
The illustrations in this story are beautiful. I also do love the concept but I felt lost in the story- I needed more worldbuilding embedded.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Runeless brings us to a world of disparity, and manufactured hierarchy. On one side, seemingly blessed with power by the Leyline, are those with Runes. On the other, banished to scarcity and the slums, are those born without - the Runeless.
The story explores how manufactured scarcity can lead to resistance in different forms. For some, this results in radicalization and violence; for others, in deeper compassion and a goal of change.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc.
The story explores how manufactured scarcity can lead to resistance in different forms. For some, this results in radicalization and violence; for others, in deeper compassion and a goal of change.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews