What do you think?
Rate this book
Colossal (Volume 1): A Graphic Novel
Love, humor, and powerlifting collide in Colossal, a massively successful international Webtoon now presented in print, about a young aristocrat who’s about to discover that the heart may be the strongest muscle of all!
Jade, a young French noblewoman, has a problem. Her parents expect her to marry a rich prince to save their dwindling family fortune. But Jade doesn’t want to fall in line or in love—all she wants to do is pump iron and get. Those. Gains!
Jade’s obsession with powerlifting and getting strong is at odds with the image of a delicate flower that society expects from her. When—in a fit of rage—she sends a fellow high-society teen, obnoxious pretty boy Nathaniel, flying through a buffet table during a ball, it looks like Jade’s secret may be out! But before a scandal erupts, the quick-thinking teen comes up with a brilliant Love made her do it!
Now, Jade finds herself in a dizzying courtship dance between spoiled Nathaniel; Alexander, a stable hand she wants to get lifting tips from; Eloise, a mean girl hiding a soft heart; and Simon, Nathaniel’s insufferable best friend. Can Jade keep her secret and learn that that strength isn’t only measured by how much one can deadlift?
Silly, heartfelt, and full of surprises, Colossal is a young adult rom-com graphic novel with a shojo manga twist perfect for readers who loved Cursed Princess Club, Heartstopper, and True Beauty.
Jade, a young French noblewoman, has a problem. Her parents expect her to marry a rich prince to save their dwindling family fortune. But Jade doesn’t want to fall in line or in love—all she wants to do is pump iron and get. Those. Gains!
Jade’s obsession with powerlifting and getting strong is at odds with the image of a delicate flower that society expects from her. When—in a fit of rage—she sends a fellow high-society teen, obnoxious pretty boy Nathaniel, flying through a buffet table during a ball, it looks like Jade’s secret may be out! But before a scandal erupts, the quick-thinking teen comes up with a brilliant Love made her do it!
Now, Jade finds herself in a dizzying courtship dance between spoiled Nathaniel; Alexander, a stable hand she wants to get lifting tips from; Eloise, a mean girl hiding a soft heart; and Simon, Nathaniel’s insufferable best friend. Can Jade keep her secret and learn that that strength isn’t only measured by how much one can deadlift?
Silly, heartfelt, and full of surprises, Colossal is a young adult rom-com graphic novel with a shojo manga twist perfect for readers who loved Cursed Princess Club, Heartstopper, and True Beauty.
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 26, 2026
I picked this up because I love little stand alone graphic novels, and most webcomics turned physical. I also picked this up because I love power lifting. I don't know what I thought this would be but it felt very disjointed, and her being strong and loving lifting felt forced. I don't know...I just feel disappointed because of how flat this fell for me. I wanted to love it, but I was bored to tears.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.
Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc.
![Profile Image for ⊹ . 𐙚 ˚clairebear ⋆˚꩜｡ [hiatus!].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1787886464i/180472284._UY200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
Read
August 14, 2026every new character they introduced couldve easily been a love interest, but the main one wasnt even hot :/
takeaway: BUFF GIRLS ARE GORGEOUS
takeaway: BUFF GIRLS ARE GORGEOUS
August 23, 2026
2.5 stars. The first of a five-part shōjo series, Colossal started as a webtoon and is finally making its way into print. I liked some of it, but overall it felt a bit disjointed and everywhere all at once. Some of the mechanics seemed slightly off to me, like it could have used another round of editing.
It’s set in this Austen-esque world of high-society France that I think is modern day…?? I was never entirely sure. It might also help to have some understanding of stag/boar hunting and riding—whatever the proper name for that sport is—because I certainly do not.
I especially liked the cute little emotive faces of Jade dropped into scenes here and there, like when she’s opening a jar of pickles. I understand that’s very much part of the shōjo visual language. I find those elements clever and funny.
And while I’m no manga expert, I thought the art was quite energetic with some interesting visual elements I haven’t typically seen in mainstream manga. There’s a lot here that I liked individually. I just wish it had all come together a little better. (Maybe the next four volumes will get it there!)
There’s a lot here that I liked individually. I just wish it had all come together a little better.
It’s set in this Austen-esque world of high-society France that I think is modern day…?? I was never entirely sure. It might also help to have some understanding of stag/boar hunting and riding—whatever the proper name for that sport is—because I certainly do not.
I especially liked the cute little emotive faces of Jade dropped into scenes here and there, like when she’s opening a jar of pickles. I understand that’s very much part of the shōjo visual language. I find those elements clever and funny.
And while I’m no manga expert, I thought the art was quite energetic with some interesting visual elements I haven’t typically seen in mainstream manga. There’s a lot here that I liked individually. I just wish it had all come together a little better. (Maybe the next four volumes will get it there!)
There’s a lot here that I liked individually. I just wish it had all come together a little better.
June 21, 2026
it feels like cheating to give this book five stars but I just loved it. i laughed my way through this & loved the art. they got me from the very blurb. debutante who just wants to lift weights & pump iron? say less. I’m having a very French month too & it was all very fitting I’m gonna try to read the next volume in the original French if i can find it this was so fun
July 17, 2026
This was kinda fun little story. It was an interesting take on the upper class. Kinda curious about what will happen in book 2 but I don’t know if I’ll read it.
July 22, 2026
Very fun read. Loved the story. Hopefully there will be more parts to it, I know there’s multiple parts in another language so fingers crossed it gets translated!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Good for what it's attempting to be. I would have preferred a storyline going in a different direction, but the characters were all interesting, and I liked the diversity in body types, especially among Jade's gym friends.
I received a free copy for review
I received a free copy for review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you netgalley for an ARC of this work in exchange for an honest review.
Colossal is the first volume of a graphic novel about a young aristocrat whose mother is pushing her to find a husband to save them from destitution. I wanted to give this volume the benefit of the doubt as this is a volume 1 and a number of plots were started, but we didn't get any conclusion or much more then the start of a number of storylines. Even so, what was introduced seemed extremely disjointed, ideas and plot hooks kept being rapidly introduced and then immediately dropped, and it ended with only a vague idea of what readers may expect with the next volume.
The art was cute. It used a number of the over the top anime style emotes and exaggerations, which kept the tone lighthearted and humorous. There were a number of spot illustrations that were really well done and showed the artist's skill, however my main critiques are with the overuse of plain white backgrounds and the muscles. Since most of the pages had a massive lack of backgrounds it often took me a few pages to understand where any scene was taking place, and I think adding in at least a few could have added to the old and new money aspects of the story. There were admittedly some lovely illustrations done that really showed of the body building and musculature of the buff characters. My issue is then this highlighted all of the pages where the main character Jade looks just as waifish as everyone else.
I have a number of critiques with both the story and art, but I wouldn't write off either creator as there are flashes of a funny cute story in this that may just not be apparent as this is a volume 1.
Colossal is the first volume of a graphic novel about a young aristocrat whose mother is pushing her to find a husband to save them from destitution. I wanted to give this volume the benefit of the doubt as this is a volume 1 and a number of plots were started, but we didn't get any conclusion or much more then the start of a number of storylines. Even so, what was introduced seemed extremely disjointed, ideas and plot hooks kept being rapidly introduced and then immediately dropped, and it ended with only a vague idea of what readers may expect with the next volume.
The art was cute. It used a number of the over the top anime style emotes and exaggerations, which kept the tone lighthearted and humorous. There were a number of spot illustrations that were really well done and showed the artist's skill, however my main critiques are with the overuse of plain white backgrounds and the muscles. Since most of the pages had a massive lack of backgrounds it often took me a few pages to understand where any scene was taking place, and I think adding in at least a few could have added to the old and new money aspects of the story. There were admittedly some lovely illustrations done that really showed of the body building and musculature of the buff characters. My issue is then this highlighted all of the pages where the main character Jade looks just as waifish as everyone else.
I have a number of critiques with both the story and art, but I wouldn't write off either creator as there are flashes of a funny cute story in this that may just not be apparent as this is a volume 1.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Colossal is a translated graphic series that follows young aristocrat Jade as she pursues her dream of getting swole.
Colossal has a lot of potential, but it has some choices to make in volume two. Jade's story feels disjointed. Benefit of the doubt, this may be a bad translation, but at the end of the day, the story lines feel unconnected.
Jade is the daughter of a broke aristocrat who needs her to marry someone from the upper crust of society. Which feels like a modern Bridgerton. But her hiding her exercise regimen and muscle goals doesn't match the modern vibe. We could have both. Her needing to be the perfect daughter while also hiding her broad and muscly figure like in the first few pages.
I've read plenty of webtoons that include B, C, and D plots. I can adapt to her working with a mean girl, liking a handsome guy, hiding from an admirer, and being stalked by an admirer's friend, but there is no why or reason to any of these. Jade has no real past and no real motivation.
Her aunt's storyline could be a great inspiration, but it needs more depth. Like, why does her aunt mean so much? Why does she even care about her mom? Why does she feel like she has to hide her muscles? No answer.
Book two has some information to solidify, and I'm open to reading it.
Colossal has a lot of potential, but it has some choices to make in volume two. Jade's story feels disjointed. Benefit of the doubt, this may be a bad translation, but at the end of the day, the story lines feel unconnected.
Jade is the daughter of a broke aristocrat who needs her to marry someone from the upper crust of society. Which feels like a modern Bridgerton. But her hiding her exercise regimen and muscle goals doesn't match the modern vibe. We could have both. Her needing to be the perfect daughter while also hiding her broad and muscly figure like in the first few pages.
I've read plenty of webtoons that include B, C, and D plots. I can adapt to her working with a mean girl, liking a handsome guy, hiding from an admirer, and being stalked by an admirer's friend, but there is no why or reason to any of these. Jade has no real past and no real motivation.
Her aunt's storyline could be a great inspiration, but it needs more depth. Like, why does her aunt mean so much? Why does she even care about her mom? Why does she feel like she has to hide her muscles? No answer.
Book two has some information to solidify, and I'm open to reading it.
July 19, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Abrams Fanfare for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love graphic novels as a medium because I’m a very visual person. I also appreciate the medium because I had a kid who was a reluctant reader because of a learning disability. Graphic novels open the doors for those who might not normally read, and Colossal is the sort of novel that can reach more people because of it’s accessibility.
The novel focuses on physical autonomy as well as a private pursuit of strength butting against the social role of saving a family’s socioeconomic status. A young aristocratic teen named Jade has a mother who keeps pushing her to marry because they are financially destitute. All Jade wants to do is power lift and build up her strength; she is private about this, though, and tries to wear clothing that masks her buff arms.
Since I read that this graphic novel started as a series of webtoons, I could tell where episodes ended and a new one began. I thought more could have been done with the transitions, because I thought it was kind of choppy. I did like the artwork for the most part. I’m not an expert, but some of the backgrounds were plain white, which seemed like a missed opportunity to be more, you know, graphic?
Overall, a good story that I’d recommend.
I love graphic novels as a medium because I’m a very visual person. I also appreciate the medium because I had a kid who was a reluctant reader because of a learning disability. Graphic novels open the doors for those who might not normally read, and Colossal is the sort of novel that can reach more people because of it’s accessibility.
The novel focuses on physical autonomy as well as a private pursuit of strength butting against the social role of saving a family’s socioeconomic status. A young aristocratic teen named Jade has a mother who keeps pushing her to marry because they are financially destitute. All Jade wants to do is power lift and build up her strength; she is private about this, though, and tries to wear clothing that masks her buff arms.
Since I read that this graphic novel started as a series of webtoons, I could tell where episodes ended and a new one began. I thought more could have been done with the transitions, because I thought it was kind of choppy. I did like the artwork for the most part. I’m not an expert, but some of the backgrounds were plain white, which seemed like a missed opportunity to be more, you know, graphic?
Overall, a good story that I’d recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jade Galbaud du Fort is being pressured by her mother to marry a man of wealth and class before their mansion falls into ruin, but all Jade really wants to do is go to the gym and pump iron.
So Jane covers her bulging biceps and tries to remember some basics of etiquette -- such as, no lifting and tossing your puny little dance partner -- and practices her horseback riding for the stag hunt. But all she can really think about is how her frenemy's stablehand got such massive guns. What's his workout routine?
I believe it is all meant to be amusing, but I found the sitcom antics and soap opera dramatics rather listless. The art lacks zing, and the script seems a bit scattered and episodic, with seemingly important supporting characters dropping out of sight while a new batch is suddenly introduced.
I'm not ruling out reading the second volume, but I'm having trouble working up enthusiasm for it.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Portions of this work originally appeared on webtoons.com.
Contents: Episodes 1-20
So Jane covers her bulging biceps and tries to remember some basics of etiquette -- such as, no lifting and tossing your puny little dance partner -- and practices her horseback riding for the stag hunt. But all she can really think about is how her frenemy's stablehand got such massive guns. What's his workout routine?
I believe it is all meant to be amusing, but I found the sitcom antics and soap opera dramatics rather listless. The art lacks zing, and the script seems a bit scattered and episodic, with seemingly important supporting characters dropping out of sight while a new batch is suddenly introduced.
I'm not ruling out reading the second volume, but I'm having trouble working up enthusiasm for it.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Portions of this work originally appeared on webtoons.com.
Contents: Episodes 1-20
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oof, webtoons to graphic novels transitions always struggle to make the landing. And here is no different. Say hello to awkward transitions, weird drops in the plot, characters who goes missing, characters who get randomly introduced, and obvious signs that author is still figuring where to take this.
It's unfortunate because the opener was pretty interesting, having someone from an aristocrat background struggle to help the family while feeling comfortable in her own skin as a weight-trainer. But alas, the comic doesn't really know where to take that.
I see it definitely fitting better in its original webtoon form, with probably weekly updates to entertain readers and have the benefit of breathing room to be more episodic with purpose.
Because, here...only the cover is the good thing about it.
It's unfortunate because the opener was pretty interesting, having someone from an aristocrat background struggle to help the family while feeling comfortable in her own skin as a weight-trainer. But alas, the comic doesn't really know where to take that.
I see it definitely fitting better in its original webtoon form, with probably weekly updates to entertain readers and have the benefit of breathing room to be more episodic with purpose.
Because, here...only the cover is the good thing about it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At this point you should know that in a WebToon and graphic novel fanatic. I seem to constantly be getting attached and finding new books and series to read that were originally WebToons more than ever before. That’s how I found Colossal.
It has a really interesting storyline that I haven’t read before. I’ve read books where the MC is into bodybuilding even though it’s frowned upon by her family, but never one where the family is from the bourgeoise (unfortunately penniless atm) and are trying to find her a rich man to be married off to. That seems like it could be taken in a lot of different directions that I’d love to see.
Currently, I couldn’t tell you where it wants to go. Which I guess could be a good thing, so I’ll be surprised with any outcome. So I’ll be waiting for volume two to find out how it continues……
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this eARC.
It has a really interesting storyline that I haven’t read before. I’ve read books where the MC is into bodybuilding even though it’s frowned upon by her family, but never one where the family is from the bourgeoise (unfortunately penniless atm) and are trying to find her a rich man to be married off to. That seems like it could be taken in a lot of different directions that I’d love to see.
Currently, I couldn’t tell you where it wants to go. Which I guess could be a good thing, so I’ll be surprised with any outcome. So I’ll be waiting for volume two to find out how it continues……
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars*
Art style: 4 stars!
I love this bright and colorful style. It was emotive and I laughed out loud at some of the expressions. However, I felt like the art could have been used in ways to help show transitions, past povs, and strong feelings.
Story: 3 stars!
This was cute, but I was a little confused about where the story was going? I know that there will be multiple volumes, but it is always nice when each volume has its own story and has some things come full circle. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case with this volume, and I was left feeling confused with the purpose of this story. Is she trying to learn humility? Confidence? Is the story about her family gaining money back, or is it about her breaking out of this "royal" hierarchy? Some of the transitions between moments also felt a little jarring. I felt like some art or backstory could have helped in certain time jumps to help the reader have a smoother reading experience.
Art style: 4 stars!
I love this bright and colorful style. It was emotive and I laughed out loud at some of the expressions. However, I felt like the art could have been used in ways to help show transitions, past povs, and strong feelings.
Story: 3 stars!
This was cute, but I was a little confused about where the story was going? I know that there will be multiple volumes, but it is always nice when each volume has its own story and has some things come full circle. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case with this volume, and I was left feeling confused with the purpose of this story. Is she trying to learn humility? Confidence? Is the story about her family gaining money back, or is it about her breaking out of this "royal" hierarchy? Some of the transitions between moments also felt a little jarring. I felt like some art or backstory could have helped in certain time jumps to help the reader have a smoother reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It’s all about that weightlifting for young aristocratic Jade, who also wants to keep it a secret from her peers and the French high society. While her parents want her to marry to build up their family fortune, Jade prefers getting strong through powerlifting. However, at one ball, she accidentally sends a potential suitor flying through the air at the buffet table, revealing that she’s no delicate flower. As she tries to keep her passion for exercise a secret, drama and flirting come around the corner, full force. Will courtships and love be able to mix with muscles and strength, all for a young woman who tries to be herself?
Not quite what I thought when reading this first volume of Colossal. This graphic novel, sadly, didn’t quite grasp me as much as I wanted. The plot is interesting: a young woman who loves building strength but has to be in the world of courtship. Some of the characters, like Eloise and Nathaniel, bored me with their un-witty dialogue. Overall, not something I may continue with down the road.
It’s all about that weightlifting for young aristocratic Jade, who also wants to keep it a secret from her peers and the French high society. While her parents want her to marry to build up their family fortune, Jade prefers getting strong through powerlifting. However, at one ball, she accidentally sends a potential suitor flying through the air at the buffet table, revealing that she’s no delicate flower. As she tries to keep her passion for exercise a secret, drama and flirting come around the corner, full force. Will courtships and love be able to mix with muscles and strength, all for a young woman who tries to be herself?
Not quite what I thought when reading this first volume of Colossal. This graphic novel, sadly, didn’t quite grasp me as much as I wanted. The plot is interesting: a young woman who loves building strength but has to be in the world of courtship. Some of the characters, like Eloise and Nathaniel, bored me with their un-witty dialogue. Overall, not something I may continue with down the road.
May 18, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for the ARC.
I really loved the art style and the premise of the plot. I picked this up as a girl who loves lift weights, but this story fell a little short of my expectations. I feel like by time I got into the story, it was already 70% in and just about over! The story was just a little all over the place in setting up the idea that Jade was strong, but had to hide it. There was not enough mention of the courtship or like showing what that meant other than she has to get married. I also loved the side characters at the gym, like that was so well done - and about there is when the story made a turning point for me.
The art and the characters were beautifully done and I think maybe some of the translations made it a bit difficult! I still might read VOL 2, to see if anything happens between Jade and Alexander.
I really loved the art style and the premise of the plot. I picked this up as a girl who loves lift weights, but this story fell a little short of my expectations. I feel like by time I got into the story, it was already 70% in and just about over! The story was just a little all over the place in setting up the idea that Jade was strong, but had to hide it. There was not enough mention of the courtship or like showing what that meant other than she has to get married. I also loved the side characters at the gym, like that was so well done - and about there is when the story made a turning point for me.
The art and the characters were beautifully done and I think maybe some of the translations made it a bit difficult! I still might read VOL 2, to see if anything happens between Jade and Alexander.
August 24, 2026
This story was messy. I liked the artwork, the novel is pleasant to the eye most of the time, but the story itself is... empty? I mean, there is a girl and she needs to get married to a rich man so that her family and her family business can be saved. She has multiple possible suitors, but they are all... meh. The plot is all over the place, we get to know a lot of people, but it doesn't go anywhere (in all fairness, that is probably because this is the first book, but still) and the things that happen are mostly meaningless and highly childish. I really thought I would love this, I even saved it for later and read other graphic novel that I found on Storytel before this, but it turned out to be a let down for me, sadly.
July 20, 2026
This was nothing like I expected it to be, and it ended up being a breath of fresh air. It puts a fun new spin on stories about high society, complete with balls, elegant dresses, and all the expectations that come with that world.
The main character comes from a wealthy family that is quietly going broke. While her mother is determined to marry her off to a rich young man, she’s much more interested in fitness and musicals than finding a husband. As people begin to catch on to her secret, things start to get very interesting.
The story is unique, and the art really brings it to life. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
The main character comes from a wealthy family that is quietly going broke. While her mother is determined to marry her off to a rich young man, she’s much more interested in fitness and musicals than finding a husband. As people begin to catch on to her secret, things start to get very interesting.
The story is unique, and the art really brings it to life. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Abrams Kids for an arc. All opinions are my own.
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre: Graphic Novel
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
This is very cute and whimsical! The art is absolutely adorable, and I think the message is very nice and uplifting. Really the only thing that I didn't love was that sometimes it felt like we were in the modern world, and sometimes it felt more historical. But I know this is French, so maybe this is an American moment and rich French people are just like that.
Anyways, my favorite character is Simon and I am really obsessed with him.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or supporting characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Genre: Graphic Novel
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
This is very cute and whimsical! The art is absolutely adorable, and I think the message is very nice and uplifting. Really the only thing that I didn't love was that sometimes it felt like we were in the modern world, and sometimes it felt more historical. But I know this is French, so maybe this is an American moment and rich French people are just like that.
Anyways, my favorite character is Simon and I am really obsessed with him.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or supporting characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Colossal was cute, and I like the positive messages about societal pressure and struggle to be true to yourself. The character designs are fun and unique, and fleshed out well for a short graphic novel, especially given how many smaller characters there are like Jade's friends. The storytelling was a bit clunky and choppy, some story beats ended abruptly and many of the character interactions felt unintentionally... weird and unrealistic. In general the plot felt disjointed and Jade's motivations are all over the place.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed the artwork and overall story. Some things in the world were confusing. For instance, the time period was uncertain and some story elements seemed unrelated. I loved the characters and the horse facts. The characters were well fleshed out. The gym crew and makeover scenes were very fun. You might like this if you like a little fourth wall breaking, well fleshed out characters, and a sense of humor with hints of romance.
I will be posting a video review of this book on my TikTok as well @simonsayshellooo
Thank you Netgalley for providing this book! The opinions are my own.
I will be posting a video review of this book on my TikTok as well @simonsayshellooo
Thank you Netgalley for providing this book! The opinions are my own.
May 24, 2026
I mostly just felt like this world was kind of confusing, which made some moments jarring. It’s going for the societal social structure of Bridgerton but is still set in contemporary times, with modern technology and the occasional pop culture reference. I’m sure there are rich people who actually live their lives like this but it just felt kinda hard to reconcile, especially with such modern concepts existing in a story that hinges on a girl enjoying working out being a completely foreign concept to those around her.
June 21, 2026
I would like to than ABRAMS Kids and NetGalley for a free eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.
Where this left off was DIABOLICAL. And I loved every bit of it. I devoured this story and couldn't get enough. What I loved most about this pretty basic story of a strong girl dealing with societal rejection, is that there are no real bad guys (or honestly good guys) everyone is flawed in many ways and these kids are just figuring out how to move forward. I enjoyed every character, they all felt fully formed. I can't wait to keep reading.
Where this left off was DIABOLICAL. And I loved every bit of it. I devoured this story and couldn't get enough. What I loved most about this pretty basic story of a strong girl dealing with societal rejection, is that there are no real bad guys (or honestly good guys) everyone is flawed in many ways and these kids are just figuring out how to move forward. I enjoyed every character, they all felt fully formed. I can't wait to keep reading.
July 18, 2026
Colossal follows X as she reconciles with her mom's expectation for her to find a partner and her own interest in training to become stronger through weightlifting. I haven't seen much youth literature on this topic so it's great to have this representation. I found myself a little confused by the time period and some transitions weren't very smooth. Someone who relates more to the story could overlook these. The illustrations are colorful and expressive, and side characters are visually diverse. / thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
June 18, 2026
This series has a lot of gags so it's a light and at times funny read, but it's high on stereotyping characters and feels a bit disjointed as we move from one plot point to another. I particularly like Alex as a character, but no one else really stood out. I'm probably not going to read more of this series, but I'd recommend it to people who enjoy books about women trying to break from societal expectations.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for the arc copy for my honest review.
Colossal is a YA graphic novel. Jane's parents wants her to marry a rich prince but all she wants to do is lift weights. She ends up lifting up a man during a dance and now her parents are mad he was flung across the room. Will Jane be able to keep her lifting a secret or will she come clean?
It was an easy read for a rainy day.
Colossal is a YA graphic novel. Jane's parents wants her to marry a rich prince but all she wants to do is lift weights. She ends up lifting up a man during a dance and now her parents are mad he was flung across the room. Will Jane be able to keep her lifting a secret or will she come clean?
It was an easy read for a rainy day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Colossal had a sprinkle of romance, a sprinkle of self confidence, and heap of silly. This was a fun and low stake story with a fast paced timeline and an ending that keeps you wanting more! Anyone can enjoy Colossal's lighthearted and fun art and energy!
Thank you NetGalley and Abrams for the ARC of this graphic novel!
Thank you NetGalley and Abrams for the ARC of this graphic novel!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun story of young modern nobles navigating life. Our protagonist wishes to be stronger and becoming so leads to some external pressures of fitting in with her noble lifestyle while keeping her fitness goals a secret. I am intrigued to see what the next volume offers. 3.5 stars
Thank you Netgalley and Abrams Fanfare for the eARC
Thank you Netgalley and Abrams Fanfare for the eARC
May 22, 2026
This started as a webcomic, and it shows. There's a ton of storylines that get rapidly cycled through without fully developing, not to mention settling, any of them. That doesn't mean it isn't a fun read, but it probably could have used some serious restructuring when switching to a graphic novel format.
June 8, 2026
Actual rating: 2.5 stars, rounded down
Love the art! But a bit disjointed with awkwardly abrupt scene changes, which I sometimes had to re-read when the next page suddenly jumped forward. Jade's "deep" emotional reasoning for being so into working out honestly doesn't make sense to me. I really enjoyed the artwork a lot, and despite some storyline flaws I'm still curious to see how the story progresses in future volumes.
Love the art! But a bit disjointed with awkwardly abrupt scene changes, which I sometimes had to re-read when the next page suddenly jumped forward. Jade's "deep" emotional reasoning for being so into working out honestly doesn't make sense to me. I really enjoyed the artwork a lot, and despite some storyline flaws I'm still curious to see how the story progresses in future volumes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews