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LYNX, Vol. 1
Not yet published
Expected 11 Aug 26What remains after the end of the world? For the last of humanity in a world of perpetual winter, the only way to survive is to adapt—but for Lynx Takuma, the past cannot be so easily left behind.
224 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 11, 2026
About the author
Samuel Sattin
30 books118 followersSamuel Sattin is an American writer. His books include the multi-volume Unico series for Scholastic Graphix, Buzzing, Side Quest, The Silent End, and (as co-author) both A Kids Guide to Anime and Manga and The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces. He has also adapted the Academy Award-nominated films WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells to the graphic novel format. He graduated with an MFA in comics from the California College of the Arts and works as a studio writer for Schulz Creative Associates, aka Snoopy Central. Samuel resides with his wife in Northern California, and travels frequently to Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 8, 2026
This manga deals with a female police detective, named Linx, and her genetically modified cat partner. In an alternate future class distinctions are even more evident.
While investigating a crime Linx seems to see an angel who escapes her attempt to capture it. Murdered victims begin to appear with feathers somehow planted in their brains.
This is the first book in a series.
While investigating a crime Linx seems to see an angel who escapes her attempt to capture it. Murdered victims begin to appear with feathers somehow planted in their brains.
This is the first book in a series.
March 22, 2026
Really enjoyed this! Great concept, interesting characters and the end left me immediately wanting the next installment!
March 4, 2026
A hard boiled lesbian detective with a talking cat companion who can see angelic horrors? It would be hard to convince me NOT to enjoy that.
This first volume introduces us to a cold, dystopian future where augmented humans serve in law enforcement—as a punishment? Perhaps. That’s a little unclear. It doesn’t seem like anyone who’s had enhancements done is happy or living their best life.
Lynx, for example, is still deeply grief-stricken from the loss of her wife. It would seem to have been unexpected. Further, Lynx appears to be walking on thin ice at work—no doubt due to lingering grief and some falling out that may have happened between her and Valo management. There’s also the child that Lynx and her wife adopted (maybe) who’s grappling with their own grief.
So, there’s a lot going on.
Admittedly, I think some of the finer details are a bit muddy—you’ll notice I was making a lot of assumptions and filling in the blanks on my own. But, it’s also the first volume. I imagine more will be revealed.
Anyway.
I would add this to your TBR. It seems interesting so far~
[I work at a library and they got a comp copy of this first volume which is how I was able to review it. No one else on the staff really reads manga~)
This first volume introduces us to a cold, dystopian future where augmented humans serve in law enforcement—as a punishment? Perhaps. That’s a little unclear. It doesn’t seem like anyone who’s had enhancements done is happy or living their best life.
Lynx, for example, is still deeply grief-stricken from the loss of her wife. It would seem to have been unexpected. Further, Lynx appears to be walking on thin ice at work—no doubt due to lingering grief and some falling out that may have happened between her and Valo management. There’s also the child that Lynx and her wife adopted (maybe) who’s grappling with their own grief.
So, there’s a lot going on.
Admittedly, I think some of the finer details are a bit muddy—you’ll notice I was making a lot of assumptions and filling in the blanks on my own. But, it’s also the first volume. I imagine more will be revealed.
Anyway.
I would add this to your TBR. It seems interesting so far~
[I work at a library and they got a comp copy of this first volume which is how I was able to review it. No one else on the staff really reads manga~)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My Selling Pitch:
Cyberpunk noir
Pre-reading:
Love a dystopian. That cover is beautiful.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Nerdy cat!
Dystopian noir? I'm down.
Why they all kinda hot tho?
Def thought Lynx was a man not a woman. Whoopsies.
I like Task.
I can't tell what her powers are from the panels. They're too busy and unclear. I don't know what forder means
Oh was she dating his mom maybe? Simone and that's what she was saying in the alley
These action sequences are really unclear.
Task better not die. I like him
These action sequences are pissing me off though. I can't tell what's happening in them.
He looks more like Baymax or the Michelin Man than beef jerky. I don't get it
Ohhh, Baymax was red. I’d go Clifford before beef jerky but that's just me.
But I want more!
Post-reading:
I’m so intrigued! Something about a moody cop drama just does it for me. The characters are spins on familiar archetypes. It’s a little cliche, but in a satisfying way. Some of the narrative is a little chill out, edgelord, but the rest is a pretty intriguing mystery. This volume doesn't offer up much in the way of answers. It throws you into the dystopian world and expects you to pick up the vocab as you go. It's not gonna stop the story to define something for you. I know this can frustrate a lot of readers, but I'm willing to go with it as long as it’s answered eventually. I think the book mixes in a good bit of humor which is an easy shortcut to endear a character to me, so the stakes feel real when they're in danger.
My biggest complaint is with the art funnily enough. The regular panels are very pretty, but the action panels are almost abusive. They're so unclear that it makes the narrative almost indecipherable. I skimmed the action constantly because I couldn't tell what was happening during the fights. There’s too much heavy black ink and too many directional lines of motion when the rest of the art is more delicate. It was very frustrating to read, and it spoiled my time. One of the monsters is also referred to as beef jerky, but it’s drawn completely in white, and the reader doesn't learn that apparently it’s been red this whole time until much later in the story. That’s really sloppy, and I think most of your readers are going to have to backtrack their visuals.
The mystery has me so curious though that I'll definitely be picking up the next volume.
Who should read this:
Cyberpunk fans
Noir fans
Altered Carbon fans
Detroit Become Human fans
Ideal reading time:
Winter
Do I want to reread this:
Yes
Would I buy this:
If the second volume is also good, I want this on my shelf.
Similar books:
* Headlights by C. J. Leede-paranormal horror, crime, romance, family drama
* No Man’s Land by Szymon Kudranski-graphic novel, crime, thriller
* You’ll Do Bad Things by Tyler Boss-graphic novel, meta fiction, crime, thriller
* The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim-myth retelling, urban fantasy, romance, crime, thriller
* Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales-graphic novel, historical, crime, noir, social commentary
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cyberpunk noir
Pre-reading:
Love a dystopian. That cover is beautiful.
(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Nerdy cat!
Dystopian noir? I'm down.
Why they all kinda hot tho?
Def thought Lynx was a man not a woman. Whoopsies.
I like Task.
I can't tell what her powers are from the panels. They're too busy and unclear. I don't know what forder means
Oh was she dating his mom maybe? Simone and that's what she was saying in the alley
These action sequences are really unclear.
Task better not die. I like him
These action sequences are pissing me off though. I can't tell what's happening in them.
He looks more like Baymax or the Michelin Man than beef jerky. I don't get it
Ohhh, Baymax was red. I’d go Clifford before beef jerky but that's just me.
But I want more!
Post-reading:
I’m so intrigued! Something about a moody cop drama just does it for me. The characters are spins on familiar archetypes. It’s a little cliche, but in a satisfying way. Some of the narrative is a little chill out, edgelord, but the rest is a pretty intriguing mystery. This volume doesn't offer up much in the way of answers. It throws you into the dystopian world and expects you to pick up the vocab as you go. It's not gonna stop the story to define something for you. I know this can frustrate a lot of readers, but I'm willing to go with it as long as it’s answered eventually. I think the book mixes in a good bit of humor which is an easy shortcut to endear a character to me, so the stakes feel real when they're in danger.
My biggest complaint is with the art funnily enough. The regular panels are very pretty, but the action panels are almost abusive. They're so unclear that it makes the narrative almost indecipherable. I skimmed the action constantly because I couldn't tell what was happening during the fights. There’s too much heavy black ink and too many directional lines of motion when the rest of the art is more delicate. It was very frustrating to read, and it spoiled my time. One of the monsters is also referred to as beef jerky, but it’s drawn completely in white, and the reader doesn't learn that apparently it’s been red this whole time until much later in the story. That’s really sloppy, and I think most of your readers are going to have to backtrack their visuals.
The mystery has me so curious though that I'll definitely be picking up the next volume.
Who should read this:
Cyberpunk fans
Noir fans
Altered Carbon fans
Detroit Become Human fans
Ideal reading time:
Winter
Do I want to reread this:
Yes
Would I buy this:
If the second volume is also good, I want this on my shelf.
Similar books:
* Headlights by C. J. Leede-paranormal horror, crime, romance, family drama
* No Man’s Land by Szymon Kudranski-graphic novel, crime, thriller
* You’ll Do Bad Things by Tyler Boss-graphic novel, meta fiction, crime, thriller
* The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim-myth retelling, urban fantasy, romance, crime, thriller
* Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales-graphic novel, historical, crime, noir, social commentary
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
May 4, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
LYNX, Vol. 1, story by Samuel Sattin and by tokitokoro is a manga-style sci-fi graphic novel. In a future where the world has ended and left behind an eternal winter for what remains of humanity, Lynx Takuma is a detective still haunted by the past. As her son struggles in school and her world is thrown into disarray when she sees an angel, Lynx will need to find a way to protect what's left of her family while dealing with the impossible.
The worldbuilding is slowly peeled back for the reader and a lot of it is inferred instead of outright explained. I'm not entirely sure what exactly a Qual is, but it seems to be some kind of enhancement that leads to greater physical abilities and perhaps perception. The existence of angels is revealed fairly quickly, but they are part of a much larger mystery rather than something the reader or Lynx have grander knowledge of within the context of this volume.
While the angels are more on the fantastical side and there's a talking cat, I think I would still put this as a sci-fi because it is very much climate fiction at its heart. The world ending and leaving behind only a few small cities for humanity to try to rebuild as winter rages around them and many species have been wiped out is so quintessentially climate fiction that to call it anything else wouldn't feel right. If anything, this feels like an updated version of those sci-fi detective noirs in a war-torn world from the 70s.
The art is so richly detailed and every page felt like it was bringing the world to life, which is exactly what I want in a manga or something with a manga style. This might just be me, but I feel like I have a higher expectation for worldbuilding the more detailed the art is and for it to all feel real and lived in instead of just set dressing, so I'm very happy to get all that detail here. The characters are just as detailed as the world without detracting from each other.
I would recommend this to readers of manga and graphic novels who love a mystery and want things to slowly unspool instead of getting fast answers
LYNX, Vol. 1, story by Samuel Sattin and by tokitokoro is a manga-style sci-fi graphic novel. In a future where the world has ended and left behind an eternal winter for what remains of humanity, Lynx Takuma is a detective still haunted by the past. As her son struggles in school and her world is thrown into disarray when she sees an angel, Lynx will need to find a way to protect what's left of her family while dealing with the impossible.
The worldbuilding is slowly peeled back for the reader and a lot of it is inferred instead of outright explained. I'm not entirely sure what exactly a Qual is, but it seems to be some kind of enhancement that leads to greater physical abilities and perhaps perception. The existence of angels is revealed fairly quickly, but they are part of a much larger mystery rather than something the reader or Lynx have grander knowledge of within the context of this volume.
While the angels are more on the fantastical side and there's a talking cat, I think I would still put this as a sci-fi because it is very much climate fiction at its heart. The world ending and leaving behind only a few small cities for humanity to try to rebuild as winter rages around them and many species have been wiped out is so quintessentially climate fiction that to call it anything else wouldn't feel right. If anything, this feels like an updated version of those sci-fi detective noirs in a war-torn world from the 70s.
The art is so richly detailed and every page felt like it was bringing the world to life, which is exactly what I want in a manga or something with a manga style. This might just be me, but I feel like I have a higher expectation for worldbuilding the more detailed the art is and for it to all feel real and lived in instead of just set dressing, so I'm very happy to get all that detail here. The characters are just as detailed as the world without detracting from each other.
I would recommend this to readers of manga and graphic novels who love a mystery and want things to slowly unspool instead of getting fast answers
May 2, 2026
What an interesting start to a story! I’m sold and ready for the next!
In New Borealis, Lynx is seeing angels and talking to dead people, but in a world filled with quals (human enhancements), they’re not sure if what they’re seeing is real or their imagination. Enter Task, their former partner, and Skua, a talking enhanced cat, and you have a mismatched team. Throw in Boro, Lynx’s ward who is morning the death of Simone, Lynx’s wife, and you’ve got a jam-packed cast of interesting characters.
I genuinely really loved this first volume. Since this was an ARC, my copy had a large watermark in the middle of the pages, which made it difficult to read some dialogue and understand quite a few of the pages. This did disrupt my reading experience, and I’ll be interested to see if there was anything I missed when I read this after it’s published.
Besides that, I had a blast. Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
In New Borealis, Lynx is seeing angels and talking to dead people, but in a world filled with quals (human enhancements), they’re not sure if what they’re seeing is real or their imagination. Enter Task, their former partner, and Skua, a talking enhanced cat, and you have a mismatched team. Throw in Boro, Lynx’s ward who is morning the death of Simone, Lynx’s wife, and you’ve got a jam-packed cast of interesting characters.
I genuinely really loved this first volume. Since this was an ARC, my copy had a large watermark in the middle of the pages, which made it difficult to read some dialogue and understand quite a few of the pages. This did disrupt my reading experience, and I’ll be interested to see if there was anything I missed when I read this after it’s published.
Besides that, I had a blast. Thank you NetGalley and VIZ Media for my ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2026
This is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi graphic novel that explores bio enhanced machines. It is fast paced and very easy to read while still being engaging. Even though it ends on a cliffhanger, I definitely am interested in continuing on with the series (hoping to see further volumes released).
The artwork is beautiful and highly descriptive, often telling the story clearly even without text. The panel layout flows smoothly and is comfortable to read. The lettering is clear, and complements the artwork nicely.
I do wish the story was slightly longer so there could be more background and development for the characters. Overall, It was enjoyable and visually engaging read.
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the ARC!!
The artwork is beautiful and highly descriptive, often telling the story clearly even without text. The panel layout flows smoothly and is comfortable to read. The lettering is clear, and complements the artwork nicely.
I do wish the story was slightly longer so there could be more background and development for the characters. Overall, It was enjoyable and visually engaging read.
Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank NetGalley and VIZ Mediar for an eARC of LYNX Volume 1, story by Samuel Sattin and art by tokitokoro, with an expected publication date of August 11, 2026, in return for an honest review.
This is a tech noir, cyberpunk graphic novel with a story by Eisner Award-nominated American [Sattin] and the art by Tokyo manga artist and illustrator tokitokoro. While I am an occasional reader of graphic novels, less so of manga, I am a big fan of noir and cyberpunk, so I was excited to get an eARC of LYNX. In my opinion, you definitely get a manga vibe from the art work.
In a future, dystopian society, Lynx Takuma, is a female detective with an implant providing additional strength/powers and is accompanied by a bio-enhanced, talking cat, Skua. She is partnered with Task, an alcoholic detective. Lynx has a wife, and an adopted boy, Boro, who is an orphan of a former friend of Lynx. Lynx is one of the longest serving detectives on the force. There is a murder to be solved, which may actually be just one of many related deaths. And there appears to be intrigue between Lynx and Task’s supervisor, and one of the wealthy elites of the society.
So the eARC that I received was in black and white, and I could not tell if this was the final version, or if the book would be inked [?] before publication. The art, while striking, made the story difficult to follow, especially with a watermark [Sample PDF VIZ Media] on each page.
I gave LYNX four stars. If the final product is actually in color, and the art is less confusing without the watermark, I would probably upgrade this to a 5 star review. However, this is not for everyone. The world building is minimal. I like that you are just dropped into the story, and things are revealed as you go along. Some of my friends would definitely down rate LYNX because they prefer a fully fleshed out world. Volume 1 ends without resolving much which wants me coming back for more of the story, but not everyone likes that. Clearly, this is not for all readers, but if you are a cyberpunk fan and enjoy a little ambiguity in your story telling, give LYNX a try.
This is a tech noir, cyberpunk graphic novel with a story by Eisner Award-nominated American [Sattin] and the art by Tokyo manga artist and illustrator tokitokoro. While I am an occasional reader of graphic novels, less so of manga, I am a big fan of noir and cyberpunk, so I was excited to get an eARC of LYNX. In my opinion, you definitely get a manga vibe from the art work.
In a future, dystopian society, Lynx Takuma, is a female detective with an implant providing additional strength/powers and is accompanied by a bio-enhanced, talking cat, Skua. She is partnered with Task, an alcoholic detective. Lynx has a wife, and an adopted boy, Boro, who is an orphan of a former friend of Lynx. Lynx is one of the longest serving detectives on the force. There is a murder to be solved, which may actually be just one of many related deaths. And there appears to be intrigue between Lynx and Task’s supervisor, and one of the wealthy elites of the society.
So the eARC that I received was in black and white, and I could not tell if this was the final version, or if the book would be inked [?] before publication. The art, while striking, made the story difficult to follow, especially with a watermark [Sample PDF VIZ Media] on each page.
I gave LYNX four stars. If the final product is actually in color, and the art is less confusing without the watermark, I would probably upgrade this to a 5 star review. However, this is not for everyone. The world building is minimal. I like that you are just dropped into the story, and things are revealed as you go along. Some of my friends would definitely down rate LYNX because they prefer a fully fleshed out world. Volume 1 ends without resolving much which wants me coming back for more of the story, but not everyone likes that. Clearly, this is not for all readers, but if you are a cyberpunk fan and enjoy a little ambiguity in your story telling, give LYNX a try.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC
I want to start off this review by disclaiming that I am not typically a manga or comic book reader so this is coming from someone fairly new to the genre (although, I have read a few).
This is a dystopian sci-fi book following the main character Lynx, who works in solving crimes with the help of being genetically enhanced. She does this alongside her animal sidekick, Suka, and her friend, Task, who is also a genetically modified human. Lynx is a very strong main character who was fun to follow!
The plot was also very intriguing and starts off extremely strong with a murder. Throughout the story, Lynx uncovers more details about who the killer could be, which was my favorite part because it was a very unique take on a crime story. I think this book's biggest strength is its unique sci-fi elements, including genetic modification, the world's perpetual winter, and the use of talking animals. However, I like how it mixed these elements with more magical elements like angels. Overall, a very interesting mix.
My gripe with the novel is that it had very little world-building to help me understand the world and why I should care about the characters. We are just kind of dropped in the midst of the story without any explanation. For some people, this could be a good thing because you don't have to sit through a boring exposition, but for me, I prefer a little more intro to get to know the characters so I feel more connected to the rest of the story. I did appreciate the humor woven into the book, which helped with this, but I still would have preferred a bit more backstory.
All in all, this was a very entertaining start to a manga series and ends in a cliffhanger (as do most manga). I enjoyed the concept a lot, and I'm sure the characters and storyline will continue to be fleshed out further as more volumes are released!
I want to start off this review by disclaiming that I am not typically a manga or comic book reader so this is coming from someone fairly new to the genre (although, I have read a few).
This is a dystopian sci-fi book following the main character Lynx, who works in solving crimes with the help of being genetically enhanced. She does this alongside her animal sidekick, Suka, and her friend, Task, who is also a genetically modified human. Lynx is a very strong main character who was fun to follow!
The plot was also very intriguing and starts off extremely strong with a murder. Throughout the story, Lynx uncovers more details about who the killer could be, which was my favorite part because it was a very unique take on a crime story. I think this book's biggest strength is its unique sci-fi elements, including genetic modification, the world's perpetual winter, and the use of talking animals. However, I like how it mixed these elements with more magical elements like angels. Overall, a very interesting mix.
My gripe with the novel is that it had very little world-building to help me understand the world and why I should care about the characters. We are just kind of dropped in the midst of the story without any explanation. For some people, this could be a good thing because you don't have to sit through a boring exposition, but for me, I prefer a little more intro to get to know the characters so I feel more connected to the rest of the story. I did appreciate the humor woven into the book, which helped with this, but I still would have preferred a bit more backstory.
All in all, this was a very entertaining start to a manga series and ends in a cliffhanger (as do most manga). I enjoyed the concept a lot, and I'm sure the characters and storyline will continue to be fleshed out further as more volumes are released!
February 18, 2026
“LYNX, Vol. 1” is an intriguing introduction to a frozen post-apocalypse cyberpunk society. Lynx, a genetically enhanced detective, and Skua, her enhanced talking cat partner, are a fun duo, along with her enhanced human partner Task. I liked the bleak tone but I was glad it was broken up by occasional moments of levity from the side characters. I also appreciated that Lynx’s gender and sexuality were taken in stride, it’s not a big deal that she’s a badass detective or that she had a wife in this world. Lynx was never overly sexualized for a male gaze like so many female characters in manga are, she just gets to be cool and confident, and that is way more “sexy” to me personally. I feel like the writing for this story is headed in a good direction for her. (I swear if I have to read another manga where a strong female main character is put into a situation where she has sexual violence threatened against her for the titalation of male readers, I will throw that book across the room. Don’t let me down “LYNX” creators.) How refreshing to have a depressed female detective haunted by the death of their wife, that’s equality, haha! But really, I found this an intriguing start to a sci-fi mystery, there’s lots of teases and questions, and the mysterious angel creatures that Lynx is pursuing are beautiful and terrifying. The art from tokitokoro is gorgeous. I think Samuel Sattin might have something special with “LYNX” if he can deliver on the promise of volume 1. I was left with a lot of questions by the end, who created the winged creature, what happened to Simone, is this somehow connected to their son? But that just has me looking forward to volume 2!
Thank you VIZ Media and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you VIZ Media and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a warning, this volume ends on a cliffhanger — as many of them do — with no sign of book 2, yet. Taking place in a city of the haves and the havenots, Lynx and Task, two officers from the small police department, decide to go angel hunting. These angels aren’t biblical horrors or the kinder guardian angels of popular culture, but people (maybe?) who are the victims of a new drug. In the midst of all this Task is dealing with his PTSD and alcoholism, Lynx is dealing with the loss of her wife, and Lynx’s son is acting out at school. Oh, and their boss has it out for them.
Lynx comes across as flat and monotone, but she’s going through a great deal of trauma and grief, and her way of coping is to ignore the pain and just keep walking forward. She doesn’t know how to help her son, or how to help Task who is facing his own demons. Task drowns his sorrows in drink, a few drugs, and maybe some extracurricular activities, but he’s a loyal friend and willing to stand shoulder to shoulder with Lynx as they try to do their jobs, even though all they seem to do is collect bodies, these days.
I loved the art, both of the humans and the monsters, which is stylized enough to turn this violent book about the abuse of power by those with money and the suffering of those without into a sleek, almost elegant visual story. From robotic forms to angels, people mutated by the drugs they take and fluffy bunnies, it paints a vivid picture of this grim and broken world.
I can’t wait for the next book to find out what’s going on. Thank you so very much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
LYNX is a gritty tech noir following detective Lynx Takuma as she works a case that leads her to catch a glimpse of an angel, setting off a chain of mysterious events. While the character art was for the most part sharp and defined, I thought that the backgrounds were seriously lacking. A lot of it was just filled with pencil lines, white flecks, or empty space. Random characters' faces were blank and expressionless. I didn't care much for any of the characters aside from Lynx, Task, and Skua. There was also a lack of clarity in some panels, leaving me confused at what exactly I was looking at (an object on a table, a close up of a character's hand in motion, an entire location, etc). While I had a grasp of the story, things felt a bit tricky to follow. It didn't help that characters dropped random words for made up techy things (solfoil, rolfolic acid, phinflooders, forder, etc). I have to say that I am obsessed with Skua the cat and his little pair of glasses. I think his character was the reason I gave this volume three stars instead of two (his addition was a nice change of pace where generic detective duos are concerned). Overall, not the most memorable story or art. I might read the second volume and give this series a second chance.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for the e-ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for the e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I teach a graphic novel course, and so many of my students draw inspiration from Manga that I try to expose myself to new materials when I can. When Viz and NetGalley made this available, I grabbed it.
It's interesting to see the story from an American writer, Eisner-nominated writer Samuel Sattin, and tokitokoro, a Japanese artist. As a result, I see it as having slightly deeper characterization than I have previously experienced with modern Manga.
We're in a post-apocalyptic world where biotechnology for humans and animals is more commonplace. Our protagonist is Lynx Takuma, a bio-enhanced detective in New Borealis, accompanied by her cat Skua. She and her volatile partner Task are on the case of some new menace, some new drug that seems to change people. It also suggests that something divine is at work, which rocks her world.
Then there's her son, who is having issues at school, although the reasons seem vague, and Lynx's reaction seems extreme.
Of course, being Manga, this is all set up and is continued, so it'll be a while before things really start to make sense.
It seems perfectly fine and serviceable despite the watermark marring some of the artwork's clarity, along with tokitokoro's habit of letting effects obscure storytelling.
It's interesting to see the story from an American writer, Eisner-nominated writer Samuel Sattin, and tokitokoro, a Japanese artist. As a result, I see it as having slightly deeper characterization than I have previously experienced with modern Manga.
We're in a post-apocalyptic world where biotechnology for humans and animals is more commonplace. Our protagonist is Lynx Takuma, a bio-enhanced detective in New Borealis, accompanied by her cat Skua. She and her volatile partner Task are on the case of some new menace, some new drug that seems to change people. It also suggests that something divine is at work, which rocks her world.
Then there's her son, who is having issues at school, although the reasons seem vague, and Lynx's reaction seems extreme.
Of course, being Manga, this is all set up and is continued, so it'll be a while before things really start to make sense.
It seems perfectly fine and serviceable despite the watermark marring some of the artwork's clarity, along with tokitokoro's habit of letting effects obscure storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the first book in a planned series. First books always seem a little slower as the author must build a foundation for the series. Introducing a dystopian community and the characters who populate it takes more time than a standalone book. I would not say I'm a manga fan, but this one is one of, if not the, best ones I've ever read. Lynx is a police detective. Her partner is a genetically altered cat....yes, cat. As we meet the main characters, we hear their stories of facing life after the world is damaged beyond repair. Perpetual winter sets the challenges at a level 10 while also providing some twists to keep it interesting. Emotional scars leave some characters, including Lynx, struggling to perform their duties. And if the police are changed, the criminals are too.
The art is so good that it tells a lot of the story, saving descriptive settings while communicating clearly what is going on. I really liked this book and am looking forward to the next volume. The teenagers in my home and reading circles all loved the book too.
The art is so good that it tells a lot of the story, saving descriptive settings while communicating clearly what is going on. I really liked this book and am looking forward to the next volume. The teenagers in my home and reading circles all loved the book too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to VIZ Media and Netgalley for a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my review!
This was a bit of a different read for me as I usually stick to more American-style comics. I enjoyed the art style and it made the characters look really cool, however I really really struggled to tell what was happening in many panels, especially during the action scenes with everything in black and white and the shading techniques. The story was interesting, there was a lot of different variables and not much being explained. As time goes on I am sure that more will be revealed, but getting my footing for what a qual was and just figuring out a bit of how the society functions I am a bit lost. The questions are intriguing (especially that cliffhanger!) but it was a bit much for me to keep track of off the bat. I think this one would be better to read when more has been released, I enjoyed it, but I do not think I am the intended audience.
This was a bit of a different read for me as I usually stick to more American-style comics. I enjoyed the art style and it made the characters look really cool, however I really really struggled to tell what was happening in many panels, especially during the action scenes with everything in black and white and the shading techniques. The story was interesting, there was a lot of different variables and not much being explained. As time goes on I am sure that more will be revealed, but getting my footing for what a qual was and just figuring out a bit of how the society functions I am a bit lost. The questions are intriguing (especially that cliffhanger!) but it was a bit much for me to keep track of off the bat. I think this one would be better to read when more has been released, I enjoyed it, but I do not think I am the intended audience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley and Viz Media for the ARC. The post apocalyptic cyberpunk world that Lynx takes place in is very fascinating. It led me to wonder how did we get here, I wanted to know more and Lynx and the origins of her cat Skua. I was invested in the story within the first few pages. The dark tone, the amazing artwork, the commentary from Skua and Lynx’s partner Task, cuts through the darkness offering some balance. Technology in this world is fascinating, make you want to know, who is behind it and why. There seems to be more to the eye with her boss, her job, those angels and feathers that keeps coming up. Also a comment Lynx’s wife made about death has the wheels turning in my mind trying to figure out what is going on. V.1 ends on a cliff hanger and I am looking forward to V.2 and to see where this story is going a the first volume sets up the world nicely but leaves you with unanswered questions and wanting to know more.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was provided an advanced copy with an annoying watermark that interfered with the graphics and words in spots.
This is a sci-fi detetective series, where Lynx and her cat partner investigate a series of murders that are tied to what appears to be a mysterious angel like creature. Lynx and her cat, as well as other detectives, are biogenetically enhanced with modules that can be activated on demand. Lynx is also haunted by the loss of her wife and having to be a single parent through the events of the story.
Overall I found the story confusing, primarily because there were poor or no transitions between scenes. I liked the graphics and the concept. I would have liked a little more background about how the biogenetics worked and how Lynx obtained her cat partner. Maybe that comes in future volumes. Not sure what the cover implies as I did not see anything in the story that provided insight.
This is a sci-fi detetective series, where Lynx and her cat partner investigate a series of murders that are tied to what appears to be a mysterious angel like creature. Lynx and her cat, as well as other detectives, are biogenetically enhanced with modules that can be activated on demand. Lynx is also haunted by the loss of her wife and having to be a single parent through the events of the story.
Overall I found the story confusing, primarily because there were poor or no transitions between scenes. I liked the graphics and the concept. I would have liked a little more background about how the biogenetics worked and how Lynx obtained her cat partner. Maybe that comes in future volumes. Not sure what the cover implies as I did not see anything in the story that provided insight.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the beginning, I didn't think I was going to like it very much. I was a little confused and iffy on the art. By the end, I knew it was going to be a 5 star read.
This plot and story is original, haunting, and creative. The art style is unique. It's queer but nowhere near focused on any romance. The FMC is a bit older with a little boy and also a "detective" type of character in this post-apocalyptic world. She's full of emotional layers.
But what really had me hooked was the story. I loved it. How creative and unnatural it is, the technology mixed with the fantasy and the slight horror aspects. All of it was fantastic.
A phenomenal read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
This plot and story is original, haunting, and creative. The art style is unique. It's queer but nowhere near focused on any romance. The FMC is a bit older with a little boy and also a "detective" type of character in this post-apocalyptic world. She's full of emotional layers.
But what really had me hooked was the story. I loved it. How creative and unnatural it is, the technology mixed with the fantasy and the slight horror aspects. All of it was fantastic.
A phenomenal read!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The cover for this is what truely hooked me and I think that the premise was super fascinating. However, I found the story to be lacking a little bit. I also think that this pages really could have benefited from some colour. It was difficult to distinguish certain elements at times with only greyscale. I was expecting to be apart of the audience as someone who loves the Saga graphic novel series Unfortunately I didn’t, but it was enjoyable enough.
All that said there is definitely an audience for this; I think those that gravitate more towards manga - like Tokyo Ghoul and My Hero Academia- are more likely to really enjoy all the great things that this had to offer.
All that said there is definitely an audience for this; I think those that gravitate more towards manga - like Tokyo Ghoul and My Hero Academia- are more likely to really enjoy all the great things that this had to offer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank the author Samuel Sattin, the illustrator tokitokoro, and VIZ Media LLC for allowing me to read this advanced copy arc. In exchange, I give my honest review. My opinion is my own.
I'm so excited to get to review my first ARC of a manga. This one follows Lynx and her talking cat in the very futuristic world of New Borealis. Both are bio-enhanced detectives. I found the story interesting and compelling. Lynx is trying to raise her son, be a top detective, and deal with a haunting past. I highly recommend this one and can't wait to see where the world is going to go in the future.
I'm so excited to get to review my first ARC of a manga. This one follows Lynx and her talking cat in the very futuristic world of New Borealis. Both are bio-enhanced detectives. I found the story interesting and compelling. Lynx is trying to raise her son, be a top detective, and deal with a haunting past. I highly recommend this one and can't wait to see where the world is going to go in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As the debut issue of a new series you are introduced to the characters and world they inhabit. The information unfolds organically, which takes a bit more effort to understand than simply being told and is more enjoyable. It all revolves around the detective Lynx Takuma and as her place in the world of New Borealis unfolds so does the action that, it is hoped, will grab your interest. The black and white artwork is striking, although in a couple of cases I found the characters were similar enough that it was hard to determine who was who. Yes, this volume is a cliffhanger and I do want more. No complaints about that.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“LYNX, Vol. 1” is, visually, a beautiful piece of art. I loved the drawings and the look in general.
The story was good, but not as good as I had hoped. I liked it, but just in general found myself caught up in artwork.
Definitely not a ‘must read”, but enjoyable story, funny, but skippable. If nothing else, check it out for the artwork. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The story was good, but not as good as I had hoped. I liked it, but just in general found myself caught up in artwork.
Definitely not a ‘must read”, but enjoyable story, funny, but skippable. If nothing else, check it out for the artwork. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Incredible experience from start to finish. Loved the unique world I was tossed into, and I love even more that there are pieces and things that have yet to be explained. Part action/detective story, part supernatural monster origin, I'm so excited to see how this story continues! And I HAVE to offer a moment for the illustrator, tokitokoro --- absolutely stunning work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Viz Media for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I want to start by thanking NetGalley, Samuel Sattin and VIZ Media for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. LYNX, Vol. 1 will be out August 11, 2026.
This was such an enjoyable read, with similar vibes to Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon or Cyberpunk 2077 yet so fresh and rewarding. Sattin has created a futurist universe that takes the best of cyberpunk and noir detective stories, channeling well-known tropes through the main character Lynx who is grieving the loss of her partner Simone while raising their adopted child; all while being biochemically enhanced and fighting crime in a post-clime disaster future.
The character designs are so unique, spinning usual tropes on their heads and challenging the stereotypical sci-fi monsters and villains with the suggestion of supernatural elements that might be linked to the scientific advancements used to strengthen humans through animal genetics. There’s comedy sprinkled in with the drama, a crime fighting talking cat and gorgeously designed characters and scenes. While the abilities of Lynx are a bit hard to follow in the fight scenes, I think the story is strong enough to forgo a need for clearer fighting/skill descriptions as the story seems more focused on plot than other mangas are within this category (i.e. dedication whole pages to in depth character design details, backstories and notes).
This is one of three volumes and ends with such a promising cliffhanger for part one, I really think this will be a success if it carries on with its great balance of mystery, action and grief. Definitely up there in mangas for me!
This was such an enjoyable read, with similar vibes to Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon or Cyberpunk 2077 yet so fresh and rewarding. Sattin has created a futurist universe that takes the best of cyberpunk and noir detective stories, channeling well-known tropes through the main character Lynx who is grieving the loss of her partner Simone while raising their adopted child; all while being biochemically enhanced and fighting crime in a post-clime disaster future.
The character designs are so unique, spinning usual tropes on their heads and challenging the stereotypical sci-fi monsters and villains with the suggestion of supernatural elements that might be linked to the scientific advancements used to strengthen humans through animal genetics. There’s comedy sprinkled in with the drama, a crime fighting talking cat and gorgeously designed characters and scenes. While the abilities of Lynx are a bit hard to follow in the fight scenes, I think the story is strong enough to forgo a need for clearer fighting/skill descriptions as the story seems more focused on plot than other mangas are within this category (i.e. dedication whole pages to in depth character design details, backstories and notes).
This is one of three volumes and ends with such a promising cliffhanger for part one, I really think this will be a success if it carries on with its great balance of mystery, action and grief. Definitely up there in mangas for me!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overachieving Female Detective ✅
Cat w/Glasses ✅
You have a mix of things: political & corruption drama, bioengineered animals & humans, old school detectives, overworked government officials. I'll see where vol. 2 takes me.
3.5 stars rounded down.
Cat w/Glasses ✅
You have a mix of things: political & corruption drama, bioengineered animals & humans, old school detectives, overworked government officials. I'll see where vol. 2 takes me.
3.5 stars rounded down.
March 2, 2026
It was an interesting sci-fi detective story with lots of questions unanswered. Left me a bit more confused than anything. I did love her cat partner in crime though!
Review of advance copy
Beautifully drawn with a need cast of characters. I wanted more explanation on the powers and setting, but that's the draw of getting the next volume.
Review of advance copy
kinda confusing art and story but cat was great also arc reads the normal but i think is a manga so hopefully it will be changed in final printing. would read next one though.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*1.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Well that certainly was an opening. Very curious to see where it goes from here. Also, WHAT IS THAT THING. Terrifying.
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