This is a very cozy, funny, slice-of-life graphic novel, and it’s exactly what I expected when I picked it up.
Every single panel brings a different emotion, some are funny, others are heartwarming, and some are even bittersweet. It was also very easy to connect with these characters, even without a linear storytelling structure.
I finished this wanting more, so I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future volumes in this series.
_______ Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for providing this eARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from the publisher/Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading Fishball's older comics, didn't like that there were several on COVID though. Review to come in August closer to the release day!
I’m honestly so happy that Fishball’s comics have been published in paperback format. I’ve been following her work on Instagram, and every time I come across her posts, they always bring me a range of emotions. They made me laugh, they made me emotional, and they left me with that warm, slightly aching feeling you get after something truly genuine.
There’s no real linear narrative: each panel feels like a small slice of life from these two characters’ everyday world, with moments that start and end naturally, almost like glimpses into their relationship. The final panel, however, is longer and much more emotional, and it genuinely made me cry because it touches on something very close to my heart. I really hope her boyfriend finds a way to cope with that situation, because it’s something mentally very difficult to go through. Other scenes also include moments from the COVID period, and I didn’t expect them to feel so light and comforting—it actually adds a sense of warmth and softness to such a stressful time in real life.
What makes this cozy, slice-of-life graphic novel so powerful is the way the artist captures love in its simplest and most genuine form: the kind that grows through small gestures, shared routines, and quiet understanding. The strength of Fishball’s storytelling lies in how each short moment carries emotion, whether it’s funny, heartwarming, or quietly bittersweet.
The art style adds so much to the experience. It’s soft, expressive, and full of charm, with a light color palette that makes everything feel even more comforting. The characters are instantly lovable (Biscuit especially!), and it’s incredibly easy to connect with them, even without a traditional storyline.
My only real complaint is that I just wanted more: more chapters, more moments, more of their story.
Overall, this is a refreshing, heartfelt, and genuinely uplifting read that reminds you how meaningful the little things can be.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future volumes, and yes, I’ll probably be crying again.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this graphic novel!
This was genuinely so cute & funny 🥹 biscuit is my favorite obviously. The art style is so cute & fun. I love little slice of life things & this is perfect. It shows the little moments can add up and just sweet, affectionate REAL love. I was giggling I wanna say 90% of the time. Fishball has a new fan lemme tell you 💗✨
Thank you to NetGalley & author for an eARC! Review is honest & opinions are my own!
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC! I love fishballs comics and reading them back to back was just the quick and fun read needed to feel a little more hopeful. A definite pick-me-up and will definitely make you giggle. Also the art style and color palette is very light and expressive. Makes it all the more enjoyable.
My Giant Nerd Boyfriend, Volume 1 - lu en anglais. 2,75-3⭐
Okay this was a fun read, and I smiled a few times but then it got sweeter and actually more serious and emotional. I didn't expect that, especially after the type of tone that had set during the good two first thirds of the book. (Some of the drawings are actually cute. But some, that are very meme like (you know that type of memes) are not my type of humor. I admit it was fun but it didn't get me every time.) But eventually it turned out more vulnerable and real. We got to learn a bit more of the lives and past of one character. I appreciated a bit more in the end. I loved the more serious, real, vulnerable parts of the story. It's something we can also connect with as readers.
The premise was in the title (and the cover) : a (giant) boyfriend, who's also a nerd. From the point of view of a smaller girlfriend (the author and illustrator), and their dog. Could be fun.
"Big love in small moments" The drawings looked cool, so I gave it a try. It's a super quick read. It's about small moments and anecdotes from the everyday life of a couple with their small dog, Biscuit. Who is definitely a primary character by himself. With some comic relief.
"What on Earth is this level of attention ?? It feels as if they are depending on me to keep them sane."
It was so strange diving back into lockdown time. Recently I've been getting into more and more books that include the lockdowns in their stories or retellings. We never expect that coming. It's always weird. But we can see how others experienced it.
"Oh ? Playing one of your dating sims again ? Why are you playing with other men ? Don't you already have me ? My heart is broken. Am I not enough for you ~"
I liked the color palet. It was nice and easy to go through the pages. It got a bit repetitive sometimes, but it was okay. I almost feel like it should have been a little longer.
"Don't worry. If she forgets - we will remember, for her.
In the end it was an enjoyable read. I would happily read the next volumes when they come out. I would like them to dive deeper into the characters personalities and stories (yes I know it's a webtoon inspired of real people and real moments, but still).
Sono davvero contenta che Fishball sia riuscita a pubblicare i suoi fumetti in versione cartacea!!! Sono anni che la seguo e ormai ho letto più di 1000 dei suoi capitoli su Webtoon. In questa edizione sfortunatamente non si segue l'ordine di pubblicazione (e io che speravo che venissero pubblicati tutti!!!!), ma è stata fatta una selezione di alcuni capitoli, tra cui alcuni ambientati durante il covid. Anche se li avevo già letti tutti in passato, è riuscita a farmi ridere e piangere di nuovo! Dannazione a te Fishball!!! Ma...grazie! Quei momenti passati a leggere i tuoi fumetti sono davvero rinfrescanti e liberatori e sanno davvero conquistarti il cuore.
CONTINUA COSI!!!!
E ora scusate vado a piangere un altro po'...che non riesco a fermare i lacrimoni....
Grazie Netgalley!!! E spero con tutto il cuore che questa serie arrivi anche ad essere pubblicata in Italia!
--------------
I'm so happy Fishball managed to publish her comics in paperback!!! I've been following her for years and have now read over 1,000 of her chapters on Webtoon. Unfortunately, this edition doesnt' follow the chapters order (I was hoping they'd all be published!!!!), but a selection of some chapters has been made, including some set during COVID. Even though I'd already read them all before, it managed to make me laugh and cry again! Damn you, Fishball!!! But... thank you! Those moments spent reading your comics are truly refreshing and liberating and truly have the power to win your heart.
KEEP IT UP!!!!
And now, excuse me, I'm off to cry some more... I can't stop the tears...
Thank you, Netgalley!!! And I hope with all my heart this series gets published in Italy too!
From me, My Giant Nerd Boyfriend by Yen Ee receives 5⭐! ☺️
First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for a honest review!
General info: 1st volume in a laugh out loud slice-of-life comic series about a short girl and her giant nerdy boyfriend! Tackles themes such as couple life, Malaysian lifestyle, family drama and pet-parenting.
CW: very minor Covid19-related subject;
BOOK THOUGHTS
This was such a cute comic!!!>..< Fishball is soo relatable! ( I'm also a short girl!) I really enjoyed the moments/ subjects depicted in the volume. It shows they were carefully selected for maximum impact.^^ We have a little bit of satire, lots of humor and just strange but funny everyday things. We also see some real issues we have to deal at some point in our lives.(for these, I particularly enjoyed how supportive Fishball was of Mickey ^^). Biscuit, the Pomeranian, was also treated like an important POV, something I really enjoyed...it made him feel just as important as the humans, which is true, given the fact that pets often play a huge part in our lives.
The art was really cute...I really love this type of goofy , but easy to understand imagery...and the miniature plot where all very emotionally charged (either you're laughing like a crazy person saying: I do this!!!OMG!!, or you're smiling fondly while reading about this couple; even the more heavier subject approached later on in the volume makes you attached to these characters!)
I highly recommend everyone reads it! It will brighten up your day!^^
This was such a sweet and funny read. The art is expressive with a minimalist and simple style. I loved the visual storytelling! Like when she shifts to the boyfriend's POV. She usually draws herself as a messy gremlin, but whenever the story shifts to his POV, the art style changes to show her in a softer light. It’s a beautiful way to show how we are seen through the eyes of someone who loves us. The dog is hands down the best character, so cute. I was surprised by the emotional depth, there were some pages that hit hard.
It’s a quick but heartfelt read that balances the relatable anxieties of adulthood with the warmth of a supportive relationship. Highly recommended for anyone looking for humor with a side of raw honesty.
Reseña en Español: Este cómic me pareció tan tierno y gracioso. El estilo artístico es muy expresivo aun siendo minimalista y sencillo. Me encantó el cambio en cómo ella se dibuja como un gremlin, pero cuando la historia pasa al punto de vista del novio, el dibujo se vuelve más suave y detallado. Es una linda forma de mostrar cómo nos ve la gente que nos ama. El perrito es, sin duda, el mejor personaje de todos. No esperaba ese peso emocional en un cómic que parece puramente comedia, y me sorprendió que algunos temas fuesen tan profundos.
Es una lectura rápida pero con mucho corazón que equilibra las inseguridades de la vida adulta con el refugio de una buena relación.
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
• Plot: My Giant Nerd Boyfriend is about a couple in which the GF notes that her BF is tall, muscular, works out, and gets sweaty often. He is very caring towards her and pays attention. They have a dog named Biscuit that appears throughout the comic. Parts of the comic take place during COVID.
• What I Liked: It’s fully colored
• What Didn’t Work for Me: Quite a few panels are very small, making it a little challenging to read the tiny text inside of them
• Themes / Ideas: COVID, gaming, and affection
• Who I’d Recommend It To: If you have a pet dog and/or a height difference with your loved one.
• Overall Thoughts: There’s toilet humor and talk of COVID. It's a slice-of-life story about the couple and their pet dog bonding. There’s some nerdy stuff, but there's not a lot of it featured. For the majority of the comic we see they live in an environment where it gets hot often, so scenes throughout are shedding layers, sweating, and being near a fan. I thought this was okay.
I am a sucker for comics like this and this one was such a cute, relatable read! It was exactly what I needed in between books as a fun, easy read. The comics are made up of little moments and everyday snippets that I think most people can relate to, which made it so easy to fly through while still feeling meaningful. I actually showed my partner quite a few of the comics inside because it just felt like they were something that we could both relate to!
What I loved most was how beautifully it captures the small things in daily life and relationships (which isn't something that is easy to do even though it should be!). The humour is charming, the artwork is adorable and simple (in the best way possible!), and the dynamic between her, her boyfriend, and Biscuit, the cutest doggy ever, is so sweet and refreshing. It also unexpectedly brought back memories of the pandemic era and made me appreciate how far life has come since then (which isn't something I ever thought I would have a fun time reminiscing about haha).
If you're a fan of easy reads and cute comics that are warm, relatable, funny, and full of heart and relatability, this is a great pick!
My Giant Nerd Boyfriend is a long-running webcomic by Fishball that centers on the everyday life of an unusual couple: a giant, soft-spoken “nerd boyfriend” and his smaller, more expressive partner. I have been following it for some time now.
What makes the comic work best is its charm. Instead of relying on big dramatic twists, it leans into simple, relationship-focused humor and affectionate slice-of-life moments. The dynamic between the two leads is cute and easy to enjoy.
The art style is clean, expressive, and instantly recognizable. It’s simple in a way that supports the tone well: the expressions do a lot of the emotional heavy lifting, and the comic tends to be strongest when it’s just letting the characters bounce off each other.
That said, the comic’s appeal is fairly specific. If you like cozy, low-stakes relationship humor, it’s a very pleasant read. If you’re looking for strong plotting, deep character arcs, or a highly serialized story, it may feel more like a collection of moments than a tightly structured narrative.
But it's rather short with only 5-6 small blocks of art on each page.
With a super cute art style that pulls you in immediately, these strips offer a perfect, lighthearted, and occasionally tear-jerking look at reality. As someone with a massive "nerd" partner by my side, I can confidently say that 90% of the situations described are spot on. The struggle is real—especially the "Oh, you like that?" moment, followed by the mental note to surprise them next time, only to accidentally overdo it and completely overwhelm them in the process. The relatability doesn't stop at relationships, either. As pet owners—we have two cats—the observations about life with furry companions are incredibly accurate. The bonus section hit incredibly close to home. It was deeply emotional and had me tearing up—it’s a beautiful, honest look at how our relationship changes overtime even when it is emotionally trying to take care of someone you love - that this is a very rare privilage with a lot of little enchanting moments together. This collection is a wonderful, honest snapshot of reality wrapped in adorable comic strips. It manages to be funny, cozy, and deeply emotional all at once.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for this eARC!
Yen Ee is an incredible artist allowing you to feel connected in all the highs and lows of day to day life. Be it in the cute interactions in finding happiness in the silliest of times to knowing when to truly allow yourself to feel vulnerable about heartbreaking universal themes that really make us appreciate life itself. The cover art is cute, though I felt it might have been better to give more space for Yen and biscuit to also shine (though yes completely understand the direction due to the comic title). The pages as well feel like there could have been better orientation and sizing in allowing the comic to flow easier and not be so broken up but I can understand due to original comic pages running in the webtoon format that runs horizontally how that being a cause for this discrepancy.
Overall a cute read that allows someone to run back and give themselves a nice dose of serotonin. Thank you Yen Ee for sharing a piece of your world. Biscuit is my hero 💕
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy!
This is kind of difficult to review. It seems a bit strange that this is coming out in 2026 when so much of its content is surrounding covid and lockdown times. It focused on that time frame a whole lot more than i expected. I think it would have been better had its focus not suddenly shifted to only that as the cover and description did not hint that it would be such a large part of the story. The art style is so easy to digest and enjoy. The interactions between the characters is so relatable. The ending was very very abrupt. I was wondering if my copy missed a few pages at the end because the ending just didnt make sense as an ending. It seemed more like a climax that forgot to be wrapped up. The original idea for this was so cute and so fun and I wish it had continued to develop that original idea of relationships and the specific things each person nerds out about. If it was going to include things about lockdown I wish it had helped the reader expect that either through the title, description, or cover.
This is one of those cute slice of life comics, in this case, a woman who calls herself Fishball, and her boyfriend. Oh, and Biscuit, her cute dog. They are typical sort of everyday stories, made funnier by how fishball reacts to them.. Such as when she has an idea for a comic, and has to go claim it before it goes away. Problem is, she is in the shower, and has to run out naked to get it down before it goes away.
And yes, you have probably seen such slice of life comics before. First one that comes to mind is IT Guy and Art Girl. Is this better than them? It has a similar sense of humor so if you enjoy that series, you would probably enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the stories. They are a sweet couple, and it is always fun to see how people interact.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 18th of August 2026.
[many thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-arc!!]
i'm afraid to say biscuit has stolen the spotlight and i would very much like it if he would agree to sit in my lap :)
it might be weird to say as the characters are real people, but i really enjoyed the dynamic between them (and with biscuit!!!) and the drawing style is gorgeous. if you're looking for a quick, cute, light read, this one's for you. i'm not sure i would read every single volume of this series, though, especially not all in one go, mostly because there's not really any engaging arc (except for what i will mention below). this feels more like the sort of book you'd read to pass the time and to relax for a bit
i would like to add an important note, because some people might be more impacted than i was: there are some very serious passages, mostly about illness of the elderly (content warnings for covid-19, death, alzheimer, hospitals) that i truly wasn't ready for. i was expecting the whole thing to be about the author's relationship and so thought i would just chill/giggle/kick my feet for a hundred pages
but! the book ends on a positive/hopeful note, which i'm glad for, and i definitely recommend it to anyone who'd like a wholesome read about a cute couple, a cute dog, and cute family relationships
I've been reading Fishball's comics since she first started! I followed her comics on IG too and I can't believe years have gone by.
And so when I saw the compilation of her comics in a book form, I was keen to get it and read it! Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with the e-ARC so that I can see how different the vibes will be in this format.
This is a very cozy, funny, slice-of-life graphic novel about Fishball, her giant nerd boyfriend with his iconic Pikachu shirt and also Biscuit, their baby Pom! It's as sweet as I remember it. A lot of the comics are funny moments, relatable ones with her loved ones. I didn't expect some bittersweet and angstier ones to pop up too!
I particularly enjoyed that last comic that was heartwarming and also somewhat melancholic. It gave a nice end to the compilation.
I recall seeing most of her works on IG but there were quite a number of changes too. Still worth a buy to have them all in a lovely hardcover book.
I've picked up this comic without reading anything else from this creator before. The tittle was intriguing and I thought the idea was interesting. I expected something funny and cute, and especially nerdy. Sadly it didn't really meet my expectations.
The story bits were fine, but I feelt like I'm missing a lot of context. I understand the characters are based on real people; and that it's a webcomic that is being relased for a longer while, but as someone unfamiliar with the creator, I couldn't really connect with the stories. On a basic level - yes, sure; but there were no extra depth.
There were some funny and heartwarming moments, but not enough for me.
Art style is pretty nice and clean. I like it. Reading a digital copy, I found that some of the panels were too smal for my liking, but I assume it works better on paper.
Advance Reader Copy received from NetGalley & Andres McMeel Publishing (thank you!!)
aww this was genuinely so cute, I wish I could rate this higher but I feel like it was too short & fell a little flat. I think it could have used a bit more structure or plot (though I love that it’s based off the authors real life <3) just to keep it more engaging & substantial. I also get uncomfortable when I’m reading and real life events (covid) get brought up, it was a traumatising time okay?! I will say the last few pages talked about grief really well, brought a little more depth that I would have loved to see more of.
on a positive note I think the art is really cute & well done !! I also really liked their relationship, it was so wholesome.
Okay first off—Biscuit. Bisciotti. The goodest doggo ever. I would die for him.
This was such a nostalgic read for me. I first discovered My Giant Nerd Boyfriend during lockdown (shoutout to my Webtoon scrolling days), and coming back to it now hit in a completely different way. It genuinely helped keep me a little bit sane back then, and honestly… it still does.
This comic is adorably sweet, funny, and nerdy-as-hell in the best way. It’s pure slice-of-life comfort, full of those small, relatable moments that just get you.
Between Fishball, Boyfriend and Biscuit, I laughed, nearly cried, and just felt this warm sense of contentment the whole way through.
If you’re looking for something light, wholesome, and guaranteed to make you smile, this is it.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Fishball (Yen Ee) for an ARC
I was not familiar with the author prior to receiving this ARC and I was NOT disappointed. The slice of life, art style, references and dynamics were adorable, the art dynamic and accessible, and the couple extremely relatable. Some of the shorts about living during the Pandemic had me chuckling and looking back fondly at the exact situations I went through. Some of the shorts about family had me smiling, fondly; I confess I called my gran after I finished reading.
I think it's important to point out how Yen Ee's art surpasses cultural barriers in such an accessible, fun way. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Fishball won a new follower with this book! Seriously, such a wholesome, quick read.
i have strong memories of this webtoon dominating the app back in its publication, and it's not hard to see why! a cute slice of life comic that is compiled of various small stories about fishball, her eponymous giant nerd boyfriend, and (the very obvious star of the show) their out-of-this-world adorable dog, biscuit. although most of the stories are light and humorous there are brief unexpected moments of bittersweetness and loss, but the comic never fails to spin the core message in an uplifting way and return to its usual shenanigans, with a simplistic but effective artstyle and panelling that perfectly suits. my only note would be the inclusion of covid-related shorts, which does date the comic a bit.
I've followed the authors comics on Facebook for quite a while and always enjoyed her work. This fell a liiiiittle flat for me. I got a lot more enjoyment out of the social media posted comics than I did from those in this particular book.
I did love Biscuit, little puff ball. ❤️ All of the comics featuring him were adorable.
Made me cry because I miss my grandma and grandpa so much.
And then it made me cry again.
I was hoping for more laughs. And a few of the comics seemed like filler pages without much to them.
Do recommend.. It's a quick read and decently cute. But I don't recommend for anyone missing their grandparents. Because ouch. 💔
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. 📚
I absolutely adore this collection. I first discovered these comics on Webtoon, so seeing them brought together in a published volume is genuinely exciting. I’m already looking forward to adding a physical copy to my shelf.
What makes these comics so special is how effortlessly relatable they are, especially for anyone in a delightfully nerdy relationship. They capture those small, familiar moments with humor and warmth, making it easy to see yourself and your partner reflected in the pages.
This is a perfect pick for readers looking for something light, quick, and genuinely charming. I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends who want an easy, feel-good read that still feels personal.
I've been reading this comic FOREVER!!!! I saw the cover in netgalley and had a knee jerk reaction to the author name. It's Fishball! It's a slice of life, small moments that build this relationship. Stories sometimes have characters being together and it's like a house. This comic is like looking at each brick, each tiny moment that builds into a house. Discovering new things about each other, looking and reflecting on difficult times. New pets, new hobbies, new shows. This webcomic and now book is these two sharing their entire relationship with the whole world. ART! The expressions are amazing! Don't let the simple style fool you, you will laugh and scrunch your face and feel emotions reading this.
Slice of life stories are such a delight and "My Giant Nerd Boyfriend" thrives within the genre. We're introduced to the two main characters and their beloved cat, then explore daily life with them. Things that could seem monotonous to the person experiencing them become entertaining and vibrant through Fishball's eyes. Through Covid lockdowns, personal hobbies, cat parenting, and family issues, this volume does a satisfying job blending depth and emotional range. I do wish that there were more nerdy aspects included about her boyfriend, but perhaps that'll be delved into more in the next volume. A super expressive art style that's colored in such a thoughtfully way.
Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the arc!
Very cute web-comic compilation, and it successfully manages to be both witty and sentimental. It's a quick but meaningful read, full of the artist's takes on the ups and downs of day-to-day romantic love, life during the COVID lockdown, and the bittersweet and earnest love of a grandchild for his aging grandparents. The tone of the collection is mostly humorous though, and it's so cutely drawn! I know the whole gimmick is the size differential, and she exaggeratedly draws herself as comically small and her boyfriend as comically large. There's even a comically fluffy doggo to round things out! Definitely worth a read. Publishes August 18, 2026. This review is based on a complimentary DRC of the book, all opinions are my own.
It’s been a while since I read any My Giant Nerd Boyfriend comics, so I was really excited to get a full volume of them. This is a wonderfully fun, slice-of-life comic that showcases the relationship between Fishball and her giant boyfriend. It covers things like the changes in a relationship over time, dealing with a pandemic, pets, and dealing with ageing family.
This was just a really great selection of these comics and I really enjoyed them. I look forward to reading more volumes, or diving back into the webtoon and getting caught up.
TW: COVID-19 pandemic; ageing family members; emergency medical situations;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
A quick, cute read that became very real and hit close to home. While the stories take place during the COVID-19 lockdown and you see an established couple living together during it, their cute, funny and realistic antics have lots of heart.
I'm experiencing a similar family situation as depicted, and I didn't expect this cutesy story to bring tears to my eyes but it did with the honest portrayal and feelings. This was really a story of life I can tell the author shared with us.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an arc. This is a voluntary, honest review.