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My Giant Nerd Boyfriend, Vol. 1: Big Love in Small Moments

Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26
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144 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 18, 2026

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Fishball

4 books42 followers

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5 stars
69 (33%)
4 stars
87 (41%)
3 stars
45 (21%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Profile Image for lali ✰.
364 reviews30 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 18, 2026
3.75 stars ✨️

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.
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.9k reviews466 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 21, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Monica (switching platforms) .
299 reviews11 followers
Read
May 4, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,814 reviews92 followers
August 12, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I've been a big fan of this webseries and even read it while it premiered on Webtoon back in the day. It was nice revisiting this collection and the silliness it provided. You can tell this is a long series because half of these comics feature a Covid setting, which severely dampened my enjoyment. It was rough to relive those scenarios, especially because it showed how long it took to get this collection published. This will always be a cute collection and thankfully I know that her writing gets stronger over time. Her early works definitely showed her as a burgeoning artist. I'm not quite sure whether or not I'll continue with the full volumes as I have already read 200 mini comics from Fishball. It was cool to see these two early in their relationship, giant Pikachu shirt and all.
Profile Image for Raianna Diaz.
198 reviews9 followers
April 17, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Rebekah Moore.
30 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2026
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.
Profile Image for theresia cleopatra.
186 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 30, 2026
My personal rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the e-book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I think I’ve read the webtoon before and really liked it. So when I saw this comic on NetGalley, I grabbed it right away without a second thought. While reading it, I found myself giggling and even laughing out loud. The comic is so much fun. Plus, there’s a POV from Biscuit, the Pomeranian that belongs to Fishball (Yen Ee) and her giant nerd boyfriend-now-husband (Micky). It’s absolutely adorable 🥹

I really like the portrayal of relationships in this comic. From the healthy and funny romantic relationship between Fishball and Micky, to their relationship with their dog (Biscuit), to their relationships with their family members. I was touched by the little things that Fishball and Micky pay attention to in their daily lives. It really shows such an adorable relationship—and it’s my relationship goals. Another touching relationship is the one between Micky and his grandparents. I love them all!!!

Also, some scenes are super relatable, like during the lockdown or the COVID-19 pandemic. The concern that Fishball felt about returning home was the same as my own experience back then. I also didn’t go back home because I was afraid my parents or family members would catch the virus.
This book is perfect for those of you who love fluffy romance and slice-of-life genres. It’s a light read that can cheer you up on a bad day.

Notes: I immediately checked out the webtoon after reading this comic, hehehe. BECAUSE I NEED MORE!!! <3

———————————
ID 🇮🇩

Sepertinya aku sudah pernah membaca webtoon-nya dan aku suka! Terus pas aku lihat ini di NetGalley, langsung ku ambillah tanpa pikir panjang. Selama membaca ini, aku senyum-senyum mulu sampe kadang tertawa. Komiknya menggemaskan. Apa lagi ada POV dari Biskuit, si anjing Pomeriannya Fishball and her giant nerd boyfriend-now-husband (Micky). Lucu polll 🤣

Aku suka sekali penggambaran relasi di dalam komik ini. Mulai dari relasi romantis yang sehat dan lucu antara Fishball dan Micky, relasinya mereka dengan anjing mereka (si Biscuit), hingga relasi mereka dengan keluarga mereka masing-masing. Aku terharu sama hal-hal kecil yang diperhatikan oleh Fishball maupun Micky dalam keseharian mereka. Sangat menunjukkan relasi yang menggemaskan dan relationship goals for me. Relasi lainnya yang menyentuh adalah hubungannya Micky dan grandparentsnya. I love them all!!!

Selain itu, ada beberapa scene yang relatable, seperti waktu lockdown atau covid-19. Kebimbangan yang dialami oleh Fishball untuk balik ke rumahnya sangat sama dengan pengalamanku dulu. Aku juga tidak balik ke rumah karena takut orang tua atau orang rumah akan terkena virus tersebut :(

Komik ini sangat cocok untuk kalian yang suka fluffy romance dan slide-of-life genre. Buku yang ringan dan dapat menghiburmu di hari mu yang buruk ^^

notes: aku langsung buka webtoon setelah membaca komik ini, hehehe. BECAUSE I NEED MORE.
Profile Image for Bookmeaway.
519 reviews17 followers
Read
May 13, 2026
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).
Profile Image for Crystal Allen.
Author 4 books52 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 26, 2026
A copy of this book was provided to me by Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Before this book landed in my hands, I had never heard of Yen Ee, also known as Fishball, or her popular webtoon My Giant Nerd Boyfriend. I requested it through NetGalley simply because I love graphic novels, and if they happen to feature a cute couple with a little romance sprinkled in? Even better. I'm so glad I took that chance.

This book is genuinely adorable, and it's a little different from most graphic novels I read. Rather than one continuous story, it's a collection of shorter comic strips following Fishball, her giant nerd boyfriend, and the completely irresistible Biscuit the dog. The format is light and fun, and I found myself just flying through the pages.

Reading it took me right back to the early days of my own romance with my husband, when it was just the two of us and our little floofy dog Jake. My husband is a nerd too, though he's definitely missing the giant part! There's something so warm and relatable about watching two people build a life together, and Fishball captures that beautifully in these little strips.

The book spans the Covid era, and it was interesting to look back on that time through the lens of their relationship. It ends on a tender but unresolved note, with Fishball and her boyfriend caring for his ailing grandparents, which left me wanting more. Since this is Volume 1, I'm hoping that means more volumes are on the way, because I already adore this little world Fishball has created.

I suspect most readers will already be fans of Fishball before picking this up, but I came in as a total newcomer and finished the book immediately going to look her up on social media so I could keep following their story. That says a lot.

I eagerly await Volume 2!
Profile Image for Shatiel.
1,332 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 26, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Andra-Mihaela.
535 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 19, 2026
Hello everyone!🙃

Today is #review day!😆

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!^^
Profile Image for Gaby | read.onrepeat.
651 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
May 8, 2026
A gremlin, a puppy potato, and the giant.

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.
Profile Image for Jessica Sandman.
19 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 3, 2026
I have been following Fishball and My Giant Nerd Boyfriend on social media for years, so I was super excited to see that she was coming out with a new book!

This is more of the clever, heartfelt, witty humor that I am used to from the series, and it's great to have it bundled like this. The relationships between the characters are so relatable in so many ways.

I should mention that it's not all just about laughs here, though. Some of the pieces are very touching, and highlight the power of integenerational relationships during difficult times. This is a nice addition, and really fits the full title of this book, "big love in small moments."

Some of the comics deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, lockdowns, and mask-wearing, so if someone is looking to avoid reminders of that period of time, this might not be the best for them. I'm not one of those people, so I found it to be a nice reminder of what that time was like and how we all adapted the best we could.

I'm an American reading this book, but the author gives us a slice-of-life of Malaysia, so I believe this is valuable for readers all over the world. I'm not just saying this because I love Malaysia! haha

Finally, I must mention Biscuit! I love Biscuit so much! I have a little dog who reminds me of Biscuit in so many ways that it's always exciting to feel like I'm seeing him on the page. More Biscuit!!!

I can't wait for Volume 2!

Thank you to NetGalley & the author for the eARC.
Profile Image for Mandie.
47 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 13, 2026
My Giant Nerd Boyfriend, Volume 1 is a delightful collection that proves just how entertaining everyday life can be when viewed through the right lens. Longtime readers of Fishball's webcomic will be thrilled to see these beloved strips make the transition from digital screens to paperback format. The book's nonlinear structure serves as a quick glimpse into a moment or funny anecdote making the collection incredibly easy to pick up and enjoy in short bursts. It creates the feeling of being invited into their world one snapshot at a time.

One of the comic's greatest strengths is its ability to transform ordinary experiences into universally relatable humor. Whether it's navigating the quirks of a relationship, dealing with daily inconveniences, or celebrating small victories, Fishball captures the charm and absurdity of everyday life with warmth and authenticity. The result is a collection that feels both deeply personal and instantly recognizable.

Fans of nonfiction and autobiographical graphic works will find much to love here. My Giant Nerd Boyfriend sits comfortably alongside the charming observational humor of Sarah Andersen, the cozy relationship-focused comics of Debbie Tung, and the heartfelt romantic anecdotes of Catana Chetwynd. Like those creators, Fishball has a remarkable talent for finding humor, affection, and meaning in the seemingly mundane.
Profile Image for Freya.
319 reviews80 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc, in exchange for my honest review.

This is a funny, light hearted, quirky, slice of life type of graphic novel about the author’s experiences with having a (tall) boyfriend (Micky) and a very cute little dog (Biscuit)!

The art is also by the author and is simple but expressive and it’s the expressive part that was often exaggerated, which made it so funny.

This starts with Fishball tricking Biscuit into “admitting” something he shouldn’t have done. When he turns to Micky, he gets an unexpected time out. I really loved this cute and funny start of this graphic novel!

I must admit that most of what came next, isn’t anything I haven’t read before but if you’re new to the genre, you will probably love it!

Fishball loves plants and is a little insecure and Micky struggles with being tall and is a really sweet guy!

This is about topics like: what you do in the name of love, (like eating the way too spicy cury your partner made you) and getting a bit too comfortable around eachother. But also about things like taking strength from seeing your partner be courageous.

The pretty big part about Covid was a skip for me. There’s also a pretty sad part about the struggle of dealing with grandparents who are getting old.

Overall a quick and enjoyable read.

17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 28, 2026
This is the illustrated published edition of the hit webtoon about the illustrator Fishball and her tall boyfriend – turned – husband. This is a light slice-of-life comic detailing the daily life and antiques of Yen He, her now husband and their cute little Pomeranian Biscuit. Yen details their daily life in the form of short crisp strips of illustrations, mixed with humor. This is the first of the book edition and starts with their initial relationship phase as a couple.
Their comical interactions, the problems of a tall boyfriend and a short girlfriend, their acceptance by their immediate family, her boyfriend’s nerdiness, a little bit of their Cultural heritage, are some of the concepts that Yen Ee describes through her simplistic drawings. Living together with a cute dog is bound to come with certain benefits as well as drawbacks. Yen Ee is honest in her representation and handles even the emotional phase of her boyfriend in a light vein, bringing a smile to the reader.
The anecdote about water is a truth that is experienced by all and mothers are the best reminders of the necessity of hydration.
The book is less than 150 pages but the illustrations leave an impact much later, even after the book is done. Yen Ee makes us earn for the next set of illustrated book in the series to be out for reading. A quick fun read for all graphic novel lovers.
221 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 14, 2026
Years ago I read all of the available comic strips Fishball had on Webtoon, and I love for her that she is getting published because it's absolutely deserved.

I laughed and cried and grinned at this heartwarming and genuine way Fishball/Yen Ee portrays her relationship with her Giant Nerd Boyfriend.

Having read every single comic on webtoon from the beginning might detract from my enjoyment of this collection. It comes off as a bit messy since the timeline is all over the place. I miss the funny moments in the beginning when they get to know each other, and having several pages during COVID-19 could, in my opinion, be switched out for more on their chaotic relationship. It does give depth to them as individuals outside of the everyday shenanigans, but the book is a condensed version so that's why it comes across as superficial. I know so much more context can be added if the comic was allowed to have more pages.

I will definitely read the next volumes, and I encourage everyone to read My Giant Nerd Boyfriend - you will read with a smile on your face and come out grinning like a fool.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review. Publication date 18.08.2026

3.25 stars
Profile Image for Tiffany Seward.
413 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 17, 2026
Comic | Covid | Slice of Life

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.
Profile Image for Cara Loop.
68 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 18, 2026
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!
Profile Image for Evonne Fuchs.
27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
April 23, 2026
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.

3.5 🌟
Profile Image for Caro Mey.
27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 26, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou Who.
333 reviews35 followers
June 11, 2026
I love this book and have been following this comic and Fishball (Yen Ee) for quite some time. When I found out about this book and its release date, I was super excited. Then, I was privileged enough to be able to read it as a galley. First, it didn’t disappoint me in the slightest! I love that Fishball is able to bring real life into her work and marry it with, at times, such silly humor. I never come away sad. I really enjoyed reading about her and her “giant’s” time during the pandemic and the impact it had upon their lives. I’m immunocompromised, personally, so what everyone else lived through during the pandemic is my constant, everyday life. I really appreciate being able to relate to others, even if it’s just for something that was a brief period of time. Overall, I loved the book and will be looking to actually buy it for myself on release (something I rarely do, especially with galleys). Also, my husband and most of his family are all 5-16 inches taller than I am so I relate for sure. Even our preteen is about to pass me up in height and I’m not even short by most standards! I related to this book - hard! Thank you Fishball!
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,069 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 5, 2026
I would like to thank Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for a free eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

This is a bindup of 37 selected episodes from the webcomic My Giant Nerd Boyfriend taken from episodes 405 - 469 which were originally published in 2020.

Although I found this absolutely charming and found that the episodes chosen were great all around, I do feel like this being the first volume could have used an introduction of sorts and maybe it could have chosen some episodes that weren't so connected with the 2020 Virus issues. I am giving this rating as if this was any volume of this webcomic. If I had picked up this volume second or third I would have loved it without reservation. My complaints come from the fact that this is the first volume, but it is compiling episodes in the 400s and it feels like it.

the final 3 episodes of this comic broke my heart in a perfect way and I couldn't give this anything but the highest marks. I do love stories that comprise small moments in life and make them feel big and meaningful. This is such a series. I will absolutely seek out the rest of the episodes and do recommend it.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 23, 2026
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 💕
Profile Image for Charity (Charity's Library).
446 reviews33 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 27, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Nim.
190 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 24, 2026
This was an adorable slice-of-life web comic.

-I love how realistic everything is, it makes it very believable and relatable which also in turn makes it very enjoyable to read.
-The art style is amazing, cute and goofy.
-I like how they're mostly just everyday things, I think we don't get enough comics that do this which makes it a nice and refreshing read as well.
-I love that we can also see the dogs thoughts, I think that was a cute addition to it.
-It doesn't only just show normal everyday things but also the struggles that comes with it which we don't see a lot, I appreciate that a lot.
-the artist also captures small "insignificant" things that you don't think about anymore since they seem so normal, reading about it made me aware of them again, even if it was just for a little.

I hadn't heard about the artist before but I will definitely read more of them!
My only critique is that they were quite short, I would've liked them to be longer, even if it's just a little bit.

Thank you NetGalley & the author for the eARC!
Profile Image for Melanie Green.
237 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 19, 2026
My Giant Nerd Boyfriend is a collection of short comics about Fishball and her six-foot-five boyfriend as they stumble through everyday life together. Some strips are about the obvious height difference, while others poke fun at anime, pets, food, relationships, and all the little moments that end up becoming inside jokes. I found myself smiling almost the entire time, especially during the comics where something completely ordinary turned into a ridiculous situation simply because one of them is so much taller than the other.

This book reminded me why slice-of-life comics are so much fun. There's no huge plot to keep track of. You can read a few pages, laugh, set it down, and come back later without feeling lost. Fishball has a way of finding humor in everyday moments without making them feel forced, and the simple artwork fits that style perfectly. By the time I reached the last page, I was already looking forward to the next volume. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
Profile Image for Karlee.
184 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 7, 2026
~*ARC Reader*~

Thanks so much to Netgalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and, of course, Fishball/Yen Ee for granting me an ARC of this comic!

I have been an avid fan of the My Giant Nerd Boyfriend strips on webtoon for years (although I'll admit I'm really behind on the strip at the moment). When I saw that Fishball was publishing a collection I was super excited! The way she portrays their relationship as well as the other parts of their life just gives me so many feelings! Usually happy ones! But let's be honest, Fishball knows how to make her readers cry too.

This volume collects many of the covid-era strips as well as some stories that are exclusive to the collection. You'll get moments about video games, lockdown, Biscuit (their adorable pup), and caring for aging family members. And many many glimpses at the adorable couple moments between them.

Whether you're a long time fan or have never heard of the series, this collection is a great way to experience the vibe of the comic!
Profile Image for Jessi Thompson.
93 reviews16 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 13, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced e-ARC.

3.5* rounded up

This felt like finding a new comic and going down an Instagram rabit-hole, reading every single one. This is a funny, light-hearted, slice of life, super quick and easy read. I found a lot of what was being portrayed was very relatable and believable. Having lost my grandparents very recently, the comics about their grandparents and family hit me a lot more than I would have expected it to. The cute, small, everyday acts of kindness and love are what made this great.

The art style is super cute and simple to follow. The only thing I didn't like was the formatting. I think there should be proper breaks between comics, maybe a comic title at the beginning of each one so that you can clearly see where a new comic starts. It just felt a little jumbled and didn't seem to follow any specific timeline.

All in all, this was a fun read and I would recommend if you are looking for something not too serious that will make you laugh.
Profile Image for Laura.
3,353 reviews107 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
April 20, 2026
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.
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