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Luca the Dragon Vet 1

Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26
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When your patients are dragons, everything is bigger: the stakes, the challenges, and the messes! A girl named Luca enters a school for aspiring dragon vets in this high-flying new fantasy manga that fans of Witch Hat Atelier will adore, from the Eisner Award–winning creator of My Journey to Her. In the country of Adnogg, people known as dragon vets are responsible for treating the many different types of dragons that inhabit the land. After the death of her father, a military dragon vet, a girl named Luca decides to honor his final wishes by becoming a dragon vet herself. She enters Cogniel School of Dragon Studies, where she and her fellow trainees soon experience all the trials, tribulations...and occasional messes that come with treating creatures many times their size. The road to mastery may be long, but when there's a dragon in need, the dragon vets answer the call!

208 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 28, 2026

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About the author

Yūna Hirasawa

18 books9 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for willow.
288 reviews11 followers
May 20, 2026
Ahhh this was so cute!!!

Luca, an aspiring dragon vet, joins a veterinarian academy after the death of her father. She must work together with a few other trainee girls and her professor to learn vet skills and take care of dragons. There is added depth with the story taking place in a war-torn country, the mystery of the death of Luca’s “traitorous” father, themes of grief, and some classic tension between Luca and the other girls. The description compared it to Witch Hat Atelier and yes!! Very similar fantasy vibe, professor and students and school dynamic, group of girls, and the way it brings up some deeper themes and questions morals.

I love the concept of dragon vets and adore Luca, she is the classic brave and optimistically cheerful heroine. She is intent on her mission to be a good dragon vet!! Her conflict and connection she’s had with the other girls has been great and I love them too.

Yes of course I already love Siegfried the handsome professor. What can I say. I need to know more about him

Curious to see the direction this is going to go!

many thanks to netgalley and kodansha for the arc :)
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.7k reviews468 followers
Read
May 19, 2026
I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.

I am so glad that Jira turned out OK-ish, I mean, she is still a bitch and I hate what she did to Luca (on that note, why was she allowed to stay, generally this is really NO GO attitude). Luca was a fun, dedicated character and while I love her at times I would like her to be a bit more responsible and mature. Chloe was a sweetheart though. And I love that this one is all about dragons (and not just flying types but also ground types and dragons that don't really look like dragons), about becoming a vet for them, seeing the girls go to school but also do work at places or get summoned along with their mentor/counsellor. I loved seeing them heal/help out dragons and get detailed information on the school, dragons, caring and more. The art was also real pretty!

Review to come closer to the release day~
Profile Image for bee ⭑.ᐟ.
285 reviews113 followers
May 19, 2026
this was an amazing first volume and i look forward to reading more. the variety of dragons was a nice surprise and it’s so interesting to see a more biological side to the beasts. the hint of mystery was also cool too and intrigued to untangle the story behind that.
thank you netgalley for an advanced copy.
Profile Image for The Witch.
108 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 12, 2026
Luca the Dragon Vet is a charming blend of fantasy, adventure and coming-of-age storytelling that offers a refreshing perspective on dragons. Instead of focusing on dragon slayers, warriors, or epic battles, the story follows Luca, a determined young girl who dreams of becoming a dragon veterinarian and carrying on her late father's legacy.

Luca is an incredibly likable protagonist. Her determination, kindness and unwavering desire to help dragons make her easy to root for from the very beginning. As she navigates her studies and training, she gradually grows both professionally and personally, creating a satisfying character arc. The friendships and rivalries she develops with her classmates add depth to the story and make the academy setting feel lively and authentic.

One of the manga's greatest strengths is its world-building. Dragons are not simply mythical creatures; they are an essential part of society, each species possessing unique characteristics and medical needs. The veterinary aspect is surprisingly detailed and adds a layer of originality rarely seen in fantasy stories. Diagnoses, treatments and medical procedures become exciting challenges that keep the narrative engaging while highlighting the importance of care and compassion.

Beyond its lighthearted and adventurous atmosphere, the story also explores deeper themes such as grief, responsibility, prejudice, and the lasting effects of conflict. These emotional elements give the narrative additional weight and make it appealing to both younger readers and adults.

The artwork is another standout feature. The dragon designs are imaginative and beautifully detailed, bringing each creature to life with a sense of wonder and personality. The illustrations perfectly complement the story's tone, balancing heartwarming moments, humor, and emotional scenes with equal effectiveness.

What I found most fascinating is how the series transforms veterinary medicine into a fantasy adventure. Rather than relying on constant action or combat, the story creates tension and excitement through the challenges of healing and understanding dragons. This unique approach makes Luca the Dragon Vet feel fresh, wholesome and memorable, offering a delightful reading experience for anyone who loves fantasy, dragons, and character-driven stories.
Profile Image for ValkyrieRuna.
171 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 21, 2026
Luca wants to become a dragon vet, like her late father. When I saw the premise for this one, I absolutely fell in love with this concept! It reminded me of Witch Hat Atelier - with little Luca going after her dream, joining other young girls at the academy, including a certain dark haired rival. I think those who liked Witch Hat Atelier will also love Luca the Dragon Vet. This series is set in a war-torn country, whose worldbuilding is slowly fed to us as we go along, learning more about each of the students rich backstories. I loved the concept of having Dragon Veterinarians, and then found myself wondering why hasn't this been asked about before in other universes that have dragons? Surely someone has thought about the medical side of caring for such great beasts!

Speaking of dragons, when I saw the cover and synopsis of this one, I was very much expecting *dragons*. However, very few of the dragons actually look like the dragon's you're probably thinking of (large, fire breathing lizards with powerful wings). Many of the other creatures (or "dragon species" as they call them in Luca the Dragon Vet) are more like regular beasts of burden but dragon *sized*. Some don't even have wings. So I was a bit caught off guard with this one, as it felt like "Dragon Vet" is a bit of a misnomer. This is essentially Luca the Magical Creatures Vet. Still, I found learning about each of the different species heart warming.

Other than that, my only critique is with a few frames where the story jumped ahead and I felt like we missed out on the moments that were skipped, or it felt suddenly jarring - almost like we cut off the end of a conversation. I don't know if this was because of page count limitations or to keep the pacing fast, but I found myself wishing we could have seen the little details that were skipped over. Otherwise, the artwork was beautiful, the story engaging, and I absolutely sat and read this in a single sitting. I am so happy to have had the early opportunity to read this one, it was an adorable read and I am very excited to see future installments released!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Alex.
57 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 17, 2026
I have really mixed feelings about this manga. In it, Luca goes to magical vet school to learn to be a dragon veterinarian. As a veterinarian myself, I was excited to see a magical depiction of my field. The medicine was great: it was extrapolated from the medicine of actual species, which was fun. They combined anatomic structures from several species to make dragon anatomy, which was a really interesting approach, as opposed to making them straightforward large reptiles. The use of air sacs, while described more like a swim bladder than an avian air sac, was an neat choice. I loved the scene with the anal gland expression, since it was as realistic as possible given that it was about a dragon!
That all being said, the story seems to be very anti-euthanasia. It's possible that this will change over the course of the series, but I doubt it. The beginning of the entire story begins with the main character's feelings on death and giving up, which should have been a red flag. As the story progresses, the thesis becomes more clear. Euthanasia is presented as giving up, or not trying hard enough. There is a storyline that really hammers this perspective home. The ability to perform humane euthanasia is an incredible privilege and an honor, and one no veterinarian takes lightly. Euthanasia is one of the kindest choices a family and veterinarian can make together. It allows us to relieve suffering in a way that no other medical field can do. Ignoring this gift in pursuit of misplaced ethics is the opposite of the standard of care that the characters in this story should be striving for.
All that aside, the characters in this story were sweet and the art was very pretty. If it weren't for my fundamental disagreements with the moral stance of the story, I would continue reading the series. As it stands, I think I'm finished with Luca the Dragon Vet.
Thanks very much to Kodansha via Netgalley for the ARC.
494 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 15, 2026
This is pleasant enough in theory, but the execution leaves me a little indifferent. To begin with, the “dragon” part of the title is somewhat disingenuous as almost all of the dragons are just animals with some horns on them (a dog, a draft animal, a deer, birds) which is a bit of a let down, especially after the first book dealt with … well, the more traditional dragons. And I am aware that I’m coming at this book from a very western perspective, and dragons aren’t the same the world over; it’s just that I expected the dragons to look more fantastical and less … Max from the Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

That aside, the characters start in their proper stereotypical places — the ubiquitous cheerful girl, the quiet bookish one, the standoffish one, and the genius — and develop into something more interesting. Luca’s father was accused of being a traitor to his country, sending sick dragons and men to their deaths leaving room for enemy forces to invade and occupy various territories. Among her roommates is the daughter of the mayor of one of those towns, dead with the rest of her family in the invasion who can’t help but hate Luca for what happened.

The ongoing war, the struggles of the country to recover and supply the fighting, the fact that young women are now being called on to be vets — with an eye to becoming wartime dragon medics — hints at a protracted battle with a high casualty rate, but all we’re seeing is the pastoral school and the young women doing their best.

This has a chance to be deeper and more grounded in reality than I first thought, looking at the cover. Definitely a series worth giving a chance! Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Profile Image for Kylie.
1,250 reviews31 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 21, 2026
This book was so cute! I requested this from Netgalley because the cover really caught my eye and I'm so glad I was approved.
In this world, they are 3 years post-war. Many people and towns are rebuilding. Our main character Luca's father was a dragon vet who unfortunately died in the war. Wanting to follow in his footsteps, Luca passes the training (I can't remember exactly what they call it) and is on her way to the university to take the exam and start at the school.
I really loved these characters. Luca immediately meets and bonds with 2 other girls, Chloe and Jira. They all have independent personalities and strengths which compliment each other well. The dragons are unlike any type of dragon I've read about. Basically there are tons of types of dragon. It seems every animal has been turned inti a dragon which was cool. Like there were dragons that looked like squid and highland cows and everything in between.
The writing of this manga was fantastic. I don't know how such an intricate fantasy world was so well explained in a manga format without it feeling info dumpy. It was woven perfectly into the story.
The story was so intriguing too. We have Luca and these other girls training to become vets, but there is also the after effects of the war. I don't usually love war/politics in books, but this plotline is so interesting! I don't know if a manga or graphic novel has ever made me cry, but this one did.
The artwork was so beautiful. It really reminded me of Nausicaa (both art and world/plot). It perfectly fit the story and world that was being portrayed.
I am already dying for volume 2. And I also want this to become an anime show.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,041 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 14, 2026
*I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

For a first volume this series is off to a wonderful start!

Immediately we're immersed into the whimsical world in which dragons are alive, but not always well. Luca, the main character, is heading for school to train to be a dragon vet, just like her late father. However, straight away her skills are tested before she can even begin her first day.

I really loved the world in which this series is set in, it definitely reminds me of other magical universes such as Witch Hat Atelier or Frieren! The characters are reminiscent of others too, and already a 'friendship' group has been established. Each girl has a different personality and quirks she brings to the group, I can already see how rivalries will be tested and trust will be put to the test. Even their professor has a mysterious aura to him, and strange connections to Luca's late father, so we're for sure getting some history and plot twists in the upcoming volumes.

As for the dragons...oh my gosh, they are so cute and adorable! There's numerous species and they all have different 'jobs'. I didn't expect to get so emotional over the sick (unfortunately, dying, as I know some people may be sensitive to animal deaths) dragon the students had to care for, it was bittersweet.

I really enjoyed this first volume, and will definitely be keeping my eye out for the upcoming releases, I think any fans of cosy fantasy or stories of friendship forged in academia will like this just as much!

4/5 🌟
Profile Image for Annie.
4,886 reviews90 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 14, 2026
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Luca the Dragon Vet is the first volume in a new nichijou-kei (slice of life school manga) by Yuna Hirasawa. Originally published in Japanese in 2023, this English translation and reformat from Kodansha is 208 pages and will be available in paperback format. Projected release date 28th July 2026, with book 2 releasing in mid 4th quarter 2026 from the same publisher.

This is a well written and engaging manga. MC Luca and the other vet students are responsible and driven. They're from widely divergent backgrounds, but they want to dedicate their lives to healing and supporting dragonkind. There's excitement and danger from practically the first page.

There's also some mystery surrounding Luca's father's death, which adds depth to the storyline. The magical school, the friend group interactions, and the dragons (always the dragons!) add depth and whimsy. Although sometimes high-stakes and exciting, there's a lot of fun and adventure had.

The art is intricate and detailed with lots of energy and action.

Four stars. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home library, or gifting to a manga-reading friend.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Catia Araujo.
99 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
This first volume was amazing and i look forward to read more.
It's a bland of fantasy, adventure and coming-of-age that offers a refreshing perspective on dragons and with variety on them.
The world building are one the greatest strengths of this manga, dragons are not only mythical creatures, they are a part of society, each species possesses unique characteristics and medical needs. They added a layer of originality with the veterinary aspect that rarely is seen in fantasy stories.
It's lighthearted and adventurous but the story also explores deeper themes like grief, responsibility and the effects of conflict. These elements give the narrative additional weight and make it appealing to younger readers and adults.
The art of the manga is incredible and the variety of dragons was a nice surprise. The illustrations are a perfect complement of the story's tone, balancing heartwarming moments, humor and emotional scenes.
It's really fascinating how the autho3r transforms veterinary medicine into fantasy adventure instad of relying on constant action or combat.
This unique approach makes Luca the Dragon Vet feel fresh, wholesome and memorable, offering a delightful reading experience for anyone who loves fantasy, dragons, and character-driven stories.

Thank you to netgalley and kodansha for the arc!
142 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2026
An engaging tale of dragons, intense medical procedures and slow recovery from a recent war. The title character, a passionate young girl, lost her father to the war, he was a dragon vet and she is determined to follow in his footsteps. However, he was also a speculated traitor, though no evidence was solidly found his reputation lingers and it is attached to her names. A spectacular incident marks the beginning of her academic journey, training as a vet, a sudden fall, emergency surgery with the help of two other hopeful vets. She proves her worth, her morals, her determination, but her last name still causes immediate tension once it is revealed.

Their education is heavily practical, and team work is essential, they have to iron out the mistrust and agree to move forward together. This volume is packed with unique dragon designs, interesting medical procedures, background politics and fantasy war history. It is instantly gripping, and there is added intrigue as the mysterious connection between her new teacher and her father has been hinted at but not fully explored.

A fun, engaging and interesting story! Brilliantly illustrated and well constructed. Love this world, these characters and this concept!
Profile Image for Teresa.
Author 4 books90 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Kodansha comics, and Yuna Hirasawa for the opportunity to read this manga in exchange for an honest review.

Luca the Dragon Vet is right up my alley. In a fantasy world, one region has dragons. They rely on dragons as major aspects of how the region runs, like labor and agriculture. Three years prior to the story, a war ended, leaving the world in a place of seeming peace, but there is still a need for dragon vets!

Luca aims to head to an academy specifically to gain her license as a dragon vet. Throughout the story, she and her classmates have various experiences operation on, diagnosing, and helping dragons. It is both serious and funny in its approach, as it uses real medical issues you would see on your very own pets, and applies them to dragons.

Yet, there is a dark undertone when it comes to Luca's past. Her father is viewed as a traitor, but there is no proof that he was a turn cloak during the war. Perhaps Luca's experiences at the academy will unravel some secrets of her father and her past.

A really great manga that feels like a fresh and unique approach to fantasy and dragons. Careful if you are a dragon lover, though, because this may tug at your heartstrings!
Profile Image for Tristan.
117 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 16, 2026
Good start to a series, but damn there is a lot of trauma dumping for a first volume. I’m interested to see where the series goes, but just be aware it leans very hard into the “vet” aspect of the work here. This read may not be for the faint of heart. I think until funniest thing to me is the idea that dragons communicate with flashing/pulsing/moving lights, which means that the “vets” have multi-purpose, light-up staves to give commands and communicate. I can’t get it out of my head that most dragons are not trained animals, they’re living airplanes and the vets are just waving those glow sticks to direct runway traffic.

I also find it interesting that the term “dragon” is used as an umbrella-term for all the massive beasts in their world. Not just scaly, flying lizards. Not the first time I’ve seen it, I think Tite Kubo did something similar with Burn the Witch, but it’s weird it happened twice. I’m wondering if it’s an artifact of translation and English is missing the word they’re using and the closest translation is just “dragon.”
316 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 15, 2026
Where to begin with this? The dragon illustrations are so well done, overall the art is gorgeous. The characters are charming, and the story is already so extensive, I'm impressed at how much there is in under 200 pages.

I can see why this is compared to Witch Hat Atelier, as so far we've got at least two mysteries to unravel related to the teacher of three girls. I would also, however, compare it to Fullmetal Alchemist or even Studio Ghibli for its strong anti-war messaging. And a little bit of How to Treat Magical Beasts, though I think this is a little darker than that manga was as already the first volume questions when you accept you've done all you can for an animal patient and euthanize them. So I would recommend this to all fans of those, plus those that just like dragons.

Also I hadn't realized until I finished this that this was from the transgender author of My Journey to Her, which I had quite enjoyed as a biographical piece! So if anyone is looking to read a little more diversely in their manga, the good news is you can do that and still enjoy dragons!
Profile Image for Sharmaine.
52 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 19, 2026
*Thank you Kodansha for the Netgalley ARC*

Luca the Dragon Vet is a somewhat cozy fantasy that follows Luca and her her journey in becoming a Dragon Vet. We meet her on her way to an exam to be accepted into a veterinary school program. On her way, we find out that the use of Dragons have declined over the years as the advancement in technology has taken over. As she and a few other examinees are travelling to their practicum, they come across a problem with the dragon they are riding and leap into action to save its life despite the fact that they'd be late for their exam. This choice ultimately propels them towards their goals in becoming veterinarians.

This is a cute but complex manga that delves into grief caused by war, the importance of life (even those with numbered days), and how you can't believe everything you read on the news especially when it's not backed by evidence.

If you are into stories about perseverance and reaching for one's dreams, stories that delve into the aftermath of war and the unveiling of mysteries, and stories that ultimately highlight the connection between humans and living creatures, then this is a manga I'd recommend reading.
Profile Image for Noemi.
1,342 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 31, 2026
In a fantasy world where technology and dragons exist, young girl Luca wants to become a dragon veterinary as her dad. She joins the academy for dragons vet where she meets and befriend other students before they find out about her dad—in fact he was accused of being a spy who infected dragons in the war 3 years prior. Luca doesn't believe in it, but some of her classmates do, and even her professor is somewhat related to her father. What is going on and can Luca become a vet?

The settings of the story show a fantasy world where there are early indications of technology, such as trains, that coexists with dragons, which are still mainly used by the people. There are a lot of different dragons—from those that can fly to those that belong to the land— and the author drew those dragons with a lot of details compared to the humans who are somewhat more simplistic.

The story is quick to read and flows well until we get to the medical diagnosis that interrupts the reading flows due to the complicated medical terms and procedures.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for an eARC of the volume.
Profile Image for Louise Wilkes.
59 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 2, 2026
I enjoyed this so much! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I fell in love with the the story.
Honestly who wouldn't want to work with dragons someway?
Luca dreams of being a dragon vet, joins an academy when her father dies. She meets some other girls who also share the same dream and you get a lovely insight to each of the characters, including the professor.

I didn't have a favorite character until chapter 3 when Chloe was talking to the owner of the dragon. Chapter 3 was also my favorite.

I was surprised by how all the dragons looked as they aren't you typical dragons, there was so many types in all shapes and sizes, one looks like what I describe as a buffalo. Very strange but a pretty unique take on dragons.


I do have one critic about the book and that is because in some scenes it like jumps to another thing happening, and I felt like it could have had something there but it wasn't put in and it would be best either if it says '2 hours later' or 'the next day' something like that instead of the.jump from one thing to another.


Highly recommend this to anyone who loves dragons.
Profile Image for E (manga_runner).
222 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 20, 2026
First off, if you liked Witch Hat Altier then you will probably like this one as well- got a similar vibe from. Personally, I think I like this one a bit more than Witch hat Altier though.
I really liked about this was that there was a variety of categories of dragons and not just the ones you would originally imagine. I feel like more is going to happen moving forward and truths are going to be uncovered. Something else I liked was that in volume one it shows that three girls need to learn how to put their differences aside and work together. It's showing how they are building a relationship with each other and growing in terms of learning to be a vet.

Luca wants to follow in her father's footsteps, who everyone believes was a spy during the war, and be a dragon vet- which involves her enrolling in Cogniel Academy of Dracology. After missing the entrance exam due to helping a ill dragon, three of them still get a chance to apprentice under someone as they showed their skills unknowingly. Now will she be able to keep to her beliefs of doing everything she can before determining a dragon's life can not be saved.
1,300 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 13, 2026
A comic with a captivating story for readers 10+ and up.

A long way up. Maybe as high up as a dragon can fly. Which is quite frighteningly high for some, as it is very high - for people that is. But not for most of these excitable young future vets. You, reader, won’t be frightened by this comic though.

A story of Luca. She’s determined to honour her father’s memory and become a Dragon vet like he was. So, yes a story with dragons, lots of dragons.

A story that has fun, friendship and sadness running through it. (For maybe that older, higher up age group, vibes of James Herriot as far as the humour around the treatments of the dragons goes.)

A story that has past event mystery that is obviously going to be developed through future editions. I really look forward to reading all future editions as they become available.

Like the multitude of different dragons, this comic should walk/fly off the shelves. So get your copy asap.

Thank you to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the comic ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
29 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 21, 2026
Luca the Dragon Vet is a refreshingly unique take on the dragon fantasy genre - and this English translation does not disappoint! The story follows Luca, the protagonist, who enrolls in an academy for dragon vets (also known as the academy for dracology), to fulfill her dream and follow in her father's footsteps.

The manga art does an excellent job of merging fantasy elements against the backdrop of a world with increasing modern technology. While the plot sounds simple enough, I was pleasantly surprised by the underlying themes of perseverance through wartime and kindness. The technology depicted through the storytelling and art is fascinating and a fun world to become familiar with. The manga also does a fine job setting up a complex world-building and magic system which (in my opinion) was the highlight of this volume.

The characters' personalities also come through very easily as we are introduced to them, and it was fun to see some of the typical manga character tropes shine through. The story itself was uplifting and endearing, and a must for dragon lovers.
55 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 22, 2026
As Long as you can you can handle cartooned anal gland expression, Luca the Dragon Vet is a fun journey that invites to join Luca and her fellow classmates as they learn to become, well, exactly what the title says.

Luca lives on an island that is home to the majority of the world's dragons. (Dragons seems to refer both to traditional dragons and a large variety of giant monsters.) The dragons have been used heavily in a war that has only somewhat paused. Meanwhile, the technology used by the people of the main land is catching up to and starting to compete. Luca is determined to be a dragon vet to honor her deceased father, a choice that gets more complicated as we learn more about him. She has to face challenging choices and multiple gross out situations that involve a mix of magic and science. There's a mystery that's unwinding, complicated histories, and interesting developing relationships. Definitely a promising start to the series with plenty of interesting creatures.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the ARC of this manga.
Profile Image for That One Witchy Librarian.
165 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for this digital ARC.

Luca the Dragon Vet is a refreshing take on the genre genre. I've read about dragon riders and dragon fighters, but this is the first time I've read one about dragon vets. It's not a part of the fantasy world I would have thought about, but I honestly enjoyed this manga quite a bit.

Luca is passionate to become a dragon vet like her late father. In order to become a dragon vet she enters Cogniel Academy of Dracology, where she hopes to improve her skills. I honestly loved the medical aspect of this manga as it is explained so well that I think even middle schoolers would be able to follow along. However, I may be the only one, but I really feel like dragons in this story are just giant dogs.

I highly recommend this graphic novel for middle grade and higher. I don't think it is graphic even with the scenes with the anal glands. However, the first volume may require tissues.
Profile Image for Sara.
1,519 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 26, 2026
In a country under armistice still recovering from a brutal war, Luca is studying to become a veterinarian to dragons and follow in her father’s footsteps. Luca struggles to step out of the shadows of her past as she begins her time at Cogniel Academy, the school for training future dragon vets. Told with surprising medical complexity, this fantasy series would be good for readers of Witch Hat Atelier who enjoy fantasies that have a touch of darker themes, readers of Yuzu the Pet Vet who have now grown up and want something more serious in tone, or general fantasy readers who appreciate stories that center on animals and complex characters. Because of some of the darker, more serious themes such as death and war, this series would be best for middle school readers and up.

Reviewed for Booklist Magazine.

This review made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Sara’s Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12
Profile Image for Kat.
275 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 2, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC. This does not influence my opinion.

Luca the Dragon Vet is shaping up to be a very interesting series that I can’t wait to continue.

This first book introduces us to the main cast and some of the world building. I found the different kinds of dragons especially interesting.
There also has been a war, in which Luca and a classmate (and many others) have lost family. I believe this will play a large role in coming volumes and we’ll probably find out more about said family members and their role in the war.
Luca herself appears to be a ray of sunshine and extremely optimistic, but a lot of that is a mask for the grief she carries. I really enjoyed getting to know her and her friends so far and am looking forward to future volumes to continue doing so.
The art style is also beautiful and very fitting.

All in all a great first volume.
Profile Image for K. Hvostova.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 3, 2026
This was a super cute slice-of-life read about a girl who is going to school to become a dragon vet! As a fan of Witch Hat Atelier, this one has similar cozy vibes.

There’s a really interesting plot being set up with the mystery of what happened to her father. The other characters are great and you can start to see friendships growing between them, which is cute. I like how the story added conflict with one of the girl’s believing Luca’s father to have been a traitor, resulting in her own father’s demise. We got shared trauma and grief. Love it!

The world is neat, but the real stars of the show are the dragons (some are dragon-like creatures but they are cute and well-designed nonetheless). All the parts about being a vet seem very true to life, so it can get a little gross and gory at times. So this manga does not shy away from everything that comes with the job. I like it!

I’m looking forward to where the rest of the story goes!
Profile Image for Sibil.
1,799 reviews76 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 10, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This is just lovely. And cool! Because, come on!! Dragon vets are just the coolest idea!!
Sure, in this manga, "dragons" is quite an inclusive term, because we have a ton of different dragons, and, basically, they can be the dragons we all imagine when we hear the word, but they can also be really big (fantastical, more or less) beasts. And I am not complaining, I am here for it, but it is a thing to note.
Anyway... dragons! I love that they are a part of everyday life in this world, and I love that we follow some young girls while they are completing their training to become dragon vets.
This is a solid start for the series, and I really want more of everything.
The plot is quite interesting, and the characters are good. Sure, it's just the first volume so everything can always change, but still... It's a good start, and I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Brittany.
506 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 13, 2026
This was so cute! It kind of reminds me of a cross between "A Cat from our World and the Forgotten Witch" and "Witch Hat Atelier".

We follow a trio of young girls as they attempt to pass their entrance exams into a dragon veterinary school. Each girl has their own distinct personality and backstory. Luca, the main protagonist, will do anything she needs to to become a dragon vet just like her father; additionally, she will do whatever it takes to save a dragon, even when everyone else has given up hope.

This story of friendship, magic, and dragon companions was super wholesome and good for age 13+. I found the story super intriguing and would be interested in continuing on in the series to see what happens next.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars
Profile Image for Astrophel Beeneedssleep.
359 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an arc. All opinions are my own.

★ Rating: 4/5
Genre: fantasy manga
Are There Gay People in this?*: ❌

Sweet manga for all ages

I got this largely because it was comped to Witch Hat Atelier, and I think that is a spot on comparison. This book deals with grief, and the consequences of war, but it's also about kids who just want to have fun and help dragons.

Overall, an enjoyable start to a series!

* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Profile Image for Emma.
103 reviews14 followers
June 11, 2026
Volume one of “Luca the Dragon Vet” sets up an interesting world. A country that uses its native dragons as part of its military is recovering from a recent conflict with a country with more technologically advanced weaponry. The protagonist Luca is hoping to join a veterinary academy that specializes in caring for these dragons; she and other students have difficult pasts connected to the recent war. I appreciated the author’s dedication to accuracy in what caring for a dragon might entail, and the dragon designs included were interesting and varied. The plot and conflict isn’t anything I haven’t seen before in other school stories, but could probably still be enjoyed by a younger reader. If my library readers that enjoy dragons are looking for a new series to try I’d be willing to recommend “Luca the Dragon Vet” to them.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the digital ARC!

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