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Izuna
Izuna, Book 1: Kamigakushi
Since the dawn of time, the Izuna wolves have been entrusted as guardians against Japan's evil spirits. Set in the wondrous world of Legend of the Scarlet Blades. From time immemorial, the spirits of nature created the Kamigakushi, a magical veil that hid them from the impure eyes of man. From that moment on, spirits and men could no longer gaze upon each other and lived as if belonging to separate worlds. One day, the Noggo appeared suddenly. No one knows how they came into being, but their harmful darkness began to infect the world of the Kami. That is why the sacred tree called Munemori created the Izuna, the only ones capable of battling the terrible scourge of the Noggo. But the mysterious birth of a wolf cub in the shape of a young girl threatens to upset the delicate balance between the two worlds and plunge both sides into chaos.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
10 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Saverio Tenuta
28 books11 followersDopo aver conseguito il diploma all'accademia di Belle Arti di Roma in pittura, iniziò a lavorare come grafico pubblicitario e incisore. Esordì come autore di fumetti nel 1992, collaborando con diversi editori, fra i quali Cierre per Arthur King, Casa Editrice Universo per Intrepido, RCS, Phoenix e altri. Con Phoenix pubblicò Cold Graze - risvegli di ghiaccio e Gli Incubi tecnologici di Saverio Tenuta. Lavorò anche negli Stati Uniti con Dolls per la Sirius, su testi di Lorenzo Bartoli, pubblicato successivamente anche in Italia, tratto dal libro Bambole edito da Fanucci. Collaborò poi anche con la Event Comics. Dal 2003 lavorò sia per il mercato italiano (ad esempio con uno speciale di Morrigan) che USA, per la DC Comics e con la rivista Heavy Metal. Nel 2006 iniziò la collaborazione con l'editore francese Les Homanoïdes Associés, per il quale pubblicò La Légende des Nuées Écarlates, in quattro volumi, e che verrà poi tradotta in italiano (La leggenda delle nubi scarlatte), in tedesco, in spagnolo e in inglese. Nel 2007 una sua storia venne pubblicata sulla rivista giapponese Mandala, edita da Kōdansha. Nel 1995 iniziò a insegnare fumetto e tecniche di disegno in scuole di settore e nel 2010 costituì il Daishō Studio, un atelier dove seguì i suoi allievi e sviluppò nuovi progetti di fumetto e illustrazione.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 29, 2022
"Don't touch her, Nio! This abomination came from the Noggo infection!"
The panel above represents a critical turning point in Saverio Tenuta's Izuna Vol 1: Kamigakushi. After a scourge known as the Noggo is released on the land, a human girl, Aki, is mysteriously born with another cub to join the 'wolf' protectors of the spirit world. This doesn't go over well. Set in a mythical Japan, this was an easy and entertaining read. I didn't know how invested I was until I got to the end and was immediately ready for the next installment. 3.5 stars
The panel above represents a critical turning point in Saverio Tenuta's Izuna Vol 1: Kamigakushi. After a scourge known as the Noggo is released on the land, a human girl, Aki, is mysteriously born with another cub to join the 'wolf' protectors of the spirit world. This doesn't go over well. Set in a mythical Japan, this was an easy and entertaining read. I didn't know how invested I was until I got to the end and was immediately ready for the next installment. 3.5 stars
February 8, 2018
If you like Princess Monoke, check this out. I really enjoyed this use of Japanese folklore. Unlike some comics I could name (Muse Vol. 1: Celia for instance) while there is some female nudity, it is for male/lesiban drool or even sexualized. It just is.
May 18, 2024
Magical creatures, Good fighting Evil in the defense of the Sacred Tree. The Izuna wolves are the tree‘s guardians. There is a veil between the worlds of humans and magical creatures, the Kamigakushi, preventing them from seeing each other.
Good wins in the initial fight of this volume, but the tree is infected with a black mud. The future is uncertain.
And to make life even more uncertain, a wolf cub is born in the shape of a human girl. Not all of the wolves are happy about this.
“All living things, be they human or spirit, display hostility towards those they do not understand.“
With the death of the Sacred Tree and the birth of a human into the world of the now endangered Izuna wolves, the world is changing. It might be time for the girl Aki to cross into the human world for help.
I like the artwork. The setting in feudal Japan, with monks, folklore and ninjas, is interesting.
🐺🐺🐺½
I might get the next issue to see where the story takes me and then decide if I want to continue. I also might look for Princess Mononoke, as she was mentioned in other reviews quite a lot.
Good wins in the initial fight of this volume, but the tree is infected with a black mud. The future is uncertain.
And to make life even more uncertain, a wolf cub is born in the shape of a human girl. Not all of the wolves are happy about this.
“All living things, be they human or spirit, display hostility towards those they do not understand.“
With the death of the Sacred Tree and the birth of a human into the world of the now endangered Izuna wolves, the world is changing. It might be time for the girl Aki to cross into the human world for help.
I like the artwork. The setting in feudal Japan, with monks, folklore and ninjas, is interesting.
🐺🐺🐺½
I might get the next issue to see where the story takes me and then decide if I want to continue. I also might look for Princess Mononoke, as she was mentioned in other reviews quite a lot.
February 14, 2020
Absolutely beautiful artwork, intriguing engaging story, Japanese folklore, a comics as it should be...cannot recommend enough
October 23, 2018
A very fortunate mix (in my mind) of Cecilia Dart-Thornton's fantasy style and "Princess Mononoke" aesthetics/ethics.
May 15, 2022
The art is nice, but it feels like there was a bit too much borrowed from Miyazaki's Mononoke Hime.
March 25, 2021
Opet hodnotim serii jako celek, protoze jednotlivy dily jsou fakt kratky.
Uz z obalky prvniho dilu ma clovek "Mononoke vibes", coz je v mym pripade plus, ale nemusite se bat, ze by to byla nejaka vykradacka Miyazakiho. Japonska mytologie je natolik obsahla, ze to neni ani potreba.
Pribeh o boji dobra se zlem, o prolinani sveta lidi a kami (nadprirozena), o zrade i obetovani. Cte se to fakt dobre a konecne sem se dockal pekny kresby.
Uz z obalky prvniho dilu ma clovek "Mononoke vibes", coz je v mym pripade plus, ale nemusite se bat, ze by to byla nejaka vykradacka Miyazakiho. Japonska mytologie je natolik obsahla, ze to neni ani potreba.
Pribeh o boji dobra se zlem, o prolinani sveta lidi a kami (nadprirozena), o zrade i obetovani. Cte se to fakt dobre a konecne sem se dockal pekny kresby.
September 2, 2020
Les planches, les couleurs, les détails, l’histoire... wow
September 9, 2020
An excellent readalike for people who loved Princess Mononoke.
Tenuta has a really great grasp on Japanese folklore and how to incorporate it in a visual way without objectifying it. The background in these short books is so rich. There is quite a lot of information that has to be visually synthesized, so pay attention to every artistic detail in these panels.
This really is what people who liked the world of Princess Mononoke would enjoy because it feels like the same world. There are some more magical and fantastical elements in this series --like the veil separating humans from the kamikagushi. There is a life-giving, sacred tree and an interloper (Mononoke-esque). What's added on is the noggo (Kingdom Hearts' heartless style shadow/spirit creatures), monks, and other mythical/folklore creatures like the world-crossing kitsune. There is an other-worldly, ethereal aspect to these characters from the other side of the veil --the Izuna are not quite wolves, the kitsune is not quite a woman or a fox, and the humans are not all they seem.
Again, a wonderful series that manages to stay both interesting and respectful of the original religious elements that the universe is based on.
Tenuta has a really great grasp on Japanese folklore and how to incorporate it in a visual way without objectifying it. The background in these short books is so rich. There is quite a lot of information that has to be visually synthesized, so pay attention to every artistic detail in these panels.
This really is what people who liked the world of Princess Mononoke would enjoy because it feels like the same world. There are some more magical and fantastical elements in this series --like the veil separating humans from the kamikagushi. There is a life-giving, sacred tree and an interloper (Mononoke-esque). What's added on is the noggo (Kingdom Hearts' heartless style shadow/spirit creatures), monks, and other mythical/folklore creatures like the world-crossing kitsune. There is an other-worldly, ethereal aspect to these characters from the other side of the veil --the Izuna are not quite wolves, the kitsune is not quite a woman or a fox, and the humans are not all they seem.
Again, a wonderful series that manages to stay both interesting and respectful of the original religious elements that the universe is based on.
September 10, 2018
He empezado a leer estos comics por la portada y me han sorprendido para bien. El dibujo es precioso y la historia es muy muy interesante.
Me he liado un poco con los nombres, pero poco a poco me acostumbraré a ellos.
Tengo ganas de ponerme con el segundo.
Me he liado un poco con los nombres, pero poco a poco me acostumbraré a ellos.
Tengo ganas de ponerme con el segundo.
February 23, 2018
Great art and a cool tie-in to Japanese/Shinto mythology. Worth going for Vol. II, but nothing that really stood out as pushing the envelope.
August 18, 2020
Les images sont magnifiques – très détaillées, riches en couleurs, et avec un respect pour la nature. Les japonais sont connus pour leur appréciation de la nature et la représentation de la beauté naturelle, donc de trouver ce même respect dans une BD italienne (traduit en français) est génial. Quant à l’histoire, j’apprécie les éléments folklorique et shinto qui y se trouve, et ça m’intéresse de voir ce qu’il y a dans l’avenir des personnages, dans ce monde où deux mondes commencent à se mêler.
August 17, 2025
This is part of a humble bundle I have (great idea and some amazing offers) and I thought I would give it a go. It feels like there is a whole genre (I am sure there is if anyone can tell me what it is properly called) of creating fantasy stories and presenting them as Asian myths and legends.
This is a perfect example of that and I have to say to me at least is beautifully rendered and told. This book reads like a fable with its mythical battles and good and evil kept in balance this is story you feel you know but still does not stop in surprising you.
The story itself to some degree is predictable - but then again stories of this type usually are - until they are not as yes this is only the first installment of a larger series - so of course there is something to keep the story going and that certainly is here.
This is a perfect example of that and I have to say to me at least is beautifully rendered and told. This book reads like a fable with its mythical battles and good and evil kept in balance this is story you feel you know but still does not stop in surprising you.
The story itself to some degree is predictable - but then again stories of this type usually are - until they are not as yes this is only the first installment of a larger series - so of course there is something to keep the story going and that certainly is here.
November 1, 2020
I have an English language translation for the US market of a French graphic novel currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
The artwork in this book is simply superb, inspired by traditional Japanese paintings. It works very well. The story telling is a little rapid in places and hence the imagery can be a little confused, but nevertheless it is effective. The story is based on Japanese mythology and samurai tropes, and is again effective and intriguing. There are mysteries upon mysteries, and the various characters consider them with sensitivity and wisdom, humility too as they have no idea what is going on.
This is definitely a series to follow and read again several times.
The artwork in this book is simply superb, inspired by traditional Japanese paintings. It works very well. The story telling is a little rapid in places and hence the imagery can be a little confused, but nevertheless it is effective. The story is based on Japanese mythology and samurai tropes, and is again effective and intriguing. There are mysteries upon mysteries, and the various characters consider them with sensitivity and wisdom, humility too as they have no idea what is going on.
This is definitely a series to follow and read again several times.
February 11, 2022
I want this as an anime yesterday!!
I am WAY ahead of my reading schedule so I dared pickung up a few cool graphic novels I found at the Library.
This is fast paced and a really quick read. If you are late on your reading schedule at the end of the year, you will be pleased to find out that this is amazing and quick!
Though there are a few scenes or dialoges I would have liked to see elaborated more.
It gives Monoke Hime vibes, but it´s not in the slightes similar. A totally different story and I really love that aspect!
And every page is coloured! It´s soooooo pretty and I can see that series as an 24 episodes anime!
I am WAY ahead of my reading schedule so I dared pickung up a few cool graphic novels I found at the Library.
This is fast paced and a really quick read. If you are late on your reading schedule at the end of the year, you will be pleased to find out that this is amazing and quick!
Though there are a few scenes or dialoges I would have liked to see elaborated more.
It gives Monoke Hime vibes, but it´s not in the slightes similar. A totally different story and I really love that aspect!
And every page is coloured! It´s soooooo pretty and I can see that series as an 24 episodes anime!
October 6, 2020
There might be more to life then you can see.
Two side of the veil, two different fates. Can Aki and Kenta save them both? I picked this to read because I enjoyed playing Okami and it looked similar. In was it is and in ways it isn't. The art work is very good and so is the story.
Two side of the veil, two different fates. Can Aki and Kenta save them both? I picked this to read because I enjoyed playing Okami and it looked similar. In was it is and in ways it isn't. The art work is very good and so is the story.
September 23, 2017
This story was beautiful, specially the visuals and the world building! I really loved it. I would have liked to see more interaction between Aki and Kenta but other than that the concept is awesome. 4.5 starts!
January 21, 2019
Svijet duhova i svijet ljudi odvojeni i isprepleteni. I sad se pojavi netko ko prejde barijeru svijetova da bi ih spasili. Sve je tu korektno, scenarij, prica, crtez, ali to je to, nema ni jednog uzbudljivog detalja, crteza koji ce ostavit VAU dojam, price koja ce zaokupit.
February 18, 2020
It was good
Something different. Great art. Decent story Def be reading the rest if I can get them here. Can not wait
Something different. Great art. Decent story Def be reading the rest if I can get them here. Can not wait
March 23, 2020
Good start
Interesting take on Japanese mythology. Short but kept my attention enough to want to find out what happens next in the series.
Interesting take on Japanese mythology. Short but kept my attention enough to want to find out what happens next in the series.
April 3, 2021
Amazing Art work.
March 19, 2024
FormGrand ¦ A.I. 03/2014 ¦ D.L. 05/2014 = eo(noté)
January 2, 2025
Hermosamente dibujado, una hisoria clasica de fantasia.
July 3, 2020
Beautiful illustrations. Disappointing and predictable writing.
September 9, 2015
1) Deutsche Rezension
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Ich würde sagen dieser zweite Zyklus ist eine Verbesserung gegenüber dem ersten, in der Hinsicht, dass die Menschen wesentlich besser aussehen (nicht so kreideweis wie im ersten) und die Geschichte keine Lücken aufweist, die Izunas erscheinen nur nicht sehr kompetent im Kampf gegen ihre Gegner. Allerdings war die Geschichte im ersten Band des ersten Zyklus auch recht gut, also wer weiß, was noch kommt.
Was allerdings auffällt ist, dass die Izunas im ersten Zyklus als Eiswölfe beschrieben wurden, verbunden mit dem Eiswald (als Beschützer), aber hier gibt es keinerlei Verbindung zum Eis. Auch gibt es hier einen heiligen Baum, eine Fuchsprinzessin und ein menschliches Izunaweibchen. Das ganze scheint bisher so losgelöst vom ersten Zyklus, dass es genauso gut ein anderes Universum sein könnte.
Sicher, es ist eine gute Geschichte, bisher, aber es wirkt doch recht losgelöst vom ersten Zyklus.
PS. Was mir hier aufgefallen ist, war: Die Serie heißt "Die Legende der scharlachroten Wolken" aber nicht nur tauchen nirgendwo welche auf, es gibt nicht mal eine Legende. Also wieso hat es diesen Titel?
2) English Review
I would say that this second cycle is an improvement compared to the first one, in the regard that the humans look much better (not as chalk-white anymore) and the story does not show so many holes, the Izunas simply appear to be not very competent in the fight against their enemies. However the story in the first volume of the first cycle was also pretty good, so who knows what is still in store for readers.
What is noticeable however, is that the Izunas were described as icewolves in the first cycle, connected to the ice forest (as protectors), but here there is no connection whatsoever to ice. Also, here there is a holy tree, a fox-princess and a human female Izuna. The whole thing seems pretty separate from the first cycle, so much that it could as well be another universe.
Sure, it is a good story, so far, but it does seem pretty far removed from the first cycle.
PS. What I noticed here was: The series is called "the legend of the scarlet clouds" but not only do none ever appear anywhere, there is not even a legend. So why does it have that title?
2) English Review
1) Deutsche Rezension
Ich würde sagen dieser zweite Zyklus ist eine Verbesserung gegenüber dem ersten, in der Hinsicht, dass die Menschen wesentlich besser aussehen (nicht so kreideweis wie im ersten) und die Geschichte keine Lücken aufweist, die Izunas erscheinen nur nicht sehr kompetent im Kampf gegen ihre Gegner. Allerdings war die Geschichte im ersten Band des ersten Zyklus auch recht gut, also wer weiß, was noch kommt.
Was allerdings auffällt ist, dass die Izunas im ersten Zyklus als Eiswölfe beschrieben wurden, verbunden mit dem Eiswald (als Beschützer), aber hier gibt es keinerlei Verbindung zum Eis. Auch gibt es hier einen heiligen Baum, eine Fuchsprinzessin und ein menschliches Izunaweibchen. Das ganze scheint bisher so losgelöst vom ersten Zyklus, dass es genauso gut ein anderes Universum sein könnte.
Sicher, es ist eine gute Geschichte, bisher, aber es wirkt doch recht losgelöst vom ersten Zyklus.
PS. Was mir hier aufgefallen ist, war: Die Serie heißt "Die Legende der scharlachroten Wolken" aber nicht nur tauchen nirgendwo welche auf, es gibt nicht mal eine Legende. Also wieso hat es diesen Titel?
2) English Review
I would say that this second cycle is an improvement compared to the first one, in the regard that the humans look much better (not as chalk-white anymore) and the story does not show so many holes, the Izunas simply appear to be not very competent in the fight against their enemies. However the story in the first volume of the first cycle was also pretty good, so who knows what is still in store for readers.
What is noticeable however, is that the Izunas were described as icewolves in the first cycle, connected to the ice forest (as protectors), but here there is no connection whatsoever to ice. Also, here there is a holy tree, a fox-princess and a human female Izuna. The whole thing seems pretty separate from the first cycle, so much that it could as well be another universe.
Sure, it is a good story, so far, but it does seem pretty far removed from the first cycle.
PS. What I noticed here was: The series is called "the legend of the scarlet clouds" but not only do none ever appear anywhere, there is not even a legend. So why does it have that title?
July 8, 2015
The art is unequal, it goes from great to average.
The story is only average too.
The story is only average too.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews