Haru, Part 1

by Joe Latham

Genres: Comics, Fantasy

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Natalie Getchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haru was honestly very well written and illustrated. I liked the style of writing, the nonbinary main character, and the art style was really adorable. If you were a fan of Adventure Time, you will love this comic. Two friends, on an adventure, not too creepy by any means, and they show a wonderful bond as they journey on to meet their goal. I think what I loved most about the book was the display of loyalty among friends in a way that isn’t painfully obvious. It was simply shown through their actions. It was a quick read, but it didn’t disappoint. I am looking forward to volume 2, and I highly recommend.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, with iconic, cute character designs, and an intriguing world. Right now it’s a little too much like a pared down Lord of the Rings, but the imagery is unique, and I’m interested to see where the themes and character arcs will lead in the next “seasons.”

[Helena Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1, Spring, follows Haru, their brother Goose, their friend Yama, and an interesting fungal character named Herb. Haru and Yama are outcasts, bullied, and can’t quite seem to get others to see their point of view. After a scary and strange event, the duo strike out to set things right - searching for a Beacon far away that can help. This story is dark and truly scary, but still kid friendly. Latham jumps naturally between humor and sweetness to doom and horror. This graphic novel really shines in it’s use of cell shaping throughout the book. At times the cells are loosely circular, the page with significant portions of negative space, reminiscent of watercolor picture books. Other times the cells are sharply square and packed tighter. Latham aptly changed styles and shapes to add to the atmosphere and pace of the story, almost like a movie’s score. This book was wild and I really couldn’t tell where the story was going next, I found myself at the end yearning to know what would happen. It feels intended for young readers, but adults will enjoy it too. While I initially picked the ARC for the cover, after reading the book, it felt a little underwhelming for all the individuality and range of the story within.

[Raisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haru is a small blue bird whose best friend is a boar named Yama. Haru is a bird who cannot fly and does not know much about their background. As a result, Haru gets bullied by their classmates. One day, Haru and Yama find a strange objects and afterwards a series of strange events begin to occur. Both friends embark on an adventurous journey and meet other ingesting characters along the way.
The book is a fast, easy read and illustration are a bit Ghibli style. Definitely looking forward to book two.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review of the book received.

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for advanced copy.
so for change of pace i read this.
really stunning artwork i would love to have in on my shelf.
its kids story i might rec read with for parents for kids age 5+.
it's because of the themes in the books stuffs like bullying implied which might to dark to younger kids.Full of lessons and mesmerising art.i will eagerly wait for second instalment of this.
really loved characters designs and backgrounds story felt alive .Very well done.