Canto: If I Only Had a Heart

Canto #1

by David M. Booher, Drew Zucker (Illustrations)

In the fantastical world of Arcana, tin slaves are forbidden to love, but Canto must defy his slavers and embark on an incredible journey to save the one he loves most.

Enslaved for generations, Canto's people once had hearts. Now they have clocks. When slavers damage a little tin girl's clock beyond repair, Canto must brave his strange and fantastic world to bring back her heart. Can he overcome the dangers that await him to save the one he loves?

Part fantasy, part adventure, and full of heart, this graphic novel by writer David Booher and artist Drew Zucker is inspired in equal parts by The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Dark Crystal.

Genres: Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction, Action

152 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 2020

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of an enslaved, little clockwork knight who goes on a quest to save the life of his beloved. It's an all ages story of hope and darkness in the vein of The Wizard of Oz or The Neverending Story. Booher and Zucker have also included several little nods to Oz. I liked the story of hope Booher presents in this hopeless world. It's a nice fantasy world he's created. Hopefully we'll see more of Canto.

Received a review copy from IDW and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty ok.



This was a Hoopla Bonus Borrow, and it had been recommended by a friend, so I grabbed it. Maybe I just expected too much, but I wasn't enraptured with the story like a lot of my friends were. It was a solid "this was alright" kind of fantasy comic for me, but I didn't enjoy the style of story enough to want to read more.



It's set in an Ozish kind of world with an emerald tower and what looks to be a yellow brick road, and our little steampunk-y hero with the clockwork heart goes on a journey to save his love.
I wish I had felt more invested in his journey, but I didn't really care one way or another. I never got enough about the background of any of the characters to feel connected to them in a significant way.
I thought the art was nice, though.



A lot of people seem to have just adored this, so I'm definitely in the minority with my meh feelings about it. If it sounds interesting, you should absolutely give it a shot.

Recommended for fans of fantasy.

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
This was an excellent fantasy graphic novel that tells a very classic story in a way that felt new again. The narrative was dark and emotional, making for a wonderfully memorable read. I would highly recommend it to any fantasy reader who enjoy the visual format.

[Jim Ef · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.2/10
Follow Canto in his quest to save the ones he loves. On his way he will face enemies and go through difficult obstacles. He may or may not succeed on his mission but one thing that he will definitely do is warm up your heart.

[Essareh · Rating 4 out of 5]

چقدر خوب بود t-t
چه خوب تموم شد t-t

[Philips_comics · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah man. Where do I start? How can a short story about a Tin Man species touch a big fellas heart. This was beautiful. Genuinely one of the best things I've ever read. The journey, the bravery, the humour it was endearing and pulled on the heart strings. Absolutely loved this book.

[Inkslinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley and IDW Publishing. All opinions are mine and freely given.

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My first 5-star comic/graphic novel read in years..

03-27: 'Canto: If I Only Had a Heart' by David Booher is a graphic novel inspired by the Wizard of Oz and Dante's Inferno that tells the story of a little tin boy who loves a little tin girl and the lengths he's willing to go to, in order to save her.
​
Their people are forbidden to love, but when the slavers damage her clockwork heart by punishing her for breaking their rules, Canto undertakes a life or death journey to search for the real hearts that are taken from them at birth. As time ticks away, he makes some friends along the way to defeat the myth of the man whose power holds them all in chains.

I can't say enough good things about this little novel. The story is beautiful.. both sad and endearing all at once. Canto and the girl he loves just dig straight into your heart from the beginning, never easing up.

People have a tendency to segregate comics and graphic novels from what they call 'real books,' but I've never felt that way. And this story is a great example of exactly how much a good writer can do with the medium. It's full of the feels.. the tragedy of their existence, the small ways they offer each other hope and comfort, the warmth of comraderie, and more. A full spectrum of emotions play throughout the story, more so.. I have to say.. than some more traditional titles I've read.

Oh my, I loved this book and I just knew it was going to be something special. The artwork is absolutely stunning. There are times it feels like it's glowing on the page and others where the texture turns gritty, conveying Canto's experience viscerally. Even the fight scenes are executed beautifully!

Initially, I had gotten the title as an ARC from NetGalley, but my file got corrupted and it had already been archived on the site. Convinced though, as I was, that it was going to be something extraordinary.. I pre-ordered the digital version so that I could still read and review it. Now I'm kicking myself for not just buying the physical copy. I'd considered it heavily, but in the end I erred on the side of caution.. and I shouldn't have. I'd love to have it in my collection.. and you will too.

PURCHASE LINKS:


AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | WATERSTONES

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03-23: Going to fit this read in tonight, as it releases tomorrow! The hedgehog you see above.. is pretty much the visual equivalent of how cute Canto is.. I can't wait!

[Corey Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book. It reminded me of Bone, in the way it's all age book, but still manages to create an interesting story that everyone will love. I'm so glad I picked this up for a free borrow on hoopla.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this story and the cover art hooked me. I would have purchased this based on those two things alone. Sadly, the touching and heartfelt promise never quite coalesced for me. The story line felt too simple, and the voice wasn’t strong enough to carry that simplicity well. I could never figure out the target audience as the themes were older (love, slavery, resistance), but the tale used younger language. The twist was obvious, and all the important action took place off page from Canto’s journey. The art was elevated beyond the story, and maybe that was to lend balance, but for me it just made the whole less congruent.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of the breavest little tin-man and his friends. Sometimes your biggest fears are not what you think they are.
Canto's people were little tin-men and I liked how the only thing used to express their feelings was their eyes - Canto's eyes in particular.

[Niki · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like a very familiar story: a hero on a fantastical quest, friendship, rebellion. Very reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz in particular, but, of course, darker. There was a very important part of the story towards the end that happened off-page for some reason, did they run out of pages?

The art was really beautiful, but I found myself unable to understand what was happening in most of the action scenes.

**I received a free copy of this graphic novel from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.**

[Alex Sarll]

A race of little tin men are enslaved by the Shrouded Man, their hearts replaced with clocks, forbidden attachments or names - but Canto has been given both anyway, and goes on a quest to save the one who gave them to him. There are some nice details - the bickering giants, a surprisingly brave resolution - but for the most part it's standard fantasy fare. Still, it's quite pretty, or at least might be if, out of all the ways to impede piracy, the Netgalley ARC didn't come with PROPERTY OF IDW PUBLISHING stamped translucently - though not translucently enough - across the centre of every page. As with that horrid noughties period when some record labels thought the way to save the music industry was to chop the ends off tracks, or have a voice interrupt them with 'This promotional CD is the property of [unknown name you presume to be the guy two before your editor], the main effect is to ensure a reviewer can never properly immerse themselves in the art and so is far less likely to be able to recommend it. None of the other comics publishers feel the need to use such an alienating approach, and I really hope it neither lasts nor spreads.

[Valéria. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pamätám si svoju neskutočnú radosť, keď som videla pár strán z tohto a odvtedy som sa nevedela dočkať, kedy si to prečítam celé. NetGalley mi to umožnilo a well.. bolo to hrozné. Ako fajn, milučké, nabité emóciami, ale tak neskutočne klišoidné až to bolelo. A tá kresba tiež nebola bohvieaká skvelá.. Svet, nápad toho celého, tých postáv je strašne skvelý a zaujímavý, ale celé to jeho putovanie a to čo sa tam deje mi prišlo, že som videla už všade a tuto to nebolo nijak lepšie podané. Máme hrdinu, máme vtipného spoločníka/tvora/whatever to bolo, už som aj zabudla. Máme ženskú, máme zlé postavy. Pomiešajme to, super to bude. Až na to že nebude. Škoda..

[Adam M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wound up having to read this to review a different book in this series because I didn't realize how far along in the world that one was. I needed more information, so I started here at book one and was delightfully surprised with how great this was. I can wholeheartedly recommend this for teens and advanced middle-grader readers who are looking for a fantasy world/adventure. There is no blood, foul language or anything that normally would keep me from pointing that age group in this direction. The authors credit The Wizard of Oz and The Dark Crystal as influences and you can see the fingerprints of those stories all over this book. There is darkness around the edges, it's not all easy and there are costs for the heroes. For younger readers it's just complex enough to prepare them for what a lot of adult fantasy is like, while not being so lofty or obtuse that it can't be enjoyed. Again, surprised by this in the best way and glad I can recommend it now.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In the land of Arcana, small tin men (and women) work as slaves. The tin men's hearts have been replaced by clocks and when their clock stops working, they pass on. They are forbidden from having love or names. One tin man alone has been given a name by his peers, Canto. When the object of Canto's affection's time runs out, Canto embarks on a quest to free his people and to find their hearts.

This graphic novel had wonderful illustrations and told a tale of fantasy/adventure akin to the Wizard of Oz or The Labyrinth. This book would be a good fit for people who enjoy those kids of quest adventures with all sorts of creatures encountered along the way.

I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Layla Crowie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Heartfelt, inspiring and wonderful. I cannot recommend this enough.

A unique tale inspired by The Wizard of Oz accompanied by stunning, emotive illustrations. The tale of Canto and his people will draw the reader in instantly and you can't help but root for this little hero. I was captivated and felt so much in such a short amount of time, this is how you do a graphic novel and do it well.

[Jill Paz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A steampunk take on The Wizard of Oz? I expected to love this, but I'm left, unfortunately, underwhelmed. There were nice moments throughout, but overall I found I simply didn't connect with/care for the characters. Also, the illustration style (or perhaps the palette?) was often difficult to "read."

[Tanja L · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little story about a tiny tin man with a clockwork heart called Canto who leaves on a quest to save the girl he loves. He is inspired on his quest by the only story he knows, a classic tale of a knight trying to find a kidnapped princess. We see the parallel between the stories in the comic as he goes on his quest. I really liked the art here, Canto reminded me a little of Marvin the Martian, so I couldn't not find him adorable. The story is ultimately about the effect hope has on people, about love and freedom. The story really has so much heart, I will definitely read vol. 2 when it comes out.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Canto, Vol 1: If I Only Had a Heart' by David M. Booher with art by Drew Zucker is the story of a small mechanical knight on a quest to find a heart.

Canto is a windup knight in the land of Arcana. His people have been enslaved for years, but when a tin girl's clock heart is damaged, Canto builds up the courage to venture out in to the world. There he meets strange allies, travels along a yellow brick road to an emerald tower to face off against an enemy that holds the world in power.

I really liked this story of a little hero with huge determination. I liked the unusual allies he made along the way. I also liked the sly references to the Wizard of Oz. The art is fun with unusual creatures and a worn down world.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

[Clint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did. It’s a cute fantasy adventure fairy tale, but it loses a lot of its charm when Booher explicitly foregrounds the boring allegory about Capital Letter Nouns like Hope and Fear with such a heavy hand. The specific character interactions before that are more interesting and original and I wish he’d kept the dialogue’s focus on that level instead. Zucker’s art has a unique style, but he frames a lot of scenes from a slightly askew perspective and then isn’t able to draw proportions and character angles from it, so there’s often a slightly unpleasant wonkiness to how things look.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Individual issue reviews: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 | #6

Total review score: 3

[RG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much better than I was expecting. Directed at fans of old school adventure story's. A princess bride, dark crystal or even fans of the hobbit. The art is actually quite good but the story is just fun and has a great message throughout.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canto follows a tin boy with a clock heart on a quest to save the tin girl he loves. His people have been enslaved for all their lives, with no recollection of their true history. They are not able to take names and their clock hearts are supposed to ensure that they are incapable of love, but Canto defied all odds.
This little adventure comic is full of interesting creatures and characters. The illustrations capture the essence of the world perfectly. Canto did an excellent job at showing the hope in hopeless situations and the love that can be had in the worst times. While the tone is pretty serious, Canto was full of quirky moments and funny banter between some of the characters.
I will definitely be continuing to the next volume

[Δημήτρης Μπ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Μια παραλλαγή του γνωστού μύθου του ιππότη που ξεκινάει ένα ταξίδι για να σώσει την πριγκίπισσα απ' τον πύργου που την έχει φυλακίσει ο τρομερός μάγος. Μόνο που αυτή τη φορά στη θέση του ιππότη βρίσκεται ένα γενναίο μεταλλικό πλασματάκι, που ανήκει σε ένα είδος υποδουλωμένο από το οποίο αφαιρούνται οι καρδιές τους στη γέννησή τους και μαζί με αυτές χάνουν την ικανότητα να αισθάνονται, να ελπίζουν, να είναι κάποιοι. Στη θέση της καρδιάς τους ένα ρολόι βρίσκεται για να τους υπενθυμίζει πως ο χρόνος τους τελειώνει. Ο θρύλος λέει ότι ο μυστήριος, καλυμμένος με το πέπλο άντρας, που είναι αυτός που υποδούλωσε τους υπόλοιπους, κρατάει τις καρδιές των μεταλλικών πλασμάτων κάπου φυλαγμένες. Ο μικρός πρωταγωνιστής μας, αψηφώντας τις παραδόσεις και τους υποδουλωτές θα προσπαθήσει να βρει την καρδιά της αγαπημένης του για να την σώσει.

Στο ταξίδι του στον μαγικό κόσμο του Arcana θα γνωρίσει άλλους λαούς, θα συνάψει σημαντικές φιλίες, θα έρθει αντιμέτωπος με τον άντρα με το πέπλο, αλλά ακόμα πιο σημαντικά θα έρθει αντιμέτωπος με τους δικούς του φόβους και αμφιβολίες.

Η βασική διαφορά της ιστορίας του Canto με τον αντίστοιχο μύθο, βρίσκεται στο τελικό αποτέλεσμα/συμπέρασμα, το οποίο θεωρώ ότι είναι ώριμο και διδακτικό. Αποτελεί ένα υπέροχο ενήλικο παραμύθι που έχει ένα μικρό μήνυμα να περασει.

Οπτικά το canto είναι πανέμορφο. Υπέροχη παλέτα χρωμάτων, όμορφα σχέδια και περιβάλλοντα, ο κόσμος του Arcana έχει αποτυπωθεί πολύ ωραία στο χαρτί. Μόνο οι μεταλλικοί πρωταγωνιστές μας είναι λίγο απλοϊκά σχεδιασμένοι σε σύγκριση με τον υπόλοιπο κόσμο.

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.
(And I regret letting these issues sit in my "To-Be-Read" comic stack for so long!)

This is a really great all-ages read, taking it's cue from classic fantasy and fairy-tales, in the vein of Narnia or Oz. (In other words, EXACTLY up my alley; YMMV.)

This is a really smart, cute and charming title that came as a pleasant surprise out of nowhere, where the art really supports and amplifies the deceptively simple story perfectly.

[Estibaliz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Short and sweet.

'Canto' is gorgeously drawn and the characters are endearing, but I didn't feel there was much depth in the story, which it's quite stereotypical on its depiction of a hero's journey. So I wouldn't say this necessarily hit home for me when it comes to getting all the feelings, but I sure enjoyed the art.

[Dawie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A profound story about a little guy with a whole lot of heart. Thank you NetGalley for accepting my request to review rhis advanced copy.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cute and heartbreaking. I loved the themes of this and can't wait to continue.

[kaitlphere · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the non-fairytale ending to this fairytale. The afterword was as moving as the end of the story.

[Dan Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was incredible. Absolutely stunning artwork! It's a strange "modern" fairytale that will have you turning pages until you're all the way through it.