What do you think?
Rate this book
Eight Limbs
Joanna, a retired Muay Thai champion, takes in a troubled foster teen and decides to train her, until the teen finds herself entangled with a dangerous group of criminals running underground fights and Joanna must return to the ring to save her... and keep their new family together.
After the devastating loss of her Muay Thai championship title, Joanna decided to walk away from competition, start a family, and open her own gym. But her quiet life gets disrupted when an old friend asks her to temporarily foster a troubled teen. Just as Joanna believes she is starting to break through Mari's walls, a misunderstanding drives Mari to run away and join an underground fighting ring. Joanna vows to do anything to get Mari back, even if that means stepping back into the ring...
When writing powerhouse Stephanie Phillips ( Grim , Harley Quinn ) and star newcomer Giulia Lalli join forces, it's sure to be a tag team you won't forget.
After the devastating loss of her Muay Thai championship title, Joanna decided to walk away from competition, start a family, and open her own gym. But her quiet life gets disrupted when an old friend asks her to temporarily foster a troubled teen. Just as Joanna believes she is starting to break through Mari's walls, a misunderstanding drives Mari to run away and join an underground fighting ring. Joanna vows to do anything to get Mari back, even if that means stepping back into the ring...
When writing powerhouse Stephanie Phillips ( Grim , Harley Quinn ) and star newcomer Giulia Lalli join forces, it's sure to be a tag team you won't forget.
130 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2023
2 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 28, 2023
I received this Graphic Novel ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to the creative team of Stephanie and Giulia and the publisher, And Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity, This Will be coming out 11th of July of this year by Publisher Humanoids tune in, It's going to be a blast for fighting fans and sports fans alike, and for readers who would like to get acquainted with a field that was formerly dominated by men, but women has taken it by storm after training and taking part in it for much lower period of time.
The Only thing i would have loved added on the first cover (there is two covers!), was for the woman to be wearing Muay Thai headband, because i think it's badass!
The Beautiful Michelle Watterson in the picture, i tried to find one of Valentina Shevchenko former Muay Thai and UFC champion, but i couldn't find a picture, even though i saw it many times in her Muay Thai fights.
But Both covers are beautiful and eye catching for me.
This was so Beautiful!
I am tearful most of my time reading this, As a fight fan I had great interest in fighters back stories, their lives, their wellbeing, and welfare during fighting and after when they are retired, and this is such a beautiful story targeting the graphic novel audience, to show us all a glimpse of the Why they do it and How they do it, and dismantle the stereotype of fighters as violent people, but specially women fighters which a lot of times get asked Question like Jessica Rose Clark current UFC fighter, that gave this graphic novel, such a beautiful intro of her experience as a female fighter, a very good beloved one too btw if i may add!
I feel so lucky with this as my first ARC, We Click, it's like it was written for me.
There is only two things i disliked about This, the Art style didn't really feel unique, I think the cover is unique and beautiful, But the rest of the art, Felt lacking in uniqueness, It's amazing job as Giulia's first undertaking, The Artist's job i view it as even harder than the writer's since not only are you bringing words to life through your art, But you have to be super creative with it, to compete in the market!
The Other thing was a writer thing, I didn't like that the plot reached it's boiling point through a miscommunication, i am not sure about other readers, But for me i feel this could have reached the end without that,
One of the great points about this, is the story actually is Big, Way bigger than the graphic novel i read yesterday even though it's less number of pages, Which should be satisfying to the reader and gets them more immersed into this world, and the lives of our two heroines.
I ll end the review with two pieces i wrote the first 30 pages about what i think of fighting sports, and my observations and ponderings over it through the years, But i want to also explain my feminism Shelf for this, It's not relating to feminism really, But i put there, all strong depictions of women in literature, We need more of those way way more, And this one is already approaching a woman's sports career choice, that's not often used, Outside of successful Former champions memoirs like that of Rhonda Rousey and others, That feeling of female power and breaking the stereotypes and showing that they can do everything even formerly male dominated sports, and they achieve global success for how good they are at it.
The UFC president Dana White at one point said, Women will never fight in the UFC, now he has 4 divisions of women fighters, and it all started with one Star, One woman who broke the stereotypes and forced everyone to see her skills and dedication and Charisma in Rhonda Rousey, and she was the most popular most successful UFC champion before Conor Mcgregor gained global fame as well, They are both phenomenon's anyway.
There is a fight, There is a struggle, I see it, and i ll always point at it, for all to see just that the female half of human race are as great and capable if not even more than the male half that has had advantageous monopoly and control over most things for most of history.
Fighting sports are one of the few entertaining sports were it's only your skills, your work, your heart that matters, every other form of entertainment your personality, likability, charisma or your good looks and beauty are under scrutiny, but not in fighting you can be boring or cringy, Nerdy, Shy, Quiet, you can have a bad accent or not be able to talk the same language as your audience, you can have the entire audience hating you for whatever reason, they stoop down to hate, But with skill, hard work and heart you can be a world champion getting paid six figures per fight, the world doesn't matter only you and what you can achieve, and your greatness will still be recognized by the hardcore fans, Women and Men make careers of this, they change their lives, their children's lives, and make a future for them, A lot of women found their way to the gym after suffering abuse in their homes, i was deeply touched recently by an 18 year old Brazilian female fighter, she was so tiny, she went to the gym to stop her step father from beating her and her mother and after training she did just that! and now she is a UFC fighter on the rise, Fighting sports might look violent, but the target isn't violence, it's skill and competition, but it's these fighters choice to step in there and change their lives or test how much they can achieve, a lot of safety measures are in place specially in the big companies, Is it risky? yes, but they are trained professionals who live for this, and it's their job like all other risky jobs in the world, I have seen a handy man fall to his death as a young kid of 12, i have never seen a UFC fighter die in the cage or from injuries sustained in the cage since i started following this sport of MMA!
I have the utmost respect for these fighters, men and women, i never think when they get cut that they look ugly women and men, and the choice should always be there's.
I remember hearing a few fighters saying, i got in fight in school and got expelled and the teacher advised me to seek an MMA gym and train.
And i say a few, while this is the plot of this comic, It's not always a reality that it's a teenager going through a rough patch of life, Some do it drifting from sports that prepare them for this, and some see the potential and love it as fans and want to achieve that greatness too and start it very early and their choice of career.
You have to understand though, this is not the teacher thinking the teenager is violent and leading him astray, he knows perfectly well the discipline it takes to train your body, and skills to be a fighter, he knows the first day you will be humbled in the gym, no way a street fighter can contend with trained athletes, he knows that the bond between a fighter and his coaches, which is like a father or a big brother, is sometimes what can save many, and put them on the right path for the rest of their lives, otherwise he could have joined a gang, and got imprisoned or killed.
Fighting saved many people from homelessness, fighting saved many people from abuse or depression, fighting was the blessing that many people considered to have from their god.
And it's done with respect, your opponent is a fellow competitor, he is not your enemy, the majority of fighters have great respect for one another, the feuds are actually really rare, but we know it's bullshit, most times they end it with respect, because sharing a ring or an octagon with a fellow fighter for 15 or 25 or 30 minutes, creates an unbreakable bond and great respect between these people, if you struggle like them, you know how much effort, dedication, and courage they have for even stepping foot in the octagon, and that's why 99% of the time it's respect and acknowledgement of each other's worth that leaves the ring.
Thanks to the creative team of Stephanie and Giulia and the publisher, And Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity, This Will be coming out 11th of July of this year by Publisher Humanoids tune in, It's going to be a blast for fighting fans and sports fans alike, and for readers who would like to get acquainted with a field that was formerly dominated by men, but women has taken it by storm after training and taking part in it for much lower period of time.
The Only thing i would have loved added on the first cover (there is two covers!), was for the woman to be wearing Muay Thai headband, because i think it's badass!
The Beautiful Michelle Watterson in the picture, i tried to find one of Valentina Shevchenko former Muay Thai and UFC champion, but i couldn't find a picture, even though i saw it many times in her Muay Thai fights.
But Both covers are beautiful and eye catching for me.
This was so Beautiful!
I am tearful most of my time reading this, As a fight fan I had great interest in fighters back stories, their lives, their wellbeing, and welfare during fighting and after when they are retired, and this is such a beautiful story targeting the graphic novel audience, to show us all a glimpse of the Why they do it and How they do it, and dismantle the stereotype of fighters as violent people, but specially women fighters which a lot of times get asked Question like Jessica Rose Clark current UFC fighter, that gave this graphic novel, such a beautiful intro of her experience as a female fighter, a very good beloved one too btw if i may add!
I feel so lucky with this as my first ARC, We Click, it's like it was written for me.
There is only two things i disliked about This, the Art style didn't really feel unique, I think the cover is unique and beautiful, But the rest of the art, Felt lacking in uniqueness, It's amazing job as Giulia's first undertaking, The Artist's job i view it as even harder than the writer's since not only are you bringing words to life through your art, But you have to be super creative with it, to compete in the market!
The Other thing was a writer thing, I didn't like that the plot reached it's boiling point through a miscommunication, i am not sure about other readers, But for me i feel this could have reached the end without that,
One of the great points about this, is the story actually is Big, Way bigger than the graphic novel i read yesterday even though it's less number of pages, Which should be satisfying to the reader and gets them more immersed into this world, and the lives of our two heroines.
I ll end the review with two pieces i wrote the first 30 pages about what i think of fighting sports, and my observations and ponderings over it through the years, But i want to also explain my feminism Shelf for this, It's not relating to feminism really, But i put there, all strong depictions of women in literature, We need more of those way way more, And this one is already approaching a woman's sports career choice, that's not often used, Outside of successful Former champions memoirs like that of Rhonda Rousey and others, That feeling of female power and breaking the stereotypes and showing that they can do everything even formerly male dominated sports, and they achieve global success for how good they are at it.
The UFC president Dana White at one point said, Women will never fight in the UFC, now he has 4 divisions of women fighters, and it all started with one Star, One woman who broke the stereotypes and forced everyone to see her skills and dedication and Charisma in Rhonda Rousey, and she was the most popular most successful UFC champion before Conor Mcgregor gained global fame as well, They are both phenomenon's anyway.
There is a fight, There is a struggle, I see it, and i ll always point at it, for all to see just that the female half of human race are as great and capable if not even more than the male half that has had advantageous monopoly and control over most things for most of history.
Fighting sports are one of the few entertaining sports were it's only your skills, your work, your heart that matters, every other form of entertainment your personality, likability, charisma or your good looks and beauty are under scrutiny, but not in fighting you can be boring or cringy, Nerdy, Shy, Quiet, you can have a bad accent or not be able to talk the same language as your audience, you can have the entire audience hating you for whatever reason, they stoop down to hate, But with skill, hard work and heart you can be a world champion getting paid six figures per fight, the world doesn't matter only you and what you can achieve, and your greatness will still be recognized by the hardcore fans, Women and Men make careers of this, they change their lives, their children's lives, and make a future for them, A lot of women found their way to the gym after suffering abuse in their homes, i was deeply touched recently by an 18 year old Brazilian female fighter, she was so tiny, she went to the gym to stop her step father from beating her and her mother and after training she did just that! and now she is a UFC fighter on the rise, Fighting sports might look violent, but the target isn't violence, it's skill and competition, but it's these fighters choice to step in there and change their lives or test how much they can achieve, a lot of safety measures are in place specially in the big companies, Is it risky? yes, but they are trained professionals who live for this, and it's their job like all other risky jobs in the world, I have seen a handy man fall to his death as a young kid of 12, i have never seen a UFC fighter die in the cage or from injuries sustained in the cage since i started following this sport of MMA!
I have the utmost respect for these fighters, men and women, i never think when they get cut that they look ugly women and men, and the choice should always be there's.
I remember hearing a few fighters saying, i got in fight in school and got expelled and the teacher advised me to seek an MMA gym and train.
And i say a few, while this is the plot of this comic, It's not always a reality that it's a teenager going through a rough patch of life, Some do it drifting from sports that prepare them for this, and some see the potential and love it as fans and want to achieve that greatness too and start it very early and their choice of career.
You have to understand though, this is not the teacher thinking the teenager is violent and leading him astray, he knows perfectly well the discipline it takes to train your body, and skills to be a fighter, he knows the first day you will be humbled in the gym, no way a street fighter can contend with trained athletes, he knows that the bond between a fighter and his coaches, which is like a father or a big brother, is sometimes what can save many, and put them on the right path for the rest of their lives, otherwise he could have joined a gang, and got imprisoned or killed.
Fighting saved many people from homelessness, fighting saved many people from abuse or depression, fighting was the blessing that many people considered to have from their god.
And it's done with respect, your opponent is a fellow competitor, he is not your enemy, the majority of fighters have great respect for one another, the feuds are actually really rare, but we know it's bullshit, most times they end it with respect, because sharing a ring or an octagon with a fellow fighter for 15 or 25 or 30 minutes, creates an unbreakable bond and great respect between these people, if you struggle like them, you know how much effort, dedication, and courage they have for even stepping foot in the octagon, and that's why 99% of the time it's respect and acknowledgement of each other's worth that leaves the ring.
June 29, 2023
I have to say I went into this without knowing a thing and came out enjoying it quite a bit.
Basically it's about a troubled girl, Mari, who has violent tendencies and no family to help her. Getting tossed around to different groups and families. Eventually she finds a family with Joanna and her husband. Jonna is a ex-Muay Thai champion. Joanna slowly helps Mari transform herself by using her anger to learn constructive fighting techniques.
But of course a big bad piece of shit comes along and feeds into Mari's insecurities till she's fighting for the wrong reasons.
My main beef with the book is how fast everything moves. Because the dialogue and characters are all top notch but the way we move into the next story beat is sometimes WAY too fast, not letting us grow with them. I wish this was a good 5-80 pages longer to expand that part of the story.
But art wise, characters, and sweet tender moments make this a lot of fun. A 3.5 but I'll bump it to a 4.
Basically it's about a troubled girl, Mari, who has violent tendencies and no family to help her. Getting tossed around to different groups and families. Eventually she finds a family with Joanna and her husband. Jonna is a ex-Muay Thai champion. Joanna slowly helps Mari transform herself by using her anger to learn constructive fighting techniques.
But of course a big bad piece of shit comes along and feeds into Mari's insecurities till she's fighting for the wrong reasons.
My main beef with the book is how fast everything moves. Because the dialogue and characters are all top notch but the way we move into the next story beat is sometimes WAY too fast, not letting us grow with them. I wish this was a good 5-80 pages longer to expand that part of the story.
But art wise, characters, and sweet tender moments make this a lot of fun. A 3.5 but I'll bump it to a 4.
August 30, 2023
The story is a bit simplistic and familiar as a Muay Thai coach with her own checkered past helps a teenage girl stuck in the foster system find an outlet for her seething anger, but it manages to hit the right emotional notes as it alternates fight action with domestic drama.
May 23, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Humanoids Inc for an ARC in exchange for an honest & fair review!
"Eight Limbs" focuses primarily on Mari, a teenage "problem child" who has been getting moved from pillar to post, and Joanna, a former Muay Thai champion who takes Mari in and trains her. I can't say too much more about the plot without spoiling it.
I liked the art work, the storyline, and the main characters. I hated the villains like you're meant to, and I thought it was a great story. My only complaint is that 130 pages felt too short!
"Eight Limbs" focuses primarily on Mari, a teenage "problem child" who has been getting moved from pillar to post, and Joanna, a former Muay Thai champion who takes Mari in and trains her. I can't say too much more about the plot without spoiling it.
I liked the art work, the storyline, and the main characters. I hated the villains like you're meant to, and I thought it was a great story. My only complaint is that 130 pages felt too short!
August 7, 2023
Overall the graphics are amazing and fit the storyline very well. I liked that the main character was a troubled teen who needed help from someone who has been where she is.
August 6, 2023
I wish I liked this more. A story about a former world champion Muay Thai fighter taking in a troubled teen and teaches her the ropes, only to feel dejected (as teens always do in media) and go down the wrong path before she comes around. It really comes off paint by numbers by the midway point, sadly it doesn't come off like it's trying too hard. I almost wanted to give it two stars for unoriginality, but the fact we have so little martial arts graphic novels made me be a bit forgiving. It's very meh
August 20, 2023
"Eight Limbs" is a decent read overall, but it is a bit rushed. First, I love the art in this book. It is well done and consistently great throughout. The designs, coloring, and the ways that the fights are illustrated are all superb.
I like the characters too. Joanna is a former professional Muay Thai fighter who retired after a difficult loss. She has a good heart and is both empathetic and tough. So, she's strong in many ways. Mari, the other main character, is a teen who has had a very painful past and has been through multiple foster homes. She is tough, but also has a lot of pain within. I like how Joanna is able to bond with her. There is some conflict between them, but it is written well and I like their bond - as well as the bond that Mari has with Clark (Joanna's husband). Thus, I really enjoyed the protagonists and I felt for Mari and Joanna too.
The action is also great. While some of the outcomes of the fights are predictable, the action was good from start to finish. The attention to detail on different fighting techniques as well as strategies and counterstrategies made the book feel realistic (while also balancing showing vs. telling well). I also like how the book talked about the difference between martial arts and violence. It got me thinking and was shown well in the story.
However, the pacing of the story was a bit rushed. It zoomed on by and I think some storylines should've been fleshed out. For example, the underground fight storyline was resolved a bit quickly. Moreover, while I do like the bond between Mari and Joanna, and although I see why they grew close and connected, I also felt like the resolution of the conflict between them was written too quickly (as were parts of the development of their bond).
As for the villain, he is manipulative and abusive. He's a terrible person and Phillips does a good job in writing a villain that readers would despise. His storyline was a bit rushed though and, as mentioned earlier, it could have been more fleshed out and not resolved so easily.
Still though, the very ending was nice. While I did come to expect it, it was beautiful and I do like how it ended.
Altogether, I do have mixed views about this book. The overall story is good, but it is rushed and parts of it are predictable. However, the art and action are great. The characters are well written also.
I like the characters too. Joanna is a former professional Muay Thai fighter who retired after a difficult loss. She has a good heart and is both empathetic and tough. So, she's strong in many ways. Mari, the other main character, is a teen who has had a very painful past and has been through multiple foster homes. She is tough, but also has a lot of pain within. I like how Joanna is able to bond with her. There is some conflict between them, but it is written well and I like their bond - as well as the bond that Mari has with Clark (Joanna's husband). Thus, I really enjoyed the protagonists and I felt for Mari and Joanna too.
The action is also great. While some of the outcomes of the fights are predictable, the action was good from start to finish. The attention to detail on different fighting techniques as well as strategies and counterstrategies made the book feel realistic (while also balancing showing vs. telling well). I also like how the book talked about the difference between martial arts and violence. It got me thinking and was shown well in the story.
However, the pacing of the story was a bit rushed. It zoomed on by and I think some storylines should've been fleshed out. For example, the underground fight storyline was resolved a bit quickly. Moreover, while I do like the bond between Mari and Joanna, and although I see why they grew close and connected, I also felt like the resolution of the conflict between them was written too quickly (as were parts of the development of their bond).
As for the villain, he is manipulative and abusive. He's a terrible person and Phillips does a good job in writing a villain that readers would despise. His storyline was a bit rushed though and, as mentioned earlier, it could have been more fleshed out and not resolved so easily.
Still though, the very ending was nice. While I did come to expect it, it was beautiful and I do like how it ended.
Altogether, I do have mixed views about this book. The overall story is good, but it is rushed and parts of it are predictable. However, the art and action are great. The characters are well written also.
August 22, 2023
3.5 stars. This book ended in the only way that it could have. This was a feel-good story about fighting and finding family that I enjoyed overall, though it did feel a bit rushed at times. Solid graphic novel, though.
August 4, 2023
Edit: since this was so forgettable that I didn't even remember it when I tried to recount all the (comic) books I've read this year, I'm dropping it to two stars. Eight Limbs does nothing really, which is a shame cause there was some attempt to explore gender in martial arts, but really no follow-through at all.
There's really not that much to say about Eight Limbs - the art is consistently good (especially the cover), the story and characters pretty formulaic, and everything gets wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end. I actually liked the Foreword/Introduction by Stephanie Phillips the most - her perspective on the gender roles attached to martial arts and how Muay Thai helped her break them was very interesting. In this vein, I loved that Joanna was a loving mother, a wife, AND a Muay Thai world champion. Showing women embracing traditionally feminine and more masculine roles was a great call. I do think that this aspect of gender in martial arts would've been a more interesting focus than the story Eight Limbs ultimately tells - which follows the standard "troubled teen meets sportsperson who coaches them" formula.
If I had to describe Eight Limbs in one word, it would be "mediocre". It's a safe read for pretty much anyone, and if you're into these types of narratives, you might really enjoy it.
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
There's really not that much to say about Eight Limbs - the art is consistently good (especially the cover), the story and characters pretty formulaic, and everything gets wrapped up in a neat little bow at the end. I actually liked the Foreword/Introduction by Stephanie Phillips the most - her perspective on the gender roles attached to martial arts and how Muay Thai helped her break them was very interesting. In this vein, I loved that Joanna was a loving mother, a wife, AND a Muay Thai world champion. Showing women embracing traditionally feminine and more masculine roles was a great call. I do think that this aspect of gender in martial arts would've been a more interesting focus than the story Eight Limbs ultimately tells - which follows the standard "troubled teen meets sportsperson who coaches them" formula.
If I had to describe Eight Limbs in one word, it would be "mediocre". It's a safe read for pretty much anyone, and if you're into these types of narratives, you might really enjoy it.
- ARC provided by NetGalley -
June 16, 2023
*ARC provided by NetGalley in return for an honest review*
I'll be honest, I truly didn't know what to expect after seeing this graphic novel strewn over my feed. I come from a strong line of boxers, so I was kind of unsure what to expect walking into this graphic novel (Let me clarify, I know this graphic novel covers Muay Thai which is very different from the boxing I was raised on. But I've seen my fair share of poorly done graphic novels).
Step One: They Don't Tuck Their Thumbs
Let me tell you, my little giggly girl heart got so excited the second Joanna told Mari that she got her hand bruise from tucking her thumb, and that you should never tuck your thumb. I remember as a little kid when I would pretend to box and my dad always would reprimand me "Don't tuck your thumbs, J. That's how you end up with a broken finger." And he'd move my fingers around to show me how to throw a proper punch. While my dad and I don't see eye to eye very much, this brought back a very sweet memory that I had forgotten.
Step Two: Good Art
The art in this graphic novel held no punches back (*ba dum tss*). It's stunning and jarring in the best ways.
Step Three: The Plot
I loved the plot line. I've always been a gigantic supporter on the front of adoption and foster care, (especially as someone who hopes to one day adopt children of my own once I have a stable enough income). Honestly, every part of the plotline was absolutely gorgeous, and I loved the introduction story which helps to remind the world that women are capable of choosing their own paths even if it's in a stereotypically male-dominated field.
Content Warning:
I'll be honest, I truly didn't know what to expect after seeing this graphic novel strewn over my feed. I come from a strong line of boxers, so I was kind of unsure what to expect walking into this graphic novel (Let me clarify, I know this graphic novel covers Muay Thai which is very different from the boxing I was raised on. But I've seen my fair share of poorly done graphic novels).
Step One: They Don't Tuck Their Thumbs
Let me tell you, my little giggly girl heart got so excited the second Joanna told Mari that she got her hand bruise from tucking her thumb, and that you should never tuck your thumb. I remember as a little kid when I would pretend to box and my dad always would reprimand me "Don't tuck your thumbs, J. That's how you end up with a broken finger." And he'd move my fingers around to show me how to throw a proper punch. While my dad and I don't see eye to eye very much, this brought back a very sweet memory that I had forgotten.
Step Two: Good Art
The art in this graphic novel held no punches back (*ba dum tss*). It's stunning and jarring in the best ways.
Step Three: The Plot
I loved the plot line. I've always been a gigantic supporter on the front of adoption and foster care, (especially as someone who hopes to one day adopt children of my own once I have a stable enough income). Honestly, every part of the plotline was absolutely gorgeous, and I loved the introduction story which helps to remind the world that women are capable of choosing their own paths even if it's in a stereotypically male-dominated field.
Content Warning:
July 1, 2023
(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)
Joanna Carr used to be a professional MMA fighter - that is, until she lost her title in a rather crushing fashion. After that, she retired to New Jersey, where she started a family and a Muay Thai gym with her husband, Clark. Though she loves the life she's created for herself, Joanna is haunted by memories of that last loss - and with it, feelings of inadequacy both in and outside of the ring (motherhood is hard).
When an old friend asks Joanna and Clark to take in an especially tough client, Joanna jumps at the chance. Sixteen-year-old Mari reminds Joanna of herself - tough and scrappy, and desperately in need of an outlet for all those feelings. Slowly but surely, Joanna wins Mari's trust - thanks in no small part to their bonding over Muay Thai. But when Mari runs away after a misunderstanding, she falls into the clutches of George Pine, who runs a very brutal - and very illegal - underground fighting ring in NYC. Can Joanna make things right before Mari starts a fight she can't win
The story is fairly simple and a little predictable, but it tugs on ye ole heart strings nonetheless. I'm a sucker for found family stories, and this is a sweet (and bloody!) one. More than anything, though, it feels like a love letter to Muay Thai (and, by extension, women's empowerment through choosing to fight), and I am so here for it. The artwork is fantastic, though the cover definitely takes the cake.
Joanna Carr used to be a professional MMA fighter - that is, until she lost her title in a rather crushing fashion. After that, she retired to New Jersey, where she started a family and a Muay Thai gym with her husband, Clark. Though she loves the life she's created for herself, Joanna is haunted by memories of that last loss - and with it, feelings of inadequacy both in and outside of the ring (motherhood is hard).
When an old friend asks Joanna and Clark to take in an especially tough client, Joanna jumps at the chance. Sixteen-year-old Mari reminds Joanna of herself - tough and scrappy, and desperately in need of an outlet for all those feelings. Slowly but surely, Joanna wins Mari's trust - thanks in no small part to their bonding over Muay Thai. But when Mari runs away after a misunderstanding, she falls into the clutches of George Pine, who runs a very brutal - and very illegal - underground fighting ring in NYC. Can Joanna make things right before Mari starts a fight she can't win
The story is fairly simple and a little predictable, but it tugs on ye ole heart strings nonetheless. I'm a sucker for found family stories, and this is a sweet (and bloody!) one. More than anything, though, it feels like a love letter to Muay Thai (and, by extension, women's empowerment through choosing to fight), and I am so here for it. The artwork is fantastic, though the cover definitely takes the cake.
May 26, 2023
I will be the first to admit that I didn't have a clue what to expect when I requested and received the advanced reader copy of Eight Limbs. Sure, I've read some of Stephanie Phillips's Harley Quinn and with that series I had Harley as a frame of reference. Muy Thai, and a former champion on the other hand? No idea. But I needn't have worried at all. The book does an excellent job of explaining both Muy Thai, and then executing it graphically, so major kudos to both the writer and artist on that. More so than that, I was not expecting to like the characters so much, so quick. I thought that I would break it up and read one part and then move on to something else. Nope, didn't happen. I read the whole graphic novel in one sitting. Incredibly impressed by both Stephanie Phillips and Giulia Lalli. I will put them on my list of creators to keep an eye on what they do next, because I want to be there to read it. And while I'm talking about next, can I get more stories about Joanna and Mari? Please.
Special thanks to Humanoids, Inc. and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
Special thanks to Humanoids, Inc. and Netgalley for the digital ARC. This was given to me for an honest review.
August 15, 2023
After-school special meets underground fighting ring
I liked the two female leads well enough and it was interesting to see a professional female athlete turned mother that feels ill-suited for both; i.e. the pregnancy left her unable to compete while at the same time struggling with motherhood. I think my big complaint, and it generally crops up when authors have a particular angle to the work, is that it feels contrived in the same way a lot of after-school specials are. There's that aspect where things feel out of place or too on the nose because there's a message or theme it's trying to get to. In that regard, the antagonist gym coach/fight promoter felt a little too cartoon villain and a lot of his dialog had me rolling my eyes because felt out of place and forced due to it wanting to be a foil to the earlier chapters. It also felt like the passage of time on the temp foster home was out of sync when "a few days" seemed to be "a few weeks" in practice.
I still had a positive impression: found family, strong female leads, un/under-sexualized female athletes, no/barely any romance are all pros the story had going for it.
I liked the two female leads well enough and it was interesting to see a professional female athlete turned mother that feels ill-suited for both; i.e. the pregnancy left her unable to compete while at the same time struggling with motherhood. I think my big complaint, and it generally crops up when authors have a particular angle to the work, is that it feels contrived in the same way a lot of after-school specials are. There's that aspect where things feel out of place or too on the nose because there's a message or theme it's trying to get to. In that regard, the antagonist gym coach/fight promoter felt a little too cartoon villain and a lot of his dialog had me rolling my eyes because felt out of place and forced due to it wanting to be a foil to the earlier chapters. It also felt like the passage of time on the temp foster home was out of sync when "a few days" seemed to be "a few weeks" in practice.
I still had a positive impression: found family, strong female leads, un/under-sexualized female athletes, no/barely any romance are all pros the story had going for it.
June 27, 2025
Stephanie Phillips, we learn in the introduction to Eight Limbs, practices Muay Thai herself, and in this graphic novel wanted to show why a woman would choose to practice a martial sport, a generally male arena. She grounds this in CHOICE. Choosing to fight is not the same as being IN a fight. What I assume is her stand-in, a Muay Thai teacher with a newborn, has her life turned upside down when a friend asks her and her husband to take in a troubled teenager while a new foster family is found for her. The directions this takes are fairly obvious, but there are a couple of surprises, too. And while didactic when it comes to showing the martial art in action - we're being taught, as well - I nevertheless found the whole thing poignant almost from page one. Giulia Lalli's expressive art no doubt has something to do with this, but I credit how personal the story is to Phillips coming through as clearly as it does.
July 1, 2023
Thanks to Humanoids for surprising me with a copy of this book early!
I’m a fan of Stephanie Phillips’s writing from Nuclear Family, Harley Quinn, and Grim and Eight Limbs continues to show her ability to craft characters that are relatable and hit the reader with strong emotions.
One of the main characters is Mari, an orphan in the foster system that keeps getting tossed from home to home and school to school. Her story and watching her connection to Joanna and Clark both grow and struggle is an emotional rollercoaster that is well worth the journey.
Newcomer Giulia Lalli does a fantastic job with the art - so much so that it’s hard to believe she is a newcomer to the comics scene.
This is one to read again and again when you’re feeling alone, missing feeling like you belong, and in need of a good cry.
I’m a fan of Stephanie Phillips’s writing from Nuclear Family, Harley Quinn, and Grim and Eight Limbs continues to show her ability to craft characters that are relatable and hit the reader with strong emotions.
One of the main characters is Mari, an orphan in the foster system that keeps getting tossed from home to home and school to school. Her story and watching her connection to Joanna and Clark both grow and struggle is an emotional rollercoaster that is well worth the journey.
Newcomer Giulia Lalli does a fantastic job with the art - so much so that it’s hard to believe she is a newcomer to the comics scene.
This is one to read again and again when you’re feeling alone, missing feeling like you belong, and in need of a good cry.
October 31, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC of this awesomely enjoyable graphic novel.
I have only just dipped my toes into graphic novels, but having been a female boxing fan all my life, this story was an easy "knockout" for me.
Tells the story of a street tough, taken under the wings of a previous Muay Thai champ named Joanna Carr, who is now a trainer. As she and her family slowly break through Mari's tough outer shell, there are some misunderstandings along the way.
Graphics and dialogue are both fun and engaging as there is NOTHING I didn't enjoy about this story and the misunderstood ruffian, it rates an easy 5 stars from me. I would love to read more from this series!!! Please continue it!
I have only just dipped my toes into graphic novels, but having been a female boxing fan all my life, this story was an easy "knockout" for me.
Tells the story of a street tough, taken under the wings of a previous Muay Thai champ named Joanna Carr, who is now a trainer. As she and her family slowly break through Mari's tough outer shell, there are some misunderstandings along the way.
Graphics and dialogue are both fun and engaging as there is NOTHING I didn't enjoy about this story and the misunderstood ruffian, it rates an easy 5 stars from me. I would love to read more from this series!!! Please continue it!
August 3, 2023
Phillips definitely put the work in to research Muay Thai fighting, however the characters that occupy the plot fall short of her usual high standard and come across a little one dimensional and singularly motivated. The story is well written but falls into the typical rebellious teen movie plot; troubled youth lashes out, finds a proper mentor figure, comes good in the end. It gets the basics right. There's nothing inherently wrong with this plot but no real risks or revisions to the archetype are taken.
Credit to Lalli as in interpreting the movements of fighting in the artwork. Presenting movement in the comic medium isn't always easy. Hopefully more to come from this artist.
Credit to Lalli as in interpreting the movements of fighting in the artwork. Presenting movement in the comic medium isn't always easy. Hopefully more to come from this artist.
September 12, 2023
I wasn't sure what to expect when I requested Eight Limbs because to me, it sounded like there was going to be a heavy emphasis on Muay Thai as a sport rather than the story in the blurb. But I was wrong! There was actually a really good balance between the story aspect of Eight Limbs and the aspect of Muay Thai as a sport, the two parts worked well together. I don't want to say too much about the story because it's such a quick read, but while it was a bit predictable, it was interesting to learn a bit about Muay Thai and I did end up tearing up over one part. It's a story I'll definitely be recommending to people looking for standalone graphic novels!
Read
December 2, 2023Eight Limbs is a passionate story about a former Muay Thai champion who takes in an orphan, Mari.
This graphic novel is beautiful from the plot to the characters to the artwork. It's action packed due it being heavily centered on sports.
Watching a story about two women, one older and the other younger navigate a relationship as a Foster parent and as troubled orphan was intense as much as it was heart warming.
We follow Joanne's determination to break through Mari's walls even if it means she has to challenge her past fears as a former Muay Thai champion.
I enjoyed reading Eight Limbs. Thank you so much for the arc.
This graphic novel is beautiful from the plot to the characters to the artwork. It's action packed due it being heavily centered on sports.
Watching a story about two women, one older and the other younger navigate a relationship as a Foster parent and as troubled orphan was intense as much as it was heart warming.
We follow Joanne's determination to break through Mari's walls even if it means she has to challenge her past fears as a former Muay Thai champion.
I enjoyed reading Eight Limbs. Thank you so much for the arc.
May 12, 2025
A quick and implausible story about a foster kid who learns about Muay Thai and family. The premise is good, but the story rushes the middle section and the conclusion. Our protagonist is fully fleshed out, but her teen foster child much less so. Fans of contact sport may enjoy the attention paid to women’s fighting; certainly the female protagonists are refreshing. And the tie-in to the foster-care system was also worthwhile. But the pacing was off, making the final-fight less than satisfying. I wish this had stretched out over three books of similar length.
June 6, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This is a great graphic novel.. A reason to fight and why people choose to fight. There are many reasons people might choose to fight or be forced into fighting. This is also about new parents trying to navigate those challenges on top of fostering a child that has never found their place. The art style is gorgeous and ferocious. I would recommend this if you need a slice of life, graphic novel.
This is a great graphic novel.. A reason to fight and why people choose to fight. There are many reasons people might choose to fight or be forced into fighting. This is also about new parents trying to navigate those challenges on top of fostering a child that has never found their place. The art style is gorgeous and ferocious. I would recommend this if you need a slice of life, graphic novel.
June 19, 2023
I have to say the art is really nice, especially the boxing scenes. Everything was going really fast paced so yeah I can’t say i was that gone on the characters, it might as well have been an art piece instead of a graphic novel tbh. I also didn’t feel the story that moving either, even if it’s suppose to be. It’s just probably my own thought…
Thanks Netgalley and publisher anyways for sharing the graphic novel!
Thanks Netgalley and publisher anyways for sharing the graphic novel!
March 12, 2024
A troubled teen always getting into fights...
A retired Muay Thai former champion starting a family and now teaching others...
The gift of a pair of gloves...
----
Nice little story about learning the true meaning of a fight. This foster kid is given a chance and learns to channel her anger and open up to others. It's a little 'by the numbers', but it's good. How often do you see comic books about fighting sports?
A retired Muay Thai former champion starting a family and now teaching others...
The gift of a pair of gloves...
----
Nice little story about learning the true meaning of a fight. This foster kid is given a chance and learns to channel her anger and open up to others. It's a little 'by the numbers', but it's good. How often do you see comic books about fighting sports?
Read
July 18, 2024Simple but sweet and engaging sports movie plot, the second act turn is a little unlikely, but again, sports movie vibes, the art is functional but not excellent, but the expressions and the representations of muay thai movements and forms work very well. Would be interested to read more from this writer.
June 15, 2023
As a martial artist myself I really appreciated the knowledge and kindness. The drawing it’s just perfect and very neat in the action. The plot can be a little predictable but is ok. Not only for people interested in martial arts, the message of the women role is also great.
June 28, 2023
A rough and tumble teenage girl passed around the foster system lands in the home of a pair of retired fighters. After many trials and tribulations she learns that winning means different things to different people, and that sometimes we have to slow down, think and stop acting out of anger.
Read
July 18, 2023Mari is a girl with anger issues getting kicked out of her 2nd school, a former pro fighter turned Muay Thai instructor and her husband become fosters parents for Mari.
Beautiful illustrations and the wording is so beautiful. Lots of action. You can tell the author has a lot of knowledge in the sport of Muay Thai.
And the ending. I cried!
I can’t wait to get myself the physical copy of the graphic when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for a e-copy for an honest review.
Beautiful illustrations and the wording is so beautiful. Lots of action. You can tell the author has a lot of knowledge in the sport of Muay Thai.
And the ending. I cried!
I can’t wait to get myself the physical copy of the graphic when it comes out!
Thank you NetGalley for a e-copy for an honest review.
August 4, 2023
Though certain elements were slightly predictable, I liked this book substantially more than I expected to. Violent, yes, but warm and loving and familial in ways I enjoyed a great deal. The art was clear and nice as well. No confusion at all.
August 4, 2023
A comic about a troubled teenage foster kid who is always getting into fights. Then she meets a woman and her husband who run a Muy Thai club and they begin to teach her how to actually fight. This could have used an extra issue or two to let things simmer more but overall it's really good.
April 16, 2025
this was fine.
I didn't really like the art or colours.
story was okay. the troubled teen joining a loving family is always nice.
about coming to terms with failure. that family and friends are more important than most other priorities in your life.
I wouldt go out of my way to read this.
I didn't really like the art or colours.
story was okay. the troubled teen joining a loving family is always nice.
about coming to terms with failure. that family and friends are more important than most other priorities in your life.
I wouldt go out of my way to read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews