Picture it: Feudal Japan where creatures of myth and folklore are real. You can liken it to some Western stories (which came first? I do not know, but I assume the Asian ones) and the adventures our tiny hero has will meet the pages with clever text and images. This graphic novel, Issunboshi: A Graphic Novel by Ryan Long, unfolds in quick layers. There are a few surprises, but for the most part, you know where things are going. The idea of “you do not have to be a hero to be a hero already, you just need to do what it takes to become a hero” is not new, but done in a fresh and fun way.
What it means to be a hero is that Issunboshi is magical (you see why early on), clever, mischievous, loyal to his friends and family but is a Tom Thumb/Thumbelina sized character. But of course, size does not matter, but your journey and the family, friends, and faith you have does. Images look as if they were movie animated, all black and white, giving an odd combination of modern and old school. The combination of the heroic journey and this movie look gives it a modern tone without losing the folklore/mythology elements.
There is some humor, but for the most part it is serious and the monster(s) that we encounter, and the effects of that can be a bit intense for the younger or sensitive reader. There are battles and the weapons so, I would say that it is not really meant for under aged 10, but know your reader, as there is not anything too “graphic” or “spooky/scary.” There are just the fantasy/adventure elements that can be intense for the “not yet” reader. The puzzle of how and who our hero is unfolds in a familiar manner, but the way Long presents is a clever addition. I could read this muliple times, even read a few sequels and would watch most movies made about it.