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Yojimbot #1, Part 1
Yojimbot - Part 1
In a dystopian not-too-distant future in Japan, Hiro lives with his father on an island populated by androids, where they eke out a meager existence while trying to keep out of sight. But when they run afoul of a troop of high-tech military thugs, Hiro's dad sacrifices himself to save his son, turning Hiro's already-bleak world upside-down. He is then rescued by a samurai robot called a "yojimbot," and together they seek to avenge his father's death and make contact with a mysterious associate known only as the "rights holder," before the soldiers and their drones close in... In a dystopian not-too-distant future in Japan, Hiro lives with his father on an island populated by androids, where they eke out a meager existence while trying to keep out of sight. But when they run afoul of a troop of high-tech military thugs, Hiro's dad sacrifices himself to save his son, turning Hiro's already-bleak world upside-down. He is then rescued by a samurai robot called a "yojimbot," and together they seek to avenge his father's death and make contact with a mysterious associate known only as the "rights holder," before the soldiers and their drones close in...
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Published April 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 16, 2021
Yojimbot suffers a bit from the European way comics are produced as 60 page albums, and from being the first in a series, and therefore having to establish place and characters.
Because the art is fantastic, and the story is intriguing, but stops uncermoniously at the exact moment everyone has been introduced and the story would really get going.
The story. It's the future! A man and his son are hiding on a Japanese island, that seems to house a defunct samurai themepark, where the samurai are crusty old androids. I say defunct, but a couple of the androids are still cycling through their routines.
There are more humans, though - some kind of mercenary force, which is hunting the aforementioned man and son. Then there's a nice bit of the ultra-violence, and the son ends up with one of the robot samurai (the titular Yojimbot, I'm guessing.)
And there is a lot of guessing involved, as the book only hints at what is going on. And I liked that! It can be terribly frustrating, but here it feels part of the package. I can't wait for part 2.
3.5 stars
(Picked up a review copy through NetGalley)
Because the art is fantastic, and the story is intriguing, but stops uncermoniously at the exact moment everyone has been introduced and the story would really get going.
The story. It's the future! A man and his son are hiding on a Japanese island, that seems to house a defunct samurai themepark, where the samurai are crusty old androids. I say defunct, but a couple of the androids are still cycling through their routines.
There are more humans, though - some kind of mercenary force, which is hunting the aforementioned man and son. Then there's a nice bit of the ultra-violence, and the son ends up with one of the robot samurai (the titular Yojimbot, I'm guessing.)
And there is a lot of guessing involved, as the book only hints at what is going on. And I liked that! It can be terribly frustrating, but here it feels part of the package. I can't wait for part 2.
3.5 stars
(Picked up a review copy through NetGalley)
May 20, 2022
This first volume is all set up and introducing the characters. It takes place at an old samurai amusement park where a few of the samurai robots still function. One of them comes across a boy and his father who are being pursued by some kind of military team. Larger things are hinted at through their conversation but not enough to get more than a taste of the bigger picture.
The art is where this book really shines. The action sequences are fast paced and dynamic. What I presume is Yojimbot is awesome how it looks and moves around. I'll be checking the next volume of this European comic out.
The art is where this book really shines. The action sequences are fast paced and dynamic. What I presume is Yojimbot is awesome how it looks and moves around. I'll be checking the next volume of this European comic out.
June 3, 2022
One look at the cover and I was sold, didn't dissapoint.
May 23, 2021
Wow, even though it was so short and there wasn't much dialogue, this graphic novel was brutal and incredible. The drawing is amazing and explicit (which, I love). I need the next part.
Thank you Netgalley and Europe Comics for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review :D
Thank you Netgalley and Europe Comics for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review :D
April 27, 2021
Really good first issue with some great art! Gave me some Samurai Jack vibes!
June 12, 2022
Epic!!!!!!!!!!
Dystopian Japan ftw!
Dystopian Japan ftw!
May 19, 2021
5/5 Great start to this short series!
First off, the art in this book is so beautiful! I love how well everything blend together but also contrast at the same time. The story is fairly short and can be read in under 10 minuets which is great! This feels like a pilot episode with how little it went over but it really set the scene for the next part. If you like robots and fighting I would check this out.
I read this for free on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off, the art in this book is so beautiful! I love how well everything blend together but also contrast at the same time. The story is fairly short and can be read in under 10 minuets which is great! This feels like a pilot episode with how little it went over but it really set the scene for the next part. If you like robots and fighting I would check this out.
I read this for free on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2021
3.5/5
A NetGalley ARC.
It's a quick read; took me less than 30 minutes to finish it. The art is amazing (love the colour palette), but since it's the first book of the series, the story isn't very clear to me yet. The Yojimbot reminds me of Baymax from 'Big Hero 6' a little bit, which I liked. There was also some good humour in the panels, so I think I would like to read the upcoming chapters too.
A NetGalley ARC.
It's a quick read; took me less than 30 minutes to finish it. The art is amazing (love the colour palette), but since it's the first book of the series, the story isn't very clear to me yet. The Yojimbot reminds me of Baymax from 'Big Hero 6' a little bit, which I liked. There was also some good humour in the panels, so I think I would like to read the upcoming chapters too.
May 20, 2021
A short graphic novel set in dystopian Japan about how a robot saved a boy's life from the corrupted higher ups. This is a very short read that I managed to read in one sitting and its super intriguing. The colours, illustrations and story is absolutely breathtaking. I would totally recommend.
January 20, 2026
Very beautiful artwork
May 12, 2021
3 stars *may change
This was unexpectedly short? I've read quite a few graphic novels, and usually, they exceed the 100-page mark, but this one was way under it. There wasn't really much story for me to go off of with just a single volume.
I mean, I can say it's got a lovely art style and that the concept itself is very interesting—feudal Japan being abandoned by robots only for robot samurai to take over—but I'd need more volumes to really get a good grasp of it. So far though, it's a nice beginning.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader's copy.
This was unexpectedly short? I've read quite a few graphic novels, and usually, they exceed the 100-page mark, but this one was way under it. There wasn't really much story for me to go off of with just a single volume.
I mean, I can say it's got a lovely art style and that the concept itself is very interesting—feudal Japan being abandoned by robots only for robot samurai to take over—but I'd need more volumes to really get a good grasp of it. So far though, it's a nice beginning.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced reader's copy.
May 6, 2021
If you mix equal parts Wall-E, Logan, and Kill Bill you’d get Yojimbot. This was just the first part so it was short, but DANG if it didn’t pack a punch.
It’s a super quick read as many panels have no dialogue, but in these few pages there’s a decent amount of story and a bunch of action....and blood.
The art work has a distinct manga style and the coloring is vibrant, making the whole experience even more enjoyable.
A great little read and I look forward to future volumes.
May 9, 2021
Hmmm... A waste of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo Disney-styled theme park setting, something about samurai robots, and Asimov's Laws, all crunched together. At least it takes no more than ten minutes to read – and a lot less than that to realise this isn't much cop.
May 23, 2021
Very nice start to a series, however even though it packed a punch it felt extremely short.
The art style is absolutely stunning, and the colour pallette works very well. Overall very cohesive.
An intriguing introduction to the world of Yojimbot!
The art style is absolutely stunning, and the colour pallette works very well. Overall very cohesive.
An intriguing introduction to the world of Yojimbot!
June 4, 2022
This book has a unique look and distinctive style, but this is little more than a first issue, rather than a full volume. It's only setting up the main characters, although it does so with a plethora of intense action sequences. It's worth a look, but you may want to aim for the full collection rather than reading this first part on its own.
February 5, 2026
Really cool premise but I feel like the story was rushed from beginning to end. While there won’t be much dialogue because the robots don’t speak the trip across the island could have allowed for small run ins with the crazy drones foe while also learning more about Hiro and the base that all the other humans are being lied and tricked into staying on leading up to the big fight at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
The art is so beautiful! The colours and imagery is just amazing. The story is pretty interesting as well. I am not familiar with the original version, I have read a chibi version which was good not great. This is amazing! Will definitely keep reading this series.
June 2, 2022
I didn't expect i would like it, then finally some plot. Will be picking up another issue. Graphics and color are amazing 👏
June 12, 2022
Robots and Samurai?
Yes, please.
Yes, please.
June 21, 2022
I liked the art style a lot but I was having a bit of trouble following the story. I am intrigued enough to read more though and I’m interested to see where it goes next!
August 31, 2024
Robots samurais con referencias a Isaac Asimov y Lobo Solitario.
Simplemente espectacular.
Simplemente espectacular.
December 16, 2025
I love the colors and artwork in this. I became attached to the characters and will read book 2 since I want to know more about the robots and how they relate to, and communicate with the boy.
December 28, 2025
This is how you do wordless comic pages, with a clear indication of the intent in each panel.
June 6, 2022
First, I love samurai stories. Second, robots freak me the frickle-frack out.
I totally chose this one on a whim because the cover art is beautiful. And, something about a robot samurai is intriguing. I’m curious to see where this one goes. It was too short.
I totally chose this one on a whim because the cover art is beautiful. And, something about a robot samurai is intriguing. I’m curious to see where this one goes. It was too short.
May 23, 2022
Great art and fun concept with a hint of intrigue.
May 24, 2021
NOTE: I received a free preliminary, and likely unedited copy of this book from Netgalley for the purposes of providing an honest, unbiased review of the material. Thank you to all involved.
I’ve seen a couple of science fiction re-imaginings of various Kurosawa samurai films over the years – most notably an anime called Samurai 7. With most of them, they end up largely being the same story, albeit with a setting shift and slight alterations to characters. Yojimbot was interesting because it takes the idea behind “Yojimbo” (or The Bodyguard) and applies it to a dystopian hellscape where robots have seemingly taken everything over, and whatever humans are left appear to be a militarized force in a secured base.
In a dystopian not-too-distant future in Japan, Hiro lives with his father on an island populated by androids, where they eke out a meager existence while trying to keep out of sight. But when they run afoul of a troop of high-tech military thugs, Hiro’s dad sacrifices himself to save his son, turning Hiro’s already-bleak world upside-down. He is then rescued by a samurai robot called a “yojimbot,” and together they seek to avenge his father’s death and make contact with a mysterious associate known only as the “rights holder,” before the soldiers and their drones close in…
The artwork is nice and fluid, with mecha designs reminiscent of the works of Neil Blomkamp (Chappie for example). While the artwork is reminiscent of many Japanese comics out there, the artist did their own thing rather than try to copy the overall style of said comics. I think this was a good idea, as most western comics that try to be Manga seem to always fall flat for whatever reason, with few exceptions. As a result of this melding of a European comic art design style, mixed with Japanese storytelling techniques, Yojimbot stands out as something I haven’t really seen in a while, and it gives it it’s own character.
This was an entertaining book, and I’m eager to check out volume two. It seems like the story was just about to pick up when it hit “to be continued” so I’m somewhat sad that I’ll have to wait for the other half, that is assuming this is in two parts. This is well worth the read, especially if you are a samurai or manga fan.
I’ve seen a couple of science fiction re-imaginings of various Kurosawa samurai films over the years – most notably an anime called Samurai 7. With most of them, they end up largely being the same story, albeit with a setting shift and slight alterations to characters. Yojimbot was interesting because it takes the idea behind “Yojimbo” (or The Bodyguard) and applies it to a dystopian hellscape where robots have seemingly taken everything over, and whatever humans are left appear to be a militarized force in a secured base.
In a dystopian not-too-distant future in Japan, Hiro lives with his father on an island populated by androids, where they eke out a meager existence while trying to keep out of sight. But when they run afoul of a troop of high-tech military thugs, Hiro’s dad sacrifices himself to save his son, turning Hiro’s already-bleak world upside-down. He is then rescued by a samurai robot called a “yojimbot,” and together they seek to avenge his father’s death and make contact with a mysterious associate known only as the “rights holder,” before the soldiers and their drones close in…
The artwork is nice and fluid, with mecha designs reminiscent of the works of Neil Blomkamp (Chappie for example). While the artwork is reminiscent of many Japanese comics out there, the artist did their own thing rather than try to copy the overall style of said comics. I think this was a good idea, as most western comics that try to be Manga seem to always fall flat for whatever reason, with few exceptions. As a result of this melding of a European comic art design style, mixed with Japanese storytelling techniques, Yojimbot stands out as something I haven’t really seen in a while, and it gives it it’s own character.
This was an entertaining book, and I’m eager to check out volume two. It seems like the story was just about to pick up when it hit “to be continued” so I’m somewhat sad that I’ll have to wait for the other half, that is assuming this is in two parts. This is well worth the read, especially if you are a samurai or manga fan.
May 6, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was short but amazing and I loved the art which was fantastic. The story is mesmerizing and gets you curious to know what really happened to the world and what's going to happen to the main characters. From page one you are captivated by the story of this Yojimbot a " Samourai Robot", I mean just this idea got me eager to read more, and a little boy called Hiro who is saved from death after his father is killed while trying to protect him. The Yojimbot decides then that this kid must be saved and protected.
I liked it and I'm happy that I discovered this story.
Merged review:
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was short but amazing and I loved the art which was fantastic. The story is mesmerizing and gets you curious to know what really happened to the world and what's going to happen to the main characters. From page one you are captivated by the story of this Yojimbot a " Samourai Robot", I mean just this idea got me eager to read more, and a little boy called Hiro who is saved from death after his father is killed while trying to protect him. The Yojimbot decides then that this kid must be saved and protected.
I liked it and I'm happy that I discovered this story.
This book was short but amazing and I loved the art which was fantastic. The story is mesmerizing and gets you curious to know what really happened to the world and what's going to happen to the main characters. From page one you are captivated by the story of this Yojimbot a " Samourai Robot", I mean just this idea got me eager to read more, and a little boy called Hiro who is saved from death after his father is killed while trying to protect him. The Yojimbot decides then that this kid must be saved and protected.
I liked it and I'm happy that I discovered this story.
Merged review:
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was short but amazing and I loved the art which was fantastic. The story is mesmerizing and gets you curious to know what really happened to the world and what's going to happen to the main characters. From page one you are captivated by the story of this Yojimbot a " Samourai Robot", I mean just this idea got me eager to read more, and a little boy called Hiro who is saved from death after his father is killed while trying to protect him. The Yojimbot decides then that this kid must be saved and protected.
I liked it and I'm happy that I discovered this story.
May 16, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Yojimbot by Sylvain Repos is a sci-fi thriller graphic novel set in the future. The plot revolves around a Japanese father and son who live alone on an island. One day, a robot arrives near their home. The son becomes friends with the robot, but it turns out that the robot had inadvertently alerted a bunch of assassins as to the location of the father and the son. This mistake turns tragic. One highlight of this book is the cinematic and gorgeous artwork. I felt like I was watching a sci-fi movie on TV.
Overall, Yojimbot is an exciting, action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Westworld and I, Robot. I could not put this book down and sped through it within an hour. The book ends on a major cliffhanger, and I am definitely interested in seeing where the story goes in Volume 2. Although I did enjoy this book, I took off one star because I thought it was rather short - about half the size of a typical graphic novel. This is completely an artistic choice and isn't the book's fault, but I'm just explaining why it wasn't a 5-star read for me personally. If you're intrigued by the description above, or if you're a fan of graphic novels, I highly recommend that you check out this book. It is out now!
Yojimbot by Sylvain Repos is a sci-fi thriller graphic novel set in the future. The plot revolves around a Japanese father and son who live alone on an island. One day, a robot arrives near their home. The son becomes friends with the robot, but it turns out that the robot had inadvertently alerted a bunch of assassins as to the location of the father and the son. This mistake turns tragic. One highlight of this book is the cinematic and gorgeous artwork. I felt like I was watching a sci-fi movie on TV.
Overall, Yojimbot is an exciting, action-packed graphic novel that will appeal to fans of Westworld and I, Robot. I could not put this book down and sped through it within an hour. The book ends on a major cliffhanger, and I am definitely interested in seeing where the story goes in Volume 2. Although I did enjoy this book, I took off one star because I thought it was rather short - about half the size of a typical graphic novel. This is completely an artistic choice and isn't the book's fault, but I'm just explaining why it wasn't a 5-star read for me personally. If you're intrigued by the description above, or if you're a fan of graphic novels, I highly recommend that you check out this book. It is out now!
May 21, 2021
Thanks to #Netgalley and Europe Comics for making this book available to me.
I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel and I think the concept is really cool, the graphics were well done, loved the colour contrast.
Set in a not-so-far future Japan, where the country is run by robot and the land is populated by androids. Hiro lives on an island with his father and they apparently are on the run from some highly-teched out militiamen. Hiro comes across a robot who seems out of place in the forest and he approaches it.
Before long the militiamen catch up with them and they ask Hiro's father who is some scientist who had escaped from them because he found out that the air was polluted (the real issue was not explained). Hiro's father dies while protecting Hiro, who is then saved by the robot he met earlier. The robot kills or the militiamen and Hiro decides to go with the robot.
The story really was not long enough for me to develop a solid opinion of the book. Since this is the First Part, I know there is a lot more to come but it would have been great if there was a bit more story in this part.
I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel and I think the concept is really cool, the graphics were well done, loved the colour contrast.
Set in a not-so-far future Japan, where the country is run by robot and the land is populated by androids. Hiro lives on an island with his father and they apparently are on the run from some highly-teched out militiamen. Hiro comes across a robot who seems out of place in the forest and he approaches it.
Before long the militiamen catch up with them and they ask Hiro's father who is some scientist who had escaped from them because he found out that the air was polluted (the real issue was not explained). Hiro's father dies while protecting Hiro, who is then saved by the robot he met earlier. The robot kills or the militiamen and Hiro decides to go with the robot.
The story really was not long enough for me to develop a solid opinion of the book. Since this is the First Part, I know there is a lot more to come but it would have been great if there was a bit more story in this part.
May 9, 2021
The flash comic begins in media res, with two robots having a sword fight. The fight ends with a robot's sword shattering into pieces.
A little boy picks up that piece when the robots go away, and there begins the real story.
The comic raises a question, asking us to think about it, while not really demanding an answer. 'Once the authority starts reigning supreme unchallenged, does any difference remain between humans and mindless drones? And if robots become autonomous, does that place them at par with humans?'
The comic ends a bit too soon, turning into more of a prologue than a chapter, setting the pace for the entire series that'll hopefully follow. But unless it's a weekly updated comic, I hate to say this but people will slowly lose interest over time. To counter that, the least that can be done is increase the length of the story told in a chapter. Hopefully, Yojimbot will soon blossom into something greater than what it is.
But as of now, I can't give it more than three stars.
>>>DIGITAL ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY<<<
A little boy picks up that piece when the robots go away, and there begins the real story.
The comic raises a question, asking us to think about it, while not really demanding an answer. 'Once the authority starts reigning supreme unchallenged, does any difference remain between humans and mindless drones? And if robots become autonomous, does that place them at par with humans?'
The comic ends a bit too soon, turning into more of a prologue than a chapter, setting the pace for the entire series that'll hopefully follow. But unless it's a weekly updated comic, I hate to say this but people will slowly lose interest over time. To counter that, the least that can be done is increase the length of the story told in a chapter. Hopefully, Yojimbot will soon blossom into something greater than what it is.
But as of now, I can't give it more than three stars.
>>>DIGITAL ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY<<<
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews