Punycorn

Punycorn #1

by Andi Watson

Praised as "hilarious, whimsical epic adventure" by the creator of Hilo , a big-hearted diminutive unicorn and his friends battle to save their kingdom from a powerful (if bratty) ogre in this fast-paced and funny fantasy graphic novel. Carbuncle is a land of endless rainbows and sugar-sprinkled doughnuts—until the vile Sir Ogre unleashes his evil army on the happy kingdom. Who can stop his outsized appetite for destruction? Punycorn! Who? Punycorn. The smallest, clumsiest, and, yes, puniest of all the unicorns. Punycorn may not look like a hero, but aided by a fireless dragon, a feisty dung beetle, and a magic sword with a hidden secret, he might just be Carbuncle’s only hope! Readers will root for a motley group of misfits with hearts of gold in this fast-paced, hilarious graphic novel by multi-Eisner-nominated author and artist Andi Watson. 

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Humor, Fiction, Magic

224 pages, Hardcover

First published November 14, 2023

About the author

Andrew "Andi" Watson (born 1969) is a British cartoonist and illustrator best known for the graphic novels Breakfast After Noon, Slow News Day and his series Love Fights, published by Oni Press and Slave Labor Graphics.

Watson has also worked for more mainstream American comic publishers with some work at DC Comics, a twelve-issue limited series at Marvel Comics, with the majority at Dark Horse Comics, moving recently to Image Comics.

Reviews

[Victoria Doan · Rating 4 out of 5]

hated the ending. wym the unicorns didn’t believe punycorn saved the day!?? asshole unicorns fr. justice for punycorn

[Ro · Rating 3 out of 5]

It didn't live up to expectations in my mind.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is hilarious, there are so many laugh-out-loud and snort-inducing moments, and the drawings are perfect.
There are adventures, the story is engaging, it is fast-paced and any kid will just love flying through the pages of this book. My 10yr old read it also and said she enjoyed it and hopes there is a sequel. She also asked me to look up other books by this author, so – it is good, it is tween approved!
I will keep repeating it every chance I get: if you have a kid who doesn’t love reading, they have been reading the wrong books. Give them something FUN. And this is one of those books I will be recommending to those who have middle-grade kids who “don’t like reading”. They will. Guaranteed. With a books like this, every kid will learn to love books. At least those books. And I believe books like these are a gateway to opening doors to more books. There really should be more books like this one. I will be looking forward to the next book by this author!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful and with a fun title, Andi Watson's "Punycorn" graphic novel shows what can happen when a group of individuals who are underestimated come together to work toward a goal. As the main character, Punycorn is left behind to guard the castle while the rest of the unicorns go away on a trip. But during this time, Punycorn must spring into action as Sir Ogre takes over Carbuncle! Is Punycorn and his friends the only hope to save Carbuncle?

The illustrations are beautiful and move the story along. There are loveable characters who initially don't believe in themselves, but find their talents along the journey. I was super excited to see that there will be more books with Punycorn to follow!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Punycorn is full of heart, but he is just a little guy compared to all of the sleek unicorns in his kingdom. When they are away on a "mission" their home of Carbuncle is attacked by Sir Ogre and his army. Punycorn sets out on a quest to save the kingdom and prove that he is just as capable as any other hero!

I loved Punycorn! It was a sweet story with great comic moments. I loved all of the characters and thought the story moved at a good pace. The art was adorable and I loved the clear difference between the color story in the Punycorn panels and the Sir Ogre panels!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and wholesome. The author does a good job of telling a story of the littlest still being able to help. It wasn’t too preachy about its messages and it is perfectly enjoyable for an adult reader on a once through if need to read it to a child. I don’t usually read ARCs this far ahead but I needed a light read before bed and this was charming!

[pineapple tofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the land of Carbuncle, sparkles, and rainbows are everywhere. It's a happy kingdom of unicorn heroes until they all decide to take a vacation. The only one left is Punycorn, the smallest unicorn there is. Then, Sir Orge tries to take over the kingdom with the help of his sister and his many minions. It's up to Punycorn, a dragon and dung beetle, to save the day...but can they?
Brightly colored and fast-paced, this graphic novel tells a tale of the hidden hero amongst ourselves. And Punycorn is just that - an unlikely hero of many proportions. He becomes friends with a dragon who has a hard time breathing fire and a dung beetle who can carry anything. With his trusty friends and talkative sword, Punycorn is always ready for adventure. Yet, what happens in book two?

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good artwork is overshadowed by the goofy story and, at times, an overly complicated dialogue
3.5 ⭐rounded up

[Joshua Glasgow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love the pacifist sword named Bloodgutter. The sword is clear from the start that it has forsaken violence, so when the first battle scene occurred I was not surprised at all that it would not fight.

[Kris Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The unicorns are such jerks and the wizards useless. What a weird but loveable dream team though. I just wish that punycorn had told them off or left at the end. What's the moral here? It's okay if you're different to let people walk all over you because they are normal or 'better than'?

[Kelly Green's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Punycorn is SO much fun! How much fun I had reading this graphic novel with my 9-year-old son. We were rolling on the floor laughing for so many parts!

This book is so colorful, I often found myself feeling like I was watching a animated show on television.
And I haven’t even started to discuss the main character Punycorn. He is just so lovable and brave. Without giving away too much of the story, I feel that we all have the spirit of PunyCorn inside our hearts.

This graphic novel will keep your reader reading for hours!! I love it!

Grateful to have received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley & HarperCollins Children's Books, Clarion Books.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was generally a fun read with some equally fun artwork. The story of an optimist who, despite shortcomings, continues to follow on his quest and put other first is a good lesson. But it's done in a way that isn't heavy handed or likely to put off a middle schooler who, I assume, is the target audience for this graphic novel. Figuring out how to bring together his band of misfits and succeed is pretty much the focus of the story. Even though it's a pretty straight forward quest of the underdogs, there is some complexity to the story as well. For example, the juxtaposition of Punycorn's inability to see his own puny nature and his positive outcome vs. the same basic situation in Sir Ogre's inability to recognize his arrogance leading to, well, his downfall.

The one piece that did confuse me a bit was the introduction of Sir Ogre's mother. She had such a short part in the story and I felt like there should have been more moments with her or at least that she would come back towards the end in a more prominent way. But she didn't. That may leave an opening for the next instalment or the one after, but it didn't quite wrap up as neatly as I would have hoped.

*I received an ARC via NetGalley.

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quirky and amusing graphic novel. Punycorn is a champion unicorn in training. He's a lot smaller than all the other unicorns, but what he lacks in stature, he makes up for with grit and determination. When the unicorns all leave for a mission, they leave Carbuncle in the hands of Punycorn. What could go wrong?
Turns out, much can go wrong. Sir Ogre thinks this is the perfect time to strike with his almighty mittens of power. So Punycorn needs to tackle Sir Ogre himself. He seeks help from the counselor of wizards... but they only volunteer information, but not physical aide. Punycorn must find a magical item, a sidekick and an elemental on his quest to face Sir Ogre. Punycorn teams up with the most unlikely of weapons, sidekicks and elemental: a pacifist sword, a dragon who doesn't breathe fire and dung beetle elemental. Will their team be enough to face Sir Ogre and his band of goblins and ogres.

If you ever need an underdog hero's journey, this it! Perfect for ES AND MS classrooms.

[Christine LaBatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Punycorn must save Carbuncle when the other Chosen Ones are gone! Sir Ogre has just received his gauntlets aka mittens that have all the evil people following him. Punycorn must assemble his own troop to fight them.

A cute graphic novel for kids. I thought there could have been some areas where plots were better laid out/were more clear. Like it seemed at one point Sir Ogre's sister was going to help Punycorn and company, but then she didn't. Regardless, it was a quick read with cute illustrations.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like unicorns? Do you like underdogs? Heck do you like mittens with great power? Did you answer yes to any or all of these questions? If so, this book is for you. It is fast paced, and funny in all the right ways. Come on a journey with Punycorn as he gathers a group of friends to save Carbuncle. Just because he is small doesn’t mean that he is not mighty.
This book will be such fun to recommend. Kids are going to love the characters and their whimsical way of saving Carbuncle.
Thank you so much to HarperCollins Children’s Books and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this graphic novel.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Punycorn’ with story and art by Andi Watson is a graphic novel about a small hero with a big fight.

Punycorn is the smallest unicorn. Because of this he is the one to stay home and clean. When the other unicorns are away when Sir Ogre attacks the kingdom, it’s up to the most unlikely of heroes and his band of heroes, including a fireless dung beetle, a talking sword and a scrappy dung beetle. Can Sir Ogre and his evil army be defeated?

This was a pretty fun read. It’s lighthearted and hilarious. The art is fun and I think younger readers will enjoy it.

[Beth Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear ye, hear ye to the tale of Punycorn! A unicorn with the heart of a champion who wields a mighty toilet brush only wants a chance to be a hero. In this over-the-top goofy quest to save the land of Carbuncle, Punycorn accumulates the unlikeliest of companions: a dragon who likes to spew condiments, a dung elemental, and a sword of legend with a grave secret. All try to defeat Sir Ogre (he isn't noble, his first name is just Sir), the master of the lightning mittens...ahem gauntlets. Can they do it? Read on, brave adventurers.

[Arnold Trebuchet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this world, unicorns are the heroes and protect the kingdom from evil, but what happens when the unicorns go on vacation? That’s what Punycorn is about to find out! Punycorn isn’t really cut out for the job of taking down an entire goblin army but with a few new friends they’ll be up to the task. This is a delightfully funny story with great characters and enjoyable villains. Andi has crafted a wonderfully colorful tale.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embark on a whimsical journey alongside our endearing underdog unicorn protagonist and their unexpected band of allies in this charming fantasy escapade. Through moments of adversity, Punycorn bravely presses on with unwavering spirit and optimism. With its lively pace and abundant wit, this tale is reminiscent of a fusion between the epic adventure of LORD OF THE RINGS and the playful antics of DOGMAN.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Punycorn is a fun and uplifting adventure. Andi Watson fills the pages with bright, whimsical art, laugh-out-loud humor and a cast of lovable misfits who make the journey unforgettable. Punycorn may be small, but his big heart and determination show that even the unlikeliest hero can shine. It’s a colourful, charming story about friendship, perseverance and believing in yourself - sure to leave readers smiling.

[Jaymie · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

This was so fun! Reminded me in tone of Hilo or Max and the Midknights or Ham Helsing - unlikely heroes, quests, etc.. This is a fun story with creative quest elements. I would absolutely read more of these.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I won a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. **

This is an absolutely adorable graphic novel featuring an unexpected Chosen One and his not so valiant friends. Perfect for you middle reader (or anyone who loves unicorns, dragons and magic)! I really enjoyed the story and the characters and am looking forward to the next installment!

[Alissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can easily see this graphic novel flying off the shelves at my library and will probably have to order a couple copies. My daughter who is almost 8 loved it and got so many giggles and kept wanting to read it late into the night.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this. Punycorn is awesome. I love his group of friends and I laughed way too hard when Wheeze (the dragon) is going pew pew with the sauce launcher! And it looks like they is going to be another book. Yay!

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a VERY FUNNY graphic for middle-grade readers concerning the adventures of 3 underdogs (well, under dragons, unicorns, and dung beetles, anyway) on a quest to save a kingdom from invading goblins. The dialogue is hilarious! Highly entertaining.

[Carol Youssif · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious and fast-paced graphic novel that readers will devour in one sitting.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

[Matt Glaviano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Boiler plate fantasy elevated by good use of pacing, dialogue, and joke delivery.

Chapters are too short.

[Brian McLachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable art on an epic quest with some good giggles and great characterization.

[Kayla Zabcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

75%

pretty cute and silly. could be used as a study of how adventurer stories are written and the elements they use to engage the audience