 | Minecraft : the manga, 1 (Minecraft: The Manga) Author: Seto, Kazuyoshi | |
| Price: $9.83 | ||
Summary:
Peaceful life in a perfectly constructed town bores ten-year-old Nico into mischief. Riding Creepers while they explode is fun and all, but what he really wants is to escape the blocky confines of his home and take his crafting skills on an adventure to the end of the world. Just how big is the world, anyway, and what could stand in his way? In manga graphic novel format.
Reviews:
School Library Journal (12/12/25)
Booklist (05/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 05/01/2025 Ten-year-old Nico White has just unlocked his ability to craft new items without a crafting table, just like his adventurer father before him, and soon, Nico feels the pull to set out on his own. Within days, Nico meets and befriends a human named Gray, who is cursed to constantly look like a zombie. The two decide to travel together to look for the End of the World, a mythical place with inspiring treasures and people. Nico, as described, has one setting—adventure—and all of his page time is dedicated to his high-energy, positive approach to everything. He’s fascinated by the world and brings a childlike wonder to every situation. Gray provides a realistic and balanced foil for Nico’s enthusiasm. Seto expertly incorporates game material while smoothing out the blockiest of graphics to provide visually pleasing illustrations. There are plenty of references to the source material to keep game enthusiasts happy but also enough explanation to keep newcomers interested in the story. If you have readers who haven’t been able to put down Splatoon or Pokémon, this is the next logical purchase for your library. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 12/12/2025 Gr 3–6—Deep in a mine, 10-year-old Nico White is surrounded by zombies with only a pickaxe at his disposal. Sheer desperation awakens his family's mod power—imagination—allowing him to craft without a table. Once out of danger, it quickly becomes clear that Nico will not be satisfied staying in his village any longer. He sets off on an adventure to find the end of the world, following in his father's footsteps. Along the way he meets Gray, an adventurer looking to cure the curse that makes him look like a zombie, who joins him on his quest. Minecraft is an easy draw for elementary and middle-grade students. This book's blocky art is consistent with the video game, and there are enough hijinks and silliness for the target audience. A well-defined plot keeps the story grounded and makes this an accessible series for readers new to the Minecraft franchise. The clearly defined panels may help newcomers to manga as they adjust to the format. VERDICT A winning video game tie-in. Highly recommended as a beginner manga.—Lisa Rowland - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
