Presentation and review of oneshot Gizo, manga by French screenwriter Mr Tan and Japanese illustrator Mato.

Gizo
Other titleJizo
SpeciesFantasy, Mystery
ProjectMato
ScriptMr Tan
Volumes1
ChaptersOneshot
Pages244
Table of Contents +

Gizo

The first manga of Little Hero in Greek

The «Gizo» (Jizo) is the first manga published in Greek by publishing Little Hero. It is an artistic collaboration between French screenwriter Mr Tan and Japanese illustrator Mato released from the Glénat publications in France and now in our country.

A few words about the plot

The story begins with Aki who can't find his way home without one of the people around him helping him. Suddenly he makes his appearance out of nowhere a boy named Gizzo, willing to help him. Aki is cautious and has difficulty trusting him because he doesn't know his purposes. Will he help him get back to his family? Is it safe to follow him into the temple? These questions torment him. But things take a dangerous turn when a scary witch starts hunting the children at sundown.

Kanaji Temple

A veil of mystery

From the beginning the atmosphere is strange, especially with the sudden appearance of Jizo who is a mysterious and interesting character. Reminds me of the classic anime/manga trope where characters with closed eyes always hide something. Here Jizo is trying for some reason to help another child without explaining his intentions to him. On the other hand, Aki's agony and insecurity being a young child is normal and this is well attributed to the entire manga.

The themes covered by history

The «Gizo» begins somewhat slowly but steadily unfolds the plot, and the adventure of the two children to reach home takes a supernatural turn. The appearance of the demon-like witch overthrows the data and leads us to a battle of light and darkness. The trump of history is not action or impressive frames but rather what ranks it differently is the proper use of Japanese tradition and locations.

Fun fact!

The title of manga is a reference to «Gizo Botswana», protector of children and travelers, according to Japanese Buddhism. In Japan one encounters this figure as stone statues scattered throughout the country. From temples and paths to even the ends of the streets. What does that have to do with the boy of the same name?

The screenwriter touches through plot themes such as loss, love, hope through the different situations of characters. The way of writing and style I have to confess remind me of a novel. Finally, that makes sense because Antoine Dole or Mr Tan writes children's novels.

On the other hand, Mato with her plan manages well to attribute their characters and feelings with their expressions, and locations such as Kaneji Temple and Ueno Park. The design enhances the sense of the children's novel, while the use of shadows is ideal with a culmination that of frames depicting the most «dark» points of history. Nevertheless, my favorite full-page frame is very bright and touching.

A manga full of thrills

As in manga/anime van «It hit me on the feeds» And it was as touching as it should be without exaggeration. Especially, the scenes involved in loss, acceptance and redemption in the end.

Version

As for the features of the version, the paper I found good for manga version, while the size is closer to that of Blue Lock. Of course it's a little shorter in height but for me these are the ideal dimensions. The options of the cover and the back cover are very strong but do not forget to give credit for translation and custody. Both are excellent, let alone when talking about the first manga edition by the publishing house.

Summary

History beyond positive has also negatively with its slow pace at first. You'll have to be a little patient to get to the main subject, but if you give her a chance, I think you'll like her enough as I do. In conclusion, I consider this manga to be a good choice for the first edition from publishing and we expect it and all the time as soon as possible.

We thank Little Hero for the pictures.

© 2025 Small Hero Publications

© Editions Glénat 2020 by Mato & Mr Tan

General

General
4 5 0 1
A manga reminiscent of a children's novel with a beautiful design. Despite his slow beginning if you give him a chance he can thrill you with the story he has to tell.
A manga reminiscent of a children's novel with a beautiful design. Despite his slow beginning if you give him a chance he can thrill you with the story he has to tell.
4.0 rating
4/5
Total Score itest