Canto

In a world where knights are forged from brass and bound by clockwork, one small hero must prove that courage comes in miniature packages. Canto, the creator-owned series from writer David M. Booher and artist Drew Zucker, reimagines what it means to be a hero in an all-ages fantasy that packs enormous heart into a tiny protagonist.

The series opens with Canto—a clockwork knight no bigger than a thumb—on a seemingly impossible mission. Born without a heart, he must journey across a haunting, whimsical world to reclaim what was stolen from him and break the curse that has enslaved his people. Along the way, he discovers that being small doesn’t mean his dreams have to be.

Published by IDW Publishing, the series debuted in 2019 and quickly captivated readers with its unique blend of steampunk aesthetics and emotional storytelling. The first issue sold out at distribution level, rushing into a second printing—a rare achievement for a new creator-owned series. The critical response was overwhelming, with reviewers praising the series’ ability to balance action, humor, and genuine emotional depth.

The saga continued through multiple volumes: Canto II: The Hollow Men pushed Canto into darker territory as he faced new threats and uncovered secrets about his world’s past. Canto III: Lionhearted escalated the stakes further, pitting our diminutive hero against formidable enemies. The series concluded with later volumes including Canto V: A Place Like Home, delivering a complete story arc while leaving room for the character’s enduring legacy.

What sets Canto apart is its remarkable emotional resonance despite—or perhaps because of—its small-scale protagonist. The series explores themes of identity, belonging, and what it truly means to be brave. Canto’s journey mirrors classic hero quests, but his intimate scale creates an immediacy and vulnerability that elevates the story beyond typical fantasy tropes.

The series has drawn favorable comparisons to works like Castle in the Air and Howl’s Moving Castle, with reviewers noting its accessibility for younger readers while maintaining sophisticated storytelling that resonates with adults. The combination of Zucker’s evocative artwork—rich with intricate clockwork designs and lush fantasy environments—and Booher’s character-driven narrative creates a world readers will want to linger in.

In 2021, Westbrook Studios—the production company founded by Will and Jada Pinkett Smith—announced they were developing Canto as an animated feature film. The adaptation recognizes the series’ universal appeal: a small hero with a big heart perfectly suited for the big screen. This development further cements Canto as one of the most compelling all-ages comics of the past decade.

Perfect for fans of The Iron Giant, Howl’s Moving Castle, and classic adventure fantasy with a modern progressive heart.