Fantagraphics, the prominent indie comics publisher, has announced the launch of Takumigraphics, a new imprint dedicated to East Asian comics, set to debut in 2026 as part of the publisher’s 50th-anniversary celebration. The imprint will initially focus on Japanese manga but plans to expand its catalog to include works from Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines, among other Asian countries. Notably, Takumigraphics will re-release Shimura Takako’s critically acclaimed manga series, Wandering Son (also known as Hourou Musuko), starting with Volume 1 & 2 in July 2026.
Introducing Takumigraphics: A New Era for East Asian Comics
Fantagraphics’ decision to create Takumigraphics stems from its long-standing commitment to publishing imaginative and aesthetically compelling graphic works. While the publisher has previously released influential East Asian titles, beginning with Moto Hagio’s A Drunken Dream and Other Stories in 2010, the new imprint signifies a dedicated home for these diverse narratives. The name “Takumi,” chosen from Japanese, reflects the imprint’s editorial goals, encapsulating meanings such as “excellence,” “skillfulness,” “adroitness,” and “ingeniousness”—qualities that the publisher believes exemplify the artistic caliber of the books it will present.
The imprint will be spearheaded by a team including Fantagraphics editor Conrad Groth, president Eric Reynolds, and associate publisher Gary Groth, who will lead acquisitions. Takumigraphics aims to publish sixteen titles annually, beginning in the spring of 2026.
Expanding Beyond Japanese Manga
Although Takumigraphics will initially emphasize Japanese comics, its vision extends to a broader representation of East Asian storytelling. Future releases will feature works from various Asian countries, highlighting a shared aesthetic and visual language that the editors believe readers will recognize and appreciate, despite the nuanced cultural backgrounds. This expansion aims to bring a wider array of voices and artistic styles to a global audience.
The Return of Wandering Son
Among the inaugural releases under the Takumigraphics banner is a newly designed paperback edition of Shimura Takako’s Wandering Son. This sensitive and affecting manga series explores themes of gender, community, family, and identity through the lives of two fifth-grade friends, Shuichi Nitori, a boy who wants to be a girl, and Yoshino Takatsuki, a girl who wants to be a boy.
Significance of Wandering Son
Wandering Son has been lauded for its delicate portrayal of transgender youth and their experiences navigating puberty, self-discovery, and societal expectations. The series is considered a masterpiece by one of Japan’s most prominent creators of LGBTQ+ manga, translated with notable skill and sensitivity by veteran translator and comics scholar Rachel Thorn. Its re-release by Takumigraphics offers a new opportunity for readers to engage with this important and critically acclaimed work. Volumes 1 & 2 are scheduled for release on July 7, 2026.
Initial Lineup and Future Prospects
Beyond Wandering Son, Takumigraphics’ initial slate of releases for spring and summer 2026 includes several other anticipated titles:
- Wandering Cat’s Cage by Akane Torikai, translated by Jocelyne Allen (May 2026)
- Lovers of the Empire, Volume 1 by Yudori (June 2026)
- On Their Frontlines: The Lives of Japanese War Brides, Volume 1 by Marina Lisa Komiya, translated by Diana Taylor (August 2026)
- Future titles will also include work from Brain Damage author Shintaro Kago.
The launch of Takumigraphics marks a significant step for Fantagraphics as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, further solidifying its legacy as a publisher of groundbreaking and diverse graphic literature. The new imprint promises to enrich the landscape of East Asian comics available to English-speaking audiences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the artistry and storytelling from across the region.
