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Winner of the 24th Manga Division Excellence Award at the 2020 Japan Media Arts Festival

Every young couple has high hopes for their unborn child, and Sara and Kouta Takano are no different. But only days away from giving birth, Sara learns about the tragedy of Malala Yousafzai's attempted assassination at the hands of the Taliban, and her pure and innocent belief in the future is shaken. If such a smart and courageous child can be hurt so badly by the world, how can she keep her own baby safe? With Sara now in a state of shock, will the young couple be able to bridge the widening gap between them, or will it tear their family apart?

The reality of this world, as seen through the eyes of an author that has spent years illustrating the women and their lives.

"A story that exposes its whole heart on the page, Miki Yamamoto's A Smart and Courageous Child perfectly encapsulates the nearly unbearable hope and angst of being a new, expectant parent. It is no exaggeration to say this comic made me cry with recognition and remembrance of this fragile time before my own children's births. Raw and relatable to any parent, A Smart and Courageous Child uses simplistic illustrations to tell a universal story. Drawn only with black, red, yellow, and slate-blue colored pencils, it captures a muted snow globe of a world—the strange liminal space that new parents occupy, seemingly insulated from everything else." — Lauren Orsini, Anime News Network

"It may just be the timing, but this ended up being a very comforting book to read in a dark time, and I hope that enough people read it. Not only because its a great book. Not only because hopefully it will result in more of Miki Yamamoto’s works being translated. But because I feel this is a book we need right now, to remind us that life is worth living outside of the doomscrolling, and it reminds us of this in the most human way possible." — Kevin T. Rodriguez, Fandom Post

"Such stylistic choice contributes to making A Smart and Courageous Child a heartwarming reading, where mutual trust and care are presented as a potential solution to the issue of a world saturated with bad news and skepticism. [...] Powerful and moving in its apparent simplicity, A Smart and Courageous Child sure deserves the popularity enjoyed upon receiving the 24th Manga Division Excellence Award at the 2020 Japan Media Arts Festival, whose commission did not fail to notice how behind Miki Yamamoto’s gentle visuals lies a much-needed call for change. A change towards an age where kindness and adaptability are the antidote to horror." — Giovanni Stigliano, Asian Movie Pulse

"If you've ever felt any anxiety about something you can't control, you will empathize with Sara and how she can't cope with these new fears that have sprung up out of what feels like nowhere, the loss of control that she can't help but feel. The art is deceptively simple, using what looks like colored pencils to create a sense of a picture book, which of course, as one character says, is for not just children, but parents as well." — Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network

"This book brilliantly captures the anxieties held by people of today. Sara embodies the joyful anticipation of a mother-to-be, until an international story breaks and expands her list of hopes and fears in the information-flooded world. A modern audience can relate to her distrust in the times, and Sara’s anguish is universal in its resonance. The work devotes numerous techniques to express its intentions but remains accessible. Colored pencils bring the story to life, at different times injecting turbulence and warmth. Through a small but striking backlist, the artist has secured a singular presence in the industry. What does it mean to be wise and brave? How do we resist and reverse the cruelties of the world? The artist plumbs this fathomless question and offers a powerful response." — Kazuko Kawahara, Japan Media Arts Festival

Inspired by the hit Ubisoft franchise Watch Dogs

When the Tokyo Metropolitan Government applies a new, futuristic urban infrastructure management system called J-ctOS, it appears to be an instant success. Citizens' lives are quickly improved thanks to the ease of interconnectivity and convenience. However, all is not as it seems; while everything may appear to be going well, there are secrets lurking behind Blume Japan, the creator of J-ctOS. 

Inspector Goda Gordon is a dedicated, honorable policeman who believes in justice above all — a mindset that is harder and harder to hold onto as his investigations continue to hit dead ends. After some off-the-books sleuthing, he comes to understand the grip that J-ctOS has on every aspect of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, including its police department. Soon, he realizes that his only option to fight the injustice and corruption in his city may lie in the hands of a group of vigilante hackers known as DEDSEC. 

How far is Inspector Gordon willing to go in his fight against J-ctOS? And who, exactly, is DEDSEC?


"This was an intense, action-packed story with some great moments of police drama and murder-mystery thriller thrown in. With all the conversation surrounding ethical use of artificial intelligence, this is the perfect time for this story to hit shelves." — Sara Smith, The Graphic Library

"It's a great-looking manga with detailed backgrounds that bring the futuristic setting to life. It's like a fun action flick, albeit one you've probably seen before: scrappy underdogs taking on the world when it didn't seem like they had a chance." — Lauren Ortini, Anime News Network

Miroku lets loose during an overseas photoshoot. Will he and Fumi finally be able to...?! 

Things are going well for the ossan idol group MiYoShi. But a new job offer happens to involve them working as hosts! Former host Shiju should have the home advantage, but things are thrown into chaos when the men realize their customers... are crossdressing men! There's also a tantalizing photoshoot in the southern islands, overseas! Will the ossans' hearts burn passionately in the romantic mood?

Why I Adopted My Husband is a profound exploration of love, societal expectations, and individuals’ lengths to solidify their bonds. Yagi’s storytelling prowess and the manga’s impactful message position it as a must-read, shedding light on the challenges LGBTQ couples navigate in Japan. As a gay couple living in Japan (where gay marriage is not yet legal), Yuta and Kyota have found a unique loophole in order for the government to recognize their union: Kyota adopted Yuta.

This nonfiction manga depicts how the two men met and fell in love, their life together for the last twenty years, their struggle to communicate their relationship to their families, their anxieties about the future, and their determination to live happily and carefree as any other married couple, while they strive for independence and equal rights in a changing cultural landscape.

"If you know nothing about what homosexuality or LGBTQ people, Why I Adopted My Husband is a perfect introduction and learning tool. It also teaches you about Japanese culture, how many family traditions are ingrained into law, and how that's both a comfort to people and can hinder LGBTQ people who want to live their lives. It's cute and funny and gets the points across with a spoonful of sugar instead of a hammer." — Adi Tantimedh, Bleeding Cool

"Why I Adopted My Husband is a profound exploration of love, societal expectations, and individuals’ lengths to solidify their bonds. Yagi’s storytelling prowess and the manga’s impactful message position it as a must-read, shedding light on the challenges LGBTQ couples navigate in Japan." — Travis Hayward, Geek Therapy

"There are tips on how a gay couple can go the adoption route, like information on contracts. It even includes a section showing how to fill out the paperwork. This part doesn’t pertain to American readers, but the manga is still worth reading because of its well-told story, its look into the realities of gay couples in Japan, and how the characters are relatable — because even if someone isn’t in Yuta and [Kyota]’s shoes, the parts about feeling left out would be something everyone can relate to on some level. The fact that both men are otaku (and there are plenty of references to otaku culture) makes telling the story in manga format all the better." — Katie Kimura, Otaku USA

IF YOU WERE ATTACKED, WOULD YOU FIGHT BACK?

What if your family, your hometown, your entire way of living were threatened by force?  That’s what the people of Ukraine faced when Putin’s Russian army invaded their sovereign land, displacing millions of refugees and causing an international crisis threatening democracy across the globe.  But the Ukrainian people refused to cave — and these 9 stories weave the greater tale of their resistance — and fight for Victory!

This anthology is a collection created by Ukrainian artists during the first weeks of the Russian invasion, channeling all their emotions — their anger, courage, dreams, and despair into one goal, one manifestation of their nation’s fight for survival!

A portion of the proceeds for the paperback will be donated to Razom for Ukraine (“Razom” meaning “together” in Ukrainian), a non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization established to give direct support to the people of Ukraine in their pursuit of a democratic society with dignity, justice, and human and civil rights for all.

Part of the digital proceeds from this comic book will be donated via the UNITED24 platform. Launched by President Zelenskyy, the platform is the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Please join Mark Hamill and the Army of Drones to strengthen Ukraine and protect its people.

"For anyone looking for an engrossing learning experience in hopes of understanding what Ukraine is currently going through, along with a history lesson in the nation's past, this graphic novel is a must-buy." — Joe Anthony Myrick, Screen Rant

"Written and illustrated by Ukrainian creators, PEREMOHA doesn't just chronicle recent events during Russia's invasion. Instead, it turns some of these now more well known circumstances on their head. From a witch enacting her own vengeance on intruders to a slightly retold version of the Russian attack on Snake Island, PEREMOHA sucked me right in from the first page. This is a phenomenal way for folks to connect emotionally with what all is happening in Ukraine, what has happened in the past, and what will happen in the future." — Kvothe Harris, Rediscovered Books

"But there is no room to debate the merits of PEREMOHA: Victory for Ukraine, since it is ultimately the artistic embodiment of a nation’s desire to maintain its sovereignty and protect its people. [...] All of us who desire a democratic world free from senseless war and violence should read this graphic novel, and understand the Ukrainian fight for freedom." — Brett Michael Orr, Honey's Anime

It was March 11, 2011 when a massive earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami, which, in turn, destroyed the core three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan.  This tragedy cost almost 20,000 lives and devastated countless more, including Naoto Matsumura, a farmer evacuated from the deadly radiation zone.

Unwilling to abandon his beloved animals, Naoto chooses to return home to his farm — and to fight for the beauty of life.  This important graphic novel from France alludes to Japanese legends as an ode to Mother Nature, and human resilience.

This emotional title features a foreword by Tokyo-based writer, journalist, scholar and authority on Japanese and Western cultures Roland Kelts, photos from renowned photographer Ko Sasaki, a retrospective from Pray for Japan director Stu Levy, and educational bonus material about the tsunami and its aftermath.

"Blain’s evocative illustrations, rendered using flat, vibrant colors and delivered via easy-to-follow panels, and paired with Grolleau’s quietly profound dialogue, elegantly portrays wrenching events in Japan’s history." — Publishers Weekly

"[Guardian of Fukushima] is as powerful a read as it is a harrowing one when taking into account what transpired. Yet, presenting the story with sincerity under gorgeous art direction, and with additional content that lets the reader see beyond the story of Matsumura, the book is an unforgettable story that readers should seek out." — Adam Symchuk, Asian Movie Pulse

"Contemplative and heartbreaking, Guardian of Fukushima is a portrait of European and Japanese humanism." — Bleeding Cool

"Bravo to Grolleau and Blain for skillfully elevating an already profound story. I would recommend Guardian of Fukushima to anyone." — Comics Beat

Claire Martino once had everything: a loving family, a crown prince fiancé, and a hopeful future using her family's inherited magic. Then, in an instant, she lost it all — and the culprit was her own beloved half-sister. As the daughter of the now-disgraced duke and scorned as a villainess, Claire left everything she knew and set out on a journey to find her true self. 

Now, Claire has officially started her new life in Paffuto, attending the royal academy to harness her newly strengthened magical abilities and teaching the adorable Isabella Reine as her governess. But things grow stressful soon enough, with a magical tornado threatening her new home. 

The time has also come for crown prince Vik to choose a fiancée. As the fallen daughter of a duke, will Claire be allowed to stay in Vik's life?

But wait, isn't that the plot of the otome game Upstart ♡ ETERNAL LOVE on its hardest difficulty setting...?
 

Miroku Osaki is 36 years old, unemployed, and unhappy. Having been bullied in his childhood and even into his adult life, he became a shut-in after being unfairly laid off. For a long time, the only thing that brought him joy was online gaming. Then, he tried the popular "Let's Try Dancing!" karaoke style. It was addicting... and transformative!  Inspired by his new hobby, Miroku decides to turn his life around. He begins singing karaoke and going to the gym, where he meets Yoichi, the director of an entertainment company who encourages Miroku to pursue his dreams. 

Miroku only wanted to be good at the game he loves, but when he accidentally uploads a clip of himself singing and dancing, it goes viral! Can he really become an idol, even at his age? Suddenly, it doesn't seem so impossible!

Scatterbrained Takara Takarada is an undiscovered genius actor who fully embodies every character he's cast as, delivering unforgettable performance after performance onstage. But this genius can only be brought forth by his best friend and fellow actor, Yuuji Kamojima, who cares for Takara even as he envies him for his innate talent.

When it takes the two of them together to bring a character to life, what will happen when Takara is scouted away from their small-time theater troupe and thrust into the new world of television instead? Can Takara survive without Yuuji's guidance... and how does Yuuji respond to being left behind?