Fantagraphics is introducing Takumigraphics, a new imprint focused on East Asian comics, with Yudori’s Lovers of the Empire Volume 1 serving as its inaugural release. The 224-page full-color hardcover debuted on August 18.
This new series originates from the South Korean cartoonist known for Raging Clouds and is designed as a trilogy. Set in 1920s Korea during the Japanese colonial era, Lovers of the Empire narrates the story of two teenagers hailing from diverse social classes, interweaving romance with themes of class, colonialism, and cultural transformation.
Arisa Jo is the offspring of a prosperous merchant residing in Gyeongsung, the modern designation for Seoul during Japanese governance. Influenced by Western fashion and contemporary values, she is assigned Jun Seomoon, a young man from the countryside with traditional views, as her escort to the city by her father. The contrast in their personalities gradually leads to a relationship amidst the backdrop of societal and political upheaval.
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Takumigraphics will function as Fantagraphics’ dedicated imprint for manga, manhwa, manhua, and other comics originating from East Asia. As stated by associate publisher Eric Reynolds, this line is meant to consolidate the publisher’s increasing array of works from Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond under a unified imprint.
Fantagraphics has also announced various forthcoming Takumigraphics titles for 2026:
- On Their Frontlines: The Lives of Japanese War Brides by Marina Lisa Komiya, August
- Wandering Son by Takako Shimura, September
- Wandering Cat’s Cage by Akane Torikai, October
- The Ultra Power Mongol Invasion by Shintaro Kago, November
Source: Press Release
