Misako developed a love for comics and manga at an early age and drew her first comic at the age of 13. She moved to New York in 2001, and worked as a a puppeteer, face painter, animal balloon maker, and art teacher, while still developing her own work.

Misako's first break came when the Onion decided to use her to illustrate their now famous "Savage Love" column, which runs every week. Shortly thereafter, Misako scored a two-book deal with Hyperion, a three-book deal with Henry Holt and a writing gig for Archie comics. She's been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times, and the BBC recently featured her in a documentary about comic book creators.

Misako currently lives in Brooklyn, New York and spends her time riding her vintage bike, making hip hop, and eating lots of ONIGIRI!!!


Publisher's Weekly: Comics Take to the Bronx April 2008
Article about the Kid's Comic-Con

Golf Coasting Live: Children’s art shows debut in Naples Sept 2007
An article about the upcoming children's art program in Naples, Florida

Venue: Stand up, comics... May 2007
Bristol Comic Expo feature.

Girls Inc. Inspiring Girls: Meet Misako Rocks!
An interview with Misako Rocks! by Girls Inc.

Misako Rocks! and So Does Biker Girl June 2006
By Kate Culkin -- Publishers Weekly,

Venus Zine March 2006
Misako Rocks! The Japanese artist imports 2-D cuteness and
sexiness to the Midwest.

The Secret of Drawing October 2005
Misako Rocks is featured in a BBC2 documentary on drawing written and presented by Andrew Graham-Dixon.

Elle Girl August 2005
"Manga Girls"

NY Times May 2005
Misako is mentioned in an article about the growing market for comics for girls... "Hyperion Books for Children, a division of Disney Publishing Worldwide, will publish its first original manga next year. It is being written and drawn by Misako Takashima, a Japanese artist now living in the United States."

Isthmus Newspaper October 22 2004
"Quick on the Draw: Comic Artist Misako Takashima Cashes in on Manga Madness"