Misako Rocks! 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. Her first break came when the Onion decided to use her illustrations for 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.

Misako has been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including Elle Girl and the New York Times. The BBC and NHK also featured her in a documentary about her comic book life. Recently, Misako was chosen as one of Nikkei Woman Magazine's 15 Women of the year.

Misako currently lives in Brooklyn, New York and spends her free time riding her vintage bike, making hip hop, kissing babies, shaking hands, slam dunking and eating lots of Onigiri !!!


What people have been saying.....

"Many times, Misako Rocks has encouraged me with the phrase 'Ganbatte' - roughly translating to 'Go for it!' in Japanese. Her characters - especially Jermain - impart this same inspiring energy... take-charge girls that don't wimp out in the face of adversity!" - Craig Thompson

Detective Jermain is a fresh-faced Nancy Drew for today's manga generation, a sassy teen sleuth with multiple mysteries to solve: why are her teachers behaving so weirdly? which of her two childhood playmates should she choose as her boyfriend? and toughest of all, can she become as great a detective as her ex-Dad? Misako Rocks! will hook you with her blend of intriguing detective thriller with warm- hearted high-school romance. - Paul Gravett

"a fast-paced and well-executed story..." - Booklist

"Manga with a heavy dose of cute...this should find a ready crowd of action-oriented shojo fans."
- Kirkus Reviews

"An appealing mix of adventure, female empowerment and romance brought alive by Takashima's vibrant illustration" - Publishers Weekly

"Great for younger manga readers." - School Library Journal


Press

The 21 Magazine (pdf)

Nihon Keizai Shinbun (In Japanese)
Article about Misako from one of Japan's largest newspapers.

Chopsticks NY Magazine
Special Interview (pdf)

Nekkei Woman Magazine 15 Women of the Year 2010 Issue (pdf)

Yomi Time! Interview with Misako Rocks! (In Japanese)

Shiny Shelf: Rock and Roll Love Review
Nice little review by Mags Halliday

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


Venue: Stand up, comics...

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

By Kate Culkin -- Publishers Weekly,

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

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

Elle Girl
"Manga Girls"

NY Times
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
"Quick on the Draw: Comic Artist Misako Takashima Cashes in on Manga Madness"

 

June 24, July 1 and 8
Manga Workshop
Riverdale Library - Riverdale, NY
July 14, 21 and 28
Manga Workshop
St George Library - Staten Island, NY
July 24
Meet the author
Rockville Center Library - Rockville, NY
July 26
Meet the Author
Greenpoint Library - Brooklyn, NY
July 31st
Speech & Book Signing
Animinicon - Soho NYC
Aug 5th, 13th, 19th
Drawing Workshop
Castle Hill Branch Library - NYC
Aug 10th, 17th, 24th
Drawing Workshop
New Dorp Library - Staten Island, NY
September 3rd
Speech and Book Signing
HOSEI University - Tokyo, Japan

Biker GirlRock and Roll Love



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Copyright © Misako Takashima 2005-2009. All rights reserved.