Global Reads: Noteworthy Recently Translated Graphic Novels

September is National Translation Month, celebrated in literary circles and beyond as a time to highlight and appreciate the multitude of works created by authors internationally and the skill of the translators who bring those works into new languages. While many literary outlets focus on print formats such as novels, magazines, non-fiction and poetry, did you know that there is an entire realm of translated graphic novels—and of course manga—that are regularly translated into English and other languages? Some of these titles are translated into English not long after their original publication dates, while others are translated years after being written (and celebrated) in their origin language.

Here are a few recently English-translated graphic novel and manga titles. These titles are very different from one to the next and span across genres, artistic styles and the globe. Ranging from memoirs to fiction, and everything in between, the titles below are an international glimpse into the graphic novel and manga creative landscape. Whether you are already a fan of graphic novels, or are just interested in dabbling, there is probably an English-translated title out there for you that is worth a celebratory read.

Nominated for numerous awards, including this year’s Harvey Awards and Eisner Awards and a finalist for the Excellence in Graphic Literature Award, Ashes by Álvaro Ortiz follows a group of estranged friends as they embark on what becomes a truly wacky road trip to bring their friend’s ashes to their final resting place. With a colorful and distinct art style, Ashes moves through some shocking moments as these three friends are guided by a mysterious map cross-country. For Ortiz, one of Spain’s celebrated cartoonists, Ashes is his first work to be translated into English. This adventurous new take on the classic road trip trope, complete with plenty of surreal vibes, was originally published in Spanish as Cenizas and has been translated to English by Eva Ibarzábal.

Originally published as Suna No Tsurugi (砂の剣, book one, 1995) and Mabui (マブイ, book two, 2010) by one of Japan’s great mangaka, Susumu Higa, Okinawa combines two collections of interconnected stories. Book one, translated as Sword of Sand, recounts the events surrounding the horrific Battle of Okinawa after which the collection moves on to Mabui, which offers a glimpse into modern Okinawa and the impact of America’s occupation. Higa’s fine-line, highly detailed illustration style is wrapped up with plenty of additional content such as original color artwork, photographs and an interview with Higa. This is by no means a light read. In fact, it is deeply heavy and unflinching, but it is a highly necessary work. Higa’s English debut was translated from Japanese by Jocelyne Allen.

The only graphic memoir in this blog post, Colombian Ecuadorian cartoonist Powerpaola's All My Bicycles is a delightfully fragmented collection of Paola's relationships with some of the bicycles she has had (and lost). The time spent with many of her bikes is fleeting and incredibly surreal. Was the alligator real? Perhaps... yet, maybe it wasn’t? With only ownership years and geographic location to anchor time, Paola's nonlinear memoir, flowing with moody grey-tone watercolor illustrations with pops of yellow and red color, is a unique expression of her passion for biking and travel. This truly internationally read was originally published in 2022 as Todas Las Bicicletas Que Tuve and was translated to English by Andrea Rosenberg.

Berlin artist and writer Nino Bulling makes both their fiction graphic novel and English-language debut with their intimate queer graphic novel Firebugs. Originally released in 2022 for the Documenta Fifteen international art exhibition, Firebugs is an inward exploration of transition and all its complexities. Early into the story, Ingken shares with their partner Lily that they feel they are neither man nor woman. As Ingken tries to understand their own identity, tension builds in the couple’s relationship compounded by the stresses of the world. Bulling has a distinct sketchy, yet soft black and white illustration style with red border work giving the story a dream-like quality. This slice-of-life graphic novel was published in German as Abfackeln and was translated to English by Nino Bulling themself.

Blending real-life people and events and a fictional cold-war era backdrop set in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), esteemed Congolese comics creator Barly Baruti and Belgian comics critic Thierry Bellefroid’s Chaos In Kinshasa is full of espionage, murder, action and all the things you’d hope to be in a graphic novel of epic proportions. Baruti’s stunningly detailed watercolor style brings a dynamic cast of characters to life centered around the well-known “Rumble in the Jungle” 1974 heavyweight championship boxing match between George Forman and Muhammad Ali. Ernest, an American from Harlem who is excited to connect with Africa after winning tickets to the fight, instead becomes entangled in numerous schemes and complex political situations. This thrilling read was originally published in French as Chaos Debout à Kinshasa and was translated to English by Ivanka Hahnenberger.

The newest graphic novel from Mirion Malle, author of the award-winning graphic novel This is How I Disappear, So Long Sad Love is another relationship-centric story, yet it is quite different from Firebugs. Using a somewhat loose, yet color saturated illustration style complete with hand-written text balloons, Malle depicts main character Cleo's relationship unravel as she begins to question the trust she has with her boyfriend after catching a glimpse of his problematic past. Post-break up, Cleo is able to take a deep dive inward, focusing on herself and stepping into a new queer romance. This graphic novel is full of emotion and offers a very real-feeling take on relationship issues and red flags. While breaking up is tough, it's not the end-all and be-all of Adieu Triste Amour, which has been translated from the French by Aleshia Jensen.

Looking for more recently translated reads for National Translation Month? Check out the Global Reads: Noteworthy Recently Translated Graphic Novels book list. 

What are some of your favorite global graphic novel and manga titles? Let us know in the comments below.