This Fall from Nakama Press Comes An Emotionally Resonant, Slice-of-Life Debut About the Space Between Hesitation and Hope.
JULY 1, 2025 (PORTLAND, OR) — Sometimes, all it takes is a little courage, a shared melody, and one small step to change everything…
This fall, Mad Cave Studios imprint Nakama Press is proud to bring readers A LITTLE STEP VOL. 1 by Mimi Szeto, a deeply personal graphic novel based on the author’s own life.
It’s set in 2000s-era Hong Kong, where this standalone volume captures the fragile spark of teenage friendship and the quiet courage it takes to follow your passions. Through delicately composed visuals and emotionally honest storytelling, A Little Step tells the story of a girl who draws and a boy who plays guitar—two teens unsure of their place in the world, yet brave enough to take a step forward, together.
Yu-kiu Lau, a fifth-year student, had always dreamed of studying at a foreign art university. However, because she feared others’ critiques of her work, she couldn’t find it within herself to submit any of her creations. One day, while Yu-kiu was in the art room, she heard a beautiful guitar sound from downstairs. It turned out to be played by Ho-yuet Lee, a classmate with a questionable reputation…
“It was an incredible honor to partner with Nakama Press,” said Mimi Szeto. “For A Little Step to be my first commercially published comic and to reach English-speaking audiences—it truly felt like a strong boost of encouragement in my creative journey. I genuinely believed that the language of comics was a universal one, capable of crossing both linguistic and cultural boundaries.”
Editor Kristen Simon added, “In a time when creativity could feel like a brave leap, a shy artist and a dreaming musician found strength and courage in each other. She hesitated to share her beautiful art with the world, while he wrestled with his deep love for music and the hopes his parents had for him. Together, they navigated the journey of self-expression, friendship, and following their dreams in this beautiful story.”
Nakama Press is Mad Cave Studios’ imprint dedicated to publishing boundary-pushing manga-inspired work from around the globe, and A Little Step stood out as a deeply heartfelt and artistically mature debut. It’s a story for anyone who ever held their dreams close—but found someone who made it safe to share.
A Little Step Vol. 1 hits shelves November 4, 2025. Preorder now through your local comic shop or favorite bookstore!
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