Love, Friendship & Manga—Now in Spanish!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

DEC. 12, 2025 (PORTLAND, OR) — Amor, amistad y manga—ahora en español…

Maverick, the YA imprint of Mad Cave Studios, is proud to announce the Spanish-language release of NAVIGATING WITH YOU VOL. 1 (Navegando Contingo), bringing one of its most celebrated and heartfelt graphic novels to an even broader community of readers. Following a year of major acclaim—including a Stonewall Honor from the American Library Association and nominations for both the Harveys and Ringos—Navigating With You continues its journey with a new edition honoring the cultural roots woven into its story!

Created by writer Jeremy Whitley and Brazilian comic creator and illustrator Cassio Ribeiro, and translated by Mercedes Guhl, this edition invites Spanish-speaking readers into the tender, hopeful world of Neesha and Gabby—two teens discovering connection, courage, and their shared love of manga.

Writer Jeremy Whitley shares why this edition is particularly meaningful:

“Writing, publishing, and travelling with Navigating with You to conventions this past year has been full of amazing moments – from receiving honors and nominations, to seeing kids dress as our characters for Halloween. But one of my proudest moments was a quiet one when a Mexican-American colleague asked, ‘Are you Mexican? Because there’s some stuff in here that really reminds me of home.’ The thing is, I’m not, but my home often was. My Tata, my dad’s stepdad, was Mexican and was a huge influence on me growing up. I didn’t grow up speaking Spanish, but I did grow up wrapping tamales to go into the steamer. Gabby’s dad, Gabe, and by association Gabby are named after my tata, Gabriel Francis Montelongo. I am so glad Navigating with You is being translated into Spanish and reaching a larger audience. Hopefully, there’s something in here that reminds them of home, too.”

Perfect for fans of contemporary YA romance, queer coming-of-age stories, POC-led narratives, slice-of-life adventures, and manga-inspired storytelling, Navigating With You bridges cultures, identities, and fandoms with heart and authenticity.

The Spanish paperback edition of Navigating with You Vol. 1 (ISBN: 9781545824320) hits shelves May 19, 2026