Indonesian comics author and illustrator Kathrinna Rakhmavika is set to release Tanaraya: The Yaksa Slayer comic on 2 October 2026. The book will be published by Singapore-based independent publisher Difference Engine.
Inspired by Javanese folklore and Indonesian landscapes, the story takes place in the fictional archipelago of Tanaraya, which consists of the land-based Underland and the floating kingdom of Ang Kha Sa. The two regions are connected by the legacy of the Yaksa War, a century-long conflict that left Underland environmentally devastated.
The story follows Emas, a young princess from Ang Kha Sa who is kidnapped and eventually escapes to Underland. There, she encounters orphaned sisters Mera and Puti, who introduce her to a different version of the legend of the Yaksa Slayer. Soon, Emas discovers that the truth behind the Yaksa War is more complicated than she was taught.
Beyond its fantasy adventure elements, the comic explores themes related to climate change, environmental degradation, and how history is shaped and passed down. Kathrinna also incorporates elements of Indonesian folklore, with the book including introductions to the folktales Timun Mas and Bawang Merah and Bawang Putih. Other references to Indonesian mythology can also be found throughout the story.
“Fantasy stories are often about war and defeating monsters and evil kings,” Kathrinna said. “But I think humanity now has an even bigger threat: the collapse of our planet’s ecosystem. I want to talk about it through the Tanaraya series.” he added.
The series is planned to continue with a second volume, Tanaraya: Quest for Waveherd Village, which is expected to be released in the first half of 2027.
Tanaraya: The Yaksa Slayer will be priced at SGD 18.90 excluding GST and is currently available for pre-order in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei through Difference Engine’s webstore. An international release is planned for April 2027, distributed by Consortium Book Services & Distribution.
Kathrinna Rakhmavika, also known as Nana, is an Indonesian comics author and illustrator whose works explore Indonesian culture as well as social and environmental issues. She has published several fiction works in Indonesia and also creates short comics through her social media account.
This will be her first book to be published in English. Previously, she has released various comics including TAKHTA, Gastronomale, and Tomorrow I’m Going to End My Life, all of them are in Indonesian language.
The Indonesian Anime Times
