Yona of the Dawn

Mizuho Kusanagi's Yona of the Dawn is a sweeping fantasy manga that blends political intrigue, romance, and adventure. Serialized in Hakusensha's Hana to Yume magazine from August 2009 to December 2025, the series spans 47 collected volumes. Viz Media handles the English-language release in North America.

The story unfolds in the East Asian-inspired kingdom of Kouka, where Princess Yona lives a sheltered life. When her beloved cousin Soo-won stages a bloody coup, murdering her father, King Il, Yona is forced to flee with her bodyguard Son Hak. Determined to reclaim her throne and save her crumbling kingdom from invasion, Yona embarks on a quest to find the four legendary dragon warriors foretold in prophecy. Along the way, she transforms from a naive princess into a fierce leader, wielding a bow and arrow to protect those she loves.

Kusanagi's lush artwork and character-driven narrative earned the manga a devoted following. A 24-episode anime adaptation by Pierrot aired from October 2014 to March 2015, with a sequel later announced. The series appeals to fans of epic fantasy and shōjo romance, offering a strong female protagonist and intricate world-building. [edit]