Thermae Romae
Yen Press · 2012–2014 · 3 issues
About the series
Mari Yamazaki’s Thermae Romae (2012–2014, Yen Press) is a surreal, three-issue comedy that follows a frustrated ancient Roman architect who time-travels to modern-day Japan, where he discovers the wonders of contemporary bathhouse culture. Written and drawn by Yamazaki, with translation by Lys Blakeslee and Stephen Paul, this series offers a warm, laugh-out-loud cultural clash that celebrates the universal pleasures of bathing. It matters for its ingenious, deadpan premise and its affectionate, meticulously researched look at how a Roman mind might marvel at Japanese hot springs and high-tech tubs.