HOKIS, FOCUS! Casts a Wild New Spell at Nakama Press

A distracted young wizard, a frog companion, a dangerous quest, and way more giant spiders than anybody ordered? Yeah, this adventure is already doing the most.

Magic is powerful. Friendship is complicated. Paying attention? Ay, that might be the hardest spell of all.

This fall, Mad Cave Studios’ Nakama Press is bringing young readers a brand-new fantasy adventure with heart, humor, and just enough chaos to make your backpack start sweating. HOKIS, FOCUS! is co-created by writer Ian Flynn, known for Archie and Sonic the Hedgehog, and Harvey Award-nominated artist Ryan Jampole, known for Geronimo Stilton and Miraculous Ladybug, with lettering by Eisner Award-winning Taylor Esposito.

At the center of this magical mayhem is Hokis, an easily distracted young wizard with big power, bigger curiosity, and the kind of focus level that makes side quests feel like a lifestyle. Alongside her loyal frog companion Pokis, Hokis sets out to find the legendary arcane relic known as the Yundu. Sounds simple, right? Nah, fam. This is fantasy. Simple packed its bags and left town.

Her journey takes her through the spooky paths of Spiderweave Glade, the icy storms of Sunblister Valley, and the questionable cuisine of Grimlawn. Along the way, Hokis runs into talking spiders, talking skeletons, talking flames, and a very friendly but extremely chatty ogre named Ugh. And honestly, with a name like Ugh, you already know this dude is going to be a whole situation.

But HOKIS, FOCUS! is not just about magical mishaps and goofy fantasy creatures. Under all the laughs, spells, and spider-related nonsense, this story is about growing up, learning how to be present, and figuring out what it really means to be a good friend. Hokis may command powerful magic, but even magic has limits when your attention span is running around like it drank three enchanted espressos.

“I’ve always enjoyed fun, fanciful stories, so creating one of our own with Hokis, Focus! is a treat. I’ve also always been astounded by Ryan’s immense talent, so it’s always great to collaborate with him again. This story is fresh, funny, and born entirely out of a desire to create something wonderful,” said Ian Flynn.

“When Ian and I first sat down to come up with Hokis, Focus! our goal was to tell a fun adventure story, a journey with a lovable cast of goofballs! I hope people enjoy exploring the world as much as we enjoyed creating it,” said Ryan Jampole.

Blending classic fantasy adventure with comedy, heart, colorful characters, and enough magical weirdness to keep readers locked in, HOKIS, FOCUS! looks ready to deliver the kind of middle-grade quest that reminds us mistakes are not always disasters. Sometimes, they are the doorway to the adventure you needed all along.

So grab your wand, keep your frog buddy close, and maybe avoid the giant spiders unless they start talking business. HOKIS, FOCUS! is bringing magic, laughs, and friendship to the front of the class.

Hokis, Focus! goes on sale September 22, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545832462 | $10.99). Preorder through your local comic shop, bookstore, or wherever books are sold.

Nakama Press celebrates timeless traditions while embracing bold innovation, building bridges between cultures, and fostering a worldwide community of creators and fans.

Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Maverick, Papercutz, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.