The Walking Man

Jiro Taniguchi’s The Walking Man (2014–present, Fanfare) is a serene, wordless meditation on the quiet pleasures of everyday life, following a solitary man’s gentle rambles through the Japanese countryside and cityscapes. Written and illustrated by Taniguchi with Shizuka Shimoyama, this single-issue series distills the master’s signature style—meticulous, contemplative linework and a deep reverence for nature—into a tranquil visual journey. It matters as a poignant, late-career work from one of manga’s most celebrated artists, offering a timeless, meditative escape from the rush of modern life.