Picture a Vietnamese-American storyteller who spun fairy tales into a heartfelt graphic novel that’s captivated readers worldwide—meet Trung Le Nguyen, also known as Trungles! This Minnesota-based artist and writer has redefined young adult graphic novels with his debut, The Magic Fish, a vibrant tapestry of identity, family, and culture that’s as enchanting as the stories it tells.
Born in a refugee camp in the Philippines, Nguyen’s journey from a child of Vietnamese immigrants to an award-winning cartoonist is a tale of resilience and creativity. His work, infused with fairy-tale magic and personal history, bridges generational and cultural gaps, making him a standout voice in comics today.
The Making of Trung Le Nguyen
Trung Le Nguyen was born on June 2, 1990, in a Vietnamese refugee camp in Palawan, Philippines, before moving to the United States in 1992. Growing up in Minnesota, he found solace in drawing comics during middle school, though he initially saw it as a hobby. After earning a bachelor’s degree in studio art with a minor in art history from Hamline University in 2012, Nguyen pivoted from arts administration to pursue comics full-time. Influences like Rose O’Neill, Heinrich Lefler, and shōjo manga shaped his intricate, traditional inking style, which blends Vietnamese imagery with whimsical storytelling.
Trung Le Nguyen’s Unforgettable Stories
Nguyen’s debut graphic novel, The Magic Fish (2020), is a semi-autobiographical masterpiece that follows Tiến, a gay Vietnamese-American teen, and his mother as they navigate language barriers and identity through fairy tales. Published by Random House Graphic, it weaves Western and Vietnamese stories like Cinderella and Tấm Cám, earning two Harvey Awards and an Eisner nomination. Its delicate art and limited color palette—pinks for the present, blues for fairy tales—create a dreamlike narrative that’s both accessible and profound.
Beyond The Magic Fish, Nguyen has contributed to anthologies like Twisted Romance (Image Comics, 2018) and DC Festival of Heroes (2021), showcasing his knack for romance and diverse representation. His Star Spinner Tarot (2020) deck reimagines traditional tarot with inclusive, fairy-tale-inspired art, inviting self-discovery. Nguyen’s upcoming graphic novel, Angelica and the Bear Prince, set for release in 2025, promises another heartfelt story blending myth and modernity.
Nguyen’s style is a love letter to storytelling itself, using fairy tales to explore themes of queerness, immigration, and family bonds. His art, rich with emotional depth and cultural nuance, resonates with readers of all ages, making complex topics like coming out and cultural identity feel universal.
Why Trung Le Nguyen Matters
Trung Le Nguyen’s work is a beacon of inclusivity, amplifying Vietnamese-American and queer voices in a genre often dominated by mainstream narratives. The Magic Fish has been celebrated by outlets like The Washington Post and Forbes for its gorgeous art and emotional honesty, earning a spot on the American Library Association’s Rainbow List. By centering fairy tales, Nguyen redefines how stories can heal intergenerational trauma and foster understanding, inspiring creators to embrace their cultural roots.
His influence extends beyond comics, sparking conversations about representation and the power of narrative to connect. As a gay, non-binary artist, Nguyen’s authenticity and optimism—evident in his hope that queer youth expect love and support—resonate deeply, making him a vital voice in contemporary literature.
- Birth Date: June 2, 1990
- Key Works: The Magic Fish (2020), Star Spinner Tarot (2020), Twisted Romance (2018)
- Awards: Two 2021 Harvey Awards, 2021 Eisner Award nomination
- Hobbies: Raising spoiled hens, enjoying fairy tales and rom-coms
Ready to dive into a world of fairy tales and heartfelt stories? Snag The Magic Fish and let Trung Le Nguyen’s magical storytelling sweep you away!