My Tokyo Summer: A Graphic Novel

A charming and vibrant true story about an unforgettable summer in Japan!

Abby lives in the United States and loves comics, zines, and punk music. Yuuko lives in Japan and loves manga, American movies, and creating art. When Yuuko visits New York City and sees a comic that Abby made, she writes a letter to Abby and they become pen pals. Later, Abby takes the opportunity to enroll in a summer university program in Japan, and the two girls get the chance to meet in person. What follows are charming and funny adventures in Tokyo as Abby and Yuuko explore the city together. Things get even more exciting when they decide to combine their talents and make a comic to sell at Comiket, one of the largest comics conventions in the world. This will be an extraordinary summer of life-changing friendship!

Author: Abby Denson
Publisher: Graphix
Published: 07/07/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.14lbs
Size: 8.45h x 6.18w x 0.71d
ISBN: 9781546111283
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/01/2026

About the Author
Abby Denson is the author of Uniquely Japan; the Kitty Sweet Tooth books, illustrated by Utomaru; Cool Tokyo Guide; Cool Japan Guide; Dolltopia; and Tough Love. She has written for comics series such as The Powerpuff Girls, The Simpsons, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and The Amazing Spider-Man Family. Her work has garnered the International Manga Award, Moonbeam Children's Book Award, and the IPPY Award. Abby has taught and lectured at various venues, including the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art, The New School, and Sophia University in Tokyo. Abby goes to Japan whenever she gets the chance. Visit her online at abbydenson.com.
Utomaru is the Tokyo-based artist and illustrator of the Kitty Sweet Tooth books written by Abby Denson and of Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers by Kim Chi and Stephan Lee. She creates artwork for magazines and posters for various clients. She also designs characters for music videos and anime, including Muteking the Dancing Hero. Visit Utomaru online at dddddd.moo.jp.