MY TOKYO SUMMER, by Abby Denson and Utomaru, Graphix, July 7, 2026, Paperback, $16.99 (young adult)
Two teens from opposite sides of the planet become friends over their shared love of comics in My Tokyo Summer, by Abby Denson and Utomaru.
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! —Synopsis provided by Graphix
My Tokyo Summer is an upbeat graphic novel that’s full of creativity, friendship and energy.
The story is based on author Abby Denson’s real-life experiences during a university summer session in Japan — Abby and Yuuko are still friends!
At just 208 pages, My Tokyo Summer is not a long read, but it’s a joyful one with lots going on. Bright text and strong story boarding along with expressive illustrations make it a delight from beginning to end. The illustrations do make Abby and Yuuko seem younger than they’re supposed to be, but that doesn’t distract from the overall story.
It’s an entertaining memoir that I wouldn’t have a problem handing to my 12-year-old or older teens alike.
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