Abby Denson, known for her captivating graphic novels, including the Kitty Sweet Tooth series, recently collaborated with Tokyo-based artist Utomaru on the YA graphic novel memoir My Tokyo Summer. This project draws heavily from Denson's transformative teenage experiences in Japan and captures candid moments of cultural exchange.
Artistic Collaboration and Inspiration
During a recent conversation, Denson expressed her excitement about the beauty of Utomaru's illustrations in their latest collaboration. Utomaru, in turn, shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the fun he had creating the art for the book. Denson, probing into the creative process, asked about Utomaru's approach to depicting the 1990s.
Utomaru shared that he was quite young during that era, which prompted him to conduct extensive research to authentically portray the fashion and hairstyles from that time. His efforts included visiting Jinbōchō, a well-known used-book district in Tokyo, where he sourced magazines from the '90s and consulted with friends who had personal photographs to reference. This research journey was not just a task, but an enjoyable part of bringing the world of My Tokyo Summer to life.
Memorable Scenes and Cultural Reflections
Denson then inquired about Utomaru's favorite scenes from the book. He highlighted a particular moment towards the conclusion, where the characters enjoy hanabi (fireworks) on the beach, noting it was a delight to illustrate. Denson complemented his work, emphasizing her fondness for that scene.
Reflecting on her writing, Denson recounted a key episode from her first meeting with Yuuko, her Japanese friend, which offered a humorous yet enlightening cultural moment. After spending a day drawing together, she impulsively hugged Yuuko in farewell—an unexpected move given the cultural norms around public displays of affection in Tokyo. Looking back, she found it amusing, and it served as an illustrative example of the surprises that await when immersing oneself in new cultures. "You can learn something almost every minute when you’re somewhere new," she remarked.
The Publishing Experience
Shifting gears, Utomaru posed an interesting question regarding the differences between self-publishing and working with publishers. Denson noted the freedom she experienced when creating independent projects like zines, which allow for a more spontaneous creative process. However, collaborating with a publisher brings the benefit of teamwork and the incorporation of diverse artistic ideas, which she relished in her collaboration with Utomaru.
Utomaru compared the experience of drawing comics for American publications to his larger projects in Tokyo, like designing characters for the anime Muteking the Dancing Hero and undertaking massive ad campaigns. He expressed a newfound enjoyment in the structured storytelling of graphic novels, revealing his eagerness to continue working in this format.
Exploring Tokyo Through Art
As the two discussed their shared love for Tokyo, Denson asked Utomaru for recommendations that highlight the city’s charm for manga and graphic novel enthusiasts. He pointed to Nakano Broadway as a must-visit destination, brimming with both vintage and contemporary anime merchandise, also featured in My Tokyo Summer. Furthermore, he suggested unique spots like Trick or Treat, a horror-themed bar, and Izakaya Kaya, known for its lively atmosphere and great food.
Denson agreed, adding that Nakano Broadway is also famous for its rainbow soft-serve ice cream—a treat enjoyed by visitors and featured on the cover of their book.
Life Lessons and Advice
Concluding their conversation, Utomaru asked Denson what advice she would offer her younger self depicted in the memoir. Her heartfelt response was encouragement to keep pursuing her passions, especially since that trip to Japan was a pivotal turning point in her life. Denson emphasized the value of studying abroad, illustrating how transformative such experiences are for broadening perspectives and building friendships.
Expressing excitement for the book’s release, Denson encapsulated the theme of My Tokyo Summer: the universal power of art to transcend barriers of language and culture. As she puts it, the creative connections made across borders are invaluable, fostering understanding and shared experiences.
My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson, illustrated by Utomaru, is available from Graphix, retailing for $16.99 in trade paperback; ISBN 978-1-339-00653-6.