Lara Jean’s love story isn’t over just yet. After more than 10 years since its release, Jenny Han's To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before has been adapted into a graphic novel—a new format for the first title in the YA rom-com trilogy, debuting May 5. The story was adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez and illustrated by Akimaro and Li Lu.

The original bestselling YA novel, written by Jenny Han and published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, has since spawned two follow-up books, a 2018 hit Netflix feature, 2020 and 2021 sequels, and a spin-off series, XO, Kitty, based on the protagonist’s younger sister. Han is incredulous over how much her creation continues to resonate with audiences. “When I first wrote this book, I never imagined all the different lives it would have—how readers would grow up with Lara Jean, how new readers would discover her, and how the story would keep finding new lives,” she told PW. “The graphic novel felt like the perfect next step.”

Continuing Crush

To ensure that the team found the right voice for the adaptation, Han followed the lead of Celia Lee, executive editor at Simon & Schuster BFYR, who introduced her to Marquez, one of the co-authors of The Cardboard Kingdom. She was immediately taken by Marquez’s keen ability to zero in on the nuances of Lara Jean’s emotional journey. “Barbara was able to keep the heart of the story intact, while giving room for the illustrations to shine,” Han said.

Marquez, in turn, felt as though their connection was kismet, crediting Han’s novels for providing a foundation for her writing career. She relishes adaptations, likening the creative process to putting together the pieces of a puzzle. “Figuring out that puzzle always yields some great conversations, and I’m excited about the ways we achieved it, particularly how the graphic novel will immerse readers in a whole new way.”

To express Lara Jean’s emotional journey on the page, Marquez took cues from the central character’s inner voice. “It was important to figure out how we could present it more outwardly, while still keeping those iconic monologues,” she said. “With the visual nature of comics, it gave us that multilayered opportunity, as we get to have both the internal and external emotional beats all at the same time.” Devoting special attention to the book’s supporting characters also helped to inform their individual story arcs with regard to Lara Jean’s.

One of Marquez’s greatest challenges in adapting Han’s book was determining which original scenes would not make it into the graphic novel—a decision that required thoughtful consideration. “When changes like that happen, I have to ensure that the core of the story isn’t compromised even with some missing moments,” she said, noting the absence of most interactions with Peter’s lacrosse team. On the plus side, these omissions gave prominence to core scenes, enabling Marquez to pair the story with strong visuals.

Collaborating with illustrators Akimaro and Li Lu, Han stressed the importance of establishing the world of Lara Jean through her persona. “Lara Jean is a collector; she has a bedroom and a closet full of vintage treasures she’s carefully curated,” Han said. “Her aesthetic POV has made her a fun character to visually bring to life, whether it’s in the films, as a Halloween costume, or here, in a graphic novel.”

Leaning into Lara Jean’s universe, Akimaro opted for a color scheme inspired by romance. “I wanted a palette that felt engaging and offered some contrast,” she explained. Pinks, aquas, and purples served as the main tones, punctuated by simple lines and polka dots as a nod to the character’s stationery. “It’s something I personally love, and I imagine Lara Jean does, too.” Akimaro said of the latter.

Having the chance to revisit Lara Jean in a new medium was a highlight for Han, who can’t decide which parts of the graphic novel are her favorite. It’s a toss-up between Lara Jean’s room and the panels that show her baking, and the romantic moments of Lara Jean and Peter in the ski lodge, including the hot tub scene. “The illustrations capture Lara Jean’s emotions and the intimacy of these honest moments between the two of them so beautifully,” Han said.

Additional graphic novel retellings are on the horizon for Han. It was just announced that her globally bestselling The Summer I Turned Pretty series will be adapted by Cynthia Yuan Cheng and Arielle Jovellano, illustrated by Sara Faber in a seven-figure, multi-book deal. Publication of the first book is slated for summer 2027 from Simon & Schuster. Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management sold North American English rights for the author to Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency sold world rights for the illustrator.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before: The Graphic Novel by Jenny Han, adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez, illus. by Akimaro and Li Lu. Simon & Schuster, $25.99 hardcover, May 5, ISBN 978-1-66598-311-2; $15.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-66598-310-5