• illustration
  • books
  • info
  • shop
  • class
Deb JJ Lee
  • illustration
  • books
  • info
  • shop
  • class
 
 

Death Fiddles and We Dance (2024)

A self-directed comic about a spaceship crew who has been kept mysteriously alive for 500 years but are now tired of exploring. Initially made for the Shortbox Comics Fair.

 

 

The Other Side of Tomorrow (2024)

Co-created with Tina Cho. A middle-grade graphic novel about North Korean kids escaping the country. Published by Harper Alley

 

“This graphic novel serves up a feast of swirling and kinetic digital illustrations. Smooth swaths of muted color sweep across the pages in alternating cool and warm tones” Kirkus starred review

“Lee’s dynamic Procreate illustrations emphasize light and shadow to brilliantly illuminate the tweens’ harrowing situations in this intimate, cohesive collaboration.” Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Yes, Cho’s graphic novel-in-verse is an extraordinary dual-voiced narrative, but what makes this title unforgettable is phenomenal, Ignatz-winning artist Lee’s (In Limbo, 2023) breathtaking artwork.” Booklist, starred review

 

 

IN LIMBO (2023)

A graphic memoir bout the intersection of Korean-American diaspora and mental illness. Published by First Second Books, an imprint of Macmillan. 350 pg. TW for suicide, abuse. APALA Young Adult Honor Book 2024, Ignatz Winner, Eisner Award Nominee, Harvey Award Nominee

 
 

NYPL Top 10 Books for Teens 2023

School Library Journal Top Graphic Novels 2023

A 2024 Texas Library AssociationTAYSHAS Reading List Pick

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2023

"[B]reathtakingly meticulous panels in grayish blues and white [elevate this] work to masterpiece status." Booklist, starred review

"Readers seeking realistic depictions of lived teen mental health experiences will find this beautiful work rewarding." School Library Journal, starred review

"A raw, relatable memoir exploring mental health and immigrant experiences." Kirkus

"An emotionally tender, viscerally illustrated look at one teenager’s struggles with identity and mental health." Publisher's Weekly

 

Spells to Cast on Your Least Favorite Neighbor (2020)

For The New Yorker’s Shouts and Murmurs

Screen Shot 2020-10-26 at 12.52.50 PM.png
DL_neighborcurses_02.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_03.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_04.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_05.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_06.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_07.jpg
DL_neighborcurses_08.jpg
Screen Shot 2020-10-26 at 12.52.50 PM.png DL_neighborcurses_02.jpg DL_neighborcurses_03.jpg DL_neighborcurses_04.jpg DL_neighborcurses_05.jpg DL_neighborcurses_06.jpg DL_neighborcurses_07.jpg DL_neighborcurses_08.jpg
 
Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 11.42.04 AM.png
IMG_9650.jpg
IMG_9651.jpg
IMG_9652.jpg
IMG_9653.jpg
Screen Shot 2020-10-07 at 11.42.04 AM.png IMG_9650.jpg IMG_9651.jpg IMG_9652.jpg IMG_9653.jpg
 
 
Deb JJ Lee © 2025 / You may not use these images for AI :) I will find you