'To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before' gets graphic novel adaptation
screen grab from PEOPLE.COM/GOOGLE
Nearly a decade after its release, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han is getting fresh life as a graphic novel, set to be released on May 5, 2026. The new edition marks a shift in format for the first title in the beloved young adult romcom trilogy, bringing the story to readers in visual form.
The graphic novel has been adapted by Barbara Perez Marquez, with illustrations by artists Akimaro and Li Lu.
Reflecting on the journey, Han shared her surprise at how far the story has travelled. “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 said.
“The graphic novel felt like the perfect next step,” Han added.
Revisit the first book in the beloved To All the Boys I've Loved Before series with this gorgeous graphic novel edition from worldwide bestselling author Jenny Han with beautiful full-colour art throughout by Li Lu💞✨️ pic.twitter.com/oYEOANCZpG
Han, who is working closely with the illustrators, assured that the essence of Lara Jean remains intact. She described the character as someone deeply connected to her surroundings. “Lara Jean is a collector; she has a bedroom and a closet full of vintage treasures she’s carefully curated,” Han said, adding that her distinct aesthetic made her especially fun to bring to life visually.
Leaning into the world, Akimaro chose a soft, romance-inspired palette, using pinks, aquas and purples, along with simple lines and polka dots - a nod to Lara Jean’s signature style.
PHOTO: Screengrab/Publishers Weekly
Revisiting the story through a new visual lens was a highlight for Han, even as she found it difficult to pick favourite moments from the original.
For Marquez, however, the adaptation came with its own challenges. One of the toughest tasks was deciding which scenes to leave out. “When changes like that happen, I have to ensure that the core of the story isn’t compromised even with some missing moments,” she explained, noting that several interactions, including those with Peter’s lacrosse team, did not make the cut.
At the same time, the edits allowed key moments to stand out more clearly, pairing the story with stronger visuals. The result is a familiar yet refreshing take on a story that continues to resonate with readers, now in a format designed to reach a whole new audience.