Serious Damage
COMING 2/16/27
A Graphic Memoir (Abrams ComicArts 2023)
An autobiographical YA graphic novel set in Seattle in the early 1990s. After a life-threatening neurological diagnosis and brain surgery leave him struggling to find his place, Josh discovers solace and purpose in Seattle’s vibrant underground graffiti scene. When he and a friend stumble upon a flyer for a legendary graffiti competition, they set out to make a name for themselves—risking arrest, family trust, and their futures in pursuit of artistic recognition. Fueled by creativity, friendship, and a diverse community of mentors and fellow artists, this true coming-of-age story offers a fresh, nuanced look at the often misunderstood world of graffiti while exploring resilience, identity, and the healing power of art.
“Josh Tuininga offers a heartfelt, insightful perspective on the thrill of self-expression in the face of mortality, and of being transformed by art during a transitional era in pop culture. Fantastic from start to finish."
Nate Powell | The March Trilogy
“Raw, honest and impossible to put down, this beautifully illustrated memoir will stay with readers long after the final page.”
Advanced Praise
for Serious Damage
-Kristin Varner | Horse Trouble
"Fascinating and deeply personal. I want to go read it again!"
-Rob Harrell | Wink
Serious Damage was awarded a 2026 4Culture Projects Heritage and Arts Project Grant!
We Are Not Strangers
Inspired by a true story (Abrams ComicArts 2023)
When Marco Calvo arrives at the Jewish Synagogue to attend his grandfather's funeral, he is caught off guard by something very unexpected. Among his close family and friends there are some people he doesn't recognize at all. Several Japanese American families have arrived and no one is quite sure why they are here. Who are these strangers that knew his grandfather so well?
AWARDS & HONORS
2024 Washington State Book Award | FINALIST
2024 National EGLA AWARD | Best YA Non-Fiction Graphic Novel WINNER
2024 National Jewish Book Award | FINALIST
2024 American Library Association | Sophie Brody Medal HONOREE
2024 KCLS Literary Lions | HONOR
2024 Anti-Defamation League | Books Matter Collection
2024 Jewish Comic Experience | Combating Prejudice AWARD
2025 Tacoma Public LIbrary | Tacoma Reads Book of 2025
2026 King County Library | Redmond Reads Book of 2026
“A forthright condemnation of a shameful chapter of American history and a heartening reminder of the value of community.”
“In every time of crisis and conflict there are unsung heroes who demonstrate compassion, kindness, graciousness, and nobility. More often than not, their stories never get told. A thoroughly wonderful book.”
Jamie Ford
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
“A powerful book about the power of advocating for friends & neighbors during times of great division. An important addition to literature about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.”
Kazu Kibuishi,
The Amulet Series
“This book beautifully uncovers a deep emotional connection between our communities that is known by few and I promise, will leave you changed forever.”
Tom Ikeda
Founding Director, Densho
UPCOMING RELEASES
High St.
A dark comedy heist story about four friends struggling to make ends meet in a town taken over by capitalist growth and corporate greed. The crew’s lives change forever when their favorite movie genre starts to hit a little too close to home.
(Fantagraphics 2026)
Serious Damage
Facing a life threatening medical diagnosis, a defiant teenager finds solace and purpose within the vibrant world of street art. Fueled by creativity, friendship and a diverse community of support, this true coming-of-age story presents the controversial art form of graffiti from a new and surprising perspective.
(Abrams ComicArts 2026)
‘We Are Not Strangers’
RELEASED IN PAPERBACK !
The paperback version of ‘We Are Not Strangers’ is available for purchase.
PAST PROJECTS
Why Blue?
Maya asks the classic question, “Why is the sky blue?” and she isn’t very satisfied with the answers she’s getting.
Dream on
A bedtime story for music lovers, ‘Dream On’ pays tribute to decades of classic rock and R&B music.
The Medium
Our small little design company that makes some pretty big things. This year marks our 20th year as an art + design agency.
Art Galleries
View drawings, paintings and multi-media art by Josh Tuininga
To The River
My wife and I made an album. It’s available on Spotify or wherever you listen to music. And you certainly should listen to it.
I present at school’s and libraries in the Seattle area and beyond. If you are interested in a class or teaching opportunity, find it here.