The Deep Dark is a 2024 young adult graphic novel by Lee Knox Ostertag. Originally serialized on Substack, it was published as a graphic novel by Graphix on June 4, 2024.
Plot Mags, a butch girl caring for her sick grandmother, must satisfy a monster living in her basement with her blood every night. When she reunites with her childhood friend Nessa, a trans girl, the two fall in love.
Development The book was originally serialized in weekly installments on Substack under the title Darkest Night, starting in 2021.
Reception The book was given a starred review by Kirkus Reviews, which stated that "Well-drawn, deeply realized characters enliven this spellbinding and fantastical queer coming-of-age love story." It also received starred reviews from BookPage and Publishers Weekly. Reviewers noted the contrast between full-color past scenes and present-day black and white scenes.
School Library Journal, TheGamer, and the Horn Book also reviewed the book. Book Riot included it in a list of "The Best Comics We Read July-September 2024" + Awards and honorsYearAward/HonorResultRef.2025Ringo Award for Best Original Graphic NovelNominatedHugo Award for Best Graphic Story or ComicNominatedHarvey Award for Best Young Adult BookNominatedEisner Award for Best Publication for TeensNominatedMichael L. Printz AwardHonoredAmerican Library Association's Great Graphic Novels for TeensIncluded2024Publishers Weekly Best Books of the YearIncludedKirkus Reviews Best Teen & YA Graphic Literature of 2024Included
See also Other graphic novels by Lee Knox Ostertag:
The Witch Boy trilogy The Girl from the Sea
References