Love, Misha

Love, Misha
DateJune 10, 2025
PublisherFirst Second
Creative team
CreatorAskel Adan
ISBN978-1250866219

Love, Misha is a graphic novel by Askel Adan. It follows a non-binary teen and their estranged mother who become trapped in the Spirit Realm. It was published on July 10, 2025 by First Second.

Plot

Misha, a non-binary teenager, goes on a road trip with their estranged mother Audrey, who has left Misha to be raised by their aunt for much of their life. Their tense relationship is further strained by how Audrey is not fully accepting of Misha's gender, misgendering them and presenting them with a dress. When the two end up stuck in the Spirit Realm after a wrong turn, mother and child must face their relationship as they try to escape with guidance from the mysterious spirit Odun.[1][2][3]

Reception

Publishers Weekly commented on the "comforting and eerie mythic setting" of the Spirit Realm and described the storyline as "emotionally gratifying."[1] Kirkus Reviews positively reviewed Misha and Audrey as "delightfully flawed characters [with] a compelling arc", but criticized Odun's arc and the worldbuilding as underdeveloped.[2] School Library Journal called the book "emotionally realistic, situationally fantastic, and vibrantly illustrated."[4]

Michael VanCalbergh of Comics Beat praised the artwork, comparing it to the works of Studio Ghibli, and the varied designs of the creatures in the Spirit Realm. ValCalbergh felt complicated towards the character of Audrey, stating he wished she "found more room to grow, more room to do differently rather than promise to do differently", but acknowledged how the narrative portrayed how "each of us are human and not always in the places that could allow us to be our best selves."[3]

Awards and honors
Year Award/Honor Result Ref.
2026 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ+ Comics Finalist [5]
William C. Morris Award Finalist [6]
Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten [7]

References

  1. 1 2 "Love, Misha by Jam Aden". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
  2. 1 2 LOVE, MISHA | Kirkus Reviews.
  3. 1 2 VanCalbergh, Michael (2025-06-12). "Graphic Novel Review: LOVE, MISHA is the story of a nonbinary child and their distant mother". The Beat. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
  4. ↑ Askel, Aden. "Love, Misha". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
  5. ↑ Chiu-Tabet, Christopher (2026-06-15). "GAYSIANS wins the 2026 Lammy Award for LGBTQ+ Comics". The Beat. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
  6. ↑ Watson, Shyla (2023-02-07). "This Book Just Won the Prestigious Newbery Medal—Have You Read It Yet?". Reader's Digest. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
  7. ↑ Milburn, Rachel (2026-02-12). "2026 Great Graphic Novels for Teens". The Hub. Retrieved 2026-08-16.
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