I dabble in graphic novels so I'm not sure this was a hit for me, but it would be for someone who is more of a connoisseur! I love a nonbinary main character, though, so for that I appreciate it so much.

Thank you to Netgalley and First Second Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A queer coming-of-age story filled with magic, family tension, and learning to advocate for yourself. Jam Aden creates this heartwarming and heartaching story between an estranged mother and her non-binary teenage child going on a bonding roadtrip. The forced proximity is causing them to confront a lot of past hurts and feelings surrounding their relationship while simultaneously getting so completely lost they fall into the spirit realm and have to find their way home! This is giving Spirited Away vibes with all the magical creatures/spirits.

TW: misgendering (moderate), gaslighting (minor), fantasy-based violence and danger (minor)

Love, Misha is a tender, beautifully written exploration of identity, longing, and the quiet strength of love. Askel Aden’s storytelling is intimate and evocative, weaving a narrative that lingers long after the final page. Poetic, powerful, and deeply human.

Misha, a recently out nonbinary teen, doesn't have much of a relationship with the mother that left them with their aunt as a baby, for obvious reasons. So when their mother plans out a "mother-daughter road-trip," Misha really isn't excited. In fact, they're pretty reluctant. But when they get so lost that the pair ends up in the Realm of the Spirits, they have to learn how to work together and get over their issues if they want to get out alive.
The story is, as promised, very Spirited Away, and it also feels like the Avatar the Last Airbender Spirit Realm. The spirits are all so beautifully drawn and the art is really good. This is genuinely a very pretty book. The storyline is also good. The relationship between Misha and Audrey is so complex and beautiful. Neither of them are perfect, but they still are able to overcome their differences. Also, the side characters, like wolf Odun and the other various creatures they meet, are very neat.

This is one of the best new graphic novels I've read so far this year. The incorporation of mythology in this story of a nonbinary teen with a mother who loves but still fails them is beautifully done. I was invested the entire time, and the read went by very quickly. I adored the tarot cards throughout and how they foreshadowed or provided context to their circumstances. Odun is such an intriguing character and I want so much more story from this world, especially surrounding him and his history in the spirit realm. I really enjoyed the artwork and use of colors, I think it was well-executed the whole way through. I can already tell, "We do things we aren't proud of, out of grief" is a line that's going to stick with me.

Love, Misha is a gorgeously illustrated graphic novel that follows nonbinary teen Misha and their mom as they try to escape the spirit realm after taking a very wrong turn on an already painful road trip. The story holds a beautiful balance between peril and gentleness, pain and acceptance. Moving through an eerie and beautiful world, characters show their flaws, goals, and feelings in a way that feels genuine and relatable.

Absolutely blown away by this graphic novel! Aden has crafted a visually stunning adventure that's as heartwarming as it is thrilling. The artwork is simply phenomenal, bringing the Realm of Spirits to life with vibrant colors and intricate details. What truly resonated with me was the way Aden handled Misha's journey as a non-binary character. It's a powerful and important representation, adding depth and authenticity to the story. The exploration of family ties and acceptance is also beautifully done. The complex dynamic between Misha and Audrey is so relatable, and their struggle to understand each other is both touching and thought-provoking. This is more than just a fantasy adventure; it's a story about love, acceptance, and the importance of family. A must-read for anyone who enjoys heartfelt stories with a touch of magic.

Loved it! I liked the art style a lot but the story was where it really shined.

The characters were excellent, so much personality from them that just jumped off the page. They felt like real people; even the antagonist was relatable.

The story definitely has spirited away vibes in many ways while still feeling distinctly like it's own story. So that's huge points in its favor for me.

And it's awesome seeing non-binary representation in books, especially approachable ones like this for a younger audience.

The author's note mentions the struggle people can have AFTER they've come out and wanting to focus on that and I love that. I think its a super valuable point to make and I think they were super successful incorporating that into the story.

Also while this book has a happy ending, there's a lot of past pain that got us there that lingers a bit just like it would in real relationships. So be prepared for a little sad with your HEA in this one.

Highly recommend this for lovers of graphic novels, ghibli-esque type soft world-building, and story's about queer healing.

"Love, Misha" by Askel Aden is a beautiful and poignant graphic novel about a non-binary teen's relationship with their mother, along with an accidental trip to the spirit world. I enjoyed the fantasy elements, beautiful illustrations and character development

5 stars

Buckle up, Friends. Askel Aden is about to take you on a ride into your FEELINGS, and it will be a journey you will not forget.

Misha, the titular character, is heading out on a parent/child roadtrip against their will. Readers learn immediately that Misha is much closer to their aunt than their mom because their aunt raised them and has, as far as readers know, proved a continuing force of acceptance in Misha's life. Misha's mom? Well...it's complicated.

When Misha sets out on this road trip (think of that AC/DC song, and embed here), their expectations are grim. They do put some of their energy to good use in the drafting of this letter to their mother: hence the "Love, Misha" motif. As Misha struggles with the thoughts, feelings, and drafting, they come upon a truly wild situation: magical realism. It's best to go into this scenario with as little detail as possible and just enjoy it, so I'll leave the details out and just note that this is a truly powerful way to present Misha's story, journey, and discoveries.

This is my first book by this author, and I can't wait to teach next week so that I can enthusiastically recommend it to my students. I love how the central motifs are portrayed here: moving but not sappy and utterly creative throughout.

This is easily one of my favorite ARCs I've read!! I love the blending of real and magic! The color palette is beautiful, the characters are interesting and complex, and the story is very good!

I really loved the character designs and the art! Especially the designs for all the different spirits and creatures! It felt very mystical and magical! I loved how much emotion and expression was conveyed in the faces!

The relationship between Misha and their mom was very good! I love that it was complicated and Audrey's reluctance to gender Misha correctly had nothing to do with the fact that Misha wasn't cishet or anything like that, it stemmed from Audrey's own issues. And of course, from Misha's perspective it seems like just a refusal to accept them as they are. But I love the way it concludes and that their relationship isn't just perfect after their talk, it feels very realistic and normal!

I love what the author said in the author's note: "...that even if you try your best, it might not always be good enough, and it isn't necessarily anybody's fault." I think that we all need to remember that.

This was excellent! A very real subject interwoven into a fantasy backdrop. I loved it and thought the author did an awesome job telling this story.

I don't know how many people would know this, but, as I'm writing this, is also publishing his other comic It's Warmer Over Here on Webtoons, which I highly recommend. It's how I learned this book existed, and I just had to request this.

Askel's art is just so gorgeous. His color palette is very warm, and it makes the fantasy and wonder of the spirit realm shine so brightly on every page. It's very much giving Spirited Away mixed with Alice in Wonderland.

The portrayal of Misha and Audrey's complex relationship is the highlight of the story. There is a lot of hurt between them, especially when it came to the subject of Misha's gender and Audrey either ignoring or forgetting about it. I really liked that Audrey wasn't simply forgiven by the end, that the time lost with her kid wasn't swept away. It's heavily implied that both characters would have to work hard to reforge their relationship, but they were willing to do so because they loved each other. It's a simple but beautiful message for bot young and old readers to take away from this.

It's hard to talk extensively without spoiling too much of the story, so I'll just leave it as a high recommendation for anyone to read. And to also read Askel's other work on Webtoons, because that's really good, as well.

This is a great title for anyone who loves fairy tales and stories of hope. Main character is non-binary.

Misha has always had a strained relationship with their mother, Audrey. For most of Misha's life, they have lived with their aunt and cousin. Their mother also constantly misgenders Misha, which creates even more division. On a whim, Audrey decides that they’re going to take a few weeks long road trip together. As to be expected, the one time they try and spend quality time together, they get lost. However, sometimes you need to get lost to come together again.

#ThxNetGalley #AskelAden #LoveMisha

Love, Misha is a cozy story that takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of a nonbinary character who just wants to be accepted for who they are. This is an amazing story that shows great representation of members of the lgbtqia+ community! I would definitely read this book again!

Gorgeous art with a story that really hits home! Different aspects of the world building brought to mind Spirited Away and Anzu and the Realm of Darkness, but geared towards a queer teen audience. Love, Misha addresses the heartbreak of a parent not seeing you for who you are, and the harm that comes from being unavailable/unreliable. The tension and hurt between Misha and their mother, Audrey, is very palpable, thrown under a spotlight by close proximity in unusual and frightening circumstances. Mysterious side characters add plenty of intrigue to the spirit world, with a purposeful tie-in to a satisfying ending.

Thank you First Second and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a story about relationships, acceptance, and family, with a touch of magic. Reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland with lovely artwork, it certainly is an interesting read.

Spirited Away vibes but make it trans.
The way the author brought us, the reader, through this journey between Misha and Audrey was so captivatingly heartbreaking. The end hopeful and beautiful for a continued but new beginning.
Loved this in so many aspects but I one hundred percent wish it was longer. There were instances I felt the story was missing when it would break to the next chapter.

This was an absolutely lovely graphic novel about learning to face the past and speak your truth, even when the process is messy. The illustrations and fantastical setting bring so much depth and emotion to the story. I especially appreciated how the author shows that even when you begin to talk through old hurts, it doesn’t magically fix everything—real healing takes time and continued effort. It's a beautifully layered exploration of identity, family, and the slow work of rebuilding trust.