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.

Honestly, this is one of the best graphic novels that I’ve had the privilege of reading recently. While this story is largely about Misha and their mother, I couldn’t help but find myself more interested in the world that they’ve entered. It felt cozy and dangerous at the same time. I wish we got more time to learn about the other characters (in a good way, not in a things feel unresolved way). I love the heart to heart that Misha has with their mother, and I love that even things have been resolved, it’s not as though their mother is completely forgiven or off the hook which is something we usually see in these types of stories. The artwork was also mesmerizing!

Non-binary rep, realistic family, and an adventure through the spirit realm. Love, Misha is a love letter to growing up queer with unreliable parents.

WOW. I loved this one. Aden's illustrations are vibrant, beautiful, and cozy. The story was consistent and hit each note without flaw. A perfect read for queer kids and adults.

What a heartwarming story. Not only do we see a story about identity and motherhood we laso get some magical settings and plot. I liked how it was mixed, but at the end, both main characters finally resolve their issues in a way they get a second chance. I loved the art, to me it was very unique and easy to comprehend with very little words.

This is my favorite read of the year so far! What an amazing journey between a child and their mother set against the backdrop of a sudden fantasy world mixed with incredible heart and emotions. I adored this!

I loved the art and the little spirits that inhabited this book. It was a fun book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I gave it 4.5/5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the book

Love, Misha was such a lovely surprise. I knew the general premise that I was getting into but it bloomed into such a beautiful story. I adored the non binary rep and the exploration of what that that self discovery means for familial relationships and how to mend those going forward. The depiction of the spirit real was so well done, so much so, that even the dark moments didn’t deter me from wanting to live there. The artwork was stunning and I would definitely read more from this author. Highly recommend!

Road trip with a mom who has been absent from most of Misha's life AND who frequently misgenders them. What could go wrong?! Well, a slight detour into the spirit realm. Good story, good action, good perspective of Misha and also their mom.

Netgalley graciously provided me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a beautiful and heartwarming story of family and sacrifice told with a fantasy twist. Misha is non binary and has not had their mother in their lives very much, so when mom wants to take a road trip, Misha is skeptical, ESPECIALLY because mom insists on buying them dresses and doing "girly" stuff, which is just not Misha.
Somehow the two fall into the realm of the spirits, and to make it out they will have to face all the hard truths they have both been dancing around their entire lives.
This lovely little fable helps us understand that while we may not always understand each other, and parent child relationships may be hard and painful, as long as both are willing to try, there is hope.

Reminiscent of a Miyazaki film, “Love, Misha” brilliantly balances a cozy fantasy and realistic family drama. The artwork is familiar and enjoyable, but where this graphic novel shines is in its use of paneling an interesting character design. The story does feel as if it menders at times, but Askel Adams sticks the landing by masterfully depicting the emotions, the confrontations, and the resolutions that come with the experience of growing in to who you we re always supposed to be.

This was such a visually rich and emotionally layered story. Misha and their mom have a tough, messy relationship, and the way their struggles play out in the spirit world makes for a great blend of adventure and introspection. The art is gorgeous, and while the ending felt a little abrupt, it fit the story’s themes of imperfect reconciliation.

It was hard to get into this novel. I enjoyed parts of it and other parts I still felt lost. Overall it was a good read.