Look, you had me at “time loop romance” as I’m a total sucker for all of that. But based on the first look at Oni Press‘s The Haven by Jayel Seymour and Lauren Mugford, this queer YA graphic novel has a lot more going for it.
“You are holding a book about being a queer kid,” said Seymour via press release. “About knowing you’re beautifully different and not understanding why the world doesn’t get that. About struggling and seeking and learning who you are piece by piece, pulling all the parts of yourself together to understand that you belong. About finding out the most wonderful thing you ever did was be born exactly as you are, and the most wonderful thing you’ll ever do is keep being you. It’s a book for when you’re confused, a book for when you’re scared, a book for when you’re growing, a book for when you’re resting, a book for when you’re triumphant. It’s a book for discovering there is someone indescribably glad that you are exactly as you are, even in your darkest moments. And that you carry that person with you, everywhere you go.”
Added Mugford, “Illustrating Jayel’s rich descriptive imagery for THE HAVENwas a joy. As I translated J’s world from text to page, I aimed to imbue as much queer joy as I could into the world of THE HAVEN and its complicated characters. The story of J shows how queerness comes in many forms, loud or quiet, but nonetheless dignified and beautiful. Jayel was wonderful to work with, and I am honored they placed as much trust as they did in me to bring such a personal story to life. I hope THE HAVEN will reach those who need its message most and find that same strength in it.”
“THE HAVEN is a story for anyone trying to find their place in this world and stay true to themselves along the way,” said editor Grace Scheipeter. “Follow along J’s journey through the Haven, full of magic, mystery, and one BIG twist you won’t see coming. Every time I read the book, I find something new to love!”
The Haven hits stores on January 27, 2027. Check out the synopsis and preview pages below.
Closeted, queer twelve-year-old J is cursed, reliving sixth grade over and over. Same bullies, same school, same loneliness. Something terrible keeps happening at the end of the year, and then the year resets. But he can’t remember what the Terrible Thing is. And he can’t escape . . . until two new kids show up. Rory—brave, confident, and instantly popular—seems like everything J wants to be. P—a fierce loner with a big secret—wants nothing to do with J or anyone else. And they’re trapped in the time loop, too.
Looking for any means of escape, the unlikely trio find a portal into the Haven, a shifting landscape of floating islands and fantastical magic that comes to people who need help solving unsolvable problems. In the heart of the Haven they discover a raging conflict that touches all three of them. J, Rory, and P soon discover the only way to break their time loop is to face a fear they’ve been running from for their whole lives.
The Haven
Written By Jayel Seymour
Art By Lauren Mugford
Cover By Lauren Mugford
On Sale January 27th, 2027 | $16.99 | 184 pgs. | FC
Comic Book Club Live Info:
Share this:
Discover more from Comic Book Club
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.