Oni Press has announced The Haven, a queer, time loop-themed graphic novel, written by Jayel Seymour (Nadya Skylung and the Cloudship Rescue), with art by newcomer Lauren Mugford. The book follows J, a closeted 12-year old, who’s cursed to relive sixth grade repeatedly, unable to remember what the Terrible Thing that he needs to prevent at the end of the year is. That is, until he befriends two new kids also stuck in the time loop: the popular Rory, and the fierce loner J.
The Haven cover by Lauren Mugford
The synopsis elaborates, “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.”
Seymour says, “You are holding a book about being a queer kid. 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.”
Mugford adds, “Illustrating Jayel’s rich descriptive imagery for The Haven was 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.”
Editor Grace Scheipeter also states, “The Haven is a story for anyone trying to find their place in this world and stay true to themselves along the way. 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 book will be released on January 27, 2027, and retail at 184 pages for $16.99. You can check out an 11-page preview below in the meantime.
