Oni Press is publishing Jayel Seymour and Lauren Mugford’s graphic novel The Haven, a queer, coming-of-age story built around a time loop—out in stores January 27, 2027, with a $16.99 price and 184 pages.
On January 27, 2027, a twelve-year-old boy in a closed-off body of memory is scheduled to live the same school year again. Except this time. the story arriving with him isn’t just another reset cycle—it’s a queer coming-of-age adventure that turns the familiar Groundhog Day premise into something intimate: learning to live with what you are. and what you’re scared to face.
Oni Press announced The Haven, described as a “heartfelt adventure with a big twist,” written by Jayel Seymour and illustrated by debut creator Lauren Mugford. The book will be in stores on January 27, 2027.
The premise is sharp in its cruelty. 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. The catch is the curse itself: J can’t remember what the Terrible Thing is, and he can’t escape.
Then two new students enter the loop, and the day-to-day horror becomes a different kind of puzzle. Rory—brave, confident, and instantly popular—looks like everything J wants to be. P, a fierce loner with a big secret, wants nothing to do with J or anyone else. J, Rory, and P aren’t just trapped together in the same repeating calendar. They’re trapped inside a problem that’s bigger than the classroom where it starts.
Their attempts to find any means of escape lead them into the Haven. a portal to 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. And in the end. the only way to break their time loop is to face a fear they’ve been running from for their whole lives.
For Seymour, that emotional center isn’t background—it’s the point. “You are holding a book about being a queer kid,” the writer says. “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’s role is equally explicit about how the book is meant to feel on the page. “Illustrating Jayel’s rich descriptive imagery for The Haven was a joy,” Mugford said. “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.”.
Even the framing around the book points toward readers who have lived in that in-between space. “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 is on sale January 27th, 2027. It will be priced at $16.99, with 184 pages, and comes with full-color images. The book lists the creator credits as Written By Jayel Seymour, Art By Lauren Mugford, and Cover By Lauren Mugford.
The Haven Oni Press Jayel Seymour Lauren Mugford graphic novel queer coming of age time loop Groundhog Day twist floating islands queer joy
So it’s like Groundhog Day but with gay stuff? Cool I guess?
I don’t get why they’d publish this in 2027 when the whole point is it repeats? Like is the book literally about time travel or just vibes? Also $16.99 for 184 pages feels kinda pricey for a graphic novel.
Wait, is the “Terrible Thing” like a death? Or is it some bullying/locker room thing? The article says he can’t remember it but then later says two new students show up so I’m assuming they did something and then erase his memory? Idk, this is confusing lol.
Honestly this sounds depressing. A kid stuck in 6th grade forever? That’s not a “twist,” that’s just trauma. And “Haven” portal floating islands… sure, but isn’t that like a ripoff of other fantasy loops? I might read it anyway if the art is good, but I’m still mad it’s 2027 like I can’t wait that long.