Graphic Novel Review - 'Misfit Mansion' by Kay Davault

Oh, what the heck - this antibigotry children's graphic novel is too adorable, cute and colourful to overlook. It contains memorable characters, and a powerful message - about bigotry and hatred towards people one refuses to understand and accept being linked to fear. And doubt. And it is a lack of empathy and kindness, and a self-fulfilling prophecy.

In 'Misfit Mansion', there are cute little supernatural creatures or "horrors" (a lot of whom don't conform to gender norms) (and don't call them monsters, for they are not), a blue mansion, autumn and Halloween imagery, giant pumpkins, paranormal hunters, spooky toys, and there is another strong theme: found family.

Family isn't just about blood relations. Love, friendliness, support and community for everyone, no matter where they came from, are key to a healthy and happy civilisation and society. No one is unimportant. No one is a freak or scary, for who they are and what they look like. No one should be kept hidden, alone, isolated.

Redemption and forgiveness for brainwashed, bigoted children, and adults who should know better, are additional themes.

There are many characters to root for in 'Misfit Mansion', but my personal favourites have to be Agnes, the cyclops girl with the crescent moon hairclip (she has deep anxiety and people pleasing issues, and OCD tendencies, like me!), and Dahlia the "creepy" doll girl - I love her. I wish there were actual dolls like her. June the elderly farmer is my favourite human side character, and Anemone the scientist paranormal hunter is a great villainess you'd love to hate.

'Misfit Mansion' is like a well-thought out and well-paced cartoon for families, presented as a graphic novel. The artwork is fantastic. Too darling and charming! I can see it being made into a Pixar film. It reminds me a little of 'Pumpkin Heads' and 'Julia's House for Lost Creatures'. It is lighthearted, yet dark - figuratively and literally - but not so dark that it can't be an all-ages read. For someone of my disposition and taste, who is into weird stuff, like cute and sweet Halloween-y stuff, and hugely diverse, imaginative and creative stuff, it is a trick-or-treat.

Too adorable, wholesome and touching for any more words; just read it. You won't be able to forget it.

Final Score: 3.5/5