Graphic Novel Review: Motherlover by Lindsay Ishihiro

Motherlover by Lindsay Ishihiro. Iron Circus Comics, 2025. 9781638991465. 307pp.

Motherlover is the story of two moms becoming friends and then falling in love. Alexis is a single mother who just moved home with her daughter; she seems terrible at long-term relationships. Imogen, her neighbor, has three kids and a husband who completely takes her for granted. That changes a bit when Imogen moves out; Alexis is there to provide support and to keep her from believing he’s going to change. Their friendship is adorable, and I especially loved Imogen’s reaction when Alexis’s friends assume Imogen is more than a friend. Their parenting skills are top-notch, too.

I met my friend Michelle at the wrap party for Strangers in Paradise years ago. She made fun of my drink, and I responded by teasing her a bit for crying after reading the last issue. I knew I had to tell her about this book as soon as I turned the last page.

Motherlover started as a webcomic, though it’s no longer available online. But you can read its sister comic at https://howbabycomic.com/