Mariposa: My Love Letter to Nana

A letter from grandson to grandmother recounts how her unconditional love and acceptance of his gay identity has lifted him up at every stage of his life.

Querida Nana,
When I was born, squishy as a tiny caterpillar, you were there to hold me. You whispered, “Qué orgullosa estoy.”
And from that moment, I could feel your pride.

This is the beginning of Mateo’s letter to his beloved grandmother, and the beginning of a love that never wavers. When bullies shame Mateo with jeers of “Mariposa!”— the Spanish word for “butterfly” but also a homophobic put-down—Nana teaches him to hold his head high. The bond they share is a chrysalis, sheltering him as he grows the wings his Nana has always seen.

Mariposa is a tribute to author Michael Genhart’s own grandmother and a testament to the immeasurable difference one supportive adult can make in a child’s life. Brought to life in lively, magnetic color by illustrator Carlos Aponte, Genhart’s story is a shout of queer joy, reminding us that a loving voice can ring out over a roar of hateful noise; that even in fearful times, we are never alone.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs