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Sugar Town
A bisexual, polyamorous love story for the modern era. Hazel is already in a happy relationship when she meets Argent, a woman who works as a dominatrix, but is sweet and tender outside the bedroom. How will she negotiate this new romance with her boyfriend back home? And what about his other girlfriend?
56 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2017
4 people are currently reading
1070 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Newlevant
12 books105 followersHazel Newlevant is a Portland-raised, Queens-residing cartoonist. Their comics include Tender-Hearted, Sugar Town, No Ivy League, and If This Be Sin. They are the editor and publisher of the anthologies Chainmail Bikini and Comics For Choice. Their work has been honored with the Ignatz Award, Xeric Grant and the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
May 18, 2018
This was so sugary sweet, I loved it. Also I think this might be the first thing I’ve ever read that featured a polyamorous relationship! I really, really loved that AND the art was incredible. I’m a happy camper.
February 25, 2018
Hazel Newlevant's story of Hazel, a young woman in love with a man, Gregory, who develops a relationship with a woman, Argent, when she is cross-country for a time. Gregory's also seeing someone else, fine! (Okay, there's jealousy, apparently manageable, but since it is open and honest, it's not cheating!!). Argent seems a bit older, working as a sex-worker, a dominatrix, though she is very sweet and gentle with Hazel.
So this is a bi-sexual polyamory gender-queer fluid story, very short, and since it is dedicated to "the real Gregory and Argent," feels sorta/very much autobiographical. It feels mostly informational, really, as in reaching out to others who have similar "open" relationships or have similar inclinations. Though less narrative and more informational in its intent, the relationship between Hazel and Argent is fun and not off-puttingly graphic in any way.
I read another, far more informational, graphic non-fiction book by Kimchi, listed as one of six books about polyamory here:
http://www.sexedplus.com/6-comics-abo...
I am a late middle-aged cis-gendered person, with no particular personal interest in the "topic" of this book, but it is interesting in speaking to the "fluidity" of gender and sexual identity for many people, and this gives folks a chance to learn about it and explore for themselves.
So this is a bi-sexual polyamory gender-queer fluid story, very short, and since it is dedicated to "the real Gregory and Argent," feels sorta/very much autobiographical. It feels mostly informational, really, as in reaching out to others who have similar "open" relationships or have similar inclinations. Though less narrative and more informational in its intent, the relationship between Hazel and Argent is fun and not off-puttingly graphic in any way.
I read another, far more informational, graphic non-fiction book by Kimchi, listed as one of six books about polyamory here:
http://www.sexedplus.com/6-comics-abo...
I am a late middle-aged cis-gendered person, with no particular personal interest in the "topic" of this book, but it is interesting in speaking to the "fluidity" of gender and sexual identity for many people, and this gives folks a chance to learn about it and explore for themselves.
August 13, 2018
This. Was. Perfect.
Sugar Town is unlike anything I have read before - it documents a bisexual, polyamorous love story involving Hazel and Argent. Hazel is already in a relationship with Gregor who in turn is also dating another woman called Rebecca. Argent is in a long-term relationship with another woman and starts dating Hazel.
The story is pretty simple - it's romantic, tender, heartfelt, and emotional (Hazel questions her own jealousy regarding Gregor's other girlfriend, Rebecca) but the message is clear - as long as you have someone who loves and understands you, that's all that really matters, and Hazel has two people who fit this category (Gregor and Argent).
I really liked Argent (who is also a dominatrix), there was something fun and carefree about her and I always found myself smiling whenever she appeared.
ST was an incredibly refreshing read which documented the complex and ever-changing love lives of modern people. I know I couldn't engage in a polyamorous relationship (the jealousy and paranoia would consume me) but it was a delightful read all the same.
Only gripe: I wish it was longer.
5 stars.
Sugar Town is unlike anything I have read before - it documents a bisexual, polyamorous love story involving Hazel and Argent. Hazel is already in a relationship with Gregor who in turn is also dating another woman called Rebecca. Argent is in a long-term relationship with another woman and starts dating Hazel.
The story is pretty simple - it's romantic, tender, heartfelt, and emotional (Hazel questions her own jealousy regarding Gregor's other girlfriend, Rebecca) but the message is clear - as long as you have someone who loves and understands you, that's all that really matters, and Hazel has two people who fit this category (Gregor and Argent).
I really liked Argent (who is also a dominatrix), there was something fun and carefree about her and I always found myself smiling whenever she appeared.
ST was an incredibly refreshing read which documented the complex and ever-changing love lives of modern people. I know I couldn't engage in a polyamorous relationship (the jealousy and paranoia would consume me) but it was a delightful read all the same.
Only gripe: I wish it was longer.
5 stars.
August 25, 2018
Sometimes I feel that in this woke moment things are published just for representation. While I'm delighted with all the diversity of authors, content, locales, etc., diversity in and of itself is not enough.
Which brings me to this graphic novel with the blurb: "A bisexual, polyamorous love story for the modern era." Really? The story itself is boring, and there isn't much here to draw you in. It felt like an introduction to some of these dynamics at best, and it did not work for me on any level.
Which brings me to this graphic novel with the blurb: "A bisexual, polyamorous love story for the modern era." Really? The story itself is boring, and there isn't much here to draw you in. It felt like an introduction to some of these dynamics at best, and it did not work for me on any level.
October 19, 2017
If you are wishing for a cute tale of romance in graphic form with people who aren't just straight white people, this is it! Hazel is a memorable character who blushes a lot.
Thanks to the publisher for providing access through Edelweiss.
Thanks to the publisher for providing access through Edelweiss.
November 6, 2017
AAHHH I loved this so much! I knew I would just from the cover, but I was giggling and swooning while reading. It was ridiculous. This is a tiny little graphic novel that tells a queer, poly, BDSM story that is sweet and kind and the artwork is beautiful, and I just wanted to crawl inside the pages and curl up there. What a treat.
March 3, 2018
I would have enjoyed Sugar Town a lot more if there was more of a story to it. As it is, two women meet one another at a dance and embark on a relationship. They are bisexual and polyamorous, and one is also a sex worker. There's a lot of potential for a strong, interesting story while they explore their relationship, but this felt like the introductory chapter of this narrative.
March 24, 2022
An earnest and pleasing little romance with LGBTQ+ people and polyamory themes. Fun, sweet, sexy.
January 9, 2018
Really cute, sweet, respectful, queer story. Adorable art, really wonderful colors. I need more.
July 26, 2021
Short, sweet, and completely forgettable, but I liked it, so call it a literal three stars. It reads like baby's first webcomic, or like an entry that was turned down for an anthology.
July 12, 2018
I really wanted to like this, but the story itself was pretty lackluster. The pacing is odd, the plot is sparse, and it really felt more like it was trying to hit topics than make sense. It's nice from a representation front, but that's not enough to make it good.
November 30, 2023
A chill slice of life comic that was a lot shorter than I expected.
A lot of really healthy perspectives were features which I loved. It is so refreshing when characters talk about things then just accept it and move on! My biggest complaint was that the pacing felt a little fast. I would have liked a little more relationship building between Hazel and Argent and maybe how that mirrored, differed, and enhanced the relationship with her boyfriend back home.
Overall it was very cute and the ending was satisfying if not a little quick. If you are looking to add some poly perspectives to your reading I would highly recommend. This was a very quick read and might be great for someone who wants expand their understanding but may be wary about committing to a full length novel.
A lot of really healthy perspectives were features which I loved. It is so refreshing when characters talk about things then just accept it and move on! My biggest complaint was that the pacing felt a little fast. I would have liked a little more relationship building between Hazel and Argent and maybe how that mirrored, differed, and enhanced the relationship with her boyfriend back home.
Overall it was very cute and the ending was satisfying if not a little quick. If you are looking to add some poly perspectives to your reading I would highly recommend. This was a very quick read and might be great for someone who wants expand their understanding but may be wary about committing to a full length novel.
February 7, 2019
This book is woefully short, but it is so good. Exploring polyamory, queerness, and what it means to love, I was left just as teary as the characters in the book by the end. This is such a cute and happy story, I loved every second of it.
June 1, 2018
queer, poly, kinky, and healthy?? sign me up.
May 3, 2018
Thanks to the publisher for providing access through Edelweiss.
I loved this is sweet it talk a lot about modern relationship paradigms and about respect, it's short, but honest and the art is cool, is all pretty good I recommend this very strongly.
I loved this is sweet it talk a lot about modern relationship paradigms and about respect, it's short, but honest and the art is cool, is all pretty good I recommend this very strongly.
February 6, 2018
Sweet, honest, romantic.
February 7, 2019
Sugar Town was such a cute story and a great way to open conversations about polyamory and queerness. Everyone was so accepting and worked hard at communication. If only people in real life, at least that's in my life be more communicative! The beginning of a relationship whatever that looks like can be magical, but not always breezy. It can be stressful at time trying to get to know someone new and I think Hazel embodied that experience well.
February 18, 2018
[5/5 stars, ADORABLE]
THIS BOOK WAS 56 PAGES OF MUSHY ROMANCE AND I LOVED IT
This graphic novel is short but sweet (literally the sweetest). And I am obsessed with the way the author handled the diversity in this, and by handled I mean, treated it like anything else. I love how the diversity was handled in this, it is truly one of my favourite aspects of this story.
This story follows Hazel, a bisexual woman who's in a polyamorous relationship, and is currently visiting her parents. While on this visit, she meets Argent, a gay dominatrix, and their love blossoms like the most beautiful of flowers.
The only issue I had with this is the fact that Argent has two tattoos on each knee, of bees, and literally NO ONE MADE THE JOKE OF THE BEES KNEES.
This story is just so fantastic and I encourage everyone to read it. It took me fourteen and a half minutes (seriously, I timed myself), surely you can take fourteen and a half minutes out of your life to read this adorable, diverse story.
THIS BOOK WAS 56 PAGES OF MUSHY ROMANCE AND I LOVED IT
This graphic novel is short but sweet (literally the sweetest). And I am obsessed with the way the author handled the diversity in this, and by handled I mean, treated it like anything else. I love how the diversity was handled in this, it is truly one of my favourite aspects of this story.
This story follows Hazel, a bisexual woman who's in a polyamorous relationship, and is currently visiting her parents. While on this visit, she meets Argent, a gay dominatrix, and their love blossoms like the most beautiful of flowers.
The only issue I had with this is the fact that Argent has two tattoos on each knee, of bees, and literally NO ONE MADE THE JOKE OF THE BEES KNEES.
This story is just so fantastic and I encourage everyone to read it. It took me fourteen and a half minutes (seriously, I timed myself), surely you can take fourteen and a half minutes out of your life to read this adorable, diverse story.
Read
June 29, 2021I was super here for sweet, fluffy, wholesome, emotionally healthy queer polyam with bonus kink.
I mean, I was super here for that idea -- and I was mostly here for the execution.
It's essentially a few scenes in a very brief period in our heroine's life -- Hazel is visiting family in Portland, Oregon, and meets and falls in love with a woman named Argent.
Hazel is in an open relationship with a guy back home named Gregor, and everyone is aggressively healthy about their relationships -- while also struggling with emotions, logistics, etc.
Despite the fact that we see so little of the characters, I totally went along with Hazel's relationship with Argent. Though at one point Argent says, "Hazel, I know you're very free and unashamed -- it's one of the things I like about you," which wasn't really the vibe I got. I mean, honestly we don't really get a sense of why Argent likes Hazel -- which I didn't mind, since we're in Hazel's POV.
What I didn't really feel was Hazel's relationship with Gregor. :/
The book also could have used a line editor at times. One "chapter" ends with Hazel inviting Argent out on the 12th and thinking, "Don't say that's your b-day. That's too intense!" and then when we next see Argent in the next chapter, she greets Hazel with, "Happy birthday, darling!"
I mean, I was super here for that idea -- and I was mostly here for the execution.
It's essentially a few scenes in a very brief period in our heroine's life -- Hazel is visiting family in Portland, Oregon, and meets and falls in love with a woman named Argent.
Hazel is in an open relationship with a guy back home named Gregor, and everyone is aggressively healthy about their relationships -- while also struggling with emotions, logistics, etc.
Despite the fact that we see so little of the characters, I totally went along with Hazel's relationship with Argent. Though at one point Argent says, "Hazel, I know you're very free and unashamed -- it's one of the things I like about you," which wasn't really the vibe I got. I mean, honestly we don't really get a sense of why Argent likes Hazel -- which I didn't mind, since we're in Hazel's POV.
What I didn't really feel was Hazel's relationship with Gregor. :/
The book also could have used a line editor at times. One "chapter" ends with Hazel inviting Argent out on the 12th and thinking, "Don't say that's your b-day. That's too intense!" and then when we next see Argent in the next chapter, she greets Hazel with, "Happy birthday, darling!"
April 13, 2018
This is a heart warming and really sweet romance between characters who just happen to be polyamorous. It goes completely against all the negative stereotypes about poly relationships. The art, colouring and design are lovely. The dialogue is great and the characters are realistic and very likeable. It was a little shorter than I expected, but it didn't feel rushed, I just didn't want it to end!
[Free ARC from Edelweiss+]
[Free ARC from Edelweiss+]
May 8, 2019
Sugar Town is as sweet as its title implies; a short, tender, polyamorous romance following Hazel as she meets and falls in love with Argent while on vacation in Portland. I loved the positive representation of queerness and sex work, and the entire time I was waiting for something tragic to happen, like it too-often does in stories like this, but it never did. It’s just a beautiful, sweet cupcake of a comic that left me feeling warm and lovey.
September 11, 2018
Very cute & very short! It feels more like an introduction than a 'book one' but it's super adorable so all is forgiven.
Read
July 16, 2020Was a quick and enjoyable read featuring main character who is in a poly sapphic romance. I haven't read about a poly romance before so that was super interesting and I would love to see more. Also it was good to see healthy romances on show. I kind of wish it was longer but I would like to read more from this author soon.
May 2, 2022
I've been keeping an eye out for fiction and graphic novels about polyamory that aren't either MMF erotica or dour literary fiction that will only make me feel cynical. Sugar Town came up in one of my searches, and it's mostly what I was looking for. It's very brief and there's not a ton of conflict, but it gave me one window onto what a polyamorous relationship can look like. And it's a window that I didn't want to immediately slam shut and draw the curtains on.
July 2, 2018
This was so sweet! I loved how this book was able to explain polyamory in such a cute way. The characters had many noteworthy traits in just a few short pages. Overall I enjoyed this so much and I will read this again soon!
February 14, 2018
HAPPY V DAY TO MEEEE this was so wonderful
March 25, 2018
I liked this. It was fluffy and cute. It just didn't seem to have a lot of plot or information in it. It felt like a "day in the life" book. It also felt a bit like the start of a much larger story. But I loved seeing more representation for a part of the LGBT+ community that often gets ignored.
April 11, 2018
short and sweet queer comic that shows the beginning of a queer polyamorous relationship. I appreciated the sex worker positive representation too.
August 25, 2020
3.75*
A fun, sweet, quick, queer comic book!
A fun, sweet, quick, queer comic book!
December 1, 2024
Just purely, openly, amazingly, 100% wholesomely romantic. No notes 💖
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews