title: Tough Love
author: Denson, Abby
description: "Abby Denson's teen romance has the simplicity and heart of a secret love note on lined composition paper."—Howard Cruse
  "Abby Denson is a pioneer . . . doing something that few others have even thought of doing."—
  Manga News
  Inspired by
  shounen-ai manga
  —melodramatic Japanese comics by girls about gay boys—
  Tough Love
   is a teen romance and coming-out story about a shy boy named Brian. More realistic than Japanese manga, this story centers on the relationships Brian develops with the boy he likes, Chris, and Julie, the girl who befriends him. Serious issues like gay bashing, suicide, and coming to terms with one's own sexual identity are depicted with an honest, gentle touch. Socially relevant, fun, immediately accessible, and a bit of a soap opera,
  Tough Love
   helps gay teenagers to be more comfortable with themselves and less troubled, especially when they’re feeling alone and misunderstood.
  Abby Denson
   has been drawing and writing comics for
  XY
   magazine since 1996. She has also scripted comics for
  The Powerpuff Girls
  ,
  The Simpsons
  ,
  Sabrina the Teenage Witch
  ,
  Josie and the Pussycats
  ,
  Disney Adventures
  , and
  Nickelodeon
   magazine. She has a BFA in illustration from Parsons School of Design. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.