The Mish: Dive into life in the Mission circa 1972, in cartoon form

by Gary Handman May 16, 2026, 5:00 amMay 15, 2026, 5:20 pm

Cartoon of a city street in 1972 labeled "The Mish," showing diverse pedestrians near a J Church streetcar and a street sign. — The Mish: A memoir of life in the Mission circa 1972. Illustration by Gary Handman

“The Mish” is Gary Handman’s intro to life in the Mission District in the early ’70s. You can see more of the cartoonist’s work on his Instagram.

A comic-style illustration narrates a man's 1970s experience living in San Francisco's Mission District, describing urban life, public transit, and a humorous encounter with a boxer. — Illustration by Gary Handman.

A comic page shows memories of local San Francisco shops in the 1970s, featuring a grocer excited about the moon landing and various neighborhood scenes with shopkeepers and customers. — Illustration by Gary Handman.

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The Mish: Dive into life in the Mission circa 1972, in cartoon form

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