Graphic novels are a great genre that incorporates beautiful art into its storytelling. Below are some of our favorite queer and lesbian comics and graphic novels that are out right now. If you’ve been looking to dive into the genre, or are just searching for your new favorite, check out our list below.
Fun Home
Fun Home is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel (yes, Bechdel of the Bechdel Test) that explores the relationship she had with her father and uncovering her true self.. It’s a story of the beautiful, awkward, and exciting times of discovering yourself. Fun Home has also been adapted into a wonderful musical, with music composed by Jeanine Tesori. If you love the graphic novel, the cast recording is available to stream, and those songs will make you feel a lot.
On a Sunbeam
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden is an exciting, loving, sci-fi graphic novel about fixing what has been broken, long-lost loves, and found family. Going between the past and the present, the book explores themes of friendship, love, and acceptance. The artwork only adds to this beautiful story, with emotion and heart pouring throughout.
Heartstopper
Hearstopper by Alice Oseman is a wholesome, high school rom-com with a variety of queer representation, including a lesbian couple. Although not the center of the story, the couple gets a fully fleshed out storyline, nuanced issues, and cute moments. There is also transgender, bisexual, asexual, and gay representation. The story deals with some serious topics of mental health, but you can be sure to leave the story feeling overall comforted and uplifted.
The Girl from the Sea
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag is a fantasy graphic novel with selkies, secrets, first loves, and more. The story focuses on themes of not fitting inside a box, learning more about yourself and others, and a deep connection with someone who truly understands you.
One Hundred Nights of Hero
One Hundred Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg is a graphic novel with fantastical elements about the power of storytelling. Based on The Arabian Nights folk tales, this is a retelling with a queer love story at its center. Stunning artwork, a whimsical feeling, and love fill its pages.
Princess Princess Ever After
Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O’Neill is the classic fairy tale story you may know, but with a queer angle. The knight who saves the princess is also a girl, and they fall into a cute, lovely sapphic romance. This is a great graphic novel for younger readers (and older!) with its wholesome storyline and adorable illustrations. Looking for a gay fairy tale? Look no further!
Juliet Takes a Breath
Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera and illustrated by Celia Moscote is a graphic novel version of Rivera’s novel version of the story. Juliet Takes a Breath tells the story of Juliet Milagros, who is Puerto Rican and a newly out lesbian from the Bronx. Juliet is on her way to Portland to intern with a feminist author. This is a queer coming-of-age story, exploring themes of race, identity, and trying to find yourself in your early 20’s. If you find yourself loving the graphic novel, definitely check out the original version.
Lumberjanes
Lumberjanes by N.D. Stevenson is a fun adventure story that takes place at a fantasy camp. Five friends want to have an awesome summer, but they also have a magical mystery to solve. If you find yourself enjoying Vol. 1 and not wanting it to end, there are many more volumes to read!
Cosmoknights
Cosmoknights by Hannah Templer is a sci-fi fantasy story about a team of queer folks traveling across the galaxy. The strong world-building draws you in as these characters fight unfair systems and cultivate a family of their own.
Legend of Korra
The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars graphic novels by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, illustrated by Irene Koh and Vivian Ng are a continuation of the beloved show, with Korra and Asami’s romantic relationship emphasized and centered. It picks up right after the last television episode, where their relationship was implied, but not much more than that. The graphic novel does not shy away from the relationship, talking about it and showcasing it from the very first pages. It’s a story of the familiar adventure and world you know in the show, so if you’ve been looking for more from the Legend of Korra universe, this comes highly recommended.
Acquiron Cove
Acquiron Cove by Kay O’Neill has a beautifully unique art style that feels like a hug. This cozy fantasy involves themes of grief, environmentalism, and love. We get to see a beautiful sapphic romance develop. This book is perfect for younger and older readers, who are looking for something comforting.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki is an important story of ending relationships with people who don’t treat us well, and thriving in the (romantic and platonic) relationships that help us heal and grow.
