Top 7 Essential LGBTQ+ Graphic Novels
Book RaiderIn the vibrant, ravishing rainbow of LGBTQ+ literature, graphic novels hold a unique and enigmatic charm. These multi-colored gems, which marry bewitching visuals with compelling storytelling, dive deeper into the human condition, transporting readers into a world that celebrates diversity, self-discovery, and love that surpasses traditional boundaries. Whether you're an established member of the LGBTQ+ community or just an ally looking for a fresh perspective, these novels break stereotypes, one beautifully illustrated panel at a time.
'Coming out' to read a genre you usually wouldn’t? It's definitely an experience worth embracing (minus the awkward family dinner). As the title suggests, we're here to talk about the crème de la crème of LGBTQ+ graphic novels. Far from the cliché teen dramas, each book on our list promises to create a narrative that resonifies with so many, told in the language of magnificent strokes and vivid colors. So, grab your reading glasses, you're in for a painter's palette of narratives that weave inclusive tales with style and graphic gusto!
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
by Alison Bechdel
Why Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic is on this list: Fun Home dives head-first into the queer experience, underlining the issues of identity, sexuality, and the journey to self-acceptance. Alison Bechdel delivers a heartfelt narrative about growing up in a dysfunctional family, showing the complexities of queer life.
Our protagonist, Alison, grows up in a funeral home (no kidding) and navigates through her unconventional upbringing. Her relationship with her father, a distant and strict man with a secret, forms the underpinning of this graphic novel. The real kicker? Alison comes to terms with her own homosexuality as a teen, just as she learns about her father's hidden identity. Yeah, there's a lot to unpack.
What readers like: Readers fawn over Bechdel’s ability to tell a complex, emotional story with humour and vivid illustrations. They particularly appreciate the brutally honest representation of her life, and many relate to the intricate exploration of her identity. Plus, the unique setting and the family dynamics make for an intriguing read. Fair warning: The depth and honesty might cause a few waterworks, so keep that tissue box handy.
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Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me
by Mariko Tamaki
Why Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me is on this list: This graphic novel is a refreshing tale of teenage love, with an added twist. The protagonist is a lesbian, and her love interest, the ever-elusive Laura Dean, perpetually plays around with her emotions. So if you're yearning for a bit of LGBTQ+ representation in your reading, this one's for you.
Our story revolves around Freddy Riley, a seventeen-year-old girl trying to figure out her tumultuous relationship with the popular and charming, but source of heartache, Laura Dean. The overarching theme of the book is the exploration of toxic relationships, self-reflection, friends, and what it means to navigate them all in the modern world.
What readers like: Readers particularly appreciate the realistic portrayal of a young gay woman's experiences in navigating love and friendships. They enjoy the depth given to each character, going beyond surface-level stereotypes. The artwork, done by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, is also a clear winner amongst readers, with its delicate and expressive style that complements the storytelling beautifully.
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Betty & Veronica: Senior Year
by Jamie Lee Rotante
Why Betty & Veronica: Senior Year is on this list: This unique take on Archie Comics' most iconic frenemies adds much-needed diversity to the canon by hinting at an LGBTQ+ storyline between Betty and Veronica, making it a perfect pick for our list.
In Betty & Veronica: Senior Year, we follow the last year of high school for best friends and sometimes rivals, Betty and Veronica. Apart from the usual teenage angst, college applications, and prom preparations, the dynamic duo also navigates through feelings and emotions that hint towards a queer subtext beneath their longstanding friendship. Definitely not your average Archie comic, folks.
What readers like: Readers rave about the fresh perspective this novel brings to familiar characters, not to mention the beautifully illustrated artwork. They also appreciate the clever writing that kept them guessing whether the B & V dynamic is turning into something more… or not. And who wouldn't enjoy an LGBTQ+ narrative woven subtly within the quirky, lively world of Archie comics?
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Nimona
by Noelle Stevenson
Why Nimona is on this list: Nimona is a timely read that tackles LGBTQ+ themes through its engaging characters and story. Noelle Stevenson, the author, is herself a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and pulls from her experiences to breathe authenticity into her work.
In this captivating graphic novel, our shape-shifting heroine (yep, you read that right. Shape-shifting! Cool, huh?) Nimona teams up with the infamous supervillain Lord Ballister Blackheart. Together, they aim to expose the real villain in their world: the institution that governs them all. This spellbinding tome is more than just a feel-good story; it's a subtle critique of the binaries and norms we've been made to obey.
What readers like: Readers rave about the captivating art, light-hearted humor, and the compelling characters that challenge the conventions of their roles. They love Nimona, who is uniquely complicated, unabashedly queer, and champions the fact that it's okay to be a little different. Plus, over a recipe of adventure, action, and a sprinkle of science, it serves a red-hot helping of diversity. Becoming engrossed in Nimona's powerful story might just change the way you see the world.
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The Witch Boy
by Molly Ostertag
Why The Witch Boy is on this list: The Witch Boy offers a refreshing perspective on identity and self-acceptance, which resonates strongly with LGBTQ+ themes. Through the magic-using characters, and the story's warm embrace of diversity, it paints a vivid picture the queer experience in a truly unique way.
In this enchanting tale, we follow young Aster, born into a family where girls become witches and boys shapeshift into animals. The only hitch? Aster has no interest in shapeshifting; he's drawn to witchcraft. As he grapples with these gender norms and expectations, he begins discovering who he really is and where his true power lies.
What readers like: Readers love this graphic novel for its beautiful artwork, the brave and relatable protagonist, Aster, and the skillful way it lightens heavy topics with its warm humor. Also appreciated is the gentle handling of Aster's struggle with societal norms - something many can relate to, especially from the LGBTQ+ community.
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The Prince and The Dressmaker
by Jen Wang
Why The Prince and The Dressmaker is on this list: The Prince and The Dressmaker makes it onto our list not just because of exquisite artwork and a charming storyline, but because it dives into the subject of identity and acceptance with sensitivity and grace – issues that ring close to home for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Step into the world of nineteenth-century Paris and meet Prince Sebastian, who's forever in the public eye, thanks to his parents' obsession with finding him the perfect bride. Only, Sebastian is more interested in hiding a secret life - that of Lady Crystallia, the dazzling fashion icon. His secret weapon? His best friend, and incredibly talented dressmaker, Frances. Torn between her dreams and protecting Sebastian, Frances must decide: can she navigate the high-stakes fashion world and still keep a secret?
What readers like: Readers have found themselves completely absorbed by the delicate yet powerful drawings and masterful storytelling of Jen Wang. This graphic novel tugs at heartstrings as it explores friendship, identity, love, and the freedom to be oneself. It's a story that embraces diversity and boldly rewrites what a fairy tale can look like.
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Spinning
by Tillie Walden
Why Spinning is on this list: This graphic novel is a compelling narrative of self-discovery, self-acceptance and the journey to coming out. It beautifully represents the LGBTQ+ community, fitting perfectly into our list.
Spinning is a heartfelt memoir of Walden’s own experience as a competitive ice skater while juggling her high school life and coming to terms with her sexual orientation. Set in the backdrop of frosty skating rinks, it delves into the pressures of sport and the confusing roller coaster of adolescence, making it very real, raw, and atmospheric.
What readers like: Readers appreciate Walden’s unique artwork and sensitive storytelling which breathes life into the pages. They also love how she portrays the often unspoken struggles of LGBTQ+ youth. The introspective narrative paired with a warm color palette makes it an emotionally resonating and visually compelling read.
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