eight Really feel-Good Queer Comics and Graphic Novels

I’m unsure why, however the comics scene specifically is one the place actually unbelievable queer tales and artwork blossom into existence. Whereas many are aware of a number of the extra miserable entries within the comics canon (Alison Bechdel’s Enjoyable House involves thoughts), there’s a wealth of enjoyable, feel-good queer comics, too!

This checklist is way from complete, however is a superb start line for these in search of some LGBTQ components together with a giant serving to of hope and comedy.

The Avant-Guards Written by Carly Usdin, Illustrated by Noah Hayes

This is only one of many sports-themed books on this checklist. I’m wondering what it’s about sports activities groups that appeal to queer fictional characters? No matter it’s, this can be a trope I’m completely right here for. (Bonus rec for individuals who adore close-knit sports activities groups with homoerotic subtext: the pleasant anime Kuroko no Basuke.)

Charlie simply transferred to a traditionally girls’s school, the place sports activities groups haven’t garnered sufficient curiosity to be shaped. But. When she meets Liv, sort A actress and aspiring basketball participant, the Avant-Guards will do every little thing to recruit her to create the primary official basketball crew.

Lovely, laugh-out-loud humorous, and fantastically numerous in each means, The Avant-Guards is a beautiful queer comedian in a refreshing utopia of acceptance, love, and teamwork.

Bingo Love written by Tee Franklin, illustrated by Pleasure San and Jenn St. Ange

Hey, even really feel good books could make you cry. Completely satisfied tears, that’s. That is principally The Pocket book however with cute brown women and a greater ending. (There, I mentioned it.) Hazel and Mari meet as youngsters at church bingo, and it’s one thing particular at first sight. However the world all the time hasn’t been so sort. Circumstances maintain them aside, like ignorant relations and societal bias. However they could simply meet once more after spending complete lives aside, and make up for the time they’ve misplaced.

Fence Written by C.S. Pacat, Illustrated by Johanna the Mad and Joana LaFuente

One other gradual burn romance, Fence follows Nicholas Cox, a fencing competitor bursting with uncooked expertise. Downside is, he hasn’t had sufficient correct coaching to be the very best. One of the best really occurs to be Seiji Katayama. Good-looking, prodigal, and severe to a fault, he begins to note the rising expertise of Nicholas. Will they ever be greater than opponents—and even some greater than platonic? Swoon.

Who knew fencing might be a horny sport?

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

This has been everywhere in the “better of” queer comics lists of the yr, and for good motive. The Prince and the Dressmaker will not be solely spellbinding in its flowing, distinctive artwork type, it tells a narrative that can seize your coronary heart and never let go.

Prince Sebastian has huge sneakers to fill. He’s anticipated to marry and sooner or later grow to be king. However little do the royal courts know, his secret pleasure resides below the moniker of Girl Crystallia, a flawless vogue icon among the many Parisian elite. He is ready to stay two lives with the assistance of his new dressmaker, Frances, who designs the wonderful robes Girl Crystallia wears at evening. However secrets and techniques have a means of getting out, and Frances and Sebastian have a lot to lose.

Woman City by Carolyn Nowak

Carolyn Nowak’s unusual, eclectic assortment of brief comedian tales is breathtaking. Heartbreaking at occasions, bursting with pleasure at others, Woman City explores what it means to be a lady whereas introducing fantastical new worlds and conditions. In a single story, (my favourite) Diana buys a robotic boyfriend and finds herself falling in love. In one other, Kelly and Beth attend a fantasy market with all types of products. Every story is a bit journey into a brand new world, some that can keep on with you for a very long time afterwards.

One other one among my favourite issues about this assortment is how Nowak attracts the female physique, illustrating all shapes, sizes, and colours with love and care. 

Open Earth Written by Sarah Mirk, Illustrated by Eva Cabrera and Claudia Aguirre

That is for the extra erotically inclined of you on the market. Open Earth tells the story of 1 girl discovering her sexuality on a spaceship centuries sooner or later. On this future, polyamory and all types of sexuality are rather more accepted, however relationships can nonetheless get messy.

That includes numerous intercourse, a various forged, and a imaginative and prescient of an odd however acquainted future, this can be a enjoyable trip. (No pun supposed.)

Examine, Please by Ngozi Ukazu

Final sports activities themed entry on the checklist, I swear! This supremely lovable internet comedian turned graphic novel facilities Eric Bittle as he arrives in school and takes his place on the hockey crew. Beforehand an ice skater, Eric isn’t used to the tough performs of hockey and fears being harm on the ice. Fortunately, legacy hockey prodigy Jack is captain of the crew and there to assuage Eric’s fears. Solely factor is, Eric is perhaps a bit (so much) in love with him.

Giggle-out-loud humorous and with a number of the most practical dialogue I’ve seen in a graphic novel, that is taking the comics world by storm for a motive.

Mooncakes Written by Suzanne Walker, Illustrated by Wendy Xu

Nova Huang is a witchcraft knowledgeable. She works at her grandma’s bookshop, a particular one which loans out spell books and helps unearth mysteries of their supernatural city. When exploring such a thriller, she finds her childhood crush Tam, who’s in a little bit of bother. Collectively, they rekindle their friendship (and perhaps extra?) as they attempt to cease cults, demons, and different otherworldly foes. Charming, inclusive, and a lot enjoyable.

Extra Queer Comics?

Get pleasure from these gems and maintain your eye out for extra! Comics, particularly indie ones, are a beautiful medium that all the time appear to draw all varieties of illustration and tales. If you happen to like any such content material, look additional and take a look at different posts like 12 Distinctive Comics About Trans and Genderqueer Folks and Learn Tougher: A Comedian by an LGBTQIA Creator.

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