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I feel like I say this every single time I write a list of graphic novel recommendations, but honestly – if you haven’t gotten into this medium yet, you really need to.
I’ve also gotten into Webtoons recently, and trust me, a post about those is definitely coming soon.
Now, I’m all about representation.
We need more of it in every generation and basically everywhere our eyes can reach.
That’s why I’m so glad we’re seeing more and more queer and LGBTQ+ graphic novels – some already out, and many more on the way.
As you probably know, the most striking feature of a graphic novel is the art, but even more important is the story at its core.
And the books I’ve listed in this post are the kind of emotional and artistic experiences everyone should have at least once in their life.
They’re so good, so moving, and they’ll open your eyes to parts of the world and perspectives you may have never considered before.
The Marble Queen by Anna Kopp and Gabrielle Kari
This book feels like a fairy tale but with sapphic magic and queens instead of knights and princes and I was hooked from page one.
Princess Amelia’s kingdom is struggling, and the only way to save it might be through marriage.
But when she travels to the mysterious country of Iliad, she’s shocked to find out her future spouse isn’t a prince – it’s the newly crowned Queen Salira.
And wow, Salira is kind of amazing. She’s confident but clearly hiding something deep.
Amelia starts to fall for her, even while battling her own anxiety.
There’s romance, magic, and that quiet strength I love seeing in queer heroines.
If you enjoy heartfelt stories with a sprinkle of political drama and a lot of love, this is for you.
Upstaged by Robin Easter
This one warmed my heart in the best way.
It’s about Ash, a shy and sweet theater-loving kid who’s spending one last summer at camp with their best friend – and longtime crush – Ivy.
Ash is the stage manager, and Ivy’s the lead in the camp musical, so they’re both super busy.
But Ash really wants to confess their feelings before high school begins.
The whole book feels like the bittersweet end of summer – you can feel the tension of growing up, saying goodbye, and figuring out how to be brave.
I loved Ash’s journey and how relatable their nervousness felt.
It’s gentle, real, and full of hope.
Stage Dreams by Melanie Gillman
Okay, this queer western was so fun and totally unexpected.
Flor is a bold outlaw, and Grace is a runaway trans girl trying to start over.
When Flor tries to ransom Grace, they end up bonding and teaming up instead, because Flor has a plan to stop a Confederate scheme, and Grace wants in.
I really loved their banter and how they trusted each other more as the story went on.
It’s got action, heart, and a lovely message about standing up for yourself and others.
Plus, the old western setting is super cool.
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
Aster is a boy who wants to be a witch, but in his world, only girls are allowed to practice magic.
Boys are supposed to be shapeshifters.
But Aster doesn’t feel that way, and honestly? That made me cheer for him even more.
When trouble comes to his family, he knows magic could help and with the support of his new friend Charlie, he decides to follow his heart.
This story is all about being true to yourself, even when others don’t understand.
The art is beautiful, the magic is fun, and I just wanted to give Aster a big hug.
Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm, and Jamie Green
This one was like a teen rom-com mixed with Shakespeare and cute chaos and I loved every second.
Vi is starting over at a new high school and meets Orsino, a moody poet who ropes her into helping plan the school dance.
But Orsino has a crush…on Olivia. And Olivia has a crush on Vi.
Yes, it’s a full-on love triangle (or square?) with mistaken identities, adorable awkwardness, and the most lovable drama.
I really liked how Vi was figuring out her identity while also trying to help her new friends.
It’s hilarious, sweet, and full of heart – kind of like Heartstopper but with way more dance planning.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
This queer graphic novel is about Lady Camembert, who doesn’t want to marry a man but lives in a kingdom where only men can inherit.
So, she disguises herself as a man – Count Camembert – and heads to the capital to start fresh.
But then, she meets Princess Brie (yes, the cheese puns are everywhere and I love it), and sparks start flying.
It’s super cute, funny, and romantic with a great message about being true to yourself.
And seriously all the grilled cheese references made me so hungry. This one’s just pure joy.
Firebird by Sunmi
This book felt really personal and heartfelt.
It follows Caroline and Kim, two queer Asian American teens who feel a little lost in their suburban lives.
They come from different backgrounds but find each other during a time when everything feels confusing.
Their friendship – and maybe something more – starts to grow, and the way they connect felt so raw and real.
The art is simple but powerful, and it just captures all those messy teenage feelings of not fitting in, wanting more, and figuring out who you are.
It’s quiet but full of emotion, and I found myself really moved by their story.
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
Oh, this one’s such a delightful mess in the best way.
Belle (also called Hawkins) is a shy senior who has a crush on Regina, the head cheerleader.
But, Regina’s already dating someone – Chloe.
Regina then convinces Belle to tutor Chloe, hoping it’ll help everyone but then something unexpected happens.
Belle and Chloe start to connect. And honestly, it’s so sweet watching Belle rediscover her past self and see that love doesn’t always show up the way you planned.
It’s funny, romantic, and a total dreamboat of feelings.
I smiled the whole time and may have squealed at the ending.
Boys Weekend by Mattie Lubchansky
This one mixes horror, humor, and social commentary, and it really sticks with you.
Sammie is a transfemme artist who gets invited to a friend’s bachelor party in a wild floating city.
It’s full of toxic masculinity, awkward old friendships, and weird cults – like, actual cults.
Things get terrifying fast, but what really stood out to me was how Sammie deals with the way people treat them.
It’s sharp, dark, funny, and also kind of heartbreaking.
It’s definitely more intense than the others, but it says so much about gender, expectations, and the pressure to fit in.
A lot to think about, but very worth reading.
Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo
This book is a cozy, spooky romance with cowboys and secrets, and I adored it.
Cade is a horror-movie-loving teen who’s sent to work on a ranch for the summer.
At first, he hates it – there’s dirt, early mornings, and no Wi-Fi.
But then he meets Henry, the mysterious and quiet boy who lives there, and things get interesting fast.
They start bonding, and you can feel Cade falling hard.
But Henry has secrets, and Cade’s not sure what’s real.
It’s inspired by Northanger Abbey, but it totally stands on its own.
There’s love, mystery, family struggles, and a beautiful message about finding someone who really sees you.
So tell me – do you think you’re going to give any of these LGBTQ+ graphic novels a chance? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
