9 Superb Graphic Novels That Feature LGBTQ Characters

9 Superb Graphic Novels That Feature LGBTQ Characters

Why Read Graphic Novels?

For one thing, they're fast-paced. If you don't have a lot of free time, it might take months to get through a work of classic literature, but you could probably read a graphic novel in one or two sittings. It's also a great idea for artists to keep some comics around, because studying different styles of drawing can help you with your own work. They're also a great way to introduce children to reading. Like picture books, they have illustrations that can help kids figure out what words mean from context clues.

Fun Activities for Comic Fans

• Draw your own comic
• Create a cosplay of your favorite character
• Host a superhero movie night
• Podcast about your favorite series
• Have a board game night
• Make a short film based on your favorite comic
• Embrace your inner child with superhero-themed toys

8 Great Movies Featuring Gay Characters

1. The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
2. Carol (2015)
3. Love, Simon (2018)
4. Pride (2014)
5. Brokeback Mountain (2005)
6. Rent (2005)
7. God's Own Country (2017)
8. Milk (2008)

Non-Profits That Support the LGBTQIA+ Community

Despite the progress made in recent years, many LGBT+ people still face discrimination, rejection, and even violence. If you want to help combat these issues, consider supporting nonprofit organizations like these:

• PFLAG
• The Trevor Project
• GLAD
• Pride At Work
• Family Equality Council
• GLSEN
• Human Rights Campaign
• Transgender Law Center
• GLMA

How to Read a Graphic Novel

In Depth

In recent years, fans of graphic novels have been able to engage with more diverse sets of characters than ever before. With so many new and established authors committed to breaking boundaries, it's no wonder there are so many series out there featuring unforgettable LGBTQ+ characters across the spectrum as well as the binary. If you're looking for a touching read with a diverse cast, here, in no particular order, are some of the best graphic novels out there that feature queer characters.

Starting off the list at #1, we have Jennie Wood's "The Flutter Collection," illustrated by Jeff McComsey. High school is the least of Lily's problems. She has the ability to shapeshift and take any form she wants, including that of teen heartthrob and quarterback Jesse. But even though being a boy might make it easier to win the heart of the girl she likes, she discovers it's not all it's cracked up to be. This imaginative work dives into the world of a teen exploring the limits of gender and sexuality in enchanting, surprising ways.

In the #2 slot is "Heroines" by Ted Naifeh. From the creator of "How Loathsome" comes this story about a feisty aspirant superhero named Marcy who just wants to create her own super team. The problem is, when you post a Craigslist ad to find a group of feminist superheroines, you're not always guaranteed to like what you get. But even if these fierce fighters don't see eye to eye at first, they're still the universe's best shot at salvation.

The problem is, when you post a Craigslist ad to find a group of feminist superheroines, you're not always guaranteed to like what you get.

At #3, we have Keezy Young's "Taproot." Blue is having a tough time adjusting to the afterlife. For one thing, he's still in love with Hamal, a skilled gardener who, apparently, can see ghosts. As the two try to move their relationship forward, Blue realizes that Hamal's gift could end up exposing him to harm. Will the lovers have to part to keep each other safe, or will their connection to one another prove too strong even in the face of death?

At #4 is "Kim Reaper" by Sarah Graley. College student Kim has a side gig as a grim reaper. Her task of helping souls find and adjust to the afterlife seems pretty awesome at first. But when a co-ed named Becka starts crushing on Kim, the two end up going on a first date that's a little more intense than most. If they can make it out of the underworld alive, maybe they'll be able to make it to date #2.

Coming in at #5 is Ngozi Ukazu's "Check, Please!" Bitty is amazing at almost everything he sets his mind to, from figure skating to pastry baking. When he signs up for the college hockey team as a lowly Freshman, however, he's in for a rude awakening. At least the coach is super cute, if a bit intense. This sweet, brightly-illustrated story of young love is a playful, curious, and heartwarming read for anyone who's ever felt like a fish out of water.

At least the coach is super cute, if a bit intense.

For #6 we get "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel. Cartoonist Bechdel had a stranger childhood than most. For one thing, her family ran a funeral home. For another, her father was hit by a truck and killed when she was in college. As Bechdel pieces together her past, she's able to tell a richly layered story of trauma, family ties, and the people in our lives who are the hardest to know. Mixing the narrative of the author's own coming out with her father's hidden gay identity, "Fun Home" takes the art of the autobiography to a truly transcendent level.

At #7 is Alex de Campi's "Twisted Romance." In these tales of love and longing, folks of all genders and body types end up falling for the wrong people, dealing with rejection, and facing loss. From a lovelorn vampire seeking a soulmate to a photographer's assistant falling hard for a model, these stories run the emotional gamut from sweet to sad to sexy.

In the #8 slot is "Ringside" by Joe Keatinge, illustrated by Nick Barber. In the world of pro wrestling, image is everything. Dan Knossos left the game long ago, but he's still got ties to the tough, brutal world of the sport. When he gets a call from his ex-boyfriend, an addict who owes some rough characters a lot of money, he knows he has to help. As Dan struggles with present conflicts and past decisions, he has to find a way to make peace with everything he's done, and has refused to do, for love.

As Dan struggles with present conflicts and past decisions, he has to find a way to make peace with everything he's done, and has refused to do, for love.

Last, at #9, is "Archival Quality" by Ivy Noelle Weir, illustrated by Steenz. Most people might find the Logan Museum creepy, with its exterior decked out in human skulls. That doesn't bother Celeste, who works there as an archivist. But Cel's new job is a bit unusual. She can only work in the dead of night, and she keeps having dreams about an entrancing young woman who's in danger. Can Cel find the girl of her dreams and help her escape, or will she end up getting in too deep?