15 insanely good lgbtq+ graphic novels you should check out immediately

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Recently updated on May 17th, 2024 at 10:39 am

Looking for lgbtq+ graphic novels? Here are 15 enthralling lgbtq+ graphic novels you will actually be obsessed with

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

I am a HUGE Graphic novel fan. Working full time is stressful and time-consuming. So I often don’t have the time to read very much.  Graphic novels are easy to read and you can often finish them in one sitting.  They also deal with real world issues in a way that is easier to digest.

But graphic novels are so hit and miss. Some are well done with creative artwork and great storytelling. But others are disappointing. So as a graphic novel lover, I’ve compiled the best lgbtq+ graphic novels.

Whether you’re looking for wlw graphic novels, mlm graphic novels or lgbtq graphic novels for middle grade – I’ve got you covered. Hopefully, after reading this post you will have so many more new books on your tbr list.

This post is all about lgbtq+ graphic novels

Read these graphic novels here:

You can find many of these book on Scribd. Scribd is amazing  – it’s an e-book and audiobook subscription service.

The membership is £10.99. And for that amount you can read as many books and listen to as many audiobook as you want. They also offer a free trial for 30 days.

This isn’t sponsored or an affiliate link. I am just a fan of Scribd.

The best lgbtq+ graphic novels

1. The LumberJanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson

Lumberjanes is an adorable, lighthearted graphic novel series. It contains a diverse group of queer characters. But the focus isn’t romance.

The graphic comic book series follows five pals at a summer camp. They are determined to have an incredible summer and not let supernatural critters or quests get in their way.

The incredible drawings instantly connected me to the characters in the books.

The first novel opens with a bang and the plot engaged me. The graphic novel format and short length make them easy to read. If you’re looking for light-hearted queer graphic novels then you should pick this up.

Good reads rating: 4.03

2. Fence  by C.S Pacat and Johanna the Mad

I read Fence on Scribd. The graphic comic book series follows Nicolas Cox. He’s the illegitimate son to an  Olympic Champion fencer. And he is determined to make it as a fencer.

But the fencing world is uber competitive and he’s an outsider. He signs up for a competition. But he’s put head-to-head with a fencing prodigy.

I consumed this series so quickly. I could not put it down. The characters are so likeable. Especially Nicolas! And I was so invested in Nicolas making the fencing team. Nicolas and Seiji also have a great potential ‘enemies to lovers’ romance.

 I always feel a strong emotional connection to the characters in graphic novels. But I especially loved the artwork in Fence. Johanna the Mad is insanely talented and created a real atmosphere through the artwork.

Graphic novels are easy to read. But this is especially binge-worthy. The found family, diverse cast and school setting make this a perfect choice if you’re looking for graphic novels or books like Heartstopper.

Good reads rating: 3.98

3. Laura Dean Keeps breaking up with me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero O’Connell

Laura Dean keeps breaking up with me is a graphic novel about a toxic relationship. Reading about a toxic relationship rather than a cute romance is refreshing in a sapphic novel.

We follow Freddy Riley. And all Freddy wants is for Laura Dean to stop breaking up with her.

Laura Dean is popular, funny and charming. But she can also be thoughtless. Their on-again off-again relationship has all Freddy’s friends frustrated.

I have mixed feeling about this graphic novel. So many people I know absolutely love this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the diversity is excellent.

And I also love the exploration of toxic relationships. It was well  done and it showed the impact a toxic relationship can have on your mental health.

But I found the characters to lack emotional depth  and I found it hard to emotionally connect with them. The storyline was also a bit all over the place.

Overall however, I think this is worth reading. It’s a quick, easy read. It’s an LGBTQ+ YA Graphic novel with beautiful illustrations and a diverse cast. Those elements make it a good choice for Heartstopper fans. And It’s an excellent book for education a YA audience on toxic relationships.

Good reads rating: 3.93

4. The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill

Searching for diverse lgbtq+ graphic novels? Then you need to read some of Kay O’Neill’s work. These cozy fairytales feature magical graphics and adorable characters. Plus the concept of tea dragons is unique.

The Tea Dragon Society is about dragons who grow leaves you can make tea from. But the tea is infused with memories.

We follow Greta a blacksmith apprentice. One day she finds a lost tea dragon in the marketplace. Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners.

This book is adorable, impossibly cute and heart-warming.  The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and painfully adorable.

  Not only is it a beautiful book with a lovely message. But it stars people of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ characters. ( If you enjoyed Tea Dragon Society then check out this post for even more LGBTQ+ Books for tweens)

Good reads rating: 4.37

5. Princess Princess Ever After by Kay O’Neill

This is an adorable sapphic fairytale, in the form of a graphic novel. I would have loved this book growing up. The illustrations are beautiful and enchanting.

Princes Princess ever after is about two princesses who fall in love. We follow Sadie who is locked in a tower. She is rescued by another princess -Amira. Also, Amira rides a pink unicorn.  It’s just as queer and lovely as it sounds.

This is such a comforting book to read. It deals with some important topics such as feminism, equality and abusive relationships. But it does it in such a lighthearted way.

This is insanely adorable and a quick read. You can buy the absolutely beautiful hardcover from Amazon -get it here.

Good reads rating: 4.08

6. Heavy Vinyl by Carly Usdin, Nina Vakueva

Heavy Vinyl is an incredible graphic novel series about a group of ladies working in a record store and fighting the patriarchy. And it’s fantastic!

We follow Chris. She starts working at her local record store. But her co-workers are keeping something from her.  They’re all members of a secret fight club who fight crime.

It features a f/f couples, an all girl fighting club and a 90s setting. The art style is awesome. Plus the found family trope works well. And the banter between co-workers is hilarious.

It’s definitely more of a light-hearted ‘slice of life;’ type read. So if you’re looking for an action-packed adventure book then this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for some light-hearted escapism then Heavy Vinyl is for you.

Good reads rating: 4.01

7. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

Fan of cozy fantasy? You’ll love this LGBTQ+ YA graphic novel. It features a cute romance between a witch and non-binary werewolf. The low-stakes storyline make this a comforting read.

It follows teen witch Nova. She works at her Nana’s magical bookshop. And she helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  Together they investigate the demon and rekindle their feelings towards each other.

This is such a comfort read. The artwork is insanely beautiful. I loved the illustrations of the magic and magical creatures living in the forest. The romance is also adorable.

The story isn’t fast-paced and action packed. We also don’t find out much about the characters background. But it’s such a quick, cute and light-hearted read that I don’t think it matters. It also deals with serious topics like loss and difficult family relationships well.

Good reads rating: 3.85

8. The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sigh

A wholesome lgbtq+ graphic novel. Fan of Heartstopper, The Tea Dragon Society or the LumberJanes? You’ll love this graphic novel series. It features an mlm romance and found family.

We follow Jory. He transfers to an all-boys private high school. But at first he’s not happy at the school. Until he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid –  the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers.

The backstagers are a group of students who help backstage at plays. He makes great, lifetime friends. But he is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain.

This is such a light-hearted, easy read. It’s fairly short and the graphic style makes it easy to read pretty quickly.  The romance was a bit insta-lovey. But it’s such a wholesome read that it doesn’t matter. If you have a train journey this would be the perfect length read.

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

9. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper is a bestselling LGBTQ+ YA book. And the most popular queer graphic novel on this list. This friends-to-lovers romance is set in a high school. It touches on coming out, bisexuality, and homophobia.

The book series follows Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. Charlie Spring is an openly gay student in year 10.  And he meets Nick Nelson a soft-hearted rugby player in year 11.  They quickly become friends. But could there be something more?

Alice Oseman wrote and illustrated the graphic novel series. She is insanely talented. And she secured her first publishing deal at just 17 years old!

The graphics are stunning!  Seeing the characters faces means you can feel their emotions while reading it. And it’s also an excellent choice if you’re in a reading slump or just getting back into reading. Graphic novels are easy to read. And this is a light-hearted read.

Good reads rating: 4.52

10. Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

One of the top lgbtq+ graphic novels you should read is Nimona. It’s an adorable lgbtq+ fantasy graphic novels with dragons, shape-shifters and brilliant characters.

It follows Nimona and Lord Ballister Blackheart. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter who becomes a sidekick to Lord Blackheart. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. Their mission is to prove that Sir Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren’t the heroes everyone thinks they are.

Nimona is an incredible graphic novel. The storyline kept me hooked and I binge-read this in one sitting. The plot is action-packed and full of twists. The humour was excellent. And the banter between the characters is genuinely very funny.

If you enjoy reading books about villains or morally grey characters then you need to pick this up. Nimona is so delightfully evil in such a charming way.  The artwork is beautiful and makes this easy to read in one sitting.

Good Reads Rating: 4.15

11. On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

A profound and moving queer graphic novel. The emotional storyline will leave you in tears. It also executes the found family trope perfectly.

We follow Mia. She joins a team in the deepest reaches of space who rebuild broken-down structures. As a new member, she gets to know her team. It also flashes back to her pivotal year in boarding school, where she fell in love with a mysterious new student.

This has such a creative concept and world. The graphic novel format worked perfectly and helped to bring it to life.  The storyline is non-linear. Flashbacks of Mia’s experience at boarding school are woven into the plot. Non-linear storylines are quite hit and miss for me. But it worked perfectly . And it merged together well at the end.

Searching for an emotional graphic novel? Then this graphic novel is 100% worth picking up. The emotional story will have you in tears by the end.

Good Reads Rating: 4.30

12. Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau

Bloom is a heartwarming graphic novel. It follows two soft queer characters baking and falling in love. This cute, love stakes graphic novel is ideal if you want a comfort read.

We follow Ari. He is dying to move to the city with his hip band. If he can persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their family bakery.

But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom . . . that is, if Ari doesn’t ruin everything.

The simple art style and colour palette are beautiful. And the graphics bring the cute romance to life. The bakery makes an adorable, cozy setting for a graphic novel. A light-hearted coming-of-age story with a cute romance.

Good Reads Rating: 3.92

13. The Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag

The Girl From the Sea is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale of a romance with a selkie. It also touches on friendship and environmental activism. The stunning artwork brings this moving tale to life.

We follow fifteen-year-old Morgan. She can’t wait to escape the little Island where she lives. She’s desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends…who don’t understand Morgan at all.

Morgan’s biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.

Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn’t seem so stifling anymore.

Good Reads Rating: 4.14

14. The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag

The Witch Boy is an adorable middle-grade graphic novel about identity, family and magic. It challenges gender constructs but still remains a fun, magical story. The beautiful graphic novel style brings this to life, ideal for fans of Nimona.

We follow thirteen-year-old Aster. In Aster’s family, all the girls are raised to be witches. And the boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled.

Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn’t shifted . . . and he’s still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help — as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

Good Reads Rating: 4.21

15. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

The Magic fish is a beautiful fairytale retelling. It discusses many complex topics such as coming out, immigration and love. The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful.

Tiến loves his family and his friends…but Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.

Real life isn’t a fairytale.

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It’s hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn’t even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he’s going through?

Is there a way to tell them he’s gay?

Good Reads Rating: 4.51

This post was all about lgbtq+ graphic novels

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