Whether you’re looking for fantasy worlds, awkward workplace crushes, supernatural chaos, or something steamier, LGBTQ+ graphic novels have never had more variety.
The complex combinations of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance within these books make them all the more engaging. These eight graphic novels have stuck due to their memorable characters, interesting settings, and brilliant illustrations.
Delve into these graphic novels, where you're sure to encounter places and characters you’ll struggle to forget.
Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! Volume 1
Sal Jiang’s novel explores the complexities within a same-sex workplace romance. Ayaka, a junior employee, is completely in love with her boss, Hiroko. She alters her appearance and abandons her past professionalism to confess her love. Hiroko, closeted at work, disregards Ayaka’s moves despite their mutual unspoken attraction.
Later adapted into a television drama, Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko! balances vulnerable, emotional topics with comedic execution that leaves readers wanting more.
Bride of Ignat, Volume 1
Moyori Mori’s award-winning graphic novel follows Rita, a lonely, young boy unable to hold a useful role in his village. Determined to make a difference, Rita sets out to find a dragon during a freezing snowstorm. He believes that becoming the Dragon's Bride is the key to saving his village, but his hopes are dashed when he finds the beautiful Ignat, a dragon in human form, who promptly rejects him.
In this moving story of a non-human marriage, however, Rita refuses to give up until he learns the secret of the ritual to turn humans into dragons. Rita and Ignat’s unconventional relationship follows paths of rejection, secrets, and determination, challenging their beliefs of love.
Nagi & Hayasaki
In this comedic and heartfelt enemies-to-lovers graphic novel, class president Hayasaki is determined and organized persona. Nagi, on the other hand, is known for his mischievous "class clown” personality. Their arguments and tensions eventually shift toward a romantic (and steamy) relationship.
Shinjuku 69 Heaven, Volume 1
Unohana’s enticing novel follows Kutani, a sex-industry reporter, and Hiromu, a sex worker. Kutani, after hiring Hiromu for an inside report, finds himself intrigued by Hiromu’s charisma and even considers breaking his rule to see him again.
Lines are blurred even further between professional and romantic when Kutani’s next assignment leads him to share an apartment with a supposed perfect stranger, which turns out to be Hiromu. Their complex relationship continues with Volume 2, which is set to publish in November.
Strangers in Paradise Omnibus Volume 1
Terry Moore’s graphic novel follows an intense love triangle between Katchoo, Francine, and David. Katchoo’s initial love is with her best friend Francine. David, on the other hand, is determined to get Katchoo to fall in love with him.
The trio’s so-called "picture perfect life” dramatically shifts when Katchoo learns she owes a ton of money. Their relationships switch to paths of mistakes and mayhem, challenging what they thought they knew about each other.
The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos Volume 1
From New York Times bestselling writers James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal comes teenage mad scientist Christopher Chaos. Christopher’s unusual intelligence leaves him isolated from his schoolmates. Yet when a cute boy, Christopher’s crush, undergoes a transformation and turns out to be a deadly creature, he finds himself hunted by a strange cult. It's up to Christopher to use his abnormal skills to protect the ones he cares for, now that he knows he’s not so alone.
