Top 10 Best Lesbian Graphic Novels
In many well-known graphic novels, stories about lesbians and their experiences have become essential, touching readers' emotions and starting discussions ... read more...about love, who we are, and how we connect with others. In this look at the 10 best Lesbian Graphic Novels, we'll take a trip through the colorful pages of these influential books. Each of these novels is a powerful example of how stories and art can make a difference for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Alison Bechdel, a well-known American artist who draws cartoons, writes, and creates pictures, is famous for her significant influence on graphic novels and comic books. Her unique book, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, which she wrote in 2006, made her famous with many people. This book wasn't just liked by people who review books, but it also made a lot of money, and it changed how people thought about graphic novels.
In Fun Home, she talks about her life growing up in a funeral home in Pennsylvania. This book mainly talks about her relationship with her father, who was secretly gay, and her own experience of telling people that she is a lesbian.
Fun Home got a lot of awards, and people said great things about it. It earned the Eisner Award for being the best real-life book. It was also in the last round of judging for the Pulitzer Prize in the Biography or Autobiography category. It was a big deal because it was one of the first graphic novels to be so important.
Most people think Fun Home is a fantastic book in the lesbian graphic novel world. It's a book that is sad and beautiful at the same time, and it talks about who people are, their families, and the people they love in a way that's understanding and deep. It's a book Alison Bechdel wrote about her life, and it's a big deal for LGBTQ+ books.Detailed information:
- Author: Alison Bechdel
- Illustrator: Alison Bechdel
- Format: 232 pages, Paperback
- Published: June 8, 2006
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Lumberjanes is a well-liked comic book by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson, and Brooke Allen. It's famous for its LGBTQ+ representation and for emphasizing friendship and teamwork. It started in 2015 and is published by Boom! Studios. It has a dedicated group of fans.
The story takes place at a summer camp called Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types, which is set in the wilderness and has a lot of outdoor adventures. Weird and magical things happen in the woods. The series is about five girls called the Lumberjanes who become close friends at the camp. The main characters are Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley, and each one has their unique personality and strengths.
Noelle Stevenson, who is good at writing and drawing, is well-known for her work in comics and animated shows. Lumberjanes has won awards, including Eisner Awards, for being the best new series and the best publication for teens. It was so popular that it led to the creation of other related series like Gotham Academy/Lumberjanes and Lumberjanes: Beyond Bay Leaf.
The comic is praised for showing solid and diverse female characters in a positive light. While readers of all ages love Lumberjanes, it's especially popular with young adults and middle-grade readers. The series also does a great job of including LGBTQ+ themes and characters, making the medium more welcoming and inclusive.Detailed information:
- Author: N.D. Stevenson
- Illustrator: Brooklyn Allen
- Format: 20 vols
- Published: April 7, 2015
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Kabi Nagata is a Japanese artist and writer known for creating comics and stories about her life. She talks honestly about topics like mental health, who she is, and love. People worldwide appreciate her stories because they are very emotional and honest. Her most well-known lesbian graphic novel is My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness.
Nagata's comics are known for telling the truth about her struggles with mental health. She writes about feeling like she doesn't belong, being unsure of herself, and feeling alone. Her novel gives you a close look at how she tries to find where she fits in and what her purpose is.
In My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, Nagata also talks about love and being true to yourself, especially her journey of understanding that she's attracted to women. This is a big deal because, in some places, people don't understand or accept LGBTQ+ people very well. It has won awards and is liked by many people in Japan and other countries.
My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness is an intense and very emotional graphic novel about discovering who you are, dealing with mental health, and trying to find where you belong. Nagata is brave for sharing her story, and it has made a significant impact on readers, especially those who know what it's like to go through the same things. It's an essential addition to LGBTQ+ literature and comics that tell real-life stories.Detailed information:
- Author: Kabi Nagata
- Illustrator: Kabi Nagata
- Format: 143 pages, Paperback
- Published: January 1, 2016
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Princess Princess Ever After is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Katie O'Neill. It came out in 2012 and is known for being a story that includes everyone and talks about friendship, being okay with who you are, and positively showing LGBTQ+ relationships.
The novel is about two princesses, Amira and Sadie. Amira is brave and adventurous, while Sadie is stuck in a tall tower and wants to find a way out. When Amira saves Sadie, they become close friends and journey together to discover who they are and their freedom.
What's unique about this comic is that it shows a loving relationship between Amira and Sadie, even though they're both princesses. Katie O'Neill drew the pictures, which are full of color and charm, making the characters and places in the story look beautiful.
Katie O'Neill is a well-known comic book writer and artist who tells heartwarming stories and believes in showing different kinds of people in her work.
Princess Princess Ever After is a heartwarming and enjoyable graphic novel. It's different from regular fairy tales because it celebrates friendship and being comfortable with yourself. People like it because it positively shows LGBTQ+ love. It's an essential addition to the growing number of comic books that tell diverse and inclusive stories.Detailed information:
- Author: Kay O'Neill
- Illustrator: Kay O'Neill
- Format: 53 pages, Paperback
- Published: September 1, 2014
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The One Hundred Nights of Hero is a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg. It came out in 2016, and people like it because the story is interesting, the art is different and friendly, and it talks about women and how strong they can be.
The story happens in a world that isn't real, and it's made up of a bunch of smaller stories that are connected. It's about two women, Cherry and Hero. Cherry is married to Jerome, who makes a bet with his friend Manfred that he can make Cherry love him. Hero is Cherry's maid, and they're secretly in love. Hero has to protect Cherry and make sure she doesn't fall for Jerome's tricks for 100 nights. The book talks about love, power, being a man or a woman, and telling stories.
Isabel Greenberg's drawings in the book are unique and look nice. She's from Britain and is known for making comics and drawings that use stories from old times, like myths and history. Her books don't just look good; they also make you think, and that's why people like her comics.
The One Hundred Nights of Hero is not just a pretty book with lovely drawings. It also makes your brain work and thinks about essential things, like how women can be powerful. It's a different kind of book that tells a unique story about love, power, and stories in a world that's made up.Detailed information:
- Author: Isabel Greenberg
- Illustrator: Isabel Greenberg
- Format: 224 pages, Paperback
- Published: September 1, 2016
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Natasha Alterici is a talented person who writes and draws graphic novels. She's well-known for her work in comics that aren't from big publishers. She became famous for her graphic novel series Heathen, which got much attention because it talks about women's rights, LGBTQ+ love, and a different way of viewing old stories from Norse mythology.
Heathen happens in a world resembling the Vikings and their myths. The main character is Aydis, a young warrior woman who gets kicked out of her group because she kissed another woman. Aydis journeys to free Brynhild, a famous warrior woman, from a never-ending curse. Along the way, she meets all sorts of strange creatures and gods, and she has to deal with many challenges.
This novel series started as a self-published project by Natasha Alterici, but it became famous, and a more prominent publisher called Vault Comics decided to publish it. The way Natasha draws in Heathen is unique and moving. She makes the Viking-inspired world come alive, and you can feel the characters' emotions in her drawings.
Heathen mixes Norse mythology, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ love to tell a unique and empowering story. Aydis, the main character, doesn't follow the usual rules of her society, and she shows readers a different way to think about things like who you are, love, and what society expects from you.Detailed information:
- Author: Natasha Alterici
- Illustrator: Ashley A. Woods
- Format: 336 pages, Paperback
- Published: May 17, 2022
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Suzanne Walker's Mooncakes is a beloved lesbian graphic novel that combines heartwarming storytelling with captivating artwork. Created in partnership with artist Wendy Xu, the book debuted in 2019 and quickly garnered acclaim for its engaging narrative and visually stunning illustrations.
This contemporary fantasy graphic novel delves into themes such as magic, chosen family, friendship, and love. It follows Nova Huang, a young witch, and her childhood friend, Tam Lang, a non-binary werewolf. Upon Nova's return to her hometown, they uncover supernatural occurrences and enigmatic riddles. Working together, Nova and Tam embark on a journey to unravel the truth and safeguard their community from looming dark forces.
Suzanne Walker is recognized for her contributions to promoting diversity and inclusion in the comic and graphic novel industry, with Mooncakes as one of her notable works. She is the writer of this acclaimed LGBTQ+ graphic novel, and her collaboration with Wendy Xu results in a compelling story featuring diverse characters and inclusive depictions of LGBTQ+ relationships.
The book has received acclaim from both readers and critics, establishing itself as essential reading for those who appreciate diverse and inclusive graphic novels. Mooncakes seamlessly combines elements of magic and mystery with themes of self-discovery and acceptance, making it a compelling and worthwhile choice for a broad audience.Detailed information:
- Author: Suzanne Walker
- Illustrator: Wendy Xu
- Format: 243 pages, Paperback
- Published: October 22, 2019
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Skim is a graphic novel by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki. It was published in 2008 and has received praise for exploring themes like identity, growing up, and LGBTQ+ representation. The story revolves around a teenage girl named Kimberly Keiko Cameron, who goes by Skim. She's Japanese-Canadian and is dealing with the challenges of high school in the early 1990s. These challenges include issues like mental health, her cultural background, and her feelings about her sexuality.
The novel dives into Skim's thoughts and feelings, making her a character readers can relate to. Skim is trying to figure out where she belongs and who she is in the world. The drawings in the book, done by Jillian Tamaki, are expressive and bring the characters and the setting to life.
Skim is also known for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes. Skim has a romantic relationship with a girl named Lisa, and the book explores what it's like to realize you have feelings for someone of the same sex and come to terms with it.
The novel has won awards and is praised for addressing essential themes like the challenges of growing up, understanding who you are, dealing with mental health, being from a different culture, and exploring spirituality. Mariko Tamaki's storytelling and Jillian Tamaki's art make Skim a significant work in graphic novels.Detailed information:
- Author: Mariko Tamaki
- Illustrator: Jillian Tamaki
- Format: 143 pages, Paperback
- Published: February 28, 2008
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Bingo Love is a graphic novel created by Tee Franklin and brought to life by the artistic talents of Jenn St-Onge, with additional contributions from Joy San. This heartwarming and groundbreaking work made its debut in 2018 and has earned recognition for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters, with a particular focus on older queer women.
Bingo Love tells a heartfelt story about Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray, two African-American women who fell in love as young girls in the 1960s. Society and their families made them keep their love a secret, and they went their separate ways. Decades later, they meet again at a bingo hall and rediscover their passion. The graphic novel explores the challenges, happiness, and sacrifices of being true to yourself and finding love later in life.
Tee Franklin is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusivity in the comic book world. She has actively been part of various efforts, like the #BlackComicsMonth campaign, which aims to highlight Black creators and characters in comics. The colorful and expressive artwork by Jenn St-Onge, with some help from Joy San, beautifully shows the characters' emotions.
Bingo Love is a touching and groundbreaking graphic novel that tells a unique love story and the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly older queer women. It reminds us of the importance of being true to ourselves and the lasting strength of love, even when faced with challenges from society.Detailed information:
- Author: Tee Franklin
- Illustrator: Jenn St-Onge, Joy San, Cardinal Rae
- Format: 92 pages, Paperback
- Published: February 20, 2018
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On a Sunbeam is an engaging webcomic and graphic novel crafted by Tillie Walden, a well-known writer and artist in comics. Initially, it was shared as a webcomic on Walden's website and later published as a graphic novel in 2018, making it available in print.
The story revolves around Mia, a young woman in a distant future. She embarks on an extraordinary journey with a skilled crew of restorers who work on ancient, abandoned buildings suspended in space. The narrative unfolds in two timelines: one is Mia's past at a boarding school, and the other is her present as she collaborates with her crew. The tale combines elements of science fiction, romance, and exploration as Mia unravels the mysteries of the universe and her history.
Tillie Walden's artwork in On a Sunbeam is a piece of art. Her use of color and her intricate, dreamlike illustrations create an immersive and visually captivating experience for readers. The comic has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, artwork, and the emotional depth of its characters. It is also celebrated for its representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships and its exploration of complex emotions and intricate interpersonal dynamics.
On a Sunbeam has made a significant impact in the world of independent comics, and Tillie Walden's work is recognized for its ability to engage readers emotionally and intellectually. This beautifully illustrated and emotionally resonant work, with its mix of science fiction and romance, offers a profound exploration of love, connection, and self-discovery.
Detailed information:
- Author: Tee Franklin
- Illustrator: Jenn St-Onge, Joy San, Cardinal Rae
- Format: 92 pages, Paperback
- Published: February 20, 2018