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Graphic Novels with Positive LGBTQ+ Representation

by Richard Howlett

• Published 02/02/2023

To mark the start of LGBT+ History Month, I thought I would take a look at LGBTQ+ representation in one of my favourite mediums, comic books!

I’ve read a lot of comic books and graphic novels over the years, but lately I have come to appreciate those that make the effort to include a more diverse cast of characters, and so I thought I would share a few of my favourite comics and graphic novels that feature LGBTQ+ representation in one form or another.

There are thousands of books out there that could fit onto this list, but I only wanted to share books that I myself have read and enjoyed, and therefore could honestly recommend. They are in no particular order, and hopefully there is something here for everyone!

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

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Available Here

Now a popular Netflix drama, this series probably needs no introduction.

Heartstopper is essentially a teen romance between two male lead characters. Charlie is gay and falls hard for Nick, while Nick doesn’t yet know what to label himself, but soon develops unexpected feelings for Charlie.

This book covers love, friendship, and mental illness, while also managing to represent lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans characters, all wrapped up in the most warm and supportive of writing.

I would genuinely support this series being taught in high schools, as it demonstrates support and acceptance in the best way possible. It is a tough read at times when we delve into some of the mental health topics, but none of it ever feels sensationalised by writer Alice Oseman.

Barbalien: Red Planet by Jeff Lemire, Tate Brombal and Gabriel Walta

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Available Here

The Martian Mark Markz has made his home on Earth disguised as an American police officer, but his Martian identity isn’t the only thing he is hiding. In the midst of the AIDS crisis we follow Mark as he discovers where he fits in, battling both prejudice and an enemy from his past along the way.

This book spins out of the Black Hammer series, so you will get more out of it if you acquaint yourself with that first, but I think it can also stand alone as its own self-contained story.

It is a pretty emotional read at times, but I thought it was handled well and it left me contemplating it for a long while after.

Thieves by Lucie Bryon

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Available Here

This book was an absolute joy to read, and probably my favourite on this list!

Thieves tells the story of a queer teen romance between two kleptomaniac teenagers, and it is just as much fun as it sounds!

The friendships and relationships all feel natural, organic, and sincere, with characters that are very easy to love.

The art is gorgeous too, with an incredible changing colour palette, and some clever use of imagery as metaphors for their emotions.

Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill

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Available Here

This one is not strictly about a specific LGBTQ+ character or relationship as such, but any and all relationships are just accepted instantly within these pages with no shock, no questions, and no antagonists.

Kay O’Neill themself uses the they/them pronouns, and so I think this level of acceptance was important for them to include here.

The Tea Dragon series is a quiet and lovely fantasy story told over three books that is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Plus the artwork is just beautiful to look at!

Isola by Brenden Fletcher and Karl Kerschl

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Available Here

For something a bit different, then take a look at this fantasy adventure story about a soldier out to reverse an evil spell put on her Queen. The fact that there is queer representation here is simply a bonus!

These types of tales are usually always about a heterosexual male setting out to save a heterosexual female, so to follow the two female leads through this story while we discover more about their relationship made it a refreshing take on a classic idea.

Joe Hill’s Rain by David M Booher and Zoe Thorogood

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Available Here

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, Honeysuckle Speck finds both love and acceptance, as well as hate and bigotry. Her relationship with girlfriend Yolanda is strong and beautiful, but their world is torn apart as solid crystal needles rain down from the sky.

This isn’t one that I expected to come away from thinking about relationships and bigotry, I just thought it was going to be yet another post-apocalyptic vision akin to something like the Walking Dead, when really the terror that is going on in the world is merely a backdrop to Honeysuckle’s discovery of what love really is.

Young Avengers by Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung

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All photos courtesy of @comicsvstheworld on Instagram

Available Here

If you’re into the Marvel films but have never tried reading the comics, then this could be a good series to try! It features a mysterious cast of young heroes that seemingly pop up out of nowhere and have powers similar to the Avengers.

The reason that this series makes it onto this list is because of the relationship between Billy and Teddy, a beautiful gay relationship that you can watch blossom over multiple series and events within the Marvel universe.

If you have read any of these then I’d love to hear your thoughts, or if you can recommend any other LGBTQ+ graphic novels then I’d love to hear those too!