Comics have always been an important place for people to express themselves, both as creators and readers. Since it’s Pride month, I figured I would take the opportunity to highlight some of my favorite recent stories by queer creators, or featuring queer characters (or both!). So, here’s my list of some stories to add to your reading pile for Pride month and beyond. Enjoy!
Grand Slam Romance by Ollie Hicks & Emma Oosterhous
A queer rom-com about softball with a magical-girl twist! Mickey Monsoon is the star pitcher for the Belle City Broads, and is set to make a perfect sweep of the league this season. But when their mysterious ex shows up playing for the rival team, the drama really starts to ramp up! Betrayal, wild parties, and a stolen pony, this queer/sapphic rom-com-drama is the perfect blend of serious and silly. I know nothing about sports, but loved the high-tension competition between all of the characters. The art is amazing, and the expressions of every character bring life to the drama and comedy in every page. And if you like this story, volume 2 is already out (with a third on the way!)
A Quick & Easy Guide Series by Various
This is a fantastic series covering a wide range of subjects included under the umbrella of gender and sexuality. From identity to consent, these books are an accessible tool that makes learning (or teaching) these topics easy and fun! Each book is tackled by creators knowledgeable in their field, and illustrated with fun graphics and anecdotes that make even difficult subjects easily digestible. Whether you have questions about something specific, or just want to broaden your horizons, these books are a great (and fun!) place to start learning!
A love triangle…. With only two people?! How is that possible? Aspiring fashion designer Chiaki is striving to fulfill his dream of designing a punk outfit worthy of his idol; a model named Ai. But when he’s paired with Enaga (an unfashionable slacker) for a contest with a chance to create something to be featured in a real fashion show, he quickly learns that his classmate might not be what he seems. On top of this, Chiaki runs into Ai in a club, sparking a social affair full of public drama and a steep learning curve for the both of them. This book is packed full of longing and tension, with the message of self-acceptance and learning to be honest about who you are. A touching story with a unique twist that I really enjoyed, I highly recommend this punk BL drama for anyone looking for something a little different.
The Strange Case of Harleen & Harley by Melissa Marr & Jenn St-Onge
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are queer staples of the DC universe, but this comic brings a unique take to their story. A teenage Harleen Quinzel was just forced to move out of Gotham, and away from her girlfriend Pamela, because of a dumb mistake (that wasn’t even her fault). Because gas is expensive, Harleen decides to take a job at an experimental research firm in order to see Pam more often. Not wanting her girlfriend to be a guinea pig alone, Pam also signs up for the program, and both girls undergo different (seemingly harmless) experimental procedures. Harleen’s seems to have an odd side effect though, as her normal meek and anxious persona is temporarily replaced with a bombastic and bubbly “Harley”. Along with this change, the girls find out that the experiments might not be as harmless as they originally thought, and other people might be in danger! With the help of some powerful new “friends”, Harley and Ivy try to take out the lab and save the day. A fun new take on the story of Harley and Ivy in a self-contained graphic novel that’s great for both long time fans and new readers wanting to learn more about the characters.
The Question All Along the Watchtower by Alex Segura & Cian Tormey
I’ve always been a fan of The Question (Both Vic Sage and Renee Montoya) and this book has everything I’ve come to expect and love from a Question story. With the founding of the new Justice League Unlimited, and the creation of a new Watchtower, the League needs someone trustworthy to keep an eye on things. That’s where Renee Montoya (a.k.a. The Question) comes in, as the freshly appointed sheriff of the Watchtower. But Renee’s new job isn’t off to the best start. Mysterious attacks, old villains resurfacing, and heroes turning against each other, it’s going to take all Renee has to keep the Watchtower from falling apart. She doesn’t need to do it alone however, Batwoman, Blue Beetles, and Animal Man (among others), are here to help! A great new start to The Question mythos, this is a good jumping on point for people who are interested in the character, or fans who just want more Question.
Each time I make these lists, I think about all of the stories I leave off. So I challenge you to read beyond the list, and find more stories that appeal to you. Remember, comics are for everybody, and I’m sure you’ll find something for you if you look. Or, you can ask your friendly neighborhood Graham Crackers employee and they can help steer you in the right direction!