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Heartstopper has sparked a significant trend, bringing a wave of queer romance graphic novels alongside more introspective graphic memoirs this spring. Notably, acclaimed YA author Marissa Meyer steps into the graphic novel arena for the first time.
Here’s a look at some of the top anticipated titles in the genre:
Top 10 Graphic Novels
Blades of Furry
By Deya Muniz and Emily Erdos. LB Ink, May 13 ($32.99, ISBN 978-0-316-45983-9; $21.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-45993-8)
This exciting webtoon series blends sports romance with fantasy, showcasing anthropomorphic skaters who engage in fierce competitions while exploring their relationships off the rink. Targeted for readers aged 13 to 17.
Everyone Sux but You
By K. Wroten. Holt, May 20 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-82166-9; $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-82167-6)
Wroten, a Lambda Award recipient, delivers a heartfelt exploration of a queer romance between punk enthusiasts navigating life in a small town. Suitable for teens ages 14 to 18.
The Flip Side
By Jason Walz. Rocky Pond, Apr. 22 ($25.99, ISBN 978-0-593-61799-1; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-61801-1)
This graphic novel presents a poignant depiction of grieving adolescents in a world turned upside down, praised for its impactful storytelling and imaginative premise. Recommended for ages 12 to 18.
Hey, Mary!
By Andrew Wheeler and Rye Hickman. Oni, Apr. 15 ($17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63715-638-4)
This narrative follows Catholic teenager Mark as he grapples with his identity, consulting historical figures and drag performers to reconcile his faith with his sexuality. Aimed at ages 13 to 17.
Hourglass
By Barbara Mazzi. Silver Sprocket, Mar. 26 ($15.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-88620-062-1)
Set in a steampunk universe, this tale explores class divides and an ill-fated attraction between a rich immortal and a working-class individual entrapped by a contraption. Suitable for readers aged 14 to 18.
Raised by Ghosts
By Briana Loewinsohn. Fantagraphics, Feb. 4 ($18.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-8750-0050-8)
This semi-autobiographical story interweaves diary-style entries and emotional graphics, casting a nostalgic gaze at the human longing for connection, appealing to readers aged 14 and older.
Soul Machine
By Jordana Globerman. Annick, June 3 ($24.99, ISBN 978-1-77321-958-5; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77321-959-2)
In a reality where souls are crafted by hand, Chloe challenges a corporate push towards artificial materials in a quest for authenticity. Suitable for readers ages 12 to 18.
Strange Bedfellows
By Ariel Slamet Ries. HarperAlley, Mar. 4 ($26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-315809-2; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-315808-5)
Recognized for its luminous storytelling, Ries’s futuristic comic navigates the intricacies of love through the experiences of a trans teen. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
You Belong Here
By Sara Phoebe Miller and Morgan Beem. First Second, Mar. 4 ($25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-82231-4; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-82230-7)
A college-bound senior finds herself entangled in a love triangle, creating tension between past relationships and current challenges with family dynamics. Targeted at ages 14 to 18.
We Could Be Magic
By Marissa Meyer and Joelle Murray. Feiwel and Friends, June 3 ($25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-80687-1; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-80687-1)
Meyer’s debut graphic novel sets the stage for a magical romance within the vibrant backdrop of a theme park, where aspirations clash with reality. Aimed at readers aged 12 to 18.
Younger Age Group Titles
Blast Off
Immerse yourself in a collection of comics that follow adventurous young astronomers and their encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
Astronautical!
By Brooklin Stormie. Annick, May 27 ($24.99, ISBN 978-1-77321-941-7; $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-77321-942-4)
Follow two brothers from the planet Zephyr who journey through the cosmos on a steampunk spacecraft in search of their missing father. Intended for ages 8 to 12.
The Big Tournament (Magda, Intergalactic Chef #1)
By Nicolas Wouters and Mathilde Van Gheluwe. Graphic Universe, Apr. 1 ($15.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-7656-4322-8)
Join a moon-born chef as she enters an extraordinary cooking competition, navigating corruption along the way. Aimed at ages 10 to 14.
Cosmo Park
By Madeleine Finlay. Flying Eye, June 3 ($25.99, ISBN 978-1-83874-934-7; $15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-83874-130-3)
This engaging graphic nonfiction work provides insights into astronomy and physics through an imaginative theme park journey. Suitable for ages 7 to 11.
Deeply Dave
By Michael Grover. Holt, June 10 ($14.99, ISBN 978-1-250-33103-8)
This award-nominated comic features a young boy exploring the ocean in hopes of retrieving his mother’s lost spaceship. Aimed at ages 8 to 12.
Flash Gordon: The Girl from Infinity
By Marguerite Bennett and Bev Johnson. Papercutz, May 20 ($17.99, ISBN 978-1-5458-1898-5; $12.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5458-1838-1)
Reimagining the iconic character Flash as a female hero, this story unveils her journey to recover her memory and defeat an oppressive ruler. Recommended for ages 10 to 14.
The Floofs Reach for the Stars
By Penelope O’Neill. Quarto/Lincoln, Apr. 15 ($15.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-7112-9835-4)
This charming tale follows the floofs on their adventures as they seek answers about celestial phenomena. Suitable for ages 6 to 8.
The Luna Sisters Battle for the Moon Blossom
By Dan Yaccarino. Holiday House, Apr. 15 ($14.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-5637-6)
Sisters from opposite sides of the moon must collaborate to save a cherished flower from a hungry goat amidst their sibling rivalry. Targeted at ages 4 to 8.
Night Light
By Michael Emberley. Holiday House, Apr. 15 ($14.99, ISBN 978-0-8234-5816-5)
This heartwarming story highlights a family’s effort to bring light into their child’s life during a sudden blackout using the stars. Aimed at ages 4 to 8.
Space Chasers
By Leland Melvin, Joe Caramagna, and Alison Acton. First Second, Feb. 4 ($22.99, ISBN 978-1-250-78277-9; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-78276-2)
In this imaginative series, astronaut Melvin mentors a group of young explorers selected for a space program, tackling challenges among the stars. Aimed at ages 10 to 14.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures Phase III—Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone
By Daniel Jose Older et al. Dark Horse, June 24 ($19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-50674-790-3)
As the Jedi fight back against the Nihil forces, a group of young knights plays a pivotal role in the ongoing struggle. Targeted for ages 8 and up.
This overview highlights a growing demand for diverse and enriching narratives in the graphic novel landscape, particularly for younger audiences. With themes spanning love, identity, and adventure, these titles reflect the evolving storytelling dynamics in contemporary graphic literature.
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