Heartstopper certainly started something: queer romance is hopping this spring, along with more serious graphic memoir. Plus, YA bestseller Marissa Meyer makes her graphic novel debut.

Top 10

Blades of Furry

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 popular webtoon sports-romance series features anthropomorphic skaters who battle in the rink—and fall for each other off ice. Ages 13–17.

Everyone Sux but You

K. Wroten. Holt, May 20 ($27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-82166-9; $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-82167-6)

Lambda Award winner Wroten’s first graphic novel for young adults chronicles a queer romance between a pair of mosh pit–loving teen punks in a small town. Ages 14–18.

The Flip Side

Jason Walz. Rocky Pond, Apr. 22 ($25.99, ISBN 978-0-593-61799-1;
$17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-
593-61801-1)

Walz portrays grieving teens in
an upside-down world in this “emotionally resonant” graphic novel with “a high-concept, speculative premise,” per PW’s review. Ages 12–18.

Hey, Mary!

Andrew Wheeler and Rye Hickman. Oni, Apr. 15 ($17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63715-638-4)

When Catholic teen Mark realizes he’s queer, he queries a drag performer, Joan of Arc, Michelangelo, and St. Sebastian about how to reconcile his identity and his faith. Ages 13-17.

Hourglass

Barbara Mazzi. Silver Sprocket, Mar. 26 ($15.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-88620-062-1)

In this steampunk fable, an hourglass rules over a class-divided society, and a privileged immortal finds herself drawn to a worker trapped in the machine. Ages 14–18.

Raised by Ghosts

Briana Loewinsohn. Fantagraphics, Feb. 4 ($18.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-8750-0050-8)

Indie cartoonist Loewinsohn’s semi-autobiographical tale blends diary entries and evocative comics into a “wistful search for connection,” per PW’s starred review. Ages 14 and up.

Soul Machine

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 world where souls are hewn by hand, young Chloe faces an existential dilemma when a corporation pushes her to substitute fake materials. Ages 12–18.

Strange Bedfellows

Ariel Slamet Ries. HarperAlley, Mar. 4 ($26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-315809-2; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-315808-5)

According to PW’s starred review, Ignatz winner Ries’s futuristic comic featuring a trans teen is “a luminous love story.” Ages 13 and up.

You Belong Here

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 torn between her ex-boyfriend and a complicated crush who is tied to her recovering addict brother’s drug dealer. Ages 14–18.

We Could Be Magic

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)

Bestseller Meyer’s graphic novel debut sets romance in a theme park, where a voluptuous teen auditions as a princess but gets assigned to a taco stand. Ages 12–18.


Young Adult Comics & Graphic Novels Longlist

Abrams Fanfare

Alanna (Song of the Lioness #1) by Tamora Pierce, Vita Ayala, and Sam Beck (May 13, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-4197-6558-2; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4197-6557-5) adapts the bestselling prose fantasy series about a young noblewoman in the kingdom of Tortall who sneaks into knight training by dressing as a boy. Ages 12–16.

Andrews McMeel

Jalisco and Santa (Latina Superheroes #1) by Kayden Phoenix (June 10, $22.99, ISBN 978-1-5248-9259-3; $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5248-9258-6). Everyday Latina heroines striving to right the wrongs of an unjust society are the stars of this series launch. Ages 14–16.

Boom! Box

S.I.R. by Fell Hound (June 3, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-89215-361-4). A passion for motorcycle jousting brings together former sweethearts Avery and Nico in this queer biker romance. Ages 13 and up.

Candlewick

Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs and Andrew Eakett (May 13, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5362-1923-4). Gender nonconformity across history gets a graphic explainer, with profiles of notable figures and activists including Roman emperor Elagabalus, 17th-century conquistador Antonio de Erauso, and Stonewall uprising leader Marsha P. Johnson. Ages 12–18.

Dark Horse

Duck and Cover by Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque (Mar. 11, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-50673-497-2). In an alternate version of 1955 America, school kids who ducked under their desks are the only survivors of a nuclear attack—and must form a new society run entirely by young people. Ages 12 and up.

Reversal by Alex De Campi and Skylar Partridge (Mar. 18, $24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-50673-178-0). Plucky sixth grader Tré Grant happens upon an artifact that might prove the key to reversing the siege of monsters on her city, if she takes up the mission. Ages 12 and up.

Welcome to the Maynard by James Robinson and J. Bone (July 22, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-50674-491-9). The Hotel Maynard hosts magicians and witches, and the staff are trained in supernatural arts—including Pip, a newbie bellhop who does double duty as the inn’s sleuth. Ages 16 and up.

Feiwel and Friends

Evil-ish by Kennedy Tarrell (July 22, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-83996-1; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-83995-4). Potion brewer Hawthorne Vandercast wants to skip town and join the evil Brigade of Shade but gets tripped up by a local Pollyanna named Maple. Ages 14–18.

The Lost Heirs (Arcana #1) by Sam Prentice-Jones (June 24, $27.99, ISBN 978-1-250-29023-6; $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-29022-9). In this fantasy tale based on the tarot, a group of teens who were raised with a society of witches called the Arcana find friendship, romance, and a common enemy to battle together. Ages 14–18.

First Second

Love, Misha by Jam Aden (June 10, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-86622-6; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-86621-9). A mother and her nonbinary child, Misha, take a road trip aimed at mending their fraught relationship—but they have bigger problems to tackle after a wrong turn leads them into a spirit realm. Ages 14–18.

Rebis: Born and Reborn by Irene Marchesini and Carlotta Dicataldo, trans. by Carla Roncalli Di Montorio (Apr. 1, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-35908-7, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-35907-0). In a medieval world, a young person with albinism is shunned by society and finds fellowship with other outcasts in a forest community. Ages 14–18.

Graphix

Float by Kate Marchant and CJ Joaquin (July 1, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5461-7524-7; $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5461-7523-0). Waverly’s from Alaska, so when she summers with her aunt in Florida, it’s no surprise she can’t swim—but she keeps it a secret, until the stuck-up hottie next door offers to be her instructor. Ages 12 and up.

HarperAlley

The History of Everything by Victoria Evans (Feb. 18, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-326890-6; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-326889-0). Agnes and Daisy have been constant companions since they were little kids, but now that Agnes is moving, they have one last perfect summer to plan—until a boy comes between them. Ages 14 and up.

Kirby’s Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura Gao (Mar. 4, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-306780-6; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-306779-0). In this “soaring addition to queer graphic novel canon,” per PW’s starred review, rock climber Kirby gets injured and must recuperate in the school journalism club, where she’s drawn to the astrology column writer, Bex. Ages 14 and up.

Second Generation Blues by Julio Anta and Red Dryer (July 29, $26.99, ISBN 978-0-06-322234-2; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-06-322233-5). Cuban American teen Luis bikes around New York City making deliveries for his family’s restaurant, which leaves him no time for his amazing new girlfriend—and beginning to question how much he owes to his immigrant parents. Ages 13 and up.

Holt

You and Me on Repeat by Mary Shyne (May 13, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-250-85185-7; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-250-85184-0). Two estranged friends—Chris left Alicia for the popular kids in high school—are stuck in a Groundhog Day–style time loop repeating their graduation day until they get one thing right. Ages 14–18.

IDW

The Sin Bin by Robbie Thompson and Patricio Delpeche (May 20, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-88724-167-8). Down-and-out hockey player Dale “Dukes” Duquesne chases monsters in his off-hours and locks them in a “sin bin.” Now, his adoring daughter Cat wants to learn the tricks of his supernatural trade. Ages 13–17.

Inklore

Nordlys by Malin Falch, trans. by Olivia Lasky (May 13, $18 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-72691-4). Based on Nordic folklore, this fantasy follows a young traveler who embarks on a magical adventure in the lead-up to a ritual that will mark her crossing to womanhood. Ages 12 and up.

LB Ink

Renegade Girls: A Queer Tale of Romance and Rabble-Rousing by Nora Neus and Julie Robine (Apr. 1, $25.99, ISBN 978-0-316-43983-1; $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-316-43993-0). The true story of the bond between journalist Nell Nelson, who posed as a garment factory worker in 1880s New York City to report on worker mistreatment, and photographer Alice Austen forms the basis for this historical queer romance. Ages 12–18.

Maverick

Block’D by Brian Hawkins and Ignacio di Meglio (Feb. 4, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5458-1599-1). The high school basketball team’s MVP is also a werewolf—whose family drama and rivalry with a player from another school’s team sets off his monstrous temper, until a new coach steps in. Ages 14 and up.

Sarah and Darah by David Pinckney and Pia Prado (May 13, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-952303-63-0). Wealthy popular girl Sarah is due for a fall from grace when Darah, the daughter of her family’s ousted butler, returns to school scheming for revenge. Ages 14 and up.

Student Government by Dave Justus, Lilah Sturges, and Joe Eisma (Mar. 11, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5458-1610-3). A trio of college students band together to save their historic university from destruction. Ages 14 and up.

Oni

Espada: The Will of the Blade by Anabel Colazo, trans. by Diego Jourdan Pereira (May 6, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63715-759-6). A princess with mystical powers attempts to uncover the truth behind disputed legends—either a demon stole magic from the commonfolk, or her family’s supernatural reign had other nefarious
origins. Ages 13 and up.

Toxic Summer by Derek Charm (Apr. 22, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-63715-644-5). Lifeguards and queer besties Ben and Leo just want to hang out in the sun and check out the other cuties, but a hazardous waste spill spoils their plans—and spawns monsters from the waves. Ages 13 and up.

Penguin Workshop

Dan in Green Gables: A Modern Reimagining of ‘Anne of Green Gables’ by Rey Terciero and Claudia Aguirre (June 3, $24.99, ISBN 978-0-593-38557-9; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-38558-6). Dan Stewart-Álvarez’s wayward mother leaves him to live with his grandparents on their Tennessee farm in this retelling of the classic novel. Ages 12–18.

Random House Graphic

Brielle and Bear by Salomey Doku (Apr. 22, $24.99, ISBN 978-0-593-71117-0; $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-0-593-71118-7). The latest in the Once Upon a Time University series reimagines “Beauty and the Beast” for a tale about freshman students whose love is threatened by the uncovering of a secret. Ages 12–18.

Silver Sprocket

Bring Me the Head of Susan Lomond: A High School Story by Connor B. (Feb. 12, $11.99 trade paper, ISBN 979-8-88620-059-1). A scheming scholar named Monroe plans vengeance on jock classmate Susan, who, contrary to stereotype, also bested her in the classroom. But all of Monroe’s spells and inventions fail to kill her foe—whom she inexplicably finds herself crushing on.

Skybound Comet

Family Force V by Matt Braly and Ainsworth Lin (June 10, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5343-4033-6). Maise lives a double life as a student, friend, and secret superhero, whose weekly bonding time
with family comprises epic battles with alien kaiju. Ages 12–18.

Top Shelf

Low Orbit by Kazimir Lee (Apr. 29, $24.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-60309-552-5). Malaysian American teen Azlar moves to an insular community in Vermont, where she strikes up a friendship with a sci-fi writer and his own teen kid, Tristan, who identifies as nonbinary. Ages 14–18.

Webtoon Unscrolled

Acception by Coco Ouwerkwerk (May 27, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-998854-87-5). Arcus, who stands out from a crowd thanks to his flamboyant style, lands smack into social drama when he transfers from
the Netherlands to England’s Apollo High. Ages 13–17.

The Kiss Bet by Ingrid Ochoa (Feb. 25, $18.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-998341-14-6). Sara Lin just turned 18 and has never been kissed. Her best friend prods her with dares to make it happen, like landing a kiss on a random guy on the train. Soon, Sara’s on the clock to pick from a trio of very different suitors. Ages 13–17.

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