10 Best LGBTQ Graphic Novels in 2022 (Kevin Panetta, Julia Scheele, and More)

This cartoonist Alison Bechdel brings us along in this intimate memoir. She recounts her struggle with hiding her lesbian identity from her family. In particular, her father, who runs the local funeral home, seems to occupy a different world. 

Sadly, Alison learns that her father is also gay just a few weeks before he passes away. Alison is left to come to terms with her family's past and her own identity. 

A few readers struggled to maintain interest in the story, and others found the subject matter a little too depressing. A few also had issues getting the eBook to work properly.

However, the majority of readers found this graphic novel touching. They loved the honest tone and how the art style increases emotional depth. Overall, they say it's a lovely, reflective memoir that will tug on your heartstrings. 

Ari dreams of escaping to the big city, but his family's struggling bakery is keeping him stuck in his hometown. Enter Hector, a potential replacement for his job at the bakery. Ari and Hector experience the trials of young love and growing up.

Some readers found the story a little too sweet for their taste and wished there was more depth. Others also would have liked the author to develop the characters more fully.

Most reviewers, however, loved the two-toned illustrations and realistic situations. They said that the depictions of relationships with family, friends, and partners all felt relatable. Plus, readers say it's a cute story with a wholesome romance.    

Whether you're a pro on queer theory or have never even heard that term before, this graphic novel easily explains all sorts of LGBTQ issues! It tackles how gender and sexuality interplay with topics like history, psychology, activism, and pop culture.

A few readers had issues with the eBook layout, but overall, they enjoyed this book. Reviewers say the author does a good job of explaining complex ideas in ways that are easy to understand. 

Some readers think that the book leaves out more academic ideas regarding gender theory but note that it's still an excellent primer for understanding the topic. Readers enjoyed that they learned about concepts like the gender binary and cultural power dynamics. 

Hazel and Mari meet as teenagers in the '60s, but end up going their separate ways and marrying men. Decades later, they meet again as older women and get a second shot at love!

Readers all agree that the artwork is gorgeous, but some found the story a little lacking. They wished the author spent more time developing the characters and added more surprises to the plot.

Reviewers praise the novel for its diverse representation, particularly for having plus-sized and black characters (which are often excluded in LGBTQ media). Readers say this sweet story made them laugh and cry. If you love a good rom-com, this is the graphic novel for you!

This memoir takes us on a journey of self-discovery as Maia shares all the highs and lows as e realizes that e is nonbinary and asexual. E recounts eir experiences with trauma, love, family, and friends.

Some reviewers were surprised by the level of sexual content, but most reviewers appreciate Maia's vulnerability and honesty. Queer readers, in particular, found this memoir incredibly relatable!

Overall, reviewers said this novel is a great coming-of-age story for any reader. Maia's thoughts on gender and sexuality resonated with readers and many wish they had read this book when they were younger! Plus, readers agree this is an engrossing book they couldn't put down.

This graphic novel follows the storylines of Mia and Grace. They met and fell in love at boarding school years ago and now have separate lives. Mia now travels space with a crew of unique characters and restores buildings.

A few readers have issues with the eBook formatting, and others wish the plot was a little more clear. However, the vast majority of reviewers adore this graphic novel! They say it's a unique, captivating take on both sci-fi and romance.

Readers enjoy how the story manages to be both sweet and breathtaking at the same time. Many said that even though the novel is over 500 pages, they simply couldn't put it down! They love the beautiful backdrop of space and relatable characters too!

What happens when a Canadian man shows up claiming to be the husband of a Japanese man's deceased twin? This unique novel explores themes of family and LGBTQ acceptance against the backdrop of Tokyo.

Readers enjoyed how this novel tackles LGBTQ issues from multiple perspectives. They fell in love with the relatable characters, too! The relationship between Mike, a gay Western man, and Yaichi, a Japanese dad, was particularly moving. 

Reviewers praise the novel's overall balance between humor and sincerity. Plus, many found the art style engaging. The art added extra emotional depth and pulled readers into the story. 

In this surreal manga, Tasuku starts a new high school and is worried that he's already been outed as gay. Slowly, he finds an LGBTQ community and begins to see the beauty in his identity. 

This story of belonging and being a queer teen struck a chord with many reviewers. They can't decide if they love the moving story or beautiful artwork more! However, they do note that those sensitive to the topic of suicide should take caution.

Readers also enjoy the representation of many queer identities and relationships. Each character feels genuine, and readers found them easy to relate to. Plus, they say the story has many quiet, but powerful, messages about being yourself and LGBTQ acceptance. 

What happens when your dream girl isn't a good girlfriend? Freddy landed the most popular girl at school, Laura Dean, but their relationship is anything but dreamy. Follow Freddy's life as she experiences the rollercoaster of teenage love. 

A few readers had trouble relating to the characters, but many others appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the messiness of young love and high school. They enjoyed seeing LGBTQ fiction that showed that same-sex couples have issues in their relationships too.

Many readers found the message of letting go of toxic relationships empowering. They would also recommend this book to queer youth for the validation and representation it provides. Plus, the gorgeous artwork pulled reviewers into the story and made it a pleasure to read!

This unique anthology tries to spread celebration and acceptance, even in the shadow of a horrible tragedy. Love is Love honors the victims of the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. Popular comic and graphic novel artists came together to make this volume, and its pages are full of love, rage, mourning, and hope.

While reviewers loved seeing their favorite characters, ranging from Batman to Harry Potter, some wished the stories were longer. A few other readers wanted the anthology to feature more LGBTQ authors and illustrators.

However, many readers found this graphic novel touching and empowering. As long as you go in not expecting full-fledged stories, you won't be disappointed! LGBTQ readers, in particular, found this novel cathartic, especially in the wake of such violence. You may need to have the tissues ready when you sit down to read this one!