Representation in Graphic Novels

I want to add a disclaimer upfront, you won’t find any Marvel titles on this list. Not that I don’t like Marvel (I love the MCU) or that there aren’t great Marvel comics with LGBTQIA characters, I just have not read them. I have tried reading various Marvel graphics and just have not been able to get into them for various reason, maybe it’s just a preference, I’m not sure but I just want to put it out there. There are three graphics from DC and four from Boom! Box, and three from other publishers.

For this list I decided to choose five graphics that are geared more toward middle grade and ones that are more young adult focused. I think that this will give a more well rounded view of the kinds of graphics out there. I also wanted to have at least half that are the starting point of a series as well, so many of these are going to be volume 1.

I also looked for the most diversity in both storytelling and characters. Here we have a feminist twist on the traditional superhero story, science fiction and fantasy tales, mysteries and a historical fiction. I wanted to find quirky characters and stories that aren’t going to be found anywhere else. These are characters and stories that are favorites of mine as well.

– Sarah Olson