10 Best LGBTQ Graphic Novels UK 2022

LGBTQ+ stories come in many forms, which can make choosing a graphic novel quite hard! In this buying guide, we'll go over a few of the things you should consider prior to picking your next read, so you'll confidently be able to select the perfect title to add to your collection.

What are you hoping to get from your next read? LGBTQ+ graphic novels span across a wide variety of genres, so you might want to think about what sort of stories appeal the most to you. To help you narrow it down, we'll discuss some of the most popular themes below.

Reading works that focus on gender, identity and sexuality allows us to better understand both ourselves and the lived experiences of others. Most LGBTQ+ graphic novels will touch upon topics pertaining to queer identities, regardless of the genre or tone, but you may wish to specifically seek out titles that position these themes at the core of the narrative. 

These can be coming-of-age stories, autobiographical works or those that discuss questions of self-identity and coming out. If you're interested in queer history, diverse perspectives and personal growth, these graphic novels are a great place to start!

Love stories are always popular and there are a wealth of graphic novels that centre around LGBTQ+ relationships. These can be relatable romances, or the ones we wished we had, as well as light and fluffy fictions to warm the heart.

However, the sad reality is that not all romances remain rose-tinted, and there can be difficulties faced when navigating relationships. You may be more drawn to works that discuss break-ups, conflicts and all their complexities from an LGBTQ+ perspective.

Representation comes in many forms, and science fiction and fantasy have long been genres ripe for play and experimentation. These stories allow us to conceptualise lifestyles, scenarios and ideas outside of the parameters of reality, all with the benefit of some absolutely jaw-dropping art!

Fantasy can also be a great starting point for introducing LGBTQ+ concepts to children. That's because many of these stories use analogies or analogs to discuss real-world issues in a way that sparks the imagination and appeals to all ages.

In stark contrast to fantasy stories, 'slice of life' graphic novels depict everyday scenarios. These range from lighthearted comedies to gritty kitchen sink dramas, depending on which title you choose to read.

Hitting close to home, these can make for some truly affecting and uplifting reads. By setting stories in a fictionalised reality, we can better empathise with characters and themes, whether you personally see yourself reflected in them or not.

The U.S.A. and Japan may boast two of the most famous comic book industries, but sequential art has its roots firmly in all corners of the globe. Reading international works provides insight into LGBTQ+ issues outside of the UK, as well as showcasing the cultural and aesthetic influences of artists from around the world.

If you are interested in reading graphic novels that represent the voices and stories of the UK's LGBTQ+ community, there are numerous options to choose from. With local authors and artists from a diverse range of backgrounds, some may find these works are more relatable to their own lives and experiences.

These days, you will be able to find LGBTQ+ graphic novels for all ages. However, it's important to check that the content of the one you buy is suitable for the reader. Unlike movies and video games, there isn't one central rating system for comics and graphic novels in the UK, which can make deciding hard.

Some publishers will provide a guideline as to the recommended minimum age of the reader, but these tend to be broad categories, such as 'Teen' or 'Mature'. And just because someone is old enough to read a particular work, it doesn't mean that they won't find some explicit content upsetting.

Many LGBTQ+ works deal with sensitive topics, including abuse and discrimination. To help you decipher whether a book is right for you, or the person you are buying for, we have provided age recommendations and content warnings for each of the graphic novels in our ranking.

This may seem like a fairly unimportant consideration, but the format your graphic novel comes in can significantly affect your reading experience. A graphic novel is a visual medium, so you want to be able to read each panel clearly and as the author intended.

Depending on how the book has been bound, parts of the page can get cut off or lost in the seam. This tends to be more of an issue for hardcover editions, rather than paperbacks that can be laid flat a bit easier. However, it is a likely drawback of lengthier tomes over 300 pages, regardless of binding.

Of course, you can avoid this altogether by choosing a digital edition for Kindle, or your preferred eReader of choice. But, there is something to be said of cracking open a print copy and having a beautifully bound book to display on your shelf.

Now you've had time to think about what sort of story you might like to read, it's time to share our ranking of the top 10 best LGBTQ+ graphic novels in the UK. Each of our recommended reads has something unique to offer, so you might just find yourself picking up more than one!

Whether you're interested in reading about queer histories, LGBTQ+ fiction or something for the kids, there are plenty more brilliant books to get stuck into. To help you add to your collection, we've ranked a few more of the best titles in the UK. Simply click the links below to find out more!

Graphic novels are a great medium for engaging with LGBTQ+ stories. We hope this article has helped to introduce you to some stellar titles that showcase diverse representations of identity, love, and ways to live your life.

Author: Wren Mann

We all love to bury our heads in a good book or film every now and again, but finding good LGBTQ+ material you can somewhat relate to can sometimes be a difficult task. Jeremy and Andy have shared some of their favourite gay books, LGBTQ+ films and inclusive games with us, so take a look!