10 Lesbian Comic Books You Must Read

Hey there, comic book enthusiasts and champions of love in every color of the rainbow! If you’re on a quest for stories that blend the vibrant world of visual storytelling with the rich narratives of lesbian love and life, then you’ve hit the jackpot. We’re diving into the dynamic and diverse universe of Lesbian Comic Books, where each panel is a window into lives filled with adventure, romance, and the occasional superpower.

Lesbian comic refers to a comic book, graphic novel, or webcomic that features lesbian characters or explores lesbian themes. These comics cover a range of genres, including romance, drama, fantasy, science fiction, and more. They depict romantic relationships, personal journeys of self-discovery, and the experiences and challenges faced by lesbians within various contexts.

Whether you’re looking for tales of everyday love, epic fantasy romances, or superheroes who save the day and get the girl, we’ve got something special for you. So, sharpen your pencils, straighten your capes, and prepare to explore a collection where representation shines brightly on every page. Every story celebrates the beauty of love and the strength of being true to oneself.

10 Lesbian Comic Books (WLW/Sapphic Graphic Novels)

Lesbian comics play a vital role in representation, providing LGBTQ+ readers with characters and stories that resonate with their experiences. These comics contribute to diverse and inclusive storytelling by highlighting lesbian relationships, identities, and struggles. They offer a platform for exploring love, identity, acceptance, and the complexities of personal and social dynamics within LGBTQ+ communities.

I will discuss 10 comics that offer a variety of genres, art styles, and storytelling approaches. Let’s go!

1. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel

Fun Home is a popular graphic memoir that follows Alison Bechdel’s childhood and her relationship with her closeted gay father.

The book explores sexuality, family dynamics, and the search for personal identity. Bechdel’s artwork and storytelling create a poignant and reflective reading experience.

2. Heathen by Natasha Alterici

Heathen is a fantasy WLW series that follows the adventures of Aydis, a Viking warrior. She goes on a quest to free the Valkyrie Brynhild from an immortal curse.

Throughout the story, she faces her journey of self-discovery and experiences romantic interests with women. This sapphic comic book presents a unique mix of Norse mythology and LGBTQ+ representation.

3. Kim & Kim by Magdalene Visaggio

Kim & Kim is a sci-fi lesbian romance comic series that follows the misadventures of two bounty hunters, Kim Q and Kim D. They are best friends and romantic partners.

This action-packed series combines humor, diverse characters, and LGBTQ+ themes, offering a fun and inclusive reading experience.

4. Bingo Love by Tee Franklin

Bingo Love is a heartwarming graphic novel about two African American women (Hazel and Mari). They fall in love as teenagers but are forced apart by their families.

Decades later, they reconnect at a bingo hall and rediscover their love for each other. This comic explores love, identity, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals over time.

5. On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

On a Sunbeam is a beautiful science fiction webcomic collected into a graphic novel. The story follows a young woman who joins a crew of space workers.

They travel through the universe, repairing structures. The comic skillfully shows romance, friendship, and self-discovery, focusing on queer relationships.

6. The Legend of Bold Riley by Leia Weathington

The Legend of Bold Riley is a fantasy series that follows the adventures of Bold Riley, a fearless princess. She travels through diverse lands, facing magical creatures and forming romantic relationships with women along the way.

The series celebrates woman-woman relationships and offers a refreshing take on traditional fantasy storytelling.

7. Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki

Skim is a coming-of-age lesbian graphic novel that follows the life of a goth teenager (Kim) attending an all-girls Catholic school.

The story explores Kim’s exploration of her own identity, her crush on a female teacher, and her experiences navigating friendship and the complexities of teenage life.

8. Snapshots of a Girl by Beldan Sezen

Snapshots of a Girl is a graphic novel memoir that tells the story of Sezen’s journey of self-discovery as a lesbian. Through a collection of personal stories and reflections, the book explores identity, family, and cultural expectations, providing an intimate and heartfelt exploration of queer experiences.

9. Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill

Princess Princess Ever After is a delightful all-ages graphic novel that reimagines the classic fairy tale tropes. It follows the adventures of two princesses who team up to rescue a prince and defy traditional gender roles. The story celebrates diversity, friendship, and self-acceptance.

10. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

This YA graphic novel follows the story of Freddy, a teenager caught in an on-again, off-again relationship with the captivating but unreliable Laura Dean.

Freddy faces her complicated love life and learns valuable lessons about self-worth, friendship, and the complexities of relationships. The book beautifully captures the ups and downs of young love and addresses identity and self-discovery.

5 Lesbian DC Comics

1. “Batwoman: Elegy” by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III

Overview: This storyline reintroduces Kate Kane as Batwoman, one of DC’s most prominent lesbian superheroes. “Elegy” delves into Kate’s backstory, including her discharge from the military under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and her journey to becoming Batwoman. The comic is celebrated for its compelling storytelling, stunning art, and the way it addresses Kate’s sexuality as an integral part of her character.

2. “Bombshells” by Marguerite Bennett and Various Artists

Overview: “DC Comics: Bombshells” reimagines the female superheroes and villains of the DC Universe during World War II. The series features numerous LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, including the romance between Batwoman and Renee Montoya and the relationship between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. “Bombshells” is praised for its inclusive storytelling and its fresh take on beloved characters.

3. “Midnighter and Apollo” by Steve Orlando and Fernando Blanco

Overview: This series also includes strong lesbian characters and explores themes relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s notable for its action-packed narrative and deep exploration of the characters’ relationship, offering readers a mix of superhero action and emotional depth.

4. “Harley Quinn” by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Various Artists

Overview: Throughout various “Harley Quinn” series, Harley’s relationship with Poison Ivy is explored in depth, portraying them as both friends and romantic partners at different times. Their dynamic is one of the most beloved LGBTQ+ representations in comics, showcasing a deep, complex relationship that evolves over time.

5. “Renee Montoya as The Question”

Overview: Renee Montoya, initially introduced as a Gotham City police detective, takes on the mantle of The Question. Her journey includes coming out as a lesbian, dealing with the challenges that come with her identity, and fighting crime outside the law. Montoya’s character development is significant across various series, including “52” and “Gotham Central,” where her sexuality and personal struggles are addressed alongside her heroics.

5 Vintage Lesbian Comics

1. “Sandy Comes Out” by Trina Robbins (1971)

Overview: Considered one of the first lesbian comics by many, “Sandy Comes Out” was created by Trina Robbins, a prominent figure in the underground comix scene. This comic is significant for its direct and positive portrayal of a woman coming to terms with her sexuality. It was a groundbreaking work that offered visibility and a voice to lesbian experiences at a time when they were largely absent from mainstream media.

2. “Hothead Paisan: Homicidal Lesbian Terrorist” by Diane DiMassa (1991)

Overview: Although not exactly vintage by some standards, “Hothead Paisan” is a notable entry in the realm of lesbian comics. The series is a radical, humorous, and sometimes violent exploration of lesbian feminism and rage against a patriarchal society. Hothead Paisan, the protagonist, became an iconic character in LGBTQ+ comic literature for her unapologetic attitude and actions against those who oppress women and the queer community.

3. “Gay Comix” (Various Authors, Early 1980s)

Overview: “Gay Comix” was an anthology series that featured stories by LGBTQ+ creators addressing LGBTQ+ themes. While it included both gay and lesbian stories, the anthology was instrumental in providing a platform for lesbian comic artists to share their stories. Notable lesbian artists like Mary Wings and Roberta Gregory contributed, making it a key publication in the history of LGBTQ+ comics.

4. “Dykes to Watch Out For” by Alison Bechdel (1983)

Overview: Although starting in the 1980s might stretch the definition of “vintage,” Alison Bechdel’s “Dykes to Watch Out For” is too seminal to omit. This comic strip series offered a detailed, humorous, and poignant look at the lives of a group of lesbian friends. Bechdel’s work has been influential in both comic art and LGBTQ+ culture, not least for introducing the Bechdel Test to evaluate gender representation in fiction.

5. “Olivia” Series by Olivia De Berardinis (Late 1970s and on)

Overview: While Olivia De Berardinis is best known for her erotic artwork, often featuring women, her work in the late ’70s and beyond has carried significant appeal within the lesbian community. Though not a comic in the narrative sense, her illustrations have been iconic in celebrating female sensuality and beauty, often appearing in Playboy but embraced by various audiences for their aesthetic and thematic resonance with LGBTQ+ themes.

5 Marvel Lesbian Comics

1. “Runaways”

Notable Characters: Karolina Dean and Xavin, later Karolina and Julie Power.
Overview: “Runaways” features a diverse group of teenagers who discover their parents are part of an evil crime organization. Among them, Karolina Dean, a solar-powered alien, comes to terms with her sexuality early in the series. She has significant relationships with Xavin, a Skrull who can change gender, and later with Julie Power. The series is celebrated for its inclusive representation and exploration of LGBTQ+ themes alongside its action-packed narrative.

2. “Young Avengers”

Notable Characters: America Chavez.
Overview: America Chavez, also known as Miss America, is a powerful superhero with the ability to punch star-shaped holes between dimensions. As an openly lesbian character, her sexuality is portrayed as just one aspect of her multifaceted character. The “Young Avengers” series has been praised for its diverse cast and thoughtful representation of LGBTQ+ youth.

3. “X-Treme X-Men” (Vol. 2)

Notable Characters: An alternate universe version of Hercules and Wolverine.
Overview: While this entry focuses on an alternate universe storyline, it’s notable for featuring a version of Wolverine (James Howlett), who is in a relationship with Hercules, marking a significant moment of LGBTQ+ representation in Marvel comics. Though not about lesbian characters, this series exemplifies Marvel’s broader efforts to include LGBTQ+ relationships.

4. “Angela: Asgard’s Assassin” and “Angela: Queen of Hel”

Notable Characters: Angela and Sera.
Overview: Angela, originally introduced in the “Spawn” comic book series and later integrated into the Marvel Universe, is revealed to be in a romantic relationship with Sera, a former Anchorite who is one of the only trans women characters in Marvel Comics. Their relationship is central to the storyline, showcasing a complex and deep bond that defies the norms of both Asgard and the broader Marvel Universe.

5. “A-Force”

Notable Characters: Singularity and Nico Minoru, among others.
Overview: “A-Force” presents an all-female team of Avengers featuring a diverse cast that includes LGBTQ+ characters. While the series primarily focuses on team dynamics and superhero action, it has various characters from different backgrounds and orientations, contributing to the visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in team-centric narratives.

Lesbian Comic Books Online

If you’re looking for lesbian-themed comic books available online, there are various platforms and websites where you can discover and read them. Here are a few options:

Tapas: Tapas is an online platform that hosts a wide range of webcomics, including those with LGBTQ+ themes. You can find lesbian-focused or inclusive titles by searching for specific tags or browsing the LGBTQ+ category. Many webcomic creators on Tapas offer free-to-read content, while some may have premium episodes or subscription options.

Webtoon: Webtoon is another popular online platform for webcomics. It features a diverse collection of genres and styles, including LGBTQ+ stories. You can explore the LGBTQ+ section or search for specific tags like “lesbian” or “WLW” (women-loving women) to find comics with lesbian characters or themes. Webtoon offers both free-to-read and premium content.

Autostraddle Comics: Autostraddle is an online LGBTQ+ magazine that covers a wide range of topics, including comics. Their “Comics” section features various queer comics, including those with lesbian representation. Autostraddle collaborates with queer artists to create original comics and showcases works by independent creators.

Gumroad: Gumroad is a platform where independent creators can sell their digital works directly to readers. Many LGBTQ+ artists and comic creators offer their content on Gumroad, including lesbian-themed comics.

Patreon: Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators to offer exclusive content to their subscribers, known as patrons. Many comic artists and creators, including those who focus on LGBTQ+ themes, use Patreon to provide access to their ongoing comic series. By becoming a patron, you can support the creators and gain access to their latest updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Remember to respect the creators’ work by following any terms of use or subscription requirements they may have, and consider supporting them financially if you enjoy their content.

We hope this journey has filled your heart with joy, your mind with inspiration, and your shelves with new worlds to discover. Each comic book we’ve shared is a testament to the power of storytelling, the importance of representation, and the unending possibilities when art and love collide on the page.

As you close one book and eagerly reach for another, remember that the world of comics is a vast and welcoming space where every color, every line, and every word has the power to change hearts and open minds. So, keep turning those pages, supporting diverse voices, and celebrating the stories that make us feel seen, understood, and connected. Until our next comic book rendezvous, happy reading, and may your adventures be as limitless and bright as your imagination!

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