7 Comics with Good Queer Representation
- Eve Andrews
- Jan 25, 2022
- 3 min read
It's no secret that queerbaiting in the entertainment industry has become a bit of an issue in recent years. We live in an age transition with which the fear of change is inevitable. When writing queer characters, many creators fear the possibility of backlash and thus is born the phenomenon of queerbaiting; nearly going through with it but not quite, repeatedly flirting with the idea but never going the whole hog by offering anything romantically explicit. For an LGBTQ+ audience, this can get frustrating.
Now, we all love a well-written romance, and with good execution, the sexuality of the couple isn’t really relevant. Nevertheless, sometimes we queer kids just want something we can relate to on a particularly personal level, y’know? So here's a list of 7 good comics that had the guts to go all the way!
It's 1988, mere hours after Halloween when a group of four 12-year-old girls unearth the craziest story they’ve ever seen while out on their regular paper round. They soon find themselves inadvertently caught in the crossfire of two warring time-travelling factions. This epic sci-fi flick isn’t just a wacky read but explores deeper themes of sexuality, self-discovery, the universal hardships of transitioning from childhood to adulthood - and much, much more!
A piece of music history, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel documents the untold story of The Beatles Manager, Brian Epstein. This soulfully written, visually stunning piece deals with a range of deeply sensitive subjects, from the turbulent world of fame and life within the ever-watchful public eye to dealing with life as a gay, Jewish man in a world where antisemitism is rife and homosexuality is a criminal offence. Feel-good one moment and heartbreaking the next, The Fifth Beatle is one hell of a rollercoaster.
The charming tale of a teen witch, Nova Huang, works at her grandmother’s bookshop, loaning out spellbooks and helping to investigate the local supernatural activity. One night, she follows a white wolf into the woods, only to realise that she has not only been pursuing a werewolf but Tam Lang, her childhood crush. If you need a bit of queer magic in your life right now (and who doesn’t?), this one is definitely for you!
A deeply candid slice-of-life drama, Stone Fruit follows the lives of Bron and Ray, a queer couple who are engrossed in trying to fulfil their familial roles amidst rising tensions born from internalised prejudice and lack of understanding. Stone Fruit presents a jarringly true-to-life tone in a family-based fiction about acceptance and vulnerability, one that many can doubtless relate to.
With this one, we’re going even further back in history! A story of a controversial reign, Ludwig II explores the historical backlash faced by King Ludwig of Bavaria due to his failure to produce a successor - a failure that occurred as a result of his repressed homosexuality. Alongside the wealth of visual charm, Ludwig II makes for a delicate depiction of love, loneliness and the ongoing battle of cultural conflict faced within the LGBTQ+ community.
A truly magical tale, The Girl From The Sea offers a whimsical take on queer self-discovery. Fifteen-year-old Morgan feels isolated in her remote fishing town, counting the days until she can escape. However, things take a sudden turn when a mysterious girl rescues Morgan from drowning, a girl with whom she is quick to form a close bond. As the two slowly start to fall in love, the secrets they have both been harbouring start looming towards the surface. A truly heartfelt tale packed with nostalgic wonderment, this one is sure to give you those warm, fuzzy feelings - perfect for a cold day beside the fire!
An unapologetic depiction of gender fluidity, Both Can Be True is a complex coming of age story about self-exploration and acceptance. After coming together to rescue a dog from euthanasia, Ash and Daniel bond over their brand new four-legged friend and, each taken with the other’s big heart, are quick to catch feelings. Exposing the layers of complexity that can too often be hidden beneath a seemingly innocent relationship while delving into the agonising confusion of identity, Both Can Be True is an emotional, heartfelt read for both LGBTQ+ audiences and otherwise.
Do you have a favourite comic featuring the LGBTQ+ community? Is there one you love that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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