Netflix recently announced its adaptation of Heartstopper. If you haven't read the graphic novel series by Alice Oseman, do yourself a favor and get your copy today. Its heartwarming handling of a queer teenaged romance is both delightful and refreshing.
Inspired by the great news, we've made a list of an additional five queer graphic novels from 2020 that should be adapted right away! Without further ado, check out what may very well be the first in our series of passionate listicles telling streamers what comics content to make.
1. You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Sánchez
(for ages 14 and up)
I hope this is already in development somewhere! You Brought Me the Ocean is your not-so-typical superhero story brought to you by the following trio: the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Blue is the Warmest Color, the Lambda Award-winning author of Rainbow Boys, and DC Comics.
Its story follows a teenager as he discovers his superpowers and sexuality. No one likes spoilers (except my brother who reads the last page first). For the rest of you, I'll avoid recapping too much of the plot.
What I'll do instead is include one of my favorite panels from each book and, hopefully, if inspired, you'll seek out the rest.
2. Check, Please by Ngozi Ukazu
(for ages 14 and up)
Originally a web comic, Check, Please! is the heartfelt queer comic starring a baker-vlogger-figure skater turned hockey player that you didn't know you desperately need to read. This hilarious two book YA series made me cry from happiness. This book makes sports an accepting place for everyone.
3. Flamer by Mike Curato
(for ages 14 and up)
Flamer follows a soon-to-be high schooler at camp where he's bullied. The book balances the difficult subject matter with lots of heart and an orange-red color palette that draws upon the character's fears.
He narrates:
"I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both.
I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel . . . unsafe."
4. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
(for ages 12 and up)
On this list, The Magic Fish might call for the most creativity in adapting it. This book beautifully combines three storylines, each represented by a different color.
Red tells the story of Tién in the present keeping his sexuality a secret.
Yellow recounts his mother's past.
Blue is the fairytale of The Magic Fish, a tale of family and acceptance.
5. Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
(for ages 10 and up)
Snapdragon is a middle-grade graphic novel that I'd love to see adapted as an animated series.
See that spunky girl on the cover? She befriends the neighborhood witch, who takes her on as an apprentice. I don't want to spoil the magic she learns, but you'll be surprised and delighted.
Maybe this story isn't what you expected from this list, but that's one of the things I love about it! It has such a fun premise and still has plenty of room for a meaningful, heartfelt queer romance.
Can you think of other books that belong on this list? Let us know. Send your book recs to us and we'll add them to this list.