Celebrating Queer Comic & Graphic Novel Characters

Comic books and graphic novels have long been a medium for storytelling, creating vibrant worlds and complex characters. While Marvel and DC Comics have given us iconic queer superheroes, there is a vast array of lesser-known but equally captivating characters outside these mainstream universes. In this blog post, I want to celebrate the diversity within the world of comics by highlighting ten queer characters who have broken barriers, challenged norms, and inspired readers from all different backgrounds.

Charlie and Nick, Heartstopper

Charlie and Nick are the main characters in the graphic novel series Heartstopper by Alice Oseman. The series follows their journey as they navigate their feelings, relationships, and self-discovery.

Charlie Spring is an openly gay teenager who attends Truham Grammar School. He is initially introduced as a kind-hearted and sensitive individual who has struggled with his self-esteem and identity. Over the course of the series, Charlie becomes friends with Nick and develops romantic feelings for him.

Nick Nelson is a popular and friendly student at the same school as Charlie. Initially, Nick is unsure about his own sexual orientation, but as he spends more time with Charlie, he begins to question and explore his feelings.

The relationship between Charlie and Nick serves as the central focus of Heartstopper. The series explores their growing friendship, the development of their romantic feelings, and the challenges they face as they navigate their identities and relationships within the school and wider community.

Heartstopper has gained popularity for its heartfelt storytelling and its portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences. The series delves into themes of love, acceptance, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. Charlie and Nick's relationship is portrayed with authenticity and tenderness, offering readers a relatable and compelling queer romance

Alison Bechdel, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

Alison Bechdel is a renowned cartoonist and author of the groundbreaking graphic novel "Fun Home." This memoir explores Bechdel's journey of self-discovery as a lesbian, while also reflecting on her relationship with her late father. "Fun Home" received critical acclaim and sparked important conversations about gender and sexuality.

When Alison was 18, her father died by suicide. This event had a profound impact on Alison, and it led her to explore her own sexuality. She eventually came out as a lesbian, and she began to write about her experiences in her graphic novels.

Hazel and Foxglove, The Sandman

From Neil Gaiman's seminal series "The Sandman" comes the enchanting lesbian couple, Hazel and Foxglove. Their love story evolves amidst the backdrop of the Dreaming, adding depth and diversity to the rich tapestry of this renowned comic book universe. Hazel is a powerful seer, while Foxglove is a skilled poisoner. They are both members of the Endless Night, a group of powerful beings who control the night.

Hazel and Foxglove are complex and well-developed characters. They are strong, independent, and fiercely loyal to each other. They are also skilled magic users, and they are not afraid to use their powers to get what they want. Hazel and Foxglove are an important part of The Sandman, and they have helped to make the series one of the most popular and critically acclaimed comic book series of all time.

Katchoo, Strangers in Paradise

Created by Terry Moore, "Strangers in Paradise" follows the complex and evolving relationship between Katchoo and Francine. Katchoo, a bisexual artist and former assassin, is a fiercely independent and multidimensional character who struggles with her past while navigating the complexities of love and friendship.

She is a strong and independent woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. Katchoo is a talented artist and a skilled fighter, but she is also haunted by her past. She is in love with her best friend, Francine, but she is also afraid of commitment. Katchoo is a complex and well-developed character who is trying to find her way in the world.

Katchoo is a popular character among fans of Strangers in Paradise. She is a role model for many women, and she has helped to break down stereotypes about female characters in comics. Katchoo is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to be herself. She is a talented artist and a skilled fighter, and she is always willing to fight for what she believes in.

Cherry, The One Hundred Nights of Hero

When a man named Jerome challenges Hero to prove the power of female storytelling, she accepts the challenge by sharing one hundred tales within one hundred nights. Cherry, driven by her deep love for Hero and her desire to protect her, steps in to help Hero fulfill her challenge. Each night, they tell stories that celebrate the strength and resilience of women, challenging the oppressive norms of their society.

Cherry's character is depicted as a loving and devoted partner to Hero. She deeply cares for Hero and acts as a protector and supporter throughout their journey. Though Cherry may not have an active storytelling role like Hero, her presence and love are vital to the narrative.

Cherry is a strong and independent woman, and she is a role model for young LGBTQ people. She shows that it is possible to be both happy and successful, even in the face of adversity.

TJ and Amal, The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal

TJ and Amal are the two main characters in the webcomic The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal. They are two young men who go on a road trip together and learn a lot about themselves.

TJ is a lanky, dreadlocked vagrant who is always up for an adventure. He is confident, outgoing, and always has a smile on his face. He is also gay, but he has never been in a serious relationship. Amal is a young man who is trying to find his way in the world. He is intelligent, kind, and compassionate, but he is also struggling with his sexuality and his place in his traditional Indian family. He is disowned by his parents after he calls off his arranged marriage and comes out as gay.

Amal and TJ quickly become friends, and they eventually fall in love. Their relationship is tested by the challenges of the road trip, but they eventually overcome them and find their way back to each other. The Less Than Epic Adventures of TJ and Amal is a heartwarming story about friendship, love, and finding your place in the world. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or alone.

Mal Yoo, The Lumberjanes

Mal Yoo is one of the main characters in The Lumberjanes comic book series. She is a Korean-American teenage girl who is known for her cautious and sensitive nature.

Mal is depicted as a smart, level-headed, and practical member of the group. She often takes on a leadership role and is known for her strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. As a queer character, Mal's identity is portrayed naturally and positively within the series. Her character is shown to have romantic feelings for Molly, another member of the group. Their relationship is portrayed with care and respect, highlighting a healthy queer romance within the story.

Mal's character brings representation and diversity to the series, contributing to its inclusivity and celebrating the experiences of queer individuals. Her presence helps to normalize and promote positive LGBTQ+ representation in the world of comics, fostering a sense of acceptance and understanding among readers.

Eric “Bitty” Bittle, Check, Please!

Eric Bittle, often referred to as "Bitty," is the main character of the webcomic-turned-graphic novel series Check, Please! created by Ngozi Ukazu. Bitty is a gay character who is known for his warm personality, love for baking, and his enthusiasm for the sport of hockey. Throughout the series, Bitty navigates the challenges of balancing his love for baking and his passion for hockey while also exploring his identity and relationships.

As the story progresses, Bitty's journey includes experiences of self-discovery, coming out to his friends and teammates, and developing meaningful relationships with other characters. Bitty's character is often portrayed as kind-hearted, resilient, and dedicated to his passions, making him a relatable and endearing protagonist in the series.

"Check, Please!" is celebrated for its LGBTQ+ representation and exploration of topics such as identity, acceptance, and love. Bitty's character contributes to the series' overall themes of self-acceptance and the importance of finding support and community while embracing one's true self.

Hazel Johnson, Bingo Love

Bingo Love, written by Tee Franklin, brings the heartwarming love story of Hazel Johnson to life. Her story begins in the 1960s when she meets Mari, another girl, at a bingo hall. Despite societal pressures and expectations, Hazel and Mari fall deeply in love. However, due to the intolerance and prejudice of the time, they are forced apart, marrying men chosen for them.

Decades later, Hazel and Mari reunite at the same bingo hall, both having lived separate lives filled with unfulfilled dreams and unsatisfying marriages. Rediscovering their love for each other, Hazel and Mari embark on a journey of self-discovery, breaking free from the constraints of societal expectations and embracing their authentic selves.

Hazel's character is depicted as a resilient and courageous woman who, despite the challenges she faces, holds onto her love for Mari throughout the years. Her story highlights the strength of queer love and the importance of embracing one's true identity, even in the face of adversity.

Through Hazel's journey, Bingo Love explores the complexities of societal expectations, family dynamics, and the pursuit of personal happiness. Hazel's character resonates with readers by portraying the struggles and triumphs of queer individuals who have had to navigate societal norms and find their own path to fulfillment and love.