Graphic novels are an excellent way to get lost in a story. If you are a fan of romance novels, you will enjoy an even more immersive experience with a graphic novel. The illustrations bring the story to life and help you to visualize what is happening to the characters.
We have put together this list of the best romance graphic novels that are perfect for binge reading. If you want to indulge in a new series then you should check out the recommendations on this list.
1. Mooncakes – Suzanne Walker
Mooncakes is a bestselling graphic novel with a bewitching theme. The main character works in a bookshop that sells spell books and knows a lot about magic. When she is reunited with her childhood crush she discovers that he is a werewolf.
He needs her in-depth knowledge of magic to help him in his struggle against the dark forces. Feelings are re-kindled and family ties are tested in this exciting story. If you love supernatural stories with a romantic twist then this is a fantastic graphic novel to get your teeth into.
2. Barnstormers – Scott Snyder
This is volume four of Barnstormers: A Ballad Of Love And Murder. If you haven’t read any of the other installments you can start from the beginning – each volume is brilliant. Hawk and Tillie have to overcome evil obstacles to stay together and stay alive.
This graphic novel is fast paced, exciting and full of steamy passion to keep you engrossed. The dynamic illustrations add to the drama and excitement as you read this graphic novel.
3. Love Everlasting – Tom King
Love Everlasting is a very highly rated graphic novel series from Tom King. We have recommended volume four, but if you haven’t read the series you should start at the beginning. It is set in France in 1915 and follows the themes of love and war. The art is beautiful, the story gripping and you will fall in love with the characters.
4. Spider-Man: Blue – Jeph Loeb
This graphic novel is all about getting the girl of your dreams. Spider-Man must face various villains and overcome different obstacles in order to be with Gwen Stacy. But this isn’t a simple love story, it’s actually the story of how they almost didn’t fall in love.
This graphic novel is even more poignant if you know how the story of Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy ends. It was created by an award-winning team with stunning graphics to go with the excellent storyline.
5. CREMA – Johnnie Christmas
This is a quirky story about a barista named Esme, who sees ghosts when she drinks coffee. One of the ghosts is Yara, the heir to a coffee plantation who is very interested in Esme. Things become complicated when the ghost of a nobleman has a task for Esme to help reunite him with a lost love.
As events unfold, it becomes clear that his love was unrequited and the nobleman’s intentions are sinister. The team that brings you this graphic novel are best-selling and award-winning, creating a fantastic novel that you won’t be able to stop reading.
6. Bolero – Wyatt Kennedy
This graphic novel is a stunning graphic novel with a thought-provoking theme about second chances and changing the past. Devyn Dangy is given a ‘key’ to the multiverse with a limited number of chances to try and change the past and ultimately, her future.
She is heartbroken about the end of her relationship and worried about her best friend who is marrying the wrong person, but how can she make it right?
7. Daytripper – Gabriel Ba
This moving and memorable graphic novel features a well-written story and stunning artwork. It has received much praise from the graphic novel community, including Gerard Way, and for good reason.
The novel follows an aspiring writer and looks into different aspects of his life – love, heartbreak, grief – continually asking the question, which days of your life are the most important? This book doesn’t need a tonne of excitement or action to keep you hooked – it is quietly beautiful and emotive.
8. Roots – Tara O’Connor
This graphic novel is about discovering yourself through your family history. The main character, Tara, is visiting Ireland to get a better understanding of her family’s ancestry. It is harder than she anticipated, partially due to missing records.
But one obstacle she didn’t foresee was her connection with a charming Irish man – John. This has the feeling of a classic romantic-comedy, with funny moments and plenty of heart-warming charm. It is set in the Irish countryside, which makes for some lovely illustrations.
9. Fine Print – Stjepan Sejic
If you are looking for a graphic novel that is steamy and seductive, this could be the perfect choice. When Lauren Thomas has her heart broken she goes to the God of desire for help to mend it. This starts a chain of events that she didn’t see coming.
This is a story of love and lust, intertwined with the contention between the mortals and the gods. The illustrations are steamy and beautifully shaded, which makes this graphic novel even more immersive. This graphic novel has many positive reviews from readers.
10. Swing Vol 5 – Matt Hawkins
Swing is a 6 chapter graphic novel about Dan and Cathy. It follows their epic love story and takes readers on their engrossing story. Is their love strong enough to get them through and to conquer all? Or will it all fall apart at the last hurdle?
The modern animation style is colorful and beautiful, and the story is excellent. This graphic novel is written by Matt Hawkins, an established published writer. It is illustrated by Yishan Li who has published more than 50 books around the world.
11. Strangers In Paradise – Terry Moore
This is the entire first volume of Strangers In Paradise in one easy to read volume. This graphic novel is extremely popular in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. It is a complicated love triangle, with twists and turns that will keep your guessing. You won’t be able to stop reading!
Who will end up with who? Will there be true love or heartbreak? You will have to read it to find out. The novel is written and illustrated by Terry Moore.
12. Fables Vol 3: Storybook Love – Bill Willingham
Fables is a highly rated graphic novel series by Willingham. If you want the full story you will need to start at the beginning. If you are looking for some of the more romantic storylines you can jump straight in at volume three, Storybook Love. This particular volume won 14 awards.
It is a gritty fantasy drama littered with broken hearts that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bill Willingham is the writer, and he has created many critically acclaimed series over 20 years in the business. The illustrations are done by Mark Buckingham, Lan Medina, Bryan Talbot and Linda Medley.
13. After – Anna Todd
‘After’ has a novel, a graphic novel and a film. This goes to show how popular the storyline is. Anna Todd wrote the original storyline, and it has been brought to life with illustrations by Pablo Andres.
This novel is more than a good girl meets bad boy story – it has a darker pull to it that keeps you reading and makes it impossible to put down. The illustrations are excellent and really bring the characters out of the page, making the story even more engrossing.
14. Heartstopper – Alice Oseman
This bestselling graphic novel has now been turned into a Netflix series due to its popularity. Two boys form a friendship which becomes a deep love in this LGBTQ+ romance drama. This edition includes stunning illustrations by Alice Oseman as well as still images from the Netflix series. The story is sweet and charming and the characters are totally lovable.
This graphic novel not only explores themes of love, friendship and loyalty, but also some important messages about mental health. It was written for Young Adults, but can also be enjoyed by adults, especially those who wish they had something like this to read when they were younger.
15. The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel – Diana Gabaldon
This Outlander graphic novel has an amazing number of high ratings from readers who have fallen in love with the story and the illustrations. Diana Gabaldon is a fantastic storyteller, and sheds new light on the classic Outlander tale which is told from Jamie Fraiser’s point of view. The book is illustrated by Hoang Nguyen which makes it even more captivating.
With well known characters like Claire Randall, Murtagh, and Captain Black Jack Randall, you will enjoy this new version of Outlander and will be begging for more. If you enjoy this then you should definitely have a look at some of Diana’s other work, including her other Outlander novels.
Summary
All of the graphic novels on this list are ideal for indulging in when you want to get lost from the real world.