Here’s a list of my favorite fantasy graphic novels, from urban to high fantasy. Some of the books below I’ve had a chance to write my personal review for, and some I have not, but I adore them all. If you love magical adventures, fantastical creatures, wonderful stories, and fantastic art, I’m betting you’ll find at least one intriguing pick here. (Disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links.)
I originally posted my graphic novel rec lists in 2012-15, but they’re being refreshed and then expanded in 2023-24 as I re-read most of the older books to make sure I’m still enthusiastic about recommending them. However, please let me know via my contact form if you find something yikes in a book I recommend.
Shadow Life by Hiromi Goto, art by Ann Xu (Amazon / Goodreads)
Fantastic graphic novel about an elderly woman who’s decided to fight off Death, after sneaking out of an independent living facility and renting herself an apartment. I didn’t realize when I ordered this that she’s bi (and it both matters to the plot yet isn’t A Big Deal) so that was a lovely surprise.
I also enjoyed how funny this book often was even once Kumiko is quite literally fighting for her life. Top notch character development, great pacing, and I loved the art.
Murder Falcon by Daniel Warren Johnson (Amazon / Goodreads)
“The world is under attack by monsters, and Jake’s life is falling apart: no band, no girl, no future until he meets MURDER FALCON. He was sent from The Heavy to destroy all evil, but he can’t do it without Jake shredding up a storm. Now, with every chord Jake plays on his guitar, the power of metal fuels Murder Falcon into all-out kung fu fury on those that seek to conquer Earth!”
BIG GIANT content warning: This presents itself as nothing more than a ridiculous, fun book about battling evil, but there is an extremely significant part of the storyline about cancer. I was completely unprepared and that did not end well for my emotional state, but I think it’s really good and I do recommend it. Just know what you’re getting into.
The series From Under Mountains by Claire Gibson, Sloane Leong, and Marian Churchland (Amazon / Goodreads)
I wish I had smarter things to say about this book, because I’m quite taken with it. To be honest, I really pre-ordered this just to support more diverse comics. I thought it would be, y’know, fine? But then it totally swept me away. Political intrigue and the paranormal! A dark plot full of tortured people and strong, interesting female characters! Rich colors and the masterful use of panels! (If you’ve read it too, can we geek out together about the page with the bird falling out of the sky? Okay thanks!)
Why doesn’t this book have more buzz around it? The line art is maybe a bit weak, but the colors and panel design more than make up for it, and it’s such a refreshing change to read a fantasy world not based on Europe and full of white people.
There is one collected edition, which contains issues 1-6. Since issue #6 came out in 2016, it’s clear the originally planned 12-ish issue story won’t get completed, but I don’t regret reading this volume.
The series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End y Kanehito Yamada, illustrated by Tsukasa Abe (Amazon / Goodreads)
Wow. Y’all. This is one of the best manga I’ve read. It follows an elf mage, Frieren, after she and her companions defeat the Demon King and go back to their regular lives. Except Frieren is near-immortal, and the rest of the party is human. She spends the next fifty years off exploring and learning more magic… while her former companions age and approach death.
At the funeral of the first one to pass away, Frieren has the profound realization that her different relationship to time means that she barely knew him, despite having adventured with him for ten years. It’s an emotional shock, and much of the volume is bittersweet as she grapples with the mortality of those around her. It’s not melodramatic, though – it’s understated and contemplative, and more effective because of that.
This take on “what happens when the adventure is over?” isn’t like anything I’ve read before.
The series Bird Boy by Anne Szabla (Amazon / Goodreads)
Lush, gorgeously detailed fantasy set in a winter landscape, with possibly the cutest protagonist in comics ever. Bali, a boy from the Nuru tribe, ends up with a legendary sword while trying to prove he’s old enough to take care of himself. Unfortunately for Bali, all kinds of men and creatures want the sword. Szabla clearly put in time to nail down the mythology, culture, and world Bali lives in, giving his story an epic feel from the very first pages. The storytelling is slow, but even the pages “without plot” are these gorgeous vistas of snow and ice. She’s leaving room for the story to breathe, getting you completely grounded before things start happening.
Only two volumes were published, which means there is no end to the story, but I don’t regret reading what exists.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V., illustrated by Feilipe Andrade, colored by Ines Amaro, and lettered by AndWorld Design (Amazon / Goodreads)
Gorgeous graphic novel about the avatar of Death being cast down to the world to live as a mortal in Mumbai. Ram V. has really hit his storytelling stride with this one. Emotional and captivating.
“Humanity is on the verge of discovering immortality. As a result, the avatar of Death is cast down to Earth to live a mortal life in Mumbai as twenty-something Laila Starr. Struggling with her newfound mortality, Laila has found a way to be placed in the time and place where the creator of immortality will be born. Will Laila take her chance to stop mankind from permanently altering the cycle of life, or will death really become a thing of the past? A powerful new graphic novel […] that explores the fine line between living and dying through the lens of magical realism.”
The series The Old Guard by Greg Rucka, art by Leandro Fernández, colors by Daniela Miwa, lettering by Jodi Wynne (Amazon / Goodreads)
High-action, high-violence graphic novel about immortal warriors that has already been optioned for film, and yes please, especially if they keep the diversity. It stars a small team of mercenaries in current times, all hundreds of years old, who come back to life when killed – until they don’t, and they won’t get any warning that this end is the last one. Andy, one of the two female leads, is bi or pan. Nile, the other, is African-American. Two of the male team members, Nicky and Joe (formerly Yusuf), are lovers who were on opposing sides during the Crusades.
The main plot is that a powerful billionaire has discovered their secret, and wants to replicate it, so they have to run and/or fight to avoid becoming lab rats. The deeper issue laced throughout is that immortality means losing everyone you care about, over and over and over. There’s a lot of history brought out through in various characters’ memories, and substantial character development even for the secondary characters.
It’s found family, queer, and things blow up, which pretty much makes it perfect for me. And maybe you?
The series Umbral by Antony Johnston, co-created and illustrated by Christopher Mitten, Additional art by painters John Rauch and Jordan Boyd, and Thomas Mauer (Amazon / Goodreads)
Rascal is a girl thief in the city of Strakhelm, where horrible monsters called Umbral murder the royal family and assume their identities, then start working their way through other powerful citizens. (There’s a LOT of blood!) Rascal got into the middle of it by stealing the Oculus gem from the palace while the Umbral were starting their spree, and now they’re after her!
I am sooooo happy that Antony Johnston and Christopher Mitten got back together to work on this! They’re the creative team that launched Wasteland, one of my favorite post-apocalyptic comics. Seeing Mitten’s art colored by such amazing painters is like a dream. Also, Rascal’s hair is FANTASTIC.
Sadly, this series was discontinued after two volumes due to poor sales. Such is comics sometimes. Even without a narrative end, though, I recommend this if you want some spooky, violent, dark fantasy.
Last of the Sandwalkers by Jay Hosler (Amazon / Goodreads)
Jay Hosler is a college biology professor AND a gifted cartoonist AND a fabulous storyteller. Combine all of that and you get Last of the Sandwalkers, an adventure mixed with political conspiracy populated by bugs. Bugs that live in New Coleopolis, a beetle city with a theocratic government and institutions of higher learning. Beyond New Coleopolis is a wasteland… or at least, so they’ve been taught. Lucy, a scientist in New Coleopolis, isn’t so sure. Overcoming the skepticism of her colleagues, she mounts an expedition to explore the world beyond the city. She soon discovers that both the world and the loyalties of her teammates aren’t always what she’s been led to believe.
I didn’t know I could care about bugs so much. The personalities, backstories, and relationships of this group of explorers captivated me. Hosler draws them with distinct facial expressions and body language. (My guess is that is took 7,000 years to draw this incredibly detailed book.) Lucy and her friends are fighting for reason over superstition and greed, fueled by a passionate curiosity about the world. They’re a great team. I’m looking forward to reading more of Hosler’s work!
Digger by Ursula Vernon (Read as a webcomic / Amazon / Goodreads)
Digger is a PERFECT fantasy adventure about a female atheist wombat who meets a statue that speaks for the god Ganesha, a priest living with mental illness, and a solitary artist. It’s an amazing story about the strength of women that also includes wonderful male characters. It’s one of the funniest comics I’ve read. C-Man says it’s one of the best books he’s ever read, not even just one of the best graphic novels. If you’re at all intrigued by stories about fantasy, adventure, religion, or culture, you have to pick this up. Digger the wombat, Murai the traumatized priest, and Ed the exiled hyena painter are some of my new favorite characters in comics.
The volume linked above collects the entire run of the completed webcomic.
The series Mouse Guard by David Petersen (Amazon / Goodreads)
One of the best all-ages comics ever. And by “all ages” I really do mean from 5 years old through 95 years old. And if you know any 105 year olds, I’d hand it to them too. Petersen’s art is gorgeous, and his stories impeccable in plot, character, and emotion. The mice of Mouse Guard are people, and they are also heroes and epic figures.
Even if you’re not into the epic fantasy genre or talking animals, the characters are what make this series so compelling. (See how all three mice above look totally different? How does he do it?! They are mice!)
Petersen puts out books really slowly, though: so far since 2009, we have just Fall 1152 linked above, Winter 1152, and The Black Axe. You can supplement with the Legends of the Guard anthologies set in the same universe if you catch up and then get antsy waiting. You probably won’t love every story because that’s the nature of anthologies, and we didn’t much care for the third one overall, but there are some real gems in the first two.
Real Hero Shit by Kendra Wells (Amazon / Goodreads)
An RPG-inspired fantasy romp about a pansexual playboy prince joining a band of adventurers on a mission to solve a mystery of disappearing townsfolk in a small village. The mystery part feels a wee bit underbaked, but the characters are all fantastic and more than make up for it. I had a great time reading it and I really wish it had been a series starter!
“Adventure awaits! But our heroes are missing some manpower.
People are going missing in a small mountain town. The city guard are blocked from a real investigation. The notorious Underguild has assigned Michel a secret mission: find the missing villagers and bring whatever kidnapped them to justice. Unfortunately for Michel (and his fellow adventurers, Ani and Hocus), they’re short a fighter and need one more party member to foil this plot. Even more unfortunately, the only volunteer seems to be the arrogant, ostentatious, purple playboy Prince Eugene looking to cure his boredom. Covert is not a concept that he’s familiar with, and let’s just say his commitment to the mission is questionable.
Every day is basically spring break for Eugene, but outside the palace walls he crashes into a hard reality: the system that kept him safe in his silk-sheeted bed isn’t particularly concerned with the well-being of anyone who isn’t him. Eugene will have to level-up his awareness if he means to be a real hero, and time is running short!”
The Chancellor and the Citadel by Maria Capelle Frantz (Amazon / Goodreads)
“The world is over. All that remains is the Citadel, and the Chancellor who protects it from the hostility beyond its walls. But what can she do when a fearful and angry mob is convinced she brought the world to ruin in the first place, and are determined to make her pay for it by destroying the one bastion of hope the world has left?
In her dramatic, richly imagined graphic novel debut, cartoonist Maria Frantz has created a brisk fantasy tale about the fears that lead to war, and the bonds that can keep a stronghold standing against the darkness.”
Cursed Princess Club by LambCat (Read as a webcomic / Amazon / Goodreads)
“Gwendolyn, the youngest of the King’s three daughters, is living proof that princesses don’t always have it all. She isn’t like a typical fairy-tale princess, or other princesses in the Pastel Kingdom. Gwendolyn, with her big heart and love of baking, isn’t particularly attractive. Unlike her sisters who have woodland creatures do their hair and makeup, or have flowers blossom wherever they sleep, Gwendolyn is a bit… different. So when her father proposes marriage for her and her sisters to make an alliance with the Plaid Kingdom, it breaks Gwendolyn’s heart to hear that Prince Fredrick thinks she’s ‘really ugly.’ Overwhelmed and ashamed, she runs away into the forest and encounters the twisted world of the Cursed Princess Club, where her life will never be the same.
The Cursed Princess Club are a ragtag band of outcasts, misfits and cursed princesses who have created an incredible friendship circle. It is among these friends where Gwendolyn learns to embrace her uniqueness and find her people.”
The Arrival by Shaun Tan (Amazon / Goodreads)
“In a heartbreaking parting, a man gives his wife and daughter a last kiss and boards a steamship to cross the ocean. He’s embarking on the most painful yet important journey of his life — he’s leaving home to build a better future for his family.
Shaun Tan evokes universal aspects of an immigrant’s experience through a singular work of the imagination. He does so using brilliantly clear and mesmerizing images. Because the main character can’t communicate in words, the book forgoes them too. But while the reader experiences the main character’s isolation, he also shares his ultimate joy.”
The Chromatic Fantasy by H.A. (Silver Sprocket: Paperback / Silver Sprocket: PDF / Amazon / Goodreads)
Absolutely stunning graphic novel. My one caution: all the print copies my library ordered fell apart fairly quickly; I think Silver Sprocket got screwed by a printer. I bought the PDF, and libraries can get the digital comic on Libby, so that might be the way to go.
“A gorgeously drawn graphic novel reminiscent of stained glass and illuminated manuscripts, telling a story of queer transmasc romance, daring adventure, and (literally) fighting your demons.
Jules is a trans man trapped in his life as a nun. The devil that the convent guards against offers him a deal to escape: an illicit tryst and lifelong possession. Jules takes the deal, and begins his new life as a criminal who’s impervious to harm. He soon meets Casper, another trans man and a poetic thief, and together they steal, lie, and cheat their way through bewildering adventures, and develop feelings for each other along the way. But as Jules and Casper’s relationship deepens, so does the devil’s jealous grasp…”
Watership Down adapted by James Sturm from the novel by Richard Adams, illustrated by Joe Sutphin (Amazon / Goodreads)
I’ve never read the novel, so I don’t know how this adaptation compares, but I really enjoyed it.
“‘Every rabbit that stays behind is in great danger. We will welcome any rabbit who joins us.’
Watership Down is a classic tale of survival, hope, courage, and friendship that has delighted and inspired readers around the world for more than fifty years. Masterfully adapted by award-winning author James Sturm and gorgeously illustrated by bestselling artist Joe Sutphin, this spectacular graphic novel will delight old fans and inspire new ones, bringing the joy of Watership Down to a new generation of readers.”
Campisi: The Dragon Incident by James Patrick, illustrated by Marco Locati, lettered by Rachel Deering (Amazon / Goodreads)
This was a lot of fun.
“Sonny Campisi is a small-time fixer for the mob-controlled neighborhood of Green Village. If you don’t pay your gambling debt, he’ll come and collect. If you get a little rough with one of ‘the girls,’ he gets a little rough with you. But when a dragon flies into town and Sonny is the one who’s tasked with getting rid of it, it’s a problem unlike any he’s ever faced, and a chain of events begins that will affect everyone who lives in that neighborhood. Especially Sonny.”
Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc. by by Sekka Iwata, illustrated by Yu Aoki (Amazon / Goodreads)
Adorable fun.
“There’s never a dull day at the office when you’re a magical girl!
Are you looking for something new? Something challenging? Something very highly paid? Exterminating monsters is an exciting, fast-paced field that will get you out from behind a desk and into the action. With over 500 magical girl companies now in operation, you’re sure to find a position—and a uniform—that fits. Start your career as a magical girl today!
Kana Sakuragi is an excellent candidate for the job. Any job! She’s motivated and organized, and has a fantastic memory. So why has she interviewed at over 15 companies without receiving a single offer? She’s trying to keep a positive attitude, but it seems like her bad luck is only getting worse when a monster crashes her latest interview. As havoc ensues, she finds herself helping the magical girl who comes to their rescue and ends up with more than just her life in return. Meet the newest magical girl at Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.!”
I’m also going to rec a few webcomics. Some may have been suspended/discontinued without an end to the story, so I’ll mark that where appropriate.
The Fox Sister by Christina and Jayd
What it’s about: “…our Korean Supernatural thriller/dram-edy story […] it’s really all about Yun Hee hunting down the Kumiho which has taken on the appearance of her sister, Sun Hee. Revenge story!”
It’s so, so gorgeous. The art is amazing. The story is very emotional but in a quiet way. It feels creepy and dangerous, much more than a standard demon-hunting action comic. Faith and magic both suffuse the interactions between Yun Hee and the Christian missionary who befriends her (almost against her will.) I would pay money for an animated movie of this comic.
Sadly, it’s unfinished and likely to remain that way.
Grassblades by Anna Landin
“The wandering swordsman Masahiro, on the road to somewhere, finds himself caught up in the tangle of lives crossing his path. Much as he would like to keep his distance, the world has a way of insistently getting in his way. The anchor-weights of the past hold him back just as they pull him relentlessly forward, and there are shadows slowly catching up. This is a story about journeys, about vengeance, redemption, and all the small things that we can’t seem to leave behind.”
Runewriters by Shazzbaa
This takes place in a super fun fantasy world full of sorcerers, soldiers, and spells gone awry. The two lead characters are both so great: a magic-using man who’s a person of color, and a white deaf woman. Her deafness is occasionally a minor plot point but isn’t the story. Instead, the story is about her goofball best friend who’s managed to turn his arms into tentacles. (It happens, right?) Anyway, this is one where you must read the artist’s commentary under the pages. Look out for the mention of Skeletor.
Sadly, this was suspended/discontinued without an end to the story.
And that’s the list!
Digger is a desert island book, the book I recommend if someone is only ever going to read one graphic novel. There’s a reason it won the Hugo!