Back for more LGBTQIA+ book recommendations? Of course you are! This time we are delving into the world of graphic novels and manga and there are some fantastic titles coming out in the next few months. There’s a new series from the author of Cherry Magic!, beautifully illustrated book adaptions, the ending of a much-beloved manga series, and not one but two Virginia Woolf-inspired graphic novels!

A struggling writer finds himself drawn into darkness by a seductive, talented author in this enthralling psychological drama from the best-selling creator of Cherry Magic!

Set in Japan, early 20th century. Subaru Karasuma, an aspiring writer with dashed ambitions, neck-deep in loans he has no hope of paying back, decides it’s time to draw the curtain on his miserable life. Before he can follow through on his dark intent, he’s diverted by the spectacle of a neighbour working frenetically with his literary group to meet the deadline for a work commissioned by Geppo Yagira, a rich and famous novelist. When the devilishly handsome, fiercely talented Geppo lays his eyes on Subaru, the latter’s life is set on a new course. But the new path he’s now treading seems to lead ever deeper into the darkness…

If you’re looking for a heartfelt graphic novel which explores themes of disability, friendship, love, mental health and queer identity, then look no further.

Rhys Moore is worried as he starts his first year of university. And not just about the usual things. Rhys has face blindness, which means he struggles to recognise and remember people’s faces. He has ways of coping, but they don’t always work, so he isn’t sure how to manage being around so many new people. There is one bright note, though. Malcolm. He’s caring and kind, and he’s empathetic when Rhys finally reveals his disability to him. Could Malcolm be just what Rhys needs to get through the year? Emily Thomas’ debut graphic novel is perfect for fans of Bloom and Heartstopper, especially since the author started out by illustrating fanart for the latter.

Time now for an adaptation of a British queer classic; Virginia Woolf’s Orlando. Orlando tells the story of a poet adrift in time; he starts out his life as a nobleman in Queen Elizabeth I’s court, and her story concludes as a thirty-six year-old woman in the present. Jules Scheele’s graphic novel adaptation of this important queer work tells the complete story of Orlando’s journey through history which examines the shifting and changing ideas of gender and sexuality, and plumbs the depths of the human heart. Taking us through love affairs, betrayals and exiles, struggles against conformity and poetry through the ages, Orlando is a fantastical adventure filled with satirical wit and an important work of its time.

Just Like Mona Lisa sees its penultimate and final volumes released in English in May, with both volumes out on the same day! In this world, people are born without a gender. In one possible future for Hinase, she finds happiness as a woman while her friends support her transition as a young adult. If Hinase ends up dating Shiori, hijinks ensue on a summer trip to the hot spring. If Hinase dates Ritsu, the two learn what it means to be a lesbian couple today. Meanwhile, Azusa’s blind date goes awry, and Rui finds her spark again after losing herself in a relationship. What might life bring Hinase as a woman?

If you read our last LGBTQ blog (thank you), you will notice Bitchy! The Exasperating Existence of Midge McCracken has already been featured, however, due to getting a new publishing date, I am here to remind you about it again!

Roberta Gregory cultivated a huge impact on the comic industry for the last 50+ years. A pioneering underground cartoonist who has constantly tackled LGBTQIA+ rights and feminism in her comics, Roberta is amongst Robert Crumb and Trina Robbins who have inspired contemporary artists in the industry such as Chris Ware, Daniel Clowes, and Peter Bagge. This definitive collection includes all of Roberta Gregory’s riotous ‘Bitchy Bitch’ stories, presenting a life from childhood into middle age, following the character through multiple decades.

Everybody’s favourite chaotic lesbian Doctor Aphra is back with a bold new start in the wake of Return of the Jedi! Finally out from Darth Vader’s shadow, the opportunities are limitless rogue archaeologist, Doctor Aphra — newest agent of the New Republic?! Find out if Aphra’s heart is truly in her new status quo as she teams up with legendary rebels, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Chewbacca in three different story arcs, tracking down rare artifacts, returning prized art pieces, and providing security for a vital diplomatic mission!

A gorgeous and revitalising take on The Little Mermaid, Voices in the Sea Foam is a modern BL fairytale about overcoming reincarnation and tragedy to fight for true love.

Some curses just won’t stay dead. For years, Aito thought he was just a normal kid — until the day he fell in love with a boy at school. Suddenly, a flood of memories come rushing back, reminding him of his first life as the tragic little mermaid who risked everything for her prince, only to fade away into foam. But memories aren’t all that Aito inherits, as a mysterious power wrenches away his ability to speak or stand before his crush without agonising pain. Ever since, Aito has sworn off love in self-defense, but a fateful encounter with his charming college classmate Toru might just irrevocably shake up his world.

BOOM! is continuing to release its popular titles in a collectable format, with the 2017 winner of the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Comic Book series, The Woods, being its next focus.

On October 16, 2013, Bay Point Preparatory High School mysteriously vanished from suburban Milwaukee, only to reappear on a strange, forest-covered moon in an unknown part of the universe. With no answers and no way home, students and faculty face a terrifying alien wilderness filled with unimaginable threats and nightmarish encounters alongside their desperate attempt to reclaim normalcy in a rebuilt society. With rising tensions, shifting loyalties, and a looming cosmic threat, the path home is anything but clear. Can they survive the strange secrets that led to their arrival together? Or will the truth ultimately destroy them first?

Through sign language and acting, two young men seeking their places in the world, discover a connection that transcends the spoken word in Love in the Palm of His Hand Volume 03.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the right sign or if you mess up. You don’t need to use words with me. I can read everything about you.” Fujinaga finally lands a lead role in a stage play, and Keito makes it his mission to see it with his own eyes. The world finally recognizes Fujinaga’s unique talent, and Keito is here to witness this life-changing moment. When the play concludes its run, Keito receives a message from Fujinaga: “I want to see you.” After so much time apart, both are wrestling with possessive desires and an overwhelming yearning to communicate the feelings deep in their hearts, an act that may not require any words at all.

Another Virginia Woolf-based graphic novel? Say no more. This time, its an emotional and vibrant retelling of the famous author’s passions and torments, and her ardent relationship with Vita Sackville-West. Virginia Woolf ended her own life in March 1941, driven by the strength of her grief for the world entering another war. She was a woman full of turbulent emotions and desires, ones which brought her both great joy and suffering. Told through loose connections with some of Woolf’s most beloved novels and using quotations from letters written by Woolf and Sackville-West, this graphic novel brings colour and texture to this semi-secret love affair and boldly renders the waves and lulls of Woolf’s extraordinary mind.

We are nearing the end of the Otherside Picnic series, but not to fret, there’s still 1 more volume after this one! In this penultimate volume, winter has come, so Sorawo and Toriko go on a fun hot springs trip with Kozakura! But when Sorawo and Toriko bathe alone together, there’s a hint of danger in the air… Meanwhile, the intrepid duo’s preparations for a night-time Otherside expedition are proceeding apace. However, a terrible threat from the past is quietly creeping closer, while Toriko seems to have something she needs to tell Sorawo.

Shoot Juliet Down is back with another volume! Impressed by this poker-faced beauty’s supreme reign, newbie and number-two host Akatsuki decides he must learn Juliet’s secrets and shoot him down from the top of the pack. But Akatsuki’s first up-close taste of Juliet’s intoxicating charm leaves him craving more than he’d expected. And as he may soon learn, some secrets are better left in their bottles, and the bullet that shoots through one heart might take out more than it bargained for…

If you missed our other post for Spring, you can find it here. If these titles weren’t enough an you find yourself wanting even more LGBTQIA+ recommendations, you can find them on our Bookshop.org page.