‘Babybel Wax Bodysuit’ by Eric Kostiuk Williams
All three stories in this collection deal with “peeling back the wax bodysuit” (an analogy to the wax covering of Babybel cheese), i.e. all the multiple layers we use to hide both our fears and our egos
‘Queer & Trans Artists of Color: Volume 2’ by Nia King and Elena Rose
For anyone feeling terrorized by the Trump administration’s dire promises, Nia King’s Queer & Trans Artists of Color: Volume 2 is the perfect antidote to fear and an inspiring handbook of activist creations
Cartoonist Ed Luce on Creating Comics and Promoting Body Positivity
“I’m still dedicated to writing and drawing stories that I haven’t really seen in comics, especially queer comics, that I think need to exist.”
‘What’s Your Sign, Girl? Cartoonists Talk About Their Sun Signs’ Edited by Robert Kirby
This compilation’s topic and sharp design make it irresistible to peruse
‘The Collected Black Gay Boy Fantasy #1’ by Victor Hodge
Black Gay Boy Fantasy follows the story of Neil Jordan’s gay coming of age
‘Dryland’ by Sara Jaffe
Adults and teen readers will appreciate this coming-of-age tale which captures a girl’s initial steps to finding her sexual identity and the emotional struggles of navigating adolescence
‘Shirtlifter’ by Steve MacIsaac with Fuzzbelly, Justin Hall, Ilya, Jon Macy, and Eric Kostiuk Williams
These stories expand the view of the gay male experience by examining stereotypes and the realities behind them, and by sharing the real joys and frustrations of gay life.
‘Wuvable Oaf’ by Ed Luce
Wuvable Oaf is the tale of a big, hairy, gay ex-wrestler’s search for love in San Francisco
‘I Never Promised You a Rose Garden, Part One: My Own Private Portland’ by Annie Murphy
The title of Murphy’s zineI Never Promised You a Rose Garden alludes to Portland’s nickname, “The City of Roses,” at the same time warning readers this book is not about petals and perfume.
‘The Completely Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green’ by Eric Orner
Orner’s book is a treasure trove of emotions, queer characters you both know and want to know, engrossing art, humor and good storytelling
‘Politically InQueerect: Old Ghosts’ by Dylan Edwards
It’s a credit to Edwards’ talent to see how he’s expanded what started as a clichéd joke, into an insightful, humorous and unique comic.
‘Second Avenue Caper: When Goodfellas, Divas and Dealers Plotted Against the Plague’ by Joyce Brabner and Illustrated by Mark Zingarelli
“In her new graphic novel, Joyce Brabner continues writing in the vein of the American Splendor comics she co-wrote with her husband Harvey Pekar, discovering stories, heroes and suspense in the daily activities of herself and her friends.”
‘Fearful Hunter’ by Jon Macy
“[….] this is a young adult romance, only it’s about a Druid and werewolf that fall in love, and includes gods, magic, shape-shifters, rednecks, and punks. There’s sex, but it leans towards erotic and romantic rather than explicit or hard-core.”
‘Everyone is Someone’s Fetish’ by Tony Breed
“The sense of humor here is low-key, but one that nails the realities of coupledom.”
‘War of the Streets and Houses’ by Sophie Yanow
Sophie Yanow’s War of Streets and Houses pushes the boundaries of what a graphic novel can be by using comics to create an academic treatise.
‘The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story’ by Vivek J. Tiwary with Illustrations by Andrew C. Robinson and Kyle Baker
Vivek J. Tiwary’s graphic novel (a finalist for a 26th Annual Lambda Literary Award in the graphic novel category) recognizes Brian Epstein as the fifth band member–a silent partner, the brains behind the Beatles’ concept.
‘100 Crushes’ by Elisha Lim
“Though we might have made lists, few of us could craft descriptions (or drawings) as deft as Lim’s.”
‘7 Miles a Second’ by David Wojnarowicz, James Romberger, and Marguerite Van Cook
The resurrection of David Wojnarowicz,
‘Calling Dr. Laura: A Graphic Memoir’ by Nicole J. Georges
Nationally, Portland, Oregon is known
‘Not My Bag’ by Sina Grace
Retail is a service industry,
‘Transposes’ by Dylan Edwards
A major step to breaking down closet doors is to provide venues for trans* people to see themselves. Edward’s graphic novel does just that; focusing on the stories of six queer transmen.
‘Spit and Passion’ by Cristy C. Road
Not all LGBT coming of
‘A Waste of Time’ by Rick Worley
This is the tale of a big-headed narrator bunny, a sex-n-drug crazed fox, a teddy bear best friend, and ill-fated robot lovers that drink, smoke weed, look at porn, bonk guys and snort things they later regret. Or not.
