Love is in the air this post-Valentine’s season, and what better way to keep the spirit of the holiday going than curling up with something swoon worthy to read? Check out this curated list featuring comics, graphic novels, and manga that celebrate romance and love in so many different forms!
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang (First Second)
Frances, a talented young seamstress, is hired by Prince Sebastian as a dressmaker. In doing so, she assists him in living out his double life as Lady Crystalia, the hottest fashion icon in Paris! The two become best friends (and perhaps more?), but Frances has dreams, and being Sebastian’s secret weapon means putting them on hold. How long can she keep them postponed in order to protect her friend? The art style is both cartoony and detailed, colored in pastel shades. The backgrounds, especially Sebastian’s bedroom, are beautiful and consistent. This tale seamlessly weaves together young love, identity, family, and fashion, making it a modern-day fairy tale that will sweep you off your feet.
Purchase The Prince and the Dressmaker here.
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu (Quill Tree Books)
In the distant future, an aspiring scientist named Clementine Chang has moved to Mars for her new job working at the acclaimed Dr. Lin’s artificial intelligence laboratory. However, she soon finds herself falling for Kye, Dr Lin’s A.I. assistant as he begins to show signs of independence and emotion. The story asks a lot of questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence and what separates them from humans, and takes a sensitive approach to the topic of parental abuse. The setting of Mars is reminiscent of many different places, notably the American southwest and east Asia. It's sweet, tender, and at times heartbreaking, all tied together with a beautiful art style and pink and blue color palette.
Purchase The Infinity Particle here.
Romantic Killer by Wataru Momose (VIZ Media)
High schooler Anzu is perfectly content so long as she has her three greatest desires; chocolate, video games, and her cat. Unfortunately, a wizard from another dimension takes them all away from her until she can become involved in a romantic relationship! Anzu’s solution? Avoid falling in love at all costs! This full colored manga parodies many different tropes found in both shoujo and harem manga, all while highlighting the importance of platonic love and personal choice. The art is expressive with lots of visual gags and the color palette is fun and bright. If you love the humor and heart of Ouran High School Host Club, this one's for you!
Purchase Romantic Killer: Vol. 1 here.
Moonstruck by Grace Ellis, Shae Beagle, and Kate Leth (Image Comics)
Julie, a werewolf barista, lives in the small college town of Blithetown, where fantastical creatures and humans live side by side. But when a disastrous first date leaves her friend Chet with a terrible curse, she must work with them and her new girlfriend to catch the culprit! The art style is cutesy and roundish, complete with a pretty pastel color palette. All tied together with charming characters and story within the story, this queer urban fantasy is such a fun treat!
Purchase Moonstruck: Vol 1 here.
Amazon.com: Moonstruck Volume 1: Magic to Brew: 9781534304772: Ellis, Grace, Beagle, Shae, Leth, Kate: Books
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