Weâve written an article or two about lesbian manga before, and as anyone familiar even slightly with Japan is aware, manga, the Japanese version of comics, there are many who live in Japan who sometimes yearn for comics from the west with sapphic themes.
However, American comics have as long and as storied a history as does manga, and it is only in the past few decades that characters who are queer women have been given significant space on the page. So what are some good books for those residing in Japan seeking some WLW graphic novels? For once, we wonât say, âLook! Up in the sky!â Instead, weâll ask you to look below for our recommendations on what comics to read and where to buy them.
Recommendations
Letâs get into it with the best comics starring queer women! Thereâs a couple of cape comics in here, but comics for queer women are highly diverse, as we hope you will appreciate.
Harley Quinn
Now arguably a character as important a character for DC comics as Superman or Batman, Harleen âHarley Quinnâ Quinzel has been an icon since her debut as the Jokerâs girlfriend/fangirl in Batman: The Animated Series. Since that time, however, her long-time role as Poison Ivyâs partner in crime was finally confirmed to be more than just a working relationship in the early 2010s.
Now Harley is known as a bisexual icon, with her affinity for women referenced repeatedly in her eponymous comic, most notably the run helmed by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. This free-wheeling series saw our favorite member of the itty-bitty-titty committee break with Joker for good, and marry Poison Ivy, the worldâs foremost eco-terrorist. The comic is a thrill-ride from start to finish, and has inspired the Harley Quinn animated series, and her depiction on film.
Sunstone
Created by Croatian artist Stjepan Ć ejiÄ, Sunstone got its start as a series of short fetish drawings before evolving into a full comic. The story revolves around Lisa, a writer of BDSM fanfiction who draws the attention of Ally, herself not a newcomer to the scene but with little experience as a domme, who become sexually and romantically intwined.
Praised by queer women and BDSM enthusiasts alike for its thoughtful portrayal of how sub/domme dynamics start, develop, and change, Sunstone is a must-read for those interested in being captivated by excellent artwork and romance with an edge.
Blue is the Warmest Color
Written and illustrated by Jul Maroh, this graphic novel was adapted into an award-winning film of the same name, this moving graphic novel tells the tale of Emma, whose partner ClĂ©mentine has recently passed. During the story, Emma carries out ClĂ©mentineâs dying wish by visiting her parentsâ home and reading ClĂ©mentineâs diary, moving through her life from her teen years to her end.
Known for its moving narrative, it was called âA hymn to loveâ by the French newspaper La Figaro, it won a number of awards in Marohâs native France, including the Prix Jeune Auteur at the Salon de la BD et des Arts Graphiques of Roubaix and the Fnac-SNCF Essential prize, chosen by the public. An emotional narrative from start to finish, this is required reading.
Batwoman
Reconceptualized as a lesbian in 2006, Batwoman was, at the time, the most high-profile LGBTQ+ character in comics. Our heroine, real name Kate Kane, is a Jewish-American cousin to Batman, is thrown out of the US military for her sexuality, and becomes romantically entangled with Renee Montoya (who would later become the Question) before taking on the mantle of the bat to become a crimefighter.
Praised by GLAAD, and a fan favorite from her debut, it is J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackmanâs 2011 run that solidified her as an all-time superhero icon. In a twisting tale wherein Kane must weigh whether or not to train an apprentice, faces revelations about her father, and juggles crime-fighting with her personal life.
Heathen
Now weâre getting somewhere. Aydis is a viking woman who is oppressed and exiled for her sexuality after being caught kissing another woman. Outraged by her treatment, she liberates an imprisoned valkyrie and embarks on a mission to free everyone from a world of patriarchy imposed by Odin the God-King.
A perfect melding of an epic norse fantasy with the difficulties of living in a society that wonât accept you for who you are, Natasha Altericiâs fantasy is the perfect antidote to the world of patriarchy â or if not, the perfect way to get fired up to fight against it!
Where to Buy Comics in Tokyo
All of these comics, and many more, can be purchased from Amazon. However, for those who like to actually touch the books before they buy, and have a chat with knowledgeable staff to ask for introductions, there is no better place to go than Verse Comics in Ikebukuro.
In addition to tirelessly getting weekly singles, it also has an extraordinary library of TPB and hardcover comics on sale, and a loyalty card system for regulars to get money off. It also sells merch and Japanese language editions of some comics, making it perfect for fans looking to buy books to help practice Japanese.
And with that, we will conclude for this monthâs issue! But be not afraid, faithful follower, for there are plenty of sapphic comics to keep you company! Merely visit Verse Comics, and you shall receive!
