Eileen's primary literary love is comic books, but she’s always on the lookout for her next literary adventure no matter what form it takes. She has a Bachelor's in media studies, a Master's in digital communication, a smattering of published short stories, and a seriously cute dog. Follow her on Bluesky.
Eileen's primary literary love is comic books, but she’s always on the lookout for her next literary adventure no matter what form it takes. She has a Bachelor's in media studies, a Master's in digital communication, a smattering of published short stories, and a seriously cute dog. Follow her on Bluesky.
It’s that time of year again when families get together, and while it may be fun and games for some, things can be a little more complicated for others. The siblings in these graphic novels are well-versed in complex relationships, if not always in how to resolve them.
From hilarious children’s books that show how siblings can work out their differences to more mature works about much more contentious family arguments, these comics capture what it’s like to have a complicated or dysfunctional relationship with someone you may feel like you’re “supposed” to be close to.
Batwoman: Elegy by Greg Rucka and J.H. Williams III
Every superhero needs a nemesis. For Kate Kane, alias Batwoman, that nemesis is Alice, a would-be mass murderer who speaks exclusively in Lewis Carroll quotes. If you saw The CW series inspired by this comic, you will not be as surprised as Kate was to learn Alice’s true identity.
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Duel by Jessixa Bagley and Aaron Bagley
GiGi and Lucy’s relationship goes from bad to worse after their father dies. When their animosity gets them into trouble and escalates into an actual fencing duel, more than their scholastic futures are on the line. Their sisterly relationship–or lack thereof–could also change forever.
Long Walk to Valhalla by Adam Smith and Matthew Fox
In this short yet emotional graphic novel, a young man named Rory learns that today is the day he will die. Accompanied by Sylvia, a Valkyrie sent to join him in the afterlife, Rory revisits his entire life and learns to connect with his troubled older brother in ways he never could before.
Spent by Alison Bechdel
All Alison wants is for the world to be a better, fairer, kinder place. Unfortunately, reality keeps getting in the way. A fraught relationship with her right-wing sister is another obstacle for her to navigate as she struggles to accept the current state of things and find happiness regardless.
Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
Avery wants her own space, but with six siblings, that proves to be just about impossible. She hatches a plan to get a room all to herself, but a potential move throws her entire world out of whack and makes everything worse!
Stone Fruit by Lee Lai
Ray and Bron’s romantic relationship is on the rocks. They have not been able to rely on their siblings for support in the past. But now, without any better options, they each try to heal the rift with their respective sisters.
Thor & Loki: Double Trouble by Mariko Tamaki and Gurihiru
When Thor and Loki’s “friendly” rivalry all but destroys Asgard, Loki comes up with a clever idea to pick up the mess. Unfortunately, like most of his clever ideas, this one has unforeseen consequences.
Two Brothers by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá
When twins Omar and Yaqub go too far in expressing their resentment for each other, Yaqub is sent to live with relatives on the other side of the ocean. Will the time apart ultimately bring them closer together, or will family secrets rip them apart for good?
Eager for more family-focused comics? Check out these comics and graphic novels about families, these graphic novels about the best and worst of step families, and these queer graphic novels that celebrate found families.
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