By Elena Biske
On days when it feels like the world is collapsing in on itself (which are becoming…a little too frequent), I try to remind myself of one of my favorite Broadway musical quotes: “The opposite of war isn’t peace, it’s creation.” Despite everything, there are still countless incredible people out there creating good in the world- whether that’s through their art, organizing efforts, or their simple kindness to others.
With that in mind, I’ve compiled some of my favorite works from the trans community, a community who has faced unthinkable adversity and still manages to share their gifts with the world. These titles vary wildly in their content (please check the warnings beneath each entry!), art style, and themes, but are unified in their creators, who all fall under the trans umbrella. Please support them and their works however you are able!
Nimona by ND Stevenson (he/him)
As one of the most popular and celebrated comics of the 2010s, Nimona needs no introduction, but it’s never too late to get on the hype train. Set in a fantasy realm that combines medieval aesthetics with the technology of the future, Nimona follows its titular shapeshifter in her adventures as “sidekick” to the domain’s so-called villain, Ballister Blackheart. However, not everything is as it seems in this idyllic land, and Nimona and Blackheart find themselves at the center of a sinister conspiracy.
Though it was published prior to Stevenson’s public transition, Nimona features themes of identity, essentialism, and otherness that resonate with the trans community and beyond. It challenges readers to question the labels and narratives we are presented with, a skill that is oh-so-necessary in today’s turbulent media landscape. Plus, if you enjoy the book, there’s also a fantastic film adaptation on Netflix to indulge in!
Content warnings: cartoon violence
Other works by ND Stevenson: The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures; Lumberjanes, issues #1–17
Spellbound by Bishakh Som (she/her)
Bishakh Som is a self-described “late bloomer,” in regards to both her trans identity and her career in comics. Bookended with commentary from her real self in the present, Spellbound collects Som’s diary comics during the creation of her first graphic novel. However, you won’t find Som herself in these pages- instead, she represents herself with a cisgender woman named Anjali. Perhaps this could’ve been an indication of something? Who knows!
Spellbound takes us through many vignettes of Anjali’s life, from her multicultural childhood to her grievances with a part-time architecture job. Readers are encouraged to consider the convergences of Anjali and Som, and how the former’s confident, yet often wavering sense of self relates to Som’s real-life identity as a transfemme person. Plenty of laughs are to be had along the way!
Content warnings: some nudity and sexual content
Other works by Bishakh Som: Apsara Engine
Boys Run the Riot (Vol. 1) by Keito Gaku (he/him)
Never fear, manga readers: there’s some wonderful trans-created comics from Japan, too! In Boys Run the Riot, Keito Gaku delivers a classic coming-of-age story through the lens of Ryo Watari, a trans boy struggling to find his place in his Japanese high school. Like many trans folks, Ryo grounds his sense of identity in clothing, and this passion for fashion earns him a cohort of fellow social outcasts all just trying to figure out who they are and who they want to be.
Quirky, thoughtful, and full of heart, these kids are ones you can’t help but root for, and their journey in starting their own clothing brand is inspiring for artists of any kind. I couldn’t recommend this debut series more, and am thrilled to see more stories from Keito Gaku in the future!
Content warnings: transphobia, bullying, gender dysphoria
Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier (she/her) and Val Wise (he/she)
Cheer Up is a sickeningly sweet and dynamically illustrated high school rom-com from not one, but two trans creators- sounds like a W-I-N to me! This YA novel is a quick and concise read, but is packed full of things to love. Our two protagonists, combatively smart lesbian Annie and people-pleasing trans girl Bebe, are former friends who find themselves reunited on their high school’s cheerleading squad.
As they rekindle their old friendship (maybe more than they expected…), these two not only learn to fly and tumble, but also when to F-I-G-H-T and when to C-H-I-L-L. Wise’s expressive artwork brings Frasier’s colorful characters to life in wonderful harmony, so all I have to say is: G-O T-E-A-M!!
Content warnings: transphobia, harassment
Other works by Crystal Frasier: Gamma Flight #1–5, Pathfinder: Spiral of Bones #1–5, along with a ton of work in video games and tabletop games!
Other works by Val Wise: Werewoofs, Yazeba’s Bed & Breakfast
The Chromatic Fantasy by H.A. (he/him)
If you’re looking for pure, unabashed, stream-of-consciousness trans art, then look no further than The Chromatic Fantasy. A passion project to the fullest extent, H.A. tells a fantastical tale of two trans, medieval-ish thieves who clash swords and then fall in love.
I will admit, this is definitely not a book for everyone- H.A. depicts queer romance in its MOST explicit form, and the story’s happenings are often a bit absurdist. But if that sounds like your cup of tea, H.A.’s gorgeously crafted pages will more than satisfy you. Steeped in religious imagery and the whimsy of the Middle Ages, there’s a lot in between the lines of this exceptionally unique work, and there’s no denying that the artist’s full self is proudly on display.
Content warnings: EXPLICIT sexual content, dubious consent, religious trauma, profanity
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Reborn, Vol. 1: From the Ashes by Sophie Campbell (she/her)
In case it wasn’t already clear, trans creators can be found everywhere- even in your favorite classic franchises! Starting with issue #101, Sophie Campbell took the helm as both writer and lead artist on IDW’s 2011 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot. The trade volume listed here collects issues #101-105. While it may look like you’re jumping into the middle of the story, rest assured that this book will get you up to speed!
As a Turtles newcomer myself, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to pick up. We join our titular ninjas at a cataclysmic point in their lives- Manhattan has been razed by the series’ villains, fellow mutants are emerging citywide, and their mentor was killed in the fallout. As our characters try to pick up the pieces in a new quarantined ghetto for animal-human hybrids, Campbell weaves a tender narrative of grief, community, and mutual aid. While I went into From the Ashes expecting badass turtle martial arts (which are indeed present), I walked away with renewed hope for communities in the wake and aftermath of trauma. Major props to Campbell- her TMNT run is quite the achievement!
Content warnings: Violence, children in distress
Other words by Sophie Campbell: Wet Moon, Shadoweyes, many serialized comics
Stone Fruit by Lee Lai (she/her)
If Cheer Up is this list’s light, fluffy, romantic yin, then Stone Fruit is the dark, bleak, deeply introspective yang. Lee Lai’s debut graphic novel illustrates the complicated queer relationship between Bron and Ray, through both its painful lows in the dark of the night and its hopeful highs in the presence of Ray’s eccentric niece, Nessie.
Nessie’s whimsical imagination comes to life in Lai’s artwork, enveloping Aunties Bron and Ray in a fantasy that they so deeply wish was their reality. Stone Fruit approaches the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial, with a rare poignancy that had me completely enthralled. A quick, but impactful read, Stone Fruit belongs on the shelf of any graphic novel enthusiast!
Content warnings: Minor nudity, religious trauma, profanity
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe (e/em/eirs)
No list of trans creators would be complete without Maia Kobabe and eir renowned memoir, Gender Queer! This book bears the exceptional distinction of being one of, if not the, most banned titles in America since its publication in 2019. Book bans often happen because a novel is saying something that certain people don’t want to be heard- so I implore you to challenge yourself and pick up this modern classic!
An absolute must-read in the queer comics sphere, Gender Queer documents Kobabe’s lifetime of gender indifference, and eir gradual progression from confusion and pain to understanding and acceptance. Discussions on gender identity can often be over-complicated and alienating- Kobabe’s book lays out eir experiences with candidness and simplicity, making this an accessible read no matter your knowledge in queer theory.
Content warnings: Gender dysphoria, transphobia, medical content
Other works by Maia Kobabe: Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding, short comics featured in anthologies such as Be Gay, Do Comics and Tabula Idem: A Queer Tarot Comic Anthology