Graphic Novels Represent Everyone
Graphic novels cover a range of human conditions: LGBTQ, racial identity, and more. I’ve assembled a list of graphic novels addressing characters with disabilities, below, to add to the great diversity of the human spirit and the challenges that that may represent.
For Adults
Water Baby by Ross Campbell
Brody is an abrasive surfer girl who gets bitten by a shark and is forced to deal with her new disability, not to mention the strange, shark-like transformation that may or may not be happening to her. But this is nothing compared to the return of her ex-boyfriend who she must drive back to New York.
For Young Adults
The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp
After a gunshot leaves her paralyzed, Barbara Gordon enters the Arkham Center for Independence, where Gotham's teens undergo physical and mental rehabilitation. Now using a wheelchair, Barbara must adapt to a new normal, but she cannot shake the feeling that something is dangerously amiss.
Stars in Their Eyes by Jessica Walton
Maisie is on her way to Fancon! She's looking forward to meeting her idol, Kara Bufano, the action hero from her favorite TV show, who has a lower-leg amputation, just like Maisie. But when Maisie and her mom arrive at the convention center, she is stopped in her tracks by Ollie, a cute volunteer working the show. They are kind, charming, and geek out about nerd culture just as much as Maisie does. And as the day wears on, Maisie notices feelings for Ollie that she's never had before. Is this what it feels like to fall in love?
Metaphase by Chip Reece
The story in Metaphase is inspired by the author's real-life superhero son, who has Down syndrome. Lash is one of the greatest superheroes of all time, but his life is forever changed when his son, Ollie, is born with all the physical vulnerabilities that come along with having heart defects and Down syndrome. As Ollie gets older he becomes tired of his dad's over-protection and unwillingness to include him in his superhero adventures. Ollie has lived his life listening to the world tell him he will be limited in what he can do and with the added frustration of being compared to a dad with unlimited abilities. Fueled by his desire to be "super", Ollie turns to Meta-Makers - a company that claims it can give anyone superpowers through chromosome tampering. Unfortunately, Ollie's decision may be disastrous for the greatest hero of all time... his dad!
My Brain is Different by Monzusu
In this manga essay anthology, follow the true stories of nine people (including the illustrator) navigating life with developmental disorders and disabilities.
For Kids
El Deafo by Cece Bell
The author recounts in graphic novel format her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her "superpower." Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful--and very awkward--hearing aid. The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear--sometimes things she shouldn't--but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.
Rose Wolves by Natalie Warner
One day, a little girl picks an unusual flower from an unusual bush in the forest. Overnight, the flower blooms and turns into a magical creature: a rose wolf, missing a leg just like she is missing an arm. Together, the new friends must go on a journey to find where they belong.
Thunderboom by Jack Briglio
Luke isn't like most other 11-year-olds -- he can't speak and he mostly lives in his head. But today he'll go far out of his comfort zone when his parents take him on a train to see a parade. Luke must face all of his greatest fears: masks, dogs, and the unknown. When he's separated from his parents at the parade, Luke goes where he's the best version of himself--his imagination. Transforming into superhero ThunderBoom, Luke is determined to stomp his way through any menace.
Manga
I Hear the Sunspot by Yuki Fumino
Because of a hearing disability Kohei is often alone. Taichi is outspoken and cheerful. At first, Kohei keeps himself well guarded, but after he meets Taichi he slowly learns to open up.
A Silent Voice by Yoshitoki Oima
Shoya is a bully. When Shoko, a girl who can’t hear, enters his elementary school class, she becomes their favorite target, and Shoya and his friends goad each other into devising new tortures for her. But the children’s cruelty goes too far. Shoko is forced to leave the school, and Shoya ends up shouldering all the blame. Six years later, the two meet again. Can Shoya make up for his past mistakes, or is it too late?
A Perfect World by Rie Aruga
A company get-together reunites 26-year-old Tsugumi with her high school crush, Itsuki. In the years they've been apart, Itsuki has realized his dream of becoming an architect--but along the way, he's also suffered a spinal cord injury that's left him in a wheelchair. Seeing Itsuki again rekindles Tsugumi's feelings for him. It also forces her to confront her own hidden prejudices. Itsuki's disability seems like an intimidating obstacle at first, but soon, Tsugumi discovers that her world feels imperfect without him.
A Sign of Affection by Suu Morishita
Yuki, who's always been deaf, is used to communicating with sign language and her phone. But she's not used to English, so when a tourist from overseas asks for directions, she nearly panics...until a handsome stranger steps in to help. His name is Itsuomi, and it turns out he's a friend of a friend. A charismatic globetrotter, Itsuomi speaks three languages, but he's never had a deaf friend. The two feel drawn to each other and plan a date on a romantic winter's night...but Yuki's friend is afraid that she might be setting herself up to get hurt. Could this be something real? Or will these feelings melt away with the snow?
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