Last week, I wrote an introduction to romance comics, and in it, I wrote: With today’s publishers, there are not many romance comics. I feel like a dunder-head because romance comics have seen a resurgence in the past five years, blending heartfelt storytelling with innovative art styles to captivate readers. Though superheroes and action-packed tales have often taken center stage, contemporary romance comics are demonstrating that love stories can be equally captivating, intricate, and powerful.
Like many fans, there are so many fantastic comics coming out all the time that I can never keep up with what’s being published. Then, there are the countless comics in my archives that I go back and reread for the –gosh, I don’t even want to think how many times I’ve reread some comics. I often feel like Burgess Meredith, in an old Twilight Zone episode, who finds himself where the world and everyone is gone—and he can now do nothing but read. If you’re looking for a feel-good episode, that one is not it! It’s rather depressing, but I often feel like his character, Henry Bemis, where I want to sit back for a day or two and do nothing but read comic books.
What made me deep-dive into current romance comics and (embarrassingly) retract my statement that romance comics are not “hot” in comics is the recent news that Tom King’s Love Everlasting from Image Comics is getting a film adaptation. I am, of course, a big Tom Taylor fan—and I didn’t know he was doing a romance comic!In my defense, Image Comics puts out roughly fifty comics and graphic novels a month, and overall, upwards of 500 come from all publishers. In a good month, I’m lucky to read a hundred or so new comics. There’s only so much time to read comic books, and I haven’t entirely found a way to stop time and get caught up.
So you don’t feel like a dunderhead, I’m going to talk about some romance comics being put out now. Starting with the elephant in the room: King’s Love Everlasting. If you have Global Comi, the first two volumes are available.
Like everything Ki, g—he offers innovative, fresh takes on whatever he tackles. Love Everlasting is a genre-bending masterpiece that stands apart from his previous works like Batman and Mister Miracle. Co-created with Elsa Charretier, this series explores the haunting cycle of romance through the protagonist, Joan Peterson, who is trapped in an endless loop of love stories. Unlike King’s superhero narratives, Love Everlasting delves into existential themes of love, identity, and Rebellion, blending romance with elements of horror and mystery. Fans should check it out for its innovative storytelling, emotional depth, and Charretier’s stunning artwork, which together create a compelling and thought-provoking experience.
Next up is from a publisher I’ve never done before—the British publisher Rebellion. Their long-running 2000 AD—also the home of Judge Dredd—has been going since 1977. I’m talking about the recently released anthology Roxy: Romance Reborn.Done with a classic romance vibe, the anthology blends nostalgic charm with contemporary storytelling. Published by Rebellion, this collection features four brand-new tales of love, each crafted by talented creators like Alex de Campi, Erica Henderson, and Sarah Gordon. The stories range from a queer supermodel heist to a supernatural journey through undead woods, showcasing the diverse facets of romance. With its heartfelt narratives and stunning artwork, Roxy: Romance Reborn captures the essence of the genre, making it a true romance comic. It celebrates love in all its forms, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience.
Among the anthology’s remarkable stories is The Getaway Girls, a thrilling queer supermodel heist that seamlessly blends elegance and excitement, crafted by Alex de Campi with artwork by Erica Henderson. Another standout is Flowers for Agatha, a haunting supernatural love story set in a mysterious forest, beautifully illustrated in Sarah Gordon’s distinctive style. The collection also features a romantic tale that transcends time and a futuristic narrative of boundless love, showcasing the rich variety within its pages.
I started this off with Image Comics, and it seems fitting to wrap romance views with them. Sunstone by Stjepan Šejić is a groundbreaking graphic novel that redefines the romance genre with its heartfelt storytelling and stunning artwork. At its core, Sunstone is a love story between two women, Ally and Lisa, who navigate the complexities of their relationship through trust, vulnerability, and shared passions. While the series explores BDSM themes, it does so with sensitivity and depth, focusing on the emotional connection between the characters rather than sensationalism.What sets Sunstone apart is its ability to resonate with readers who might not typically gravitate toward romance comics. The narrative is rich with humor, relatable moments, and genuine character development, making it accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Šejić’s art is both expressive and intimate, perfectly complementing the story’s tone and enhancing its emotional impact.
For those who typically steer clear of romance comics, Sunstone presents a refreshing take on love and relationships, shattering stereotypes and highlighting the profound beauty of human connection. It’s an essential read for anyone in search of a narrative that is both profoundly insightful and genuinely moving.
Whether you’re drawn to heartfelt tales of romance or simply in search of an engaging read, today’s romance comics offer something for everyone. These comics beautifully illustrate that love, in all its shapes and expressions, is a timeless and relatable theme. Immerse yourself in these stories and let yourself fall in love with some fantastic romance comics.
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