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.
Book Riot has released its Best Books of 2025! Hit that link to check out the main list, but not before you scroll down to see our picks for the year’s best comics…some of them, at least. You can’t begin to imagine the time I had keeping this list short, and how painful it was to make cuts.
In any case, here are just a few of the amazing graphic novels released this year. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and everything in between — in this year or any other!
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes and Setor Fiadzigbey
I knew this would be a difficult read, and I was right — but it is also incredibly powerful, moving, and even uplifting in the end. At just 12 years old, Jerome is shot and killed by a white police officer for playing with a toy gun. Jerome’s ghost meets other Black boys murdered by fear and racism, and makes an unlikely connection that could save other boys from becoming ghosts before their time.
It Rhymes With Takei by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger
I included this one on my Best Books So Far list back in July, and it’s still here for good reason! Whether you’re a Trekkie or not, you’re sure to enjoy following along on Takei’s journey from aspiring actor to political activist to true legend (though yes, there are some funny Star Trek stories in here).
Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh
One of my favourite books of all time is The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill. I’ve been searching for a book that is as comforting and beautiful as that one, and I’ve finally found it. When Lu stops getting letters from her ah-ma, the famous geozoologist, she and her best friend set out on a trip to find her, learning more about geofauna along the way. This queernorm middle grade fantasy graphic novel is a cozy story that also deals with grief and cultural divides between generations. The illustrations are so stunning that I finished the book and immediately ordered several art prints, which are now proudly displayed on my wall. —Danika Ellis
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More Weight by Ben Wickey
“Epic” is the only word that truly encapsulates this graphic novel. Revealing the oft-forgotten human tragedies behind the sensationalized Salem Witch trials, More Weight explores the full horror of the trials themselves and the many ways that American society still struggles to deal with the consequences.
This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux
This sapphic YA graphic novel takes place in the ’80s, but its story of teenage alienation is timeless. Wilberton Academy’s resident It Girl, Elizabeth Woodward, is found dead the morning after she starred in the school’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet. She’s said to have died by suicide, but something about that doesn’t feel right. Outcast Abby Kita is determined to find out what really happened to one of the few girls at Wilberton who was ever nice to her. Turns out, Elizabeth had secrets—secrets that might have gotten her killed. —Erica Ezeifedi
For more great comics and graphic novels, take a look back at the books we were loving by the middle of the year with our Best Books of the Year (So Far) list.
English (US) · 