We’re getting romantic in this week’s, So You Want to Read Comics. This is our weekly feature where we take a look at a single topic or genre, then give you two comic book recommendations, perfect for new readers, based on that topic or genre. This time around we’re taking another look at romance comics.
With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to look at some romance comics. With such a focus on superheroes, crime, and horror, it might be hard to imagine that comic books have had a long history in the romance genre. But one of the first romance comics Young Romance, was released in 1947. For comparison, the first Superman comic was released in 1938. By 1950 there were well over 100 different romance comic book titles on the market, and they remained popular until the implementation of The Comics Code. After that, romance comics were forced to tone down their subject matter which didn’t quite match the wants of the market, especially with the burgeoning sexual revolution that was going on. But with the elimination of the Comics Code along with the ever-increasing popularity of manga and romance focused genre fiction, romance comics have seen a resurgence in the last couple of decades.
Here are a couple of comic book series that will scratch that romantic itch, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
BOLERO
Writer: Wyatt Kennedy
Artist: Luana Vecchio
Publisher: Image Comics
There are a lot of romance stories out there that feature a lot of fluff and saccharine depictions of love. Bolero is not one of those. This series tells the story of Devyn, who has recently broken up with her longtime girlfriend just as many other elements in her life begin to fall apart. Then she’s given the opportunity to try again, by jumping into another universe, where maybe she can make things right. In fact, she gets 53 chances. What follows is a journey through a myriad of settings like, a futuristic space station, a fantasy world that’s like a witch-themed Jane Austen novel. It’s also a journey of self-realization and learning that sometimes you’re not the best thing for the person you love the most. This series asks some very difficult questions about romance and its relationship with personal acceptance, recovery, and trauma. The high-concept nature of this story, mixed with art that seamlessly transitions from modern day settings to future, to fantasy, to straight-up surreal, make this story one that really can only be told in comic book form. The entire series can be read in a single volume, which makes it a great way to jump into comic book reading.
LUNAR NEW YEAR LOVE STORY
Writer: Gene Luan Yang
Artist: LeUyen Pham
Publisher: First Second
How could we not recommend this one? The main character is literally named after Valentine’s Day. In Lunar New Year Love Story, we are introduced to Valentina, who has recently been led to believe that her and her family has been cursed by the very spirit of romance to always be unlucky in love. Yet, a chance encounter with a dancer changes her mind and she becomes determined to find love. While at the same time Jae who feels a strange connection with Valentina must endure his own family’s history while also seeing as Valentina seemingly falls for another. What this book really embodies is how the best romance stories aren’t just about two people coming together. But also, about how each person’s history, family, life, and background also get brought together to form something special. Not to mention, this graphic novel is just very sweet and cute, without coming off as childish or cheesy, which isn’t always easy for books that lean a little on the YA side of things. Having been published very recently, this graphic novel has already been getting rave reviews from both comic enthusiasts as well as traditional book reviewers.
What are some of your favorite romance stories and comics? What did you think of these recommendations? Let us know in the comments section below.
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At a young age, Jonathan was dragged to a small town in Wisconsin. A small town in Wisconsin that just so happened to have a comic book shop. Faced with a decision to either spend the humid summers and bitter winters traipsing through the pine trees or in climate controlled comfort with tales of adventure, horror, and romance, he chose the latter. Jonathan can often be found playing video games, board games, reading comics and wincing as his “to watch” list grows wildly out of control.