5 Graphic Novels to Warm Your Heart

Goldie Vance, by Hope Larson, Brittney Williams, and Sarah Stern
The Goldie Vance series is the teen lady sleuth adventure I never knew I needed. Picture Nancy Drew with a more diverse cast and the dark underbelly of Veronica Mars, then add in an f/f ship full of blushes and sweet kisses. All of this is set at a swanky hotel rendered in amazing artistic detail. Be warned: the relationships, from the romantic to the platonic to the familial, may cause you to hug your copy on more than one occasion. The third volume releases this November, so you have plenty of time to devour the beauty of volumes one and two.

The Tea Dragon Society, by Katie O’Neill
I cannot recommend pre-ordering this graphic novel, out in October, enough. I do not exaggerate when I say that every page of this adorable story about blacksmith apprentice Greta and her friends made me squeal. After Greta finds a lost tea dragon (yes, a TEA FREAKING-CUTE DRAGON), she stumbles upon Hesekiel and Erik, who own a tea shop. She finds a kindred soul in their ward, Minette, and together, the group explores less common art forms and trades and what it means to care for another being. I guarantee you’ll be rereading this more than once.

Princess, Princess Ever After, by Katie O’Neill
While you’re waiting for your pre-order of The Tea Dragon Society to come in, grab O’Neill’s previous work, Princess, Princess Ever After. This one is for all the readers tired of emotion equaling weakness and of princes being the only royalty capable of making a rescue. Princess Sadie is stuck in her tower prison, but has no hope of escape. When Princess Amira rescues her, Sadie is delighted, and the two discover they work splendidly as a pair. As they adventure throughout the kingdom, they come face to face with the evil sorceress who hurt Sadie in the first place. Add in body positivity, excellent outfits, and fun side characters, and your emotions will be the equivalent of a perfectly melted chocolate chip cookie.

Ever After High: Class of Classics, by Leigh Dragoon and Jessica Sheron
As a lover of fairy tales, I binged Ever After High as soon as it hit Netflix. The show, based on this graphic novel, follows Raven Queen, daughter of the Evil Queen, and her friends and fellow relations of famous fairy tale characters at Ever After High. There, they are expected to follow in their parents’ footsteps, whether that means they become the next victorious princess or the next evil villain. However, Raven doesn’t want to follow her mother’s path, and her decision changes Ever After High completely. The graphic novel tackles the sometimes tense relationship between teens and their parents, highlights the legendary friendships of the series, and is filled with utterly gorgeous artwork. Just like the episodes, it ends with hope, community, and smiles.

Another Castle: Grimoire, by Andrew Wheeler, Paulina Ganucheau, and Jenny Vy Tran
As evidenced by this list, I’m a sucker for artwork with bright colors and characters in lush, layered outfits. Princess Misty of Beldora yearns for adventure in the great wide somewhere. While seeking out refreshing action, Misty is captured by Lord Badlug of Grimoire, who plans to marry Misty and take control of her kingdom. Teaming up with a few Grimoires who are tired of Badlug’s rule, Misty and her new friends fight to save both kingdoms. There’s a reason this is on the list for warm feels and not crushing feels: the lovable side characters and excellent timed comic relief make Another Castle full of as many happy moments as tense ones.