For decades, the comic book world has often felt like a boys’ club, catering primarily to the male gaze and featuring narratives centred on male heroes. But beneath the surface of this perceived homogeneity lies a rich, albeit often overlooked, history of women creators and a growing readership hungry for stories that reflect their own experiences. From Persepolis to Ms Shabash, female protagonists and creators have always been pushing margins, reshaping comic books into much more than just action-packed fantasy. Here are five recommendations for anyone looking for feminist comics and graphic novels that are not only reshaping the industry but also offering powerful and resonant stories for a new generation of readers.
- Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Some stories stay with you long after you’ve closed the book, and Persepolis is one of them for me. Satrapi’s powerful graphic memoir brings to life her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, which was a time of fear and resistance. Told through striking black-and-white illustrations, it’s a deeply personal yet universally resonant account of what it means to grow up in a world that tries to define you before you even know yourself. Satrapi captures the push and pull of identity, the weight of political and social change, and the realities of being a young girl navigating an increasingly oppressive society. It’s sharp, heartbreaking, and at times unexpectedly funny, which shows a testament to the resilience of both the author and the people she represents. - Nimonaby Noelle Stevenson
There’s something incredibly fun about a story that throws out the rulebook, and my reading experience of Nimona felt just like that. This graphic novel is pure chaotic brilliance, following a shape-shifting teen sidekick who’s far more unpredictable than the so-called villain she teams up with. Nimona is fierce and morally complicated. Her powers are limitless, her past is murky, and her loyalties are questionable at best. Stevenson crafts a world where traditional hero-villain narratives are turned on their heads, mixing laugh-out-loud humour with gut-punch emotional depth. I found the dynamic between Nimona and the brooding villain Ballister Blackheart to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking, making this more than just a quirky adventure for readers.
- Bitch Planet by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro
Imagine a world where stepping out of line, whether by being too loud, too opinionated, or simply existing in a way that challenges the norm gets you sent to a prison planet. That’s the brutal reality of Bitch Planet, a searing feminist dystopia that takes society’s quiet, insidious misogyny and turns it into something loud, in-your-face, and impossible to ignore. DeConnick and De Landro give us a world where women deemed “non-compliant” (or so the system thinks) are exiled and forced into submission. I found this graphic novel to be rebellious as it uses incredible artworks to hold back in its critique of patriarchal control. For me, it’s angry in the best way possible and the furious tone felt deeply cathartic.
- Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
Bechdel has a way of making the personal life feel profound, and Fun Home is no exception. This did not feel like just a coming-of-age memoir to me. Rather, I found it to be an excavation of family, memory, and the complicated legacies we inherit. Bechdel takes us through her childhood, growing up in a funeral home run by her father. As she discovers her own queerness, she also begins to unravel the truth about her father’s hidden life and the unspoken struggles that shaped their relationship. The storytelling is intimate yet layered with literary depth, filled with references to classic literature that add richness to Bechdel’s reflections. At times, I found myself getting teary as certain parts are devastatingly sad, but it’s also sharp, wry, and unexpectedly funny in its honesty.
- Ms Shabash by Mighty Punch Studios
This comic by a local production company reimagines Bangladesh as a vibrant, fantastical realm where traditional folklore collides with modern struggles. In her debut adventure, Ms Shabash isn’t just a hero—she’s a fierce warrior woman who takes on Whitewash, a mutated, over-the-top CEO of a skin lightening cream company, in a battle that’s as visually stunning as it is a sharp critique of our society’s beauty standards. What really resonates with me is how her story goes beyond just flashy action; it’s about reclaiming dignity, restoring justice, and challenging the forces that have long tried to silence powerful female voices. For anyone who craves stories that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining, this comic offers a refreshingly feminist take on the struggle for honour and equality. A powerful celebration of Bangladeshi culture and individual strength, this comic is a must-read for us all.