Garfield Logan has spent his life being overlooked. Even in his small town, the 17-year-old with green streaks in his hair can’t find a way to stand out—and the clock is ticking. Then Gar accepts a wild dare, and his social status soars. Overnight, Gar grows six inches, his voice drops, and he’s stronger and faster. He’s getting everything he wanted, but his popularity has a price. When Gar realizes the extent of his physical changes, he has to dig deep and face the truth about himself—and those who truly matter—before his life spirals out of control. In fact, comics lend themselves very well to a YA readership. There are many stories out there that have all the best-known YA hallmarks – a teenage or young protagonist, fighting for what’s right in an unjust world or (sometimes and) falling for their first love while working out the kind of person they want to be. As well as being an art form in their own right, comics are an ideal pick for anyone wanting a shorter read, and whether you prefer standalones or long-running series, you’ll find something in YA comics to fit your reading tastes. Here are a few of the best YA comics of recent years, from major publishers and indie creators alike. While the world of comics can sometimes seem so full as to be overwhelming, these titles and many others show that there are plenty of perfect YA comics out there for new readers. Whether you love slice-of-life, sci-fi, superheroes or romance, there’s a YA comic out there that will spark your imagination and draw you in – and open up new worlds for a teen or young adult reader that you know. If you want more ideas for young comics readers, check out the recommendations on our list of 7 Middle Grade and YA Comics. Fans of YA novels can see a new spin on their favourite stories with our article on YA Authors Adapting Their Books to Comics.
