As teens and younger readers eagerly devour graphic novels, publishers are responding with more books in graphic format to satisfy readers of all genres.

Graphic novels, and manga in particular, have exploded in popularity with students, a recent SLJ survey revealed. In fact, 93 percent of both school and public libraries report surging interest in graphic novels among youth.

For young adult readers, manga is the most popular type of graphic novel content, according to librarians—and manga now comprises 43 percent of all high school graphic novel purchases. Meanwhile, humorous graphic novel content is most popular among children, the survey indicated.

“Manga has fostered a global fandom that transcends cultural boundaries,” says Allison Pond, director of marketing for Mad Cave Studios. “It’s not just a storytelling medium but a whole aesthetic that is influencing art and fashion.” She noted that the first-ever American Manga Awards were held in September 2024 at the Japan Society in New York City—an indication that manga has truly arrived in the West.

Graphic novels can help engage reluctant readers. But they’re also a widely loved genre all their own, with readers of all ages drawn to emotionally compelling story lines accompanied by sophisticated graphics.

New graphic novels being released this year include manga from both Eastern and Western artists, as well as stories from popular franchises such as the “Transformers” and “The Walking Dead.” Here are some of the newest graphic novels of note for children and teens.

Yen Press

Co-owned by Kadokawa Corporation and Hachette Book Group, Yen Press is an American publisher of manga, comics, graphic novels, and light novels.

Japanese manga has exploded in popularity in the United States, says Sales and Marketing Director Mark de Vera. One trend that has emerged in recent years is the growth of Yuri (“girls’ love”) manga, featuring intimate relationships between female characters. An example is The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All, Vol. 1 by Sumiko Arai, translated by Ajani Oloye, October 2024, ISBN 9781975399689.

In this English-language adaptation of a popular Japanese title, high school student Aya develops a crush on the fashionable, edgy guy who works in a local music store—not realizing “he” is her female classmate Mitsuki. Given that she sits right next to Aya, Mitsuki is all too aware of the other girl’s feelings, and she’s afraid to reveal the truth. Yet, why does she find herself talking with Aya more and more?

This book “was one of our biggest debuts last year,” de Vera says, selling out almost immediately in its first printing. Its popularity speaks to how much fans have gravitated toward the girls’ love genre, he notes, adding, “I think we’ll see more of that as well.” As for the novel itself, de Vera says, “When you open the pages, you immediately see how stylish this title is. It has a bit of a fun edge to it.”

Boys’ love manga is also quite popular, like I’m Here Beside You, Vol. 1 by TEA natsuno, translated by Leighann Harvey, January 2025, ISBN 9781975389246. In this second-chance romance, Ibuki Doi has never forgotten his high school crush, Mikami Baba—the kind and handsome student council president whom Ibuki assumed was straight.

But when Ibuki learns that Mikami is about to marry another man, he’s overcome with regret that he didn’t pursue a romance when he had the chance. After a night of drinking to drown his sorrows, Ibuki wakes up to discover he’s back in high school. Could this be his second chance to make things go his way?

Skybound Entertainment

Skybound Entertainment is a multiplatform company cofounded in 2010 by David Alpert and Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead. Operating in concert with Image Comics, Skybound publishes stand-alone graphic novels and periodical comic books for middle grade to young adult readers.

“We straddle the world between books and comics,” says Editorial Director Alex Antone. “We publish high-stakes action, adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy—anything that gets your heart pounding.”

The company’s Skybound Comet imprint publishes graphic novels. For instance, Family Force V by Matt Braly, art by Ainsworth Lin, June 2025, ISBN 9781534340336, is a young adult graphic novel centered on teenage Maise, who is part of an alien-fighting family (think Power Rangers meets The Incredibles). She struggles with having to keep the world safe, while also trying to get good grades and live a normal teenage life.

“It’s emotional and relatable to anyone who feels pulled in different directions by their family,” Antone says. Braly is the creator of the Disney Plus show Amphibia, and Lin’s illustrations perfectly balance the story’s raw emotions and pulsating action. “Ainsworth Lin is a star in the making,” Antone adds. “He absolutely knocked this book out of the park.” Skybound Comet plans at least a second book in the series as well.

Written and illustrated by Tillie Walden, “Clementine” is a coming-of-age trilogy for young adults that focuses on Clementine, a character from The Walking Dead video game. She’s a teenager hoping to put the trauma of her past behind her as she embarks upon a postapocalyptic future. The series concludes with Clementine: Book 3, June 2025, ISBN 9781534397378.

In this heart-wrenching finale, Clementine finally seems to have it all within the land that used to be Greenland: a safe place to live, a girlfriend, even a cat. But nothing lasts forever. And when Clementine suffers a loss unlike anything she’s ever faced, a new mentor called The Gardener offers her a family and a new way of living—but at what cost?

Through a partnership with Hasbro, Skybound publishes graphic novels focusing on G.I. Joe and Transformers characters. TRANSFORMERS, Worst Bot Ever: Meet Ballpoint by Brian “Smitty” Smith, art by Marz Jr., July 2025, ISBN 9781534327993, is the start of a new series for middle grade readers featuring the mishaps of an undersized bot who doesn’t know his own limitations.

Ballpoint is a Transformer who doesn’t measure up to his peers, and he’s kicked out of the Decepticons for good. Aiming to get back into the Decepticons’ good graces, he takes on the Autobots all by himself. Will Ballpoint be able to prove the pen is mightier than the sword?

“Ballpoint is an extremely endearing, character,” Antone says. “He’s also the first original Transformer we’ve created. While the story is silly and even slapstick at times, at its heart it’s about finding what makes each of us special.”

Pizza Witch by Sarah Graley and Stef Purenins, September 2025, ISBN 9781534327962, is rooted in a world of food magic. Roxie wants nothing more than to become the best Pizza Witch who’s ever existed, yet pizza magic is considered lowbrow—and Roxie’s parents are gourmet food magicians who don’t support her ambition. When Roxie’s boss tells her he’s been prepping her for a magic Pizza Artifact quest, is this finally the moment she’s been waiting for?

“It’s a highly relatable story about following your dreams, no matter what obstacles are in your way,” Antone says, “or what your family might think.”

Mad Cave Studios

Founded in 2014 and based in Miami, Mad Cave Studios is an independent publisher of comic books and graphic novels for readers of all ages. The company is committed to publishing compelling, character-driven stories by a diverse cast of creators.

In August 2024, Mad Cave announced the launch of a new manga-focused imprint, Nakama Press. “Our goal is to expand the boundaries of manga,” says Director of Marketing Allison Pond. Nakama means “friend” or “comrade,” and Mad Cave plans to publish not only Japanese manga but also stories from other countries, as well as wholly original works. “We want to publish stories that resonate from East to West,” Pond says.

The first graphic novels from Nakama Press will be available this year, beginning with Indigo, May 2025, ISBN 9781545819036. This story from a creative team of Chinese brothers, writer Chi-Ho Kwong and artist Chi-Kit Kwong, features a reporter named Ella who works for an occult magazine and has the ability to know what other people are thinking. She also possesses an extreme sensibility that allows her to communicate with plants and animals.

One day, Ella learns of the strange death of her college professor and beloved mentor, who seems to have committed suicide by starving. Ella is suspicious of this explanation, as it doesn’t seem that her mentor would do such a thing. As she investigates further, she learns the terrible truth and realizes the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

“There’s a lot of intrigue in this story, and the visuals are gorgeous,” Pond says. “Manga is often drawn in black and white, but this book features vibrant colors.”

Another graphic novel from Nakama Press, Infini-T Force: Arc to the Future by Ukyou Kodachi, art by Tatsuma Ejiri, is a U.S. adaptation of Japanese manga. It features high school student Emi Kaido, who receives a mysterious, wish-granting pencil. The pencil allows her to call upon heroes of Japanese manga for protection: Gatchaman, Tekkaman, Casshan, and Polimar, all defenders of justice across space and time. Both Vol. 1 (ISBN 9781545819043) and Vol. 2 (ISBN 9781545819050) will be released simultaneously in June 2025.

Nakama Press is also releasing God Tier Vol. 1: Prey by Mario B. Long, art by Kuroi, June 2025, ISBN 9781545819111. In an alternate reality, gods wage war with humankind—and the mysterious anarchist Typhon, the god of monsters, has sparked a fire that has spread across the world. Pablo Costello and his sister Anna are swept up in the raging battle between rival gangs, police, gods, and monsters.

Long is an American born in Detroit. An early interest in anime and Japanese culture led him to study Japanese language and film at Eastern Michigan University. After graduating, he moved to Japan, where he has lived for the past 20 years. In 2020, he founded SAKURA PHOENIX, a game, manga, and animation studio based in Tokyo.

Gatchaman, who appears in Nakama’s Infini-T Force graphic novel, is an iconic five-member, bird-themed superhero ninja team from Japanese anime. They were introduced in the 1972 animated television series Science Ninja Team Gatchaman, and they make their triumphant return in a new graphic novel from Mad Cave Studios, Gatchaman Vol. 1 by Cullen Bunn, art by Chris Batista, December 2024, ISBN 9781545812266.

This book is the first in an ongoing series that expands upon the original anime series. In Volume 1, a mechanical terror has descended upon numerous cities, and the world’s greatest scientists are disappearing. It’s up to Science Ninja Team Gatchaman to save the planet.

HighWater Press

An imprint of Portage & Main Press of Winnipeg, Manitoba, HighWater Press publishes stories by emerging and established Indigenous writers. HighWater publishes children’s books and graphic novels, and it produces about eight new books per year.

“Our mandate is portraying Indigenous stories authentically,” says Assistant Editor Sasha Bouché. “We publish enriching stories that educate everyone and empower Indigenous students in particular, helping them see themselves in the world and how they can contribute.”

Illustrated in vivid color, 7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga–15th Anniversary Edition by David A. Robertson, art by Scott B. Henderson, September 2025, ISBN 9781774920619, is a compilation of four graphic novels following one Indigenous family over three centuries.

The story focuses on Edwin, a contemporary Indigenous teen who feels disconnected from his absent father. To help him heal, his mother shares the family’s history over seven generations, going back to the early 1800s. Over the course of the story, Edwin learns of the trauma his father experienced as a boy, when he was taken from his grandparents and whisked away to a residential school. (For more than 150 years, Indigenous children in Canada were removed from their families and sent to schools that were often far from their homes as part of a government-sponsored attempt to destroy their cultures.) In the last volume of the series, Edwin reconnects with his father, who has returned to his community roots for support.

The graphic novel format helps readers empathize with the plight of characters like Edwin and his father, Bouché says. Seeing the characters’ images and the anguish on their faces helps drive home the pain they’ve experienced in a way that text alone can’t do.

The 15th anniversary edition of 7 Generations contains a new introduction from the author, as well as an afterword from the bestselling author of The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline. Additionally, the artwork for the new edition has been recolored and relettered.

Another HighWater release, Little Moons by Jen Storm, art by Ryan Howe and Alice RL, September 2024, ISBN: 9781774921074, focuses on how an Indigenous family living on a reservation deals with grief when the eldest child goes missing on her way home from school.

“What unifies the family and keeps them afloat is their culture and tradition,” Bouché says. But this graphic novel also shows how traditions can differ from family to family. “Indigenous peoples are not monolithic,” Bouché notes, “and there is no one right way to grieve.”

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