Best Historical & Biographical Fiction Graphic Novels of 2026

Gender Queer: A Memoir is a powerful autobiographical comic that explores the journey of Maia Kobabe's self-identity, including the difficulties of coming out to family and society, the confusion of adolescent crushes, and the trauma of invasive medical examinations. The book is a touching guide on gender identity that offers a useful resource for advocates, friends, and anyone seeking to better understand what it means to be nonbinary and asexual. Overall, this book is a must-read for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, as it offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of living outside of the gender binary.

The Marvel Encyclopedia, New Edition is an essential guide for both casual fans and devoted followers of the Marvel Comics universe. With over 1,200 characters, including iconic heroes and lesser-known supporting characters, this comprehensive reference guide is the most extensive on the market. The updated edition boasts new entries for more than 20 characters and covers recent key events such as Civil War 2 and Secret Empire. The book is beautifully illustrated and presents characters in a ranked and accessible A to Z format. Overall, this unique and in-depth encyclopedia is a must-have for any Marvel Comics enthusiast.

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood is a wise, funny, and heartbreaking graphic memoir that tells the coming-of-age story of Marjane Satrapi in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. Through powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. This book is intensely personal, profoundly political, and wholly original. It shows how we carry on, with laughter and tears, in the face of absurdity. Overall, Persepolis is a must-read for anyone interested in the human cost of war and political repression, and it introduces us to an irresistible little girl with whom we cannot help but fall in love.

The Action Bible Heroes and Villains is an extensive, full-color guide to Bible characters, complete with fascinating facts and figures about the Bible’s most curious but sometimes relatable people. With new illustrations from graphic artist Sergio Cariello, this book draws young readers in with colorful info about the crazy origins, amazing occupations, and strengths and failings of over 75 Bible characters. It includes historical background and “Where Is It Now?” guides to ancient and modern-day locations, diagrams, stories, and fun facts about food, clothing, traditions, individual quirks, and miraculous interventions. This jam-packed guide jumps off the pages and into kids’ minds and hearts as they meet people just like them whom God used in His redemptive story.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom is a thought-provoking novel that explores what would happen if God appeared in times of crisis. After a ship explosion leaves ten passengers stranded at sea, they pull a man from the water who claims to be "the Lord." Albom keeps readers guessing until the end, leaving them to ponder their deepest beliefs. Narrated by one of the passengers, the story is discovered in a notebook a year later, adding another layer of mystery. The Stranger in the Lifeboat is a fast-paced, compelling read that challenges readers to consider where they might find answers to their prayers.

Marvel Anatomy: A Scientific Study of the Superhuman is a visually stunning and informative book that explores the anatomy and powers of over 60 fan-favorite Marvel characters. Through exclusive anatomical cutaway illustrations and in-depth commentary from Black Panther and Shuri, readers will discover the secrets behind the abilities of these beloved superheroes, mutants, extra-terrestrial lifeforms, and technically enhanced individuals. This book is a spectacular addition to any comic library and showcases the unique creativity of the Marvel Universe.

Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began is the second installment of Art Spiegelman's graphic novel that retells his father's experiences during the Holocaust. The book is a haunting and unforgettable story of survival and a disarming look at the legacy of trauma. The author weaves his own account of his tortured relationship with his aging father into an astonishing retelling of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies. Maus is a masterpiece that will captivate readers with its language, characters, and mesmerizing rhythm. It is a book that everyone should read to better understand the horrors of the Holocaust and its impact on generations.

The Maus I & II Paperback Box Set is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel that tells the chilling story of the author's father's experiences during the Holocaust. The Jews are depicted as wide-eyed mice and the Nazis as menacing cats, making this a haunting tale within a tale. The author's account of his relationship with his aging father is woven into this retelling of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies, creating an unforgettable story of survival and a disarming look at the legacy of trauma. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs or graphic novels, and its unique approach to telling such a difficult story makes it a masterpiece of its genre.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection Volume 2 is a must-have for any TMNT fan. This graphic novel collects issues #13-20 of the ongoing series, as well as one-shots, crossovers, and event series in a recommended reading order. The Turtles face new challenges as Shredder and General Krang both plan to take them down. Additionally, readers get a glimpse into the history of the original founder of the Foot Clan. The book is written by Tom Waltz, a former U.S. Marine, and Kevin Eastman, the co-creator of TMNT.