Bryan Lee O’Malley is the mind behind books such as *Scott Pilgrim* and *Seconds*. His stories have a certain charm. They often mix everyday life with a touch of the surreal.
If you are drawn to authors who create worlds with a similar feel, filled with quirky characters, pop culture nods, and a blend of humor and heart, then you might find your next favorite read among these writers.
Faith Erin Hicks is a Canadian graphic novelist known for her humorous stories, relatable characters, and distinctive comic style.
Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” series will appreciate Hicks’s “Friends with Boys,” a graphic novel that blends teenage anxiety, supernatural mystery, and heartfelt humor.
The story follows Maggie as she navigates public school for the first time, after years of homeschooling by her mom. She must cope with awkward friendships, sibling rivalry, and a ghost who won’t leave her alone.
Hicks captures the trials and triumphs of adolescence with sharp dialogue and expressive artwork that readers who enjoyed O’Malley’s quirky storytelling will appreciate.
Books by Noelle Stevenson often appeal to readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s youthful and quirky storytelling. Stevenson’s graphic novel “Nimona” blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments in a witty, fast-paced narrative.
The story follows Nimona, a shapeshifting teen sidekick eager to help villain Ballister Blackheart challenge the traditional ideas of good versus evil.
As Nimona’s impulsive energy disrupts Blackheart’s careful plans, readers are treated to a fun and touching exploration of friendship, identity, and rebellion.
Stevenson’s characters and dialogue are refreshingly authentic, offering a similar charm to O’Malley’s work like “Scott Pilgrim.”
Books by Tillie Walden capture heartfelt emotions and introspection through vibrant storytelling and art. If you enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of personal struggles, quirky humor, and relatable characters, you might appreciate Walden’s “On a Sunbeam.”
This book mixes coming-of-age experiences, queer romance, and dreamy sci-fi adventures. The story follows Mia, a young woman on a spaceship crew dedicated to rebuilding abandoned sites across space.
The narrative slips easily between the past and present, as Mia searches the universe in hopes of reconnecting with her lost love.
Walden’s illustrations beautifully set the mood, ranging from quiet, reflective scenes to visually striking space landscapes, perfectly matching the emotional depth of her characters’ journeys.
Readers who enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s quirky storytelling and relatable characters might find Craig Thompson equally appealing. Thompson’s graphic novel “Blankets” is an introspective memoir about first love, faith, and self-discovery.
Set in a rural Wisconsin town, the story follows Craig through his adolescent struggles, family dynamics, and the intensity of young romance. Thompson’s artwork is expressive and emotionally rich, perfectly complementing the raw honesty of his narrative.
It’s the kind of intimate, heartfelt storytelling O’Malley fans might appreciate.
Scott McCloud is a comic creator and cartoonist known especially for his ability to break down complex ideas about comics into clear, readable discussions.
His book “Understanding Comics” explores the very nature of comics, from how panels suggest time passing to how simple images communicate meaning.
McCloud uses a comic format inside the book itself, which makes it both an entertaining read and an accessible introduction to comic art.
If you’ve enjoyed the playful, narrative-driven style of Bryan Lee O’Malley, McCloud’s thoughtful yet equally approachable style could be a great way to explore comics further.
Books by Hope Larson often appeal to readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s style of storytelling. Larson creates graphic novels with relatable characters and imaginative plots that blend everyday life with hints of adventure or fantasy.
One example is “All Summer Long,” which follows thirteen-year-old Bina through a summer of unexpected changes. While navigating friendships and family dynamics, Bina discovers new interests like music, self-expression, and independence.
Larson’s illustrations and heartfelt dialogue provide a refreshing read for anyone who appreciates realistic coming-of-age stories.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of humor, relatable characters, and graphic storytelling might find a similar appeal in the work of Gene Luen Yang.
Yang’s graphic novel “American Born Chinese” weaves together three stories—the experiences of Jin Wang, a boy who wants to fit in at school; the legendary Monkey King’s quest for power; and Chin-Kee, a character embodying problematic stereotypes.
These separate narratives converge in surprising ways, touching on identity, belonging, and growing up Asian American in the United States. Yang mixes vivid illustrations and expressive emotions with sharp insights and satirical humor.
The result resonates deeply and delivers a clever, thought-provoking look at racial themes and teenage life.
Becky Cloonan is an author and illustrator known for dynamic storytelling and vivid art that fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley might enjoy. Her graphic novel “By Chance or Providence” combines fantasy, romance, and dark folklore across three haunting short stories.
Each tale explores love and supernatural elements with deep intensity, accented by striking imagery and moody settings—from tragic knights on impossible quests to mysterious creatures hidden in shadows.
Cloonan’s emotionally charged narratives and engaging visuals draw readers into eerie yet captivating worlds.
Jeff Smith is an author and illustrator known for his imaginative storytelling and playful art style.
His acclaimed graphic novel series “Bone” follows the journey of three cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—who find themselves lost in an unfamiliar valley filled with magic creatures, dangerous foes, and mysterious secrets.
The series brilliantly blends humor, fantasy, and heartfelt friendships alongside dramatic adventure, a combination fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” series often appreciate.
Through distinct character personalities, lively dialogues, and creative visuals, Smith captures readers’ imaginations right from the first book, “Out from Boneville”.
Charles Burns is an American cartoonist known for dark, unsettling graphic novels that explore strange and surreal experiences. If Bryan Lee O’Malley’s exploration of young adulthood resonates with you, Burns’ work may catch your eye.
His book “Black Hole” takes place in 1970s Seattle and follows a group of teenagers affected by a mysterious STD that manifests as physical mutations. Burns portrays an eerie world filled with haunting artwork, teenage anxieties, social alienation, and powerful symbolism.
It’s a story that draws readers into deeply personal struggles against a backdrop that feels both familiar and nightmarishly new—perfect for anyone curious about stories that are emotionally deep yet visually bold.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s character-driven narratives and vibrant illustrations should check out Leslie Hung. Hung is the artist behind “Snotgirl,” a witty comic that blends fashion, humor, and a touch of mystery.
The story follows Lottie Person, a fashion blogger with a flawless online presence and not-so-flawless real-life problems, including severe allergies and messy relationships.
Hung captures the glossy veneer of influencer culture and humorously contrasts it with the chaos underneath, making “Snotgirl” feel fresh, sharp, and highly relatable.
Raina Telgemeier creates graphic novels full of humor, authenticity, and emotional depth. If you’ve enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of humor and relatable young adult struggles, Telgemeier’s storytelling style will resonate deeply.
Her book “Smile” is a memoir about her challenging middle school experience. After an accident knocks out her front teeth, young Raina faces surgeries, braces, embarrassing headgear, and the anxiety of fitting in during those tough teenage years.
Telgemeier brings warmth and honesty to everyday adolescent drama, capturing moments that feel painfully real but genuinely funny.
Shaun Tan is an Australian author and illustrator known for his imaginative storytelling and unique illustrations, often exploring themes of belonging, isolation, and identity.
If you enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s thoughtful narratives and visual style, Tan’s graphic novel “The Arrival” might capture your interest.
This beautifully drawn book doesn’t contain a single word but masterfully tells the moving story of a man who leaves his family to find work in a new, unfamiliar land.
The surreal landscapes and the inventive illustrations fill the absence of text and vividly portray the confusion, hope, and wonder of experiencing a foreign place for the first time.
Shaun Tan uses visual storytelling to reveal the emotional depth of immigrants’ experiences with a subtlety and warmth that resonates without a single line of dialogue.
Joe Sacco is a cartoonist and journalist who tells powerful nonfiction stories through comics. If you’re a fan of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s engaging narrative style, you might appreciate Sacco’s graphic journalism approach.
In his book “Palestine,” Sacco portrays his time spent in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. With thoughtful illustrations, he offers an intimate glimpse into real lives amid conflict.
Through candid interviews and detailed visuals, the stories reveal personal struggles, hopes, and daily routines often overlooked by mainstream media. Sacco’s work invites readers closer to reality, showing human dimensions beneath headlines.
Marjane Satrapi is an Iranian-born graphic novelist known for her wit, unique illustrations, and honest storytelling. Her autobiographical book “Persepolis” tells the story of her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Through a striking black-and-white comic style and sharp humor, Satrapi conveys what it was really like to grow up surrounded by political upheaval and strict social customs.
The book captures Satrapi’s quirky personality, her relatable doubts, and personal rebellions, focusing on her daily life as she tries to balance family expectations with figuring out who she really is.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of everyday realities, humor, and strong personal voice in “Scott Pilgrim” will likely connect with the honest and visually creative approach Satrapi takes in presenting her own coming-of-age experiences.