Bryan Lee O'Malley is a celebrated graphic novelist, well-known for his lively and humorous series Scott Pilgrim. He specializes in vibrant storytelling and relatable young adult characters.
If you enjoy reading books by Bryan Lee O'Malley then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Raina Telgemeier are great for readers who liked Bryan Lee O’Malley’s style in Scott Pilgrim. Telgemeier creates graphic novels that are funny, honest, and full of relatable moments.
One of her popular titles is Smile, which tells the true story about the author’s own experience after a dental injury in sixth grade. As she faces braces, surgeries, awkward school moments, and challenges with friends, Raina’s journey feels authentic and heartfelt.
Like O’Malley, Telgemeier blends humor with real-life struggles, and her stories capture growing up in a refreshingly real way.
Gene Luen Yang is a graphic novelist known for blending humor, cultural themes, and relatable characters into his stories. If you enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim, you might connect with Yang’s graphic novel American Born Chinese.
This book combines three seemingly separate stories: the folklore-inspired tale of the Monkey King, Jin Wang’s struggles to fit in at an American school, and Danny’s embarrassment caused by his stereotypically exaggerated cousin, Chin-Kee.
The stories intertwine in surprising ways to highlight the complexities of identity, acceptance, and cultural expectations. Yang’s vivid artwork and honest storytelling make this book both entertaining and meaningful.
Kate Beaton is a cartoonist from Canada known for her clever humor and expressive style. Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s sharp wit and relatable characters may enjoy Beaton’s graphic memoir Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands.
This book follows Kate’s journey as she leaves her Nova Scotia home to work in Alberta’s oil industry. She captures the isolation, struggles, and community she finds during two challenging years.
The memoir explores serious topics like environmental concerns and gender dynamics but remains deeply personal and human. With honest storytelling and engaging visuals, Kate Beaton gives readers an authentic look into an unfamiliar world.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of humor, relatable characters, and heartfelt storytelling might also appreciate Noelle Stevenson’s graphic novel Nimona. Stevenson combines fantasy, adventure, and sharp wit in a story about a spunky shapeshifter named Nimona.
She teams up with Lord Ballister Blackheart, an apparent villain whose depths are more surprising than his notoriety suggests. Together, they challenge the seemingly heroic Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and uncover secrets in a world where morality isn’t just black and white.
Stevenson’s art is vibrant, her characters memorable, and the dialogue funny and sincere. If you like quirky, character-driven stories like O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim, Nimona offers a whimsical yet thoughtful adventure.
Tillie Walden is a graphic novelist whose stories explore personal growth, identity, and relationships through visuals that are both warm and deeply emotional. If you enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s Scott Pilgrim, consider Walden’s graphic memoir Spinning.
The book portrays Tillie’s adolescence as a competitive figure skater. It captures the ways sport shaped her youth, friendships, and coming of age, alongside her experience discovering her sexuality.
The narrative is honest and intimate, and visually, Walden’s thoughtful, expressive artwork brings out the quieter, contemplative side of life’s teen complexities.
Readers who appreciate Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of personal storytelling and distinctive visuals may also enjoy Craig Thompson’s work.
Thompson is an American graphic novelist whose book Blankets beautifully portrays the confusion of first love set against the challenges of youth and strict upbringing.
The story focuses on Craig’s upbringing in a strongly religious household, intertwined with the excitement and uncertainty of teenage romance. Through expressive art and heartfelt writing, Thompson authentically captures the emotions and struggles of growing up.
Fans of O’Malley’s relatable characters and genuine storytelling will find Thompson’s Blankets equally engaging and honest.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s humor and relatable characters might also appreciate Daniel Clowes. Clowes is an American cartoonist known for sharp wit and distinct storytelling.
His graphic novel Ghost World follows two teenage best friends, Enid and Rebecca, as they face adulthood after finishing high school. The story captures the awkwardness, humor, and uncertainty of growing up.
Like O’Malley, Clowes creates authentic characters tied together by funny yet insightful dialogue and genuine emotional experiences.
Books by Adrian Tomine often capture the subtleties of everyday life and relationships, similar in spirit and style to Bryan Lee O’Malley’s works. Tomine’s Shortcomings stands out with its sharp insight and humor.
It follows the life of Ben Tanaka, a cynical movie theater manager who struggles with commitment and identity. The story explores Ben’s messy relationships, insecurities, and search for connection.
The narrative is witty and frank, diving into topics such as race, self-awareness, and the complexity of love in a sincere, relatable way. Readers who enjoyed O’Malley’s blend of candid dialogue and nuanced characters might find Tomine’s comic honest and engaging.
Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s blend of humor, coming-of-age themes and graphic storytelling may appreciate Marjane Satrapi’s work. Her memoir, Persepolis, tells her story of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
The contrasting perspectives between Marjane’s spirited personality and the strict society around her create moments both funny and emotional.
Satrapi captures the personal struggles of adolescence within the broader challenges of a quickly changing world, making Persepolis both relatable and eye-opening.
Her black-and-white illustrations add depth to the storytelling, showing clearly how powerful life experiences shape personal identity.
Readers who enjoy the playful art and humor of Bryan Lee O’Malley might also appreciate Jeff Smith, creator of the graphic novel series Bone. Smith offers a fantastic blend of adventure and comedy in a beautifully drawn fantasy world.
The story follows the three Bone cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—who find themselves lost in a mysterious valley filled with strange creatures, hidden dangers, and quirky characters.
Smith’s mix of witty dialogue, expressive cartoon illustrations, and engaging storytelling creates an absorbing narrative that feels energetic and alive. Fans of characters who are both relatable and humorous will find plenty to love in Bone.
If you enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s imaginative storytelling and playful art style, Kazu Kibuishi might catch your interest. Kibuishi is known for expressive illustrations and fantastic worlds filled with adventure.
His book Amulet: The Stonekeeper introduces readers to siblings Emily and Navin, who discover a mysterious and powerful amulet hidden inside their great-grandfather’s strange, spooky home.
As they enter another world, Emily must master the amulet’s secrets and protect her family. The story offers plenty of exciting action, imaginative creatures, and heartfelt moments about family bonds, courage, and growing up.
Hope Larson is a graphic novelist known for creating thoughtful coming-of-age stories. Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s mix of humor, sincerity, and relatable characters may connect with Larson’s book All Summer Long.
It follows thirteen-year-old Bina through an awkward summer as she navigates changing friendships, boredom, and self-discovery. While her best friend Austin heads off to soccer camp, Bina finds herself alone, unsure how to fill the long, hot days. Music becomes her escape.
She discovers how much she loves guitar and songwriting, and through creativity, finds confidence in who she is. Larson pairs expressive illustrations with an honest, relatable story about growing up and figuring things out.
Jillian Tamaki is a Canadian illustrator and cartoonist whose works often blend subtle humor, relatable characters, and thoughtful storytelling.
If you enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s energetic, character-driven narratives in Scott Pilgrim, you might appreciate Tamaki’s SuperMutant Magic Academy. This book is a witty look at teenage life in a high school filled with superpowered adolescents.
Through clever dialogue and relatable awkwardness, Tamaki crafts short comic-strip episodes full of humor and authenticity. Her comics explore themes of friendship, identity, and teen drama, all set against a backdrop of magic spells and supernatural powers.
It’s a humorous and thoughtful story you might find both entertaining and resonant.
If you enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s quirky characters and relatable humor, Faith Erin Hicks might be your next favorite author. Hicks creates graphic novels filled with humor, friendship, and realistic adventures that fans of O’Malley will definitely appreciate.
For instance, her book Friends With Boys follows Maggie, who, after years of home-school, starts high school alongside her older brothers. On top of navigating typical teenage drama, Maggie also encounters a mysterious ghost who won’t leave her alone.
The book has a playful, inviting art style, authentic teenage dialogue, and just enough supernatural mystery to keep you turning pages.
Jen Wang is a cartoonist and author known for heartfelt graphic novels that combine realistic feelings with imaginative storylines and lively artwork. If you’ve enjoyed Bryan Lee O’Malley’s work, you might connect with Wang’s The Prince and the Dressmaker .
This graphic novel tells the story of Prince Sebastian, who secretly wears dresses in the vibrant nightlife of Paris, adopting the identity of Lady Crystallia.
He employs a talented young dressmaker named Frances to help craft his fabulous outfits, and together they navigate friendship, identity, and public expectation.
Wang’s expressive art, engaging characters, and themes of self-discovery and acceptance create a charming and thoughtful read.