If you enjoy reading books by Bryan Lee O'Malley then you might also like the following authors:
Faith Erin Hicks is a graphic novelist who creates engaging stories with a mix of humor and heart. Her work often captures the ups and downs of friendships and growing up.
One of her standout books, “The War at Ellsmere,” follows Juniper, a scholarship student trying to fit in at a snobby boarding school. She faces bullies and uncovers a strange mystery about the school itself.
Hicks’ art style and storytelling pull readers into a world that’s easy to get lost in. Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s books will likely appreciate her work.
Noelle Stevenson is a writer and artist known for creating stories with humor and heart. One of their standout works is “Nimona,” a graphic novel about a young shapeshifter who teams up with the villain Lord Ballister Blackheart.
The story takes you through their chaotic attempts to overthrow the kingdom while dealing with their own secrets and struggles. The mix of mischief, friendship, and moral dilemmas creates a world that feels alive and unpredictable.
Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s mix of wit and emotional storytelling might connect with Stevenson’s style in this book.
Tillie Walden is a graphic novelist known for her emotionally rich stories and thoughtful artwork. Her book “Spinning” is a memoir about her years as a competitive figure skater.
It explores the routines, pressures, and personal struggles of growing up while trying to find her own identity. Readers are drawn into moments like her quiet rebellion against the rigid world of skating and the way she reflects on first love.
Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley might enjoy how Walden weaves everyday life with deeply personal themes.
Craig Thompson is a graphic novelist known for creating deeply personal and visually stunning stories. One of his most celebrated works is “Blankets,” a coming-of-age tale about first love, faith, and family.
The book follows Craig as he grows up in a strict religious household, navigating his relationship with his younger brother and meeting a girl named Raina, who changes his view of the world.
The story unfolds over snowy Wisconsin landscapes, with heartfelt moments and beautiful artwork that captures both the warmth and struggles of human connection. If you enjoy stories with emotional depth, Thompson is worth exploring.
Scott McCloud is a writer and artist known for his work in exploring the potential of comics as a medium. His book, “Understanding Comics,” breaks down how comics work in a way that’s easy to grasp, using the comic format itself to explain ideas.
He looks at topics like how images and words work together and why comics connect so well with readers. It’s an engaging way to learn about what makes this art form unique, without feeling like you’re reading a textbook.
Hope Larson is a writer and illustrator known for her graphic novels that bring relatable characters and emotional depth to life. One of her works, “Chiggers,” follows a girl named Abby who returns to summer camp only to find that things feel different.
Her old friends have changed, and her attempts to bond with a new camper don’t go as planned. The story captures the awkwardness of growing up and the small, personal struggles that come with friendship and fitting in.
Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley might appreciate Larson’s ability to balance heart and humor in this slice-of-life tale.
Gene Luen Yang is an author who blends humor and heartfelt storytelling in his work, creating characters that feel real and relatable. One of his most popular books, “American Born Chinese,” tells three interconnected stories.
At its heart, it focuses on Jin Wang, a boy navigating school and life as the only Chinese-American student in his class. The book also weaves in elements of Chinese folklore, with the Monkey King’s tale running parallel to Jin’s journey.
It’s clever and manages to say a lot about identity and belonging without feeling heavy-handed.
Becky Cloonan is a comic book writer and artist known for her unique storytelling and stunning artwork. One of her standout works is “By Chance or Providence,” a collection of three dark, romantic tales set in medieval-inspired worlds.
These stories explore themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. In one tale, a young man discovers a curse tied to the woman he loves. The haunting imagery and emotional depth bring the atmosphere to life.
Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley might enjoy Cloonan’s blend of heartfelt characters and unforgettable moments.
Jeff Smith is the creator of the graphic novel series “Bone.” His work combines humor with adventure in a way that feels fresh and fun. In “Bone,” three cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—get kicked out of their town and wander into a mysterious valley.
They meet characters like Thorn, a young woman with a hidden past, and uncover secrets about the valley and its dangers. The mix of lighthearted moments and epic storytelling makes it easy to get hooked.
Charles Burns is a graphic novelist known for his dark, surreal stories and striking artwork. His book, “Black Hole,” is a haunting tale set in the '70s, where a mysterious sexually transmitted disease spreads among teenagers, causing physical mutations.
The story follows their lives as they deal with ostracization, fear, and growing isolation. The unsettling mix of teenage angst and body horror gives the story a sense of raw emotion, highlighted by Burns' stark black-and-white drawings.
It’s a book where every page feels heavy with tension.
Leslie Hung is an artist and writer known for blending sharp humor with stylish characters. Her book “Snotgirl,” co-created with Bryan Lee O’Malley, follows Lottie Person, a fashion blogger whose glamorous online persona hides a messier, more chaotic reality.
Juggling her allergies, relationships, and a mysterious new friend, the story mixes drama with a splash of mystery, pulling readers into Lottie’s world where appearances are everything but the truth runs deeper.
Raina Telgemeier is a graphic novelist known for creating heartfelt and relatable stories. In her book “Smile,” she shares her own experiences growing up. The story focuses on Raina’s struggles with braces, losing teeth, and handling friendships during her middle school years.
It paints a clear picture of those awkward and emotional years, blending challenges with humor and small victories. Fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s work, who enjoy deeply personal stories with strong emotional beats, might find her books really enjoyable.
Shaun Tan is an artist and writer who creates stories that feel both strange and familiar. His book, “The Arrival,” is a silent graphic novel that tells the story of a man who leaves his home to start over in a foreign land.
The world he enters is full of bizarre creatures, odd machines, and landscapes that seem impossible, but the emotions are universal—fear, hope, and the longing for connection. The visuals communicate everything without a single word, making the story powerful in a quiet way.
Joe Sacco is a comic book creator known for combining journalism with graphic storytelling. In his book “Palestine”, he explores the experiences of Palestinians in the early 1990s during the Israeli occupation.
Through interviews and firsthand observations, Sacco presents moments from their daily lives and struggles. The artwork captures the settings and emotions in a way that feels close and personal.
If you’re interested in stories that use visuals to bring human experiences to the forefront, this might be worth checking out.
Marjane Satrapi is a graphic novelist known for her work in autobiographical storytelling. Her book “Persepolis” is a memoir about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
Through bold black-and-white illustrations, she recounts her childhood and the chaos of living in a country undergoing a radical shift. The story follows her as she navigates strict rules, protests, and personal loss.
It’s both touching and eye-opening without ever feeling heavy-handed. Readers who enjoy Bryan Lee O’Malley’s focus on personal growth and identity might find Satrapi’s work unforgettable.