A dose of comic relief

Graphic novels aren't all dark, dramatic and gory. These 10 tackle love, memory, power, art and much more

- Anushree Nande

1 Zodiac (2024).

Ai Weiwei's first graphic memoir was always going to be a little fiery. Artist Gianluca Costantini illustrates 12 chapters inspired by the signs of the Chinese zodiac and their associated human characteristics. Each speaks of the power of artistic expression and how it fuels intellectual freedom. There's folklore, scenes from Weiwei's memory, political turning points. And of course, his tongue-in-cheek view of how art makes us human.

2 Lore 2 Olympus, Volume 1 (2021).

New Zealand artist Rachel Smythe's retelling of the Persephone-Hades myth started out as a weekly romance webcomic in 2018. The meet-cute happens at a party. Hades, ruler of the Underworld, comes across as misunderstood. Persephone has agency and depth as she grapples with Olympus politics and dynamics. The romance is the central pillar in the story, but Smythe makes the most of Greek myth to tell other stories. Volume 1 collects episodes 1-25. 

3 Stargazing (2019).

Authorillustrator Jen Wang dips into her own childhood to explore adolescent friendship, identity, belonging and acceptance. Christine and Moon grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, but these polar opposites turn unexpected best friends only after becoming neighbours. With quirky illustrations and embedded cultural references, Wang crafts a gorgeous tale of early girlhood and all the wonder, joy, heartbreak and hope it brings.

4 The People of the Indus (2023).