Fantasy is a popular genre that allows readers to explore magical realms where adventures await and good usually triumphs over evil. Fantasy comics are an escape to new and exciting worlds of the creator’s imagination, making it easier to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the journey.
Escapism was exactly what I was looking for this month, and my six picks are a variety of fantastical tales for your readers to get lost in, too.
You can also check out our curated Fantastic Fantasy Reads list for a wider array of fantasy tales to escape into for readers of all ages.
Middle Grade
Scales & Scoundrels Book 1: Where Dragons Wander by Sebastian Girner and Galaad (TKO Presents)
Luvander “Lu” is a brazen young treasure hunter looking to build her fortune. We meet Lu as she escapes from angry thieves and saves a prince from a different group of bandits. As her adventures continue, truths about her past unravel: Lu is an Urden, or dragon, the type historically known for showing no mercy to their enemies.
As the journey with the prince comes to a close, leaving more questions about Lu’s true heritage than answers, she continues traveling the world, meeting all manner of fantastical people and creatures. Finally, Lu returns to her kingdom of origin where we learn that she was cast out and cursed to have her true dragon self confined within a weak human form. Book one concludes with Lu alone, vowing to find a way to break the curse.
Girner’s story is an enjoyable if predictable group adventure at first, but it takes a turn for the better when Lu’s real quest begins. It’s here that she evolves from a fun character into a more nuanced, well-rounded young woman. Readers can relate to Lu’s self-discovery, despite the fantastical elements. Galaad’s illustrations are colorful and exciting, perfect for fully escaping into her world.
Scales & Scoundrels is an exciting two-part fantasy for middle grade readers. A particularly great escape for anyone interested in video games or tabletop role-playing games in fantasy settings.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Middle School, Children’s Public Library, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O’Neill (Oni Press)
Greta is a goblin-blooded young blacksmith learning to help her mother make swords in a time when such weapons are more symbolic than useful. One day, she rescues a baby Tea Dragon from hungry wolves and the grateful dragon caretaker and tea shop owner, Hesekiel, offers to teach her how to care for Tea Dragons. It’s during this training that Greta meets the mysterious Minette, a young woman who has lost all her memories during her training to become a prophetress.
Together with Hesekiel’s partner, Erik, the group bonds as they uphold the historic tradition of care and tea extraction of these special dragons. For Greta, exploring the history of important tasks like dragon care reignites her interest in the art of blacksmithing, and the young woman comes into her own through her newfound respect for such traditions.
O’Neill’s art is as dreamy as her lovely storytelling, with a light color palette spanning the colors of the lush nature in the story’s background. A compilation of the completed webcomic that went on to win two Eisner Awards and a Harvey Award in 2018, backmatter includes excerpts from the Book of Tea Dragon Husbandry.
The Tea Dragon Society is a decidedly cozy, low-stakes read, that includes diversity in characters, such as the wheelchair-bound Erik, and loving same-sex relationships. The result is a thoughtful, safe world for middle grade readers, particularly those who avoid scary or overly action-driven tales.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Middle School, Children’s Public Library, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Teens
The Little Red Fish by James Moffitt and Bizhan Khodabandeh (Rosarium)
This tale begins in 1952, in an ocean reef located off the Persian Gulf. Manuchere is introduced as a red hawk that can shift into a fish, and uses his power and bravery to stand up for the other reef dwellers against the brutality of local herons. Unfortunately for Manuchere, he is framed by the herons for the murder of a juvenile fish in a bid by the aggressors to gain control over the fish.
Manuchere knows this escalation is because the herons fear the power the fish possesses when they work together. He teaches the little red fish to take his place, just before he is murdered by eels at the behest of the herons. While the tyrants win the battle by the end of the story, it concludes on a hopeful note by explaining that the spirit of resistance lives as long as we refuse to give in to tyranny.
Written by James Moffit, as an allegory for the Iranian Revolution, he infuses a mixture of folktale, recorded history, and research into this fantasy tale. Artist Bizhan Khodabandeh uses a red and blue-based color palette to bring the story to life in a way that is at once vivid and sobering.
Anthropomorization might make this title seem appropriate for younger readers, but it’s better suited for teens due to the many bloody battles, historical context, and political themes. Overall, a thought-provoking read that still provides an escape with its message of hope and resilience.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Young Adult
Inkblot Vol. 1 by Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd (Image Comics)
In a universe where there are multiple worlds existing in parallel, great hunter Xenthas leads his seven siblings to hunt dangerous magical creatures of the realm. They reach the end of their pursuit when Xenthas’ mighty sword tears a rift and exposes a void between worlds. The siblings scatter, each going into separate worlds and fulfilling different roles, leaving behind The Seeker, a librarian who spends thousands of years learning and writing every book.
While she secretly envies the excitement of her siblings’ lives, her own adventure begins when she falls asleep in the library and accidentally summons a mysterious cat. She gives chase to this “dangerous” creature, and learns that it is capable of traveling between realms. The Seeker is determined to find him, and the narrative focus shifts to following the cat as he visits each sibling in their respective realms. Can the Seeker catch the cat before it destroys every version of reality?
Co-creators Emma Kubert and Rusty Gladd each have a strong comics pedigree, with Kubert being the granddaughter of prestigious Kubert School of Art founder, Joe Kubert, and Gladd being a graduate of the school. Kubert shows a competence with both world-building and whimsical storytelling, while each page of Gladd’s artistic creation is a new treat for the eyes — particularly the adorable cat!
Readers will explore the various realms and be treated to plenty of action as we follow the cat who is adorable as he is authentic. This is a whimsical, fun read for teens and adults who love escaping into fantasy worlds, with a second volume for additional fun.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
The Cauldron: A Haunting of You by CJ Hudson, Ile Gonzalez, Jerome Gagnon (Band of Bards)
It’s 1690 and a little witch named Cza has reached her right of passage as she is sent to the infamous Elmlock Castle. Accompanied by her owl familiar, Azo, and the castle’s vampire butler, Mr. Crinklebutt, Cza is tasked with growing her magic and perfecting a spell to summon the demon Ronove. To be successful in strengthening her dark magic, Cza must avoid being driven mad by the many horrific quirks of Elmlock.
Each day brings a new mishap, from ghosts that can’t rest, summoning imps instead of her intended demon, and falling prey to giant spider traps. Cza succeeds in summoning Ronove on the final day, and learns that Hell has had its eye on her for being a powerful witch. Someday, she might even be called upon to help further their interests in the real world!
C.J. Hudson’s writing keeps it light while giving insight into Cza’s character as she grows into her powers. Ile Gonzalez’s illustrations are cute and vibrant despite depicting the macabre themes, invoking a sense that this is an episode of an animated witchy fantasy series.
The demonic and witchy elements, along with a continuous parade of tongue-in-cheek horrors of the castle make this a quick escapist read for older teens.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Adult
Critical Role: Vox Machina Origins Volume I by Matthew Colville, Matthew Mercer, Chris Northrop, Olivia Samson (Dark Horse)
When a half-elven rogue, gnome bard, half-elven ranger, half-elven druid, and a goliath barbarian arrive in the swamp town of Stilben — each to investigate a “curse” that is killing the townsfolk — it’s clear that quite an epic tale is about to unfold! The group faces skirmishes from bands of assassins, but the real danger is from Iselda, a marilith, or demon, in human form who is trying to empty Stilben so it can be used as a strategic foothold for the nefarious Myriad.
Despite the variety of motivations and mutual distrust, the balancing of strengths and weaknesses within this diverse group help them to overcome Iselda’s plan. With the looming danger eradicated, they decide to share celebratory drinks and learn more about each other. A side story is dedicated to showing how they initially crossed paths and eventually team up.
Fans of the popular Critical Role personalities, original web series, and popular animated streaming show, from which Vox Machina originates, will fall right in love with this comic book treatment. With the range of stories set within this world, newcomers who begin with the comics are likely to find themselves easily swept in.
Backmatter includes detailed character backgrounds, sketchbooks, and fantasy world maps. All content from the Critical Role universe is for mature readers due to the language, violence, sexual situations, and themes.
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Moni Barrette, MLIS is the Director, Collection Development for LibraryPass, as well as former President of American Library Association’s Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table, and co-founder of the nonprofit Creators, Assemble! Inc. As a former public library manager, Moni won the California Library Association PRExcellence Award (2018 & 2019) for library events aimed at underserved adult library users and has proven success using comics to increase library circulation. In 2025, she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker. Moni is a frequent panelist at San Diego and New York Comic Con, San Diego Comic Fest and Wonder-Con, hosting industry networking events and providing instruction to educators and librarians..
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