The ALIA Graphic group with the support of library staff from all over Australia, who volunteered for the judging panel, recently announced the Notable Australian Graphic Novels of 2025. Three titles for each category (Junior, Young Adult and Adult) that represent the best of the best.
Being already halfway through the year, we thought it was worth looking at what’s been published in 2026 so far. Again, all these graphic novels have been created by, at least one key Australian creator (writer or artist), they’re published in a library friendly format (they’re either graphic novels or perfect bound trade paperbacks) and they are widely available through library suppliers.
Let’s look at them by categories.
Junior
The junior category this first half of the year has some really strong debuts. Georgina Chadderton’s Oh Brother, Andrea Innocent’s Lamington Left Behind and Sally Rippin’s Billie B. Brown’s Secret Mystery Club with wonderful art by Aki Fukuoka. It’s great to see Figment Books continuing to expand their line of graphic novels. They’re really investing in Australian creators and titles with a strong focus on junior titles and their titles have been of really high quality. It’s also great to see Penguin Australia publishing Chadderton’s debut, not just in Australia but, also, in the US and UK.
The other titles in this category see the return of Alyssa Bermudez with the follow up to Big Apple Diaries, published by St Martin’s Press. Allen & Unwin has published three titles by well known, returning creators. Trace Balla’s Treeshape, and two new adventures by Gregory Mackay’s Anders and the Castle (now printed individually for the first time) and Anders and the Mountain, a whole new adventure in the series.
Overall, it feels like the junior category is alive and seeing an excellent number of publications.
Anders and the Castle by Gregory Mackay (Allen & Unwin) [9781761066283]
It’s the holidays! Time for Anders and his friends to embark on a new adventure that will take them from Race Day to the shelves of the Great Library to beyond the Foggy Forest.
Their destination? Old Stoney Castle. But flying to the castle isn’t easy, and the gang gets separated … Can Anders find his way back to the others? And is the castle really abandoned, or does someone – or something – need their help?
Anders and his friends have adventures and work together to solve problems in this cosy graphic novel series by the highly acclaimed creator, Gregory Mackay.
Anders and the Mountain by Gregory Mackay (Allen & Unwin) [9781761066238]
The school holidays kick off with a magical trip to the lolly factory. However, the next morning Anders and his friends awaken to find that their beetles have vanished!
They all set out for Mount Rumple where they hope to be reunited with their pets. When they spot some mysterious beetle carvings, the gang heads high into the mountains. But then there’s an avalanche! Will they find their beetles – or will they be the ones who need rescuing?
Anders and his friends have adventures and work together to solve problems in this cosy graphic novel series by the highly acclaimed creator, Gregory Mackay.
Billie B Brown’s Secret Mystery Club Book 1: Spooky House by Sally Rippin, Aki Fukuoka (Figment Books) [9781761216404]
Billie B Brown and her friends have started a new Secret Mystery Club – but can they follow the clues to solve their first case? Find out in Spooky House, the exciting new graphic novel starring Billie B Brown, for fans of The Baby-sitters Club and Paws!
There’s nothing Billie loves more than a good adventure with her best friends! So she starts the Secret Mystery Club, and they take on their very first case: who lives in the spooky house at the end of the street?
But when Billie discovers that a witch lives there, her friends don’t believe her. Can she convince them she’s telling the truth while keeping the club together?
Filled with friendship, fun and neighbourhood adventures, this graphic novel reimagining of the beloved and bestselling Billie B Mysteries series will surprise and delight readers aged 7+. Adapted by original creators Australian Children’s Laureate Sally Rippin and illustrator Aki Fukuoka, Billie B Brown’s Secret Mystery Club is bold, brilliant and better than ever!
Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton (Penguin Australia) [9781761046346]
In this bright and thoughtful middle-grade graphic memoir, debut cartoonist Georgina Chadderton examines the fun and difficult parts of growing up alongside her autistic brother, Rob.
‘Nuanced, empathetic, and beautifully unique. It’s rare to see real-life experiences of autism reflected with such honesty, care and visual brilliance. Gina Chadderton’s storytelling is rich in detail, compassion and truth. Comics like this have the power to change how the world understands the many different ways autism can be experienced.’ Abigail Balfe author of A Different Sort of Normal
New house.
New school.
New best friend?
For a nervous kid who doesn’t like change, it’s a lot to deal with.
And that’s before Gina’s brother, Rob, gets involved.
From stealing Gina’s treats to climbing on the neighbours’ garage roof, Rob has a knack for causing chaos. Gina knows he doesn’t mean it, but worries that his quirks might scare off her new friend, Callie. Then again, maybe Gina’s own quirks are enough to drive Callie away!
This heartfelt and irresistible graphic memoir captures the complicated feelings that come from growing up with an autistic sibling who requires substantial support. It’s a story about friendship, family, disability, and the power of Vegemite toast.
Lamington Left Behind by Andrea Innocent (Figment Books) [9781761212819]
Discover a land steeped in magic and danger, a girl left behind, and the animals who need her help. From debut graphic novelist Andrea Innocent comes this wildly gorgeous, immersive adventure set deep within the Australian bush.
Ever since a great flood wiped out her home, Lamington has lived alone in the Australian wilderness – until the day she stumbles upon a ragtag family of animals hiding underground. Lamington is astonished to discover she can understand the animals, and they can understand her.
They need her help to find a precious library of seeds – but the journey will be perilous, and there are troublemakers who want the seeds for themselves. Yet if Lamington and her new friends don’t try, the forest will die. And this could be Lamington’s only chance to find her mother again …
With extraordinary full-colour artwork, Lamington Left Behind is a middle-grade adventure story that will captivate readers with its richly detailed world, twisting plot and vivid cast of characters – including brave koalas, talking mushrooms and a gang of feral children.
Run Home by Alyssa Bermudez (St Martin’s Press) [9781250774316]
It’s 2002, and 14-year-old Alyssa is a freshman at a new high school where she knows NO ONE and the uniforms are hideous! What a disaster…
Even worse? Her parents are forcing her to join the cross-country team. No one needs to run, or sweat, this much!
Over time though, Alyssa actually starts to like running. She’s getting better with practice, and some of the girls on the team are really nice. Alyssa begins to find a steady rhythm with high school, cross country, and her new stepfamily.
But Alyssa’s dad is sick, and she doesn’t know what to do. When the worst thing imaginable happens, Alyssa will need to count on her friends, family, and herself to keep running forward.
Treeshape by Trace Balla (Allen & Unwin) [9781761181252]
An extraordinary, inspiring and hope-filled graphic novel from the multi-award-winning creator of Rivertime, Rockhopping, Landing with Wings and Leaf-light, Trace Balla’s stunning memoir reveals her personal and life-changing experiences of place, her understanding of the natural world and her relationship to Country.
Ever since I was a kid my favourite place has always been up a tree – where everything I notice feels like a part of me. Every birdsong, every leaf’s light, every butterfly’s dance . . .
This beautiful book tells the story of young Trace’s awakening to the preciousness of the environment, including her participation in the protests against uranium mining at Jabiluka in the 1980s. Channelling her gift for visual storytelling, Trace reveals emotional truths, shares her commitment to environmental activism, highlights trees that have been meaningful in her life, and explores her deep appreciation of place and connection with First Nations peoples.
With its delicate artwork, heartfelt storytelling and timely themes of compassion and environmental care, this graphic novel will resonate with readers of all ages.
Young Adult
The first half of the year in the Young Adult category has seen the publication of seven titles from seven different publishers.
It’s great to see two Australian publishers putting out YA graphic novels. The Curator by Wendy Tyrer is an exciting graphic novel set in Victoria and published by a new Australian publisher, Perentie Press, who specialises in Junior and YA graphic novels. Allen & Unwin has published Aśka’s The Friendship Paradox, a graphic novel that explores and teaches science while making it accessible and relatable to teen readers.
It’s also great to see Australian writers and artists working with international publishers. Some working with well known properties and brands like Godzilla (DC Comics), and some breaking new ground with a clear Japanese influence like Fence (sports manga), Inferno Girl Red (Japanese tokusatsu) and Luna Express (Japanese magical girl manga but with a riotous western influence).
It’s also great to see fantasy author Jay Kristoff publishing an epic fantasy story with DC Comics (with another story by Tom Taylor) and Chris Gooch having a go at a well established franchise like Godzilla.
The Curator by Wendy Tyrer (Perentie Press) [9781923543010]
All around the world, artists are disappearing. But struggling art student Mimi isn’t too concerned – she’s not a ’real artist’ yet.
When a peculiar curator and an equally strange cat turn up in the gallery where Mimi works, she is pulled into an extraordinary adventure that will force her to make a life-changing choice.
What would you give up to become famous?
A fantasy adventure for young adults and dreamers alike.
Dark Knights of Steel: Allwinter by Jay Kristoff, Tirso Cons, Tom Taylor, Riccardo Federici (DC Comics) [9781799509448]
The Dark Knights of Steel saga, placing DC’s heroes in the realm of epic fantasy, continues with a standalone tale starring Deathstroke in a deadly frozen wasteland!
The snow falls thick, blood runs black, and color itself is only a distant memory. The legendary assassin Deathstroke stalks a frozen wasteland, killing for coin among a nation of ever-warring jarls.
But when our murderer for hire finds himself cast in the role of reluctant guardian, will he fight to end the icy curse destroying his land or be consumed by the sins of his own dark past?
The red-hot Dark Knights of Steel epic, which reimagines DC’s heroes in a medieval fantasy world, expands into bone-chilling new territories with new surprises in store in this collection written by Jay Kristoff, with striking images from rising star artist Tirso!
Plus, this volume includes a story by Dark Knights of Steel architect Tom Taylor and The Fellspyre Chronicles artist Riccardo Federici, detailing an all-new origin of Aquaman! This volume collects Dark Knights of Steel- Allwinter #1-6, the latest from DC’s hit Elseworlds line.
Fence: Book 1 by C.S. Pacat, Johanna the Mad (Boom! Studios) [9798892159005]
Queer sports romance meets elite private school stakes in the first of three young adult graphic novels from the hit series!
Scrappy fencer Nicholas Cox has big dreams of following in the footsteps of the father he’s never known, but when he’s accepted into the elite Kings Row private school, he’s thrust into a world of cutthroat competition. Facing down privileged rivals, grueling tryouts, and the seemingly unbeatable Seiji Katayama, Nicholas discovers that it will take more than determination to prove himself worthy of a place on the team.
Experience drama, romance, and tension in the breakout GLAAD-nominated comics written by New York Times-bestselling author of Dark Prince, C.S. Pacat, and brought to life by fan-favorite artist Johanna the Mad! Collected for the first time in three beautifully packaged graphic novels! Collects Fence #1-12.
The Friendship Paradox by Aśka (Allen & Unwin) [9781761181689]
High school is over. Dash is excited to spend their gap year working for the local science museum, travelling and teaching kids about physics. Maybe they’ll even make a friend. People are part of the universe, so the laws of physics should also apply to them, right?
Except Dash discovers the workplace is just as challenging as school – relationships are confusing, students don’t follow the rules and co-workers aren’t what they expect. Then Dash meets Kay. Can opposites really attract? Or will Dash’s attempts to use physics to understand their world repel a potential friend?
A heartfelt YA graphic novel about friendship and finding your place in a puzzling world by the highly acclaimed comic artist of the CBCA Notable graphic novel Stars in Their Eyes.
Inferno Girl Red Vol 2 by Mat Groom, Erica D’Urso (Image Comics) [9781534335080]
Cassia Costa is back in action in the wildly popular coming-of-age superhero series, INFERNO GIRL RED!
Cassia Costa protected Apex City from its first major threat as its new hero, INFERNO GIRL RED – but it cost her dearly. Now, still reeling from a heartbreaking loss, Cassia must forge a relationship with a new mentor, and expand an unlikely team – because the consequences of her previous “victory” have come back to haunt her, and a villainous duo is on the rise!
A fraught potential romance beckons, a long-held secret threatens to be revealed, and an unimaginable choice could see Apex City left defenceless! Can Cassia navigate it all… or even simply survive? Collects Inferno Girl Red Book Two #1-3
Luna Express by Campbell Whyte (Top Shelf Productions) [9781603095808]
Between crummy day jobs and nights out on the town, Celeste and her friends can barely find time to use their super-powers! Sailor Moon meets late capitalism in this deliriously epic graphic novel, bursting with life and vibrant color.
Between crummy day jobs and nights out on the town, Celeste and her friends can barely find time to use their super-powers! Sailor Moon meets late capitalism in this deliriously epic graphic novel, bursting with life and vibrant color.
Celeste was always told that she could grow up to do anything she dreamed of, but she didn’t exactly dream of being a delivery biker for her parents’ bakery, Luna Express. Life is so much more exciting at night- When the stars come out, so do her magical powers of super-strength and speed! Those gifts haven’t made her destiny any clearer, though…until Celeste and her friends are targeted by a series of strange, supernatural attacks throughout their hometown of Perth. Now this reluctant team must battle land-sharks, roller-skating disco mushrooms, mind-bending art exhibitions, and their own personal drama, while trying to unravel the unsettling mystery that connects them and their city.
Starship Godzilla: First Wars by Chris Gooch, Oliver Ono (IDW) [9798887244570]
Join a crew of cosmic misfits as they soar through the stars in Mechagodzilla in this series that ties in with the all-new Kai-Sei Era of Godzilla comics!
You didn’t think kaiju were only on Earth, did you?
In the fight for galactic supremacy, no weapon is more powerful than a kaiju…and no team is better equipped to capture and transport these titanic monsters than the crew of Starship Godzilla!
This ragtag group flies through space in Mechagodzilla and takes high-risk, high-reward missions across the galaxy. A kaiju heading toward your planet? Give them a call. A colossal space pest clogging up your trade route? They’ll get rid of it. A galactic civil war utilizing kaiju on both sides? They’ll…uh…do their best to stay out of it. But where there’s a galactic war, there’s a galactic conspiracy, and our crew members may not all land on the same side of this fight.
A brand-new kaiju space epic starts here in Starship Godzilla from Chris Gooch (In Utero, Under-Earth) and Oliver Ono (Godzilla- Monster Island Summer Camp)! Part of the new Godzilla connected comic book universe with Godzilla- End of the Reign and Godzilla- Escape the Deadzone!
Adult
The adult category is often the one with the least number of titles and the first half of the year has only seen the publication of one Batman story by highly prolific and excellent superhero comics writer Tom Taylor.
We hope to see more titles in this category in the second half of the year.
Batman: Detective Comics Vol 2: Elixir by Tom Taylor Mikel Janin (DC Comics) [9781799502654]
A mystery takes Batman out of Gotham as he tracks down an immortality-focused cult called Elixir with the help of some unexpected allies!
In the pursuit of a mysterious, bloodthirsty cult, Batman finds himself stranded away from his home with only the help of some very unexpected allies! But what can someone like the Penguin really hope to add in the chase against the dangerous group known only as Elixir? And can Batman trust him long enough to accept his help? This plus the landmark issue #1100 of Detective Comics, featuring the work of some of Batman’s most iconic creative teams! Collects Detective Comics #1097-1100 and Detective Comics Annual 2025.
And that’s all folks!
That’s a wide range of titles for the first half of the year. We’re really excited to see what comes out in the next few months. These are all excellent titles that every Australian library should have. If any of these titles is not in your collection, what are you waiting for? Buy them, put them on display and read comics.
We try to keep up to date with what’s being published but if we have missed a title that you believe should be in this list please reach out and let us know. Just remember, they need to have, at least one key Australian creator (writer and/or artist), they need to be in a library friendly format (perfect bound, paperback, hardback, no single issue floppies) and widely available through bookshops and library suppliers.
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