6 Must-Read Romance Comics from Image Comics

There are few reading experiences quite like diving into beautifully made romance comics. Everything from the drama to the characters and the art comes together to make your heart flutter. While you’ll more commonly find romance comics on the webtoon and manga side of things these days, there are still plenty of love stories out there to discover from independent publishers like Image Comics. I’ve put together this list of comics to showcase how romance comes in all shapes and sizes. These love stories will take you everywhere from modern-day New York to the farthest reaches of a fantastical galaxy. So, get ready to cozy up for these romantic reads.

Sex Criminals 

By Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky

Issues: 69, Completed

Image: Image Comics

Sex Criminals is the story of Suzie and Jon, two people who have the strange power to freeze time every time they have an orgasm. On the night they hook up, they develop a deeper romantic connection after realizing they are in the frozen time dimension together. So, what do they do after? Have more sex, of course. Oh, and use their powers to rob a few banks to help save Suzie’s library. That’s just the morally right thing to do, right? But little do they know that their escapades attract the attention of a secret society with connections to their powers. 

Sex Criminals is a monumental indie comic series known for its brilliant premise, sharp writing, and charming artwork. Creators Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky masterfully balance the story’s fantastical elements with genuine emotional depth, making the romance between Suzie and Jon hilarious and relatable. It’s a beautifully candid and positive portrayal of sexuality, emotional vulnerability, and the importance of communication in relationships. And yes, the series has a complete run of 69 issues. Nice. 

Who this is for:

• Enjoyers of raunchy rom-coms.
• Readers who love characters with sharp wit and relatable stories.

Saga

By Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Issues: 66, Ongoing

Image: Image Comics

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is a sweeping space epic grounded by the endless power of love for family. It follows the forbidden romance between Alana and Marko, soldiers from opposite sides of a galactic conflict that has torn their galaxy apart. Together, they have a daughter named Hazel, who has horns like her father and wings like her mother. The three of them journey through different planets, scrounging for ways to keep their family safe from a galaxy that wants their existence erased. 

Saga is arguably the biggest series to come from modern Image Comics. As much as it is a joy to explore a universe filled with the strangest creatures and characters you’ll find in comics, the series is a beautifully told Romeo and Juliet story at its core. By the first few issues, from just getting to know Marko and Alana's story, you’ll understand why it’s considered one of the most popular comic series released within the last 15 years. With its captivating storytelling and beautiful artwork, the series takes you on a journey unlike any other. 

Who this is for:

• Readers who love exploring unique sci-fi universes:
• People who want to reach a touching love story grounded on family. 

Sweet Paprika

By Mirka Andolfo

Issues: 12, Completed

Image: Image Comics

Sweet Paprika by Mirka Andolfo is a hilarious and spicy graphic novel that delves into the complicated life of Paprika, a successful but overworked demon who struggles with the demands of her career and floundering love life. The story unfolds when Paprika meets Dill, a handsome, carefree, and enchanting angel delivery boy with a knack for bringing warmth and laughter into her life. 

This charming comic explores themes of desire, independence, and the search for emotional intimacy, presenting a heartfelt and humorous tale of how love can blossom in the most unexpected ways. This series is Mirka Andolfo’s best work, as it’s rich with vibrant artwork and cheeky writing that captures the chemistry of the comic’s two lead characters. With its great cast of side characters as well, you’ll be charmed by this fantastical romance in no time.

Who this is for:

• Readers looking for romance with a quirky fantasy twist. 
• Fans of classic rom-coms with an office and business setting. 

Sunstone

By Stjepan Šejić

Volumes: 8, Completed

Image: Image Comics

Sunstone by Stjepan Šejić is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that explores the tantalizing connection between two women, Lisa and Ally, who share a secret interest in BDSM. The story follows the evolution of their relationship from mere kink-based curiosity to a profound and emotional bond. With themes of trust, vulnerability, and the search for intimacy, Sunstone is a steamy series that’s not for the faint of heart.

Šejić masterfully portrays Lisa and Ally's relationship with a mix of humor, warmth, and realism. While the series’ erotic moments will be the most eye-catching, it’s a deeply moving story about two lovers seeking to integrate their secret desires with their everyday lives. The writing of the series stands out for being an honest and sensitive depiction of a BDSM-based relationship, emphasizing the respect that binds their partnership together. So don’t let the naughty parts distract you too much, as this series is one of the best love stories you can find from Image Comics.

Who this is for:

• Readers looking for romance stories with a little more spice to them.
• Fans of beautiful character designs. 

Love Everlasting

By Tom King and Elsa Charretier

Issues: 12, Ongoing

Image: Image Comics

Love Everlasting is the mind-bending story of Joan, a woman trapped in an endless cycle of outlandish romance stories. These tales range from classic 1940s romance comics to more contemporary settings. But the tragedy of her surreal reality is that no matter how real the love she experiences feels, it always gets taken away by the mysterious force that controls the cycle she’s trapped in. The more she experiences these different lives, the more she questions the nature of her existence and the sense of love that drives her forward. 

While Tom King is more closely associated with his incredible works for DC these days, Love Everlasting is a series that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s another prime example of the celebrated writer’s ability to craft fascinating stories that stretch the limits of what’s possible with comic books. Elsa Charretier’s fantastic art beautifully complements the strangeness of the story, as it pays homage to the golden age style of classic romance comics while infusing it with modern sensibilities. Read a few issues, and you’ll find yourself locked in the story with Joan, trying to piece together the captivating mystery of her world.

Who this is for:

• Readers who love the look of classic romance comics.
• People who enjoy surreal stories with plenty of strange twists and turns.

Bolero

By Wyatt Kennedy and Luana Vecchio

Issues: 5, Completed

Image: Image Comics

Bolero is about the universe-traversing journey of Devyn, a young woman struggling to cope with the heartbreaking end of her relationship with Natasha. Just as her life starts spiraling downhill, she gets led to a mystical gateway to the crossroads between alternate universes. With the guidance of Capgras, an otherworldly creature that takes the form of a giant talking cat, Devyn can hop into the alternate versions of herself in hopes of rekindling the love she’s lost. The catch is she can only do these hops 53 times. If she goes beyond that, then she risks shattering her mind and body.

While we’ve seen plenty of multiverse stories these days, Bolero takes the concept in a bold direction. The short but sweet series is a captivating tale of self-discovery that’s unafraid of exploring the dark and traumatic sides of love. It’s an introspective look into the frustrations and longing one feels when love does not go the right way. With Wyatt Kennedy’s slick writing and Luana Vecchio’s ethereal art, this series takes you on an emotional journey through different universes where love is never easy to find.

Who this is for:

• Readers who love stories that go to wild places with its concept. 
• Fans of unique multiverse stories.