LGBTQ representation in the comics industry has grown significantly, with more creators, characters and stories taking prominence than ever before. However, traditional comics still fall short compared to webcomics, an ever-growing genre where creators can tell any story they want and gain readers through self-publishing.

To celebrate Pride Month, here are 10 LGBTQ webcomics to read.

Related: Webtoon: Why So Many Of The Most Popular Webcomics Are Romance

1. Up and Out by Julia Kaye

When Julia Kaye created Up and Out in 2013, it was a collection of amusing, mostly unconnected gag comic strips. After Kaye came out as a trans woman, she began using her comic to document her transition and day-to-day life.

Though Kaye's work retains much of her original irreverent humor, it's also a touching, warm and deeply personal glimpse into her life. The webcomic is ongoing on her Tapas and Tumblr, but you can also purchase a copy of her published Super-Late Bloomer: My Early Days in Transition.

2. Agents of The Realm by Mildred Louis

Agents of The Realm is a fantastic new take on the classic 'magical girls' genre. Created by illustrator Mildred Louis (Invader Zim, Rick and Morty), the story follows the adventures of five college freshmen who discover their calling as powerful guardians of both their world and a mysterious new dimension.

Agents features breathtaking art and fantastic world-building, with a majority LGBTQ. It's an ongoing work, but in addition to reading online, there are also two physical volumes published by Sapphire Shard Press.

Related: For Good LGBTQ Comics Rep, Look to Indies 

3. Novae by Kaiju

Novae is set in 17th century France and follows the lives of astronomy student Raziol Quamar and the kindly but mysterious necromancer Sulvain. The two men are brought together both by their love for the stars and the mysterious murder of another student. Romance slowly but surely blooms even as they investigate the death and discover the secrets of the heavens.

The illustrations of Kaiju (a.k.a. Kate Rhodes and Jennifer Xu) are both emotive and beautiful and it's clear a great deal of historical and scientific research was done for the comic. Novae is ongoing and can also be read on Comixology.

4. Puu by Nabigal-Nayagam Haider Ali

Puu ('flower' in Tamil) is a slice of life comic about roommates Jameel Mansour and Saboor Halwani, as well as their friends and family in Tamil Nadu, India. Though seemingly very different at first, the two grow close and fall in love over time.

The beauty and simplicity of Puu's art and writing is truly enchanting and though the story is a happy one, it also deals closely with contemporary Indian politics, casteism, homophobia, transphobia and religious intolerance.

Related: USA and Syfy Join Forces With GLAAD For Pride Month

5. Sharp Zero by RobotSharks

Sharp Zero is a hilarious take on the superhero genre with a dash of the supernatural thrown in for good measure. The main character, Elliot Hong, accidentally gets fatally infected with the mysterious Sharp Zero serum and returns from the dead with Spawn-esque abilities.

Though the plot focuses on him and his misadventures, Sharp Zero has a large supporting cast of superheroes, villains, magical beings and civilians, most of whom fall somewhere on the LGBTQ spectrum.

6. StrangeLore by Viktor T. Kerney

Strange Lore is a genre-bending romance with elements of horror, superhero sci-fi and fantasy. Writer Viktor T. Kerney, who also cohosts the pop culture podcast MEGASHEEN, was initially inspired to create the comic after noting the sad lack of non-white, non-straight characters and couples in contemporary fantasy and comic books.

In the first volume, young Brandon Garret is forced to move in with his grandmother after a tragic incident and falls for Jackson Garret, a supernatural being with a dark past. A second volume is in the works and has a Patreon readers can support.

7. Honey And Venom by Kurzz

In Honey and Venom, an ancient Roman goddess discovers the modern reincarnation of her long-lost lover and priestess -- then realizes her love has no memory of her and must win her heart once again. The story is comedic and touching; it's a clear labor of love from creative team Kurzz and her wife Catuallie.

Related: Weekend Webcomics: Casual Hex, Ghost Lights & It Stems From Love Will Charm

8. Always Human by Ari North

In the futuristic world of Always Human, genetic engineering and nano-technology allow almost everyone to alter their appearance in the blink of an eye -- and protagonist Sunati is no exception. When she sees a girl named Austen, whose appearance never changes, she's struck by her 'bravery,' little knowing that Austen's weak immune system is the actual reason she doesn't use the tech.

Despite this and other misunderstandings, the two girls get to know and fall for each other, while learning that appearances and technological modifications do not define one's humanity. Always Human was also published as two physical volumes, with sponsorship from GLAAD.

9. On A Sunbeam by Tillie Walden

Widely considered one of the best comics of 2017, Tillie Walden's Hugo Award-nominated On a Sunbeam is a beautifully and experimentally structured tale of love, space, architecture and anti-capitalism.

Though it focuses primarily on the dual narratives of Grace and Mia, who slowly find their way back to each other over the course of five years after their first relationship was disrupted, it has a large and fleshed out supporting cast that helps deepen immersion. On a Sunbeam is still free to read online and is also available as a published graphic novel from First Second.

10. Check, Please! by Ngozi Uzaku

Last, but certainly not least, is college-thesis-turned-Tumblr-webcomic-turned-bestselling series, Check, Please!

This modern cult classic follows college freshman Eric 'Bitty' Bittle as he navigates school, hockey, vlogging, baking and love. The series was recently completed and is available on Ngozi Uzaku's Tumblr and Patreon, or in printed volumes from First Second.

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