Get your capes ready and your glitter cannons loaded, because the geekiest weekend of the year just got a massive glow-up. Flame Con, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ comic convention, returns in August—and honey, she’s moving to Broadway!
After years of serving queer excellence across the city, Geeks OUT is taking the convention to the heart of Manhattan. On August 15 and 16, 2026, Flame Con will be taking over the legendary Marriott Marquis New York. Yes, Times Square, baby!
Moving to 1535 Broadway isn’t just about a fancy new zip code; it’s about space. More space for the breathtaking Artist Alley, more room for show-stopping cosplay, and more stages for the panels that make us feel seen.
If you want to be part of the magic, grab your planners. Here is the breakdown of the 2026 rollout:
Youth Day: Sunday, August 16. Fans 21 and under get in FREE! All ages content all day!
Al Ewing is a special guest this year Ewing is a comic writer for Marvel and DC comics, currently working on Absolute Green Lantern, The Mortal Thor, Venom, and the Queen in Black crossover. In the past, he’s written Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki: Agent of Asgard, New Avengers, Immortal Hulk, and We Only Find Them When They’re Dead among many others.
Returning this year: Gaymer Lounge, play your favorite tabletop and video games with fellow gaymers!
And don’t worry—the vibes extend past the convention floor. Whether you want to dance the night away at the Fire Ball afterparty or keep it low-key at the Camp Fire (the ultimate alternative social for the chill geeks), there is a space for every flavor of the rainbow.
In a world that can sometimes feel a bit “villainous” toward our community, Flame Con remains a literal sanctuary. It’s more than just buying comics; it’s about celebrating the queer creators who are reimagining our favorite universes. From superheroes to indie zines, it’s a weekend where we aren’t just the sidekicks—we’re the main characters.
Ready to fly? Keep your eyes on FlameCon.org for more guest announcements and ticket links!
More than a historical narrative, this story of queer identity interweaves the author’s personal history, showing queerness as both a community endeavor and deeply personal journey.
When Hazel was twelve years old, they came out as bisexual to their parents. At the time, they couldn’t have imagined who they are today: a nonbinary, transmasculine person in a loving queer relationship.
In seeking to understand their own history, Hazel takes readers on a parallel journey through queer history—from the origins of Western concepts of sexual orientation, to the synthesis of hormones, to the evolution of trans health care. They unpack the economic underpinnings of gender roles. They dive into the origins behind our concept of “coming out,” the history of “female husbands,” neopronouns, and the emergence of drag kings.
As Hazel grows and changes, so does their understanding of those who came before them, and the interweaving of both narratives gives the reader a powerful entryway into not just Hazel’s journey of self-actualization, but the queer community at large.
Story: Hazel Newlevant Art: Hazel Newlevant
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
LB Ink provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
Presented by Prism Comics and Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, the free convention takes place Saturday, June 20 at Fiesta Hall Park in Plummer Park. There will be over 100 LGBTQIA+ creators and cosplayers as well as panels, a costume contest, and more.
Q Con is supported in part by an arts grant from The City of West Hollywood. Q Con thanks their generous sponsors – Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, The City of West Hollywood, Modern Fanatic, Oni Press, Los Angeles Film School, IDW Comics & Entertainment and Top Shelf Productions.
Bodies are the worst. I wish I didn’t have a body.
Saachi is a storyteller. At school, she’s surrounded by kids she’s known forever — including her best friend, Lyla, who shares Saachi’s love of fantasy novels and creating new worlds.
But as seventh grade starts, kids are changing. Suddenly, it matters who you like and if you can find a boyfriend or girlfriend. Even Lyla seems more interested in hanging out with her new boyfriend than in writing and drawing with Saachi anymore. Saachi’s not interested in any of that boy/girl stuff. Why can’t things just stay the way they were?
Saachi also doesn’t love all the ways her body is changing. What if she doesn’t feel like a girl — or like a boy, either? In a world where there is so much either/or, Saachi is going to need to find her own options . . . and create her own story.
By: Maia Kobabe, Swati “Lucky” Srikumar
Get your copy now! To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.
Graphix provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from this site. Making purchases through these links helps support the site
In addition to Wiccan & Hulking: Raid of Ultron, this year’s Marvel’s Voices Pride special, and a collection of Pride Variant Covers across Marvel titles this June, Marvel Comics is once again teaming up with Lucasfilm to celebrate Pride Month with all-new Star Wars Pride Variant Covers that honor the diverse LGBTQIA+ community of the galaxy far, far away.
This year’s collection is an epic connecting cover by acclaimed artist Rickie Yagawa that will span three June releases: Star Wars: Rogue One – Jyn Erso #1, Star Wars: Shadow of Maul #4, and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #3. The artwork spotlights 18 characters from across Stars Wars storytelling, including films, television, publishing, and Marvel comics—all brought together to celebrate Pride!
From Jedi Knights and rogues to Rebellion heroes and Imperial leaders, here’s who fans can spot on the cover, from left to right:
Vildar Mac
Terec and Ceret
Mother Aniseya
Mother Koril
Tey Sirrek
Cinta Kaz & Vel Sarth
Sabé
Doctor Aphra
Just Lucky
Ariole Yu
Larma D’Acy & Wrobie Tyce
Rae Sloane
Losha & T’Onga
Sana Starros
Check out the full piece and preoder all three covers at your local comic shop today!
STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE – JYN ERSO #1 THREE-PART CONNECTING PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY RICKIE YAGAWA – 75960621534800121
STAR WARS: SHADOW OF MAUL #4 THREE-PART CONNECTING PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY RICKIE YAGAWA – 75960621479200441
STAR WARS: GALAXY’S EDGE – ECHOES OF THE EMPIRE #3 THREE-PART CONNECTING PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY RICKIE YAGAWA – 75960621593500341
Marvel’s Pride Variant Covers return in June. This year’s collection consists of five stunning covers of LGBTQIA+ Marvel characters drawn by Luciano Vecchio in his signature character spotlight variant cover style.
Here are the five characters featured this year:
Felicia Hardy, A.K.A. BLACK CAT, Marvel’s slyest and most skilled super-thief, currently starring in an acclaimed solo run by G. Willow Wilson and Gleb Melnikov.
Akihiro, the lethal mutant warrior and son of Wolverine, now bonded with the Spirit of Vengeance and raising hell in Inglorious X-Force by Tim Seeley and Michael Sta. Maria as HELLVERINE.
HELA, the Asgardian goddess of death who—after seizing Knull’s throne and building a fearsome symbiote army—now headlines Queen in Black, this summer’s epic crossover event from Al Ewing and Iban Coello.
Bobby Drake, A.K.A. ICEMAN, founding X-Man and Omega-level mutant, currently using his unmatched experience and power to guide mutantkind in X-Men United by Eve L. Ewing and Tiago Palma.
KITTY PRYDE, one of the X-Men’s most dedicated leaders, who also stars in X-Men United as headmistress of Emma Frost’s new Graymatter Lane, the next evolution of mutant education.
Get a look at the covers and don’t miss out when they come to shelves this June!
MORTAL THOR #11 PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO – 75960621284201161
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #31 PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO – 75960621001503151
INGLORIOUS X-FORCE #6 PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO – 75960621362700641
UNCANNY X-MEN #30 PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO – 75960620917003041
X-MEN UNITED #4 PRIDE VARIANT COVER BY LUCIANO VECCHIO – 75960621443300441
This June, DC proudly celebrates LGBTQIA+ fans and characters with DC Pride 2026, a coordinated publishing initiative that spotlights DC’s YA graphic novels, comics from DC’s mainline continuity, and a new Justice League event series. As with every year, DC Pride highlights the queer heroes who inspire readers year-round, and in 2026 their stories take center stage across multiple formats.
Anchoring this year’s celebration are Galaxy and Dreamer, two heroes whose journeys have been building across DC’s publishing lines for years. Their stories unfold in three interconnected releases that bridge both DC’s comics and graphic novels, culminating in a major narrative moment for Pride Month and beyond.
Galaxy: As the World Falls Down
Galaxy returns in Galaxy: As the World Falls Down, the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed YA graphic novel Galaxy: The Prettiest Star. Written by Jadzia Axelrod with art and color by Rye Hickman and lettering by Jodie Troutman, this new graphic novel continues Taylor Barzelay’s journey as she confronts the alien threat of the Vane, questions her place on Earth, and further solidifies her friendship with Nia Nal, also known as Dreamer.
On sale 5/5/26
Justice League Intergalactic Special #1
Before Galaxy’s sophomore graphic novel arrives, readers will finally see Galaxy and Dreamer team up for the first time in DC’s mainline comic book universe in Justice League Intergalactic Special #1, co-written by Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines with art by Travis Moore, colors by Tamra Bonvillain, and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This one-shot continues Dreamer’s journey following the events of Absolute Power and Secret Six, and picks up on Galaxy’s adventures in heroism following her recurring role in Hawkgirl. Galaxy is now a card-carrying member of the Justice League, bridging DC’s YA and mainline universes.
In this adventure, the planet Naltor and the Green Lanterns who protect it fall under the spell of the Witch Queen, who harnesses the world’s dream energy in a bid to expand her reach far beyond its orbit. Star Sapphire assembles a team of Justice Leaguers to liberate the planet, but the mission quickly spirals. Green Arrow wants nothing to do with space, Adam Strange’s ship is attacked before it even reaches orbit…and Galaxy has invited Dreamer aboard the mission without telling anyone. Dreamer’s visions hint at disaster from the very start!
When they find each other, Galaxy and Dreamer are on completely opposite ends of the Super Hero spectrum. While Galaxy has been welcomed into the Justice League where she’s a shining new up-and-comer, Dreamer is left adrift in the aftermath of the mistakes that have branded her (as far as the League is concerned) a criminal…
Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event
Debuting during Pride Month, Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event is a four-issue DC All In miniseries co-written by Nicole Maines and Jadzia Axelrod with art from Nicola Scott, J. Bone, Brandt&Stein, Stephen Sadowski, Vincent Cecil, Mikel Janín, Rosi Kämpe, and others. The story begins in the aftermath of Justice League Intergalactic Special, when Dreamer and Galaxy suddenly awaken on Themyscira, living out an idyllic fantasy as princess and champion of the Amazons. Their confusion deepens when a mysterious stranger washes ashore insisting that Dreamer must leave the paradise she’s always dreamed of to save the world, and the dreamlike landscape around them begins to shift in ways that feel both familiar and deeply wrong.
The threat behind the shifting dreamscape is the Key, a long-standing Justice League adversary whose ability to manipulate perception and hunger for control over dreamspace make him a uniquely dangerous opponent for Dreamer. The world he’s building offers her a version of heroism that feels easier to embrace than the imperfect reality she left behind, and Dreamer fears that those imperfections are all she is…whereas Galaxy, eager to prove herself to the League, believes she can keep her imperfections hidden.
In this series, Dreamer is battling, in many ways, her will to go on. With being a hero, with life at all. She’s nothing like the hero she set out to be, and after everything, she (ironically) can’t see a future for herself. So, she needs her closest friend to remind her, even if Dreamer didn’t exactly ask for her help. As the Key tightens his hold, Galaxy fights her way through the dreamworld to pull her friend back from the brink. Her ability to see through the Key’s illusions makes her a threat he’s desperate to expel. The series blends cosmic action, emotional stakes, and a story about identity, legacy, and the strength of a friendship tested by forces determined to tear it apart. Dream Girls represents the next step in DC’s Pride publishing, bringing LGBTQIA+ heroes into the center of a major, continuity-driven Justice League story that unfolds across the month of June.
Bonus Stories Featuring Fan-Favorite Heroes
Each issue of Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event also includes an all-new eight-page story that expands the event’s scope. Greg Rucka and Claire Roe showcase Batwoman in a new story in Dream Girls #1 on June 3, Morgan Hampton and Steven Underwood team with Alitha Martinez for a Green Lantern Corps story in Dream Girls #2 on June 10, and G. Willow Wilson and Maria Llovet spotlight Poison Ivy in Dream Girls #3 on June 17. A personal story by Klaus Janson will appear in Dream Girls #4 on June 24, with details to be revealed soon.
These bonus stories connect to major 2026 publishing moments, including Batwoman’s Next Level series, Poison Ivy’s role in DC’s upcoming Bad Seeds event, and more. Claire Roe (#1), Mateus Manhanini (#2), Oscar Vega (#3) and Robin “Zombie” Higginbottom (#4) will each provide a variant cover for Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event, while Phil Jimenez and Arif Prianto’s variant covers will be connected across the four issues.
DC Pride: The Heart Wants
Rounding out this year’s lineup is DC Pride: The Heart Wants, a hardcover collection of the 2025 DC Pride one-shot and additional stories spotlighting DC’s LGBTQIA+ characters. The book features stories from Tim Sheridan, Vita Ayala, Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Maya Houston, Sam Maggs, Josh Trujillo, Jenny Blake, and more, with art by Emilio Pilliu, Skylar Patridge, A.L. Kaplan, Max Sarin, Sara Soler Ester, Vincent Cecil, Alex Moore, and others. The collection continues DC’s tradition of bringing the previous year’s Pride stories to bookshelves in a premium format and celebrates the creators who have shaped DC Pride over the years.
On sale 5/26/26
DC Pride Variant Covers
Throughout its line of monthly comic books, DC will continue to highlight DC Pride-themed variant covers on series that feature queer characters in regular and lead roles. This year, look for DC Pride covers onBatwoman #4 (Betsy Cola), Emperor Aquaman #18 (Bruka Jones), Justice League Unlimited #20 (Jessica Fong), Wonder Woman #34 (Fatima Wajid), New Titans #36 (Rachael Stott),Poison Ivy #45 (Don Aguillo),Harley Quinn #63 (Stephen Byrne), and Detective Comics #1110 (Angel Solorzano).
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community and the issues that affect their lives.
The awards recognize television, movies, comics, and more!
Comics are recognized in two categories, “Outstanding Comic Book” and “Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology.”
Winners will be announced March 2026. Check out the two comic categories below and check out the full list of nominees here. Congrats to everyone.
Outstanding Comic Book
Absolute Green Lantern, by Al Ewing, Jahnoy Lindsay, Jason Howard, Riley Rossmo, Sid Kotian, Iñaki Azpiazu, Pressy, Lucas Gattoni (DC Comics)
Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices, by Anthony Oliveira, Elsa Sjunneson, Carola Borelli, Bailie Rosenlund, Pablo Collar, Charles Stewart III, Alti Firmansyah, Minkyu Jung, KJ Díaz, Ruth Redmond, Dono Sánchez-Almara, Ariana Maher, Joe Caramagna (Marvel Infinity Comics)
The Department of Truth, by James Tynion IV, Martin Simmonds, Letizia Cadonici, Aditya Bidikar, Jordie Bellaire, Dylan Todd (Image Comics)
Exceptional X-Men, by Eve L. Ewing, Carmen Carnero, Federica Mancin, Nolan Woodard, Travis Lanham (Marvel Comics)
Minor Arcana, by Jeff Lemire, Patricio Delpeche, Letizia Cadonici, Steve Wands (BOOM! Studios)
The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos: Children of the Night, by Tate Brombal based on an idea by James Tynion IV, Isaac Goodhart, Priscilla Petraites, Miquel Muerto, Aditya Bidikar (Dark Horse Comics)
Poison Ivy, by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Brian Level, Atagun Ilhan, Mark Buckingham
Arif Prianto, Lee Loughridge, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, Tom Napolitano (DC Comics)
Runaways, by Rainbow Rowell, Elena Casagrande, Roberta Ingranata, Lee Ferguson, Dee Cunniffe, Travis Lanham (Marvel Comics)
Secret Six, by Nicole Maines, Stephen Segovia, Cian Tormey, Roger Cruz, Rain Beredo, Steve Wands (DC Comics)
Wynd: The Power of the Blood, by James Tynion IV, Michael Dialynas, Andworld Design, Nancy Mojica, Madison Goyette (BOOM! Studios)
Outstanding Original Graphic Novel/Anthology
Cannon, by Lee Lai (Drawn & Quarterly)
Dan in Green Gables, by Rey Terciero, Claudia Aguirre (Penguin Workshop)
First Kiss with Fangs, by Marker Snyder (Holiday House)
Gaysians, by Mike Curato (Algonquin Books)
Hey, Mary!, by Andrew Wheeler, Rye Hickman, Hank Jones, Frank Cvetkovic (Oni Press)
It Rhymes with Takei, by George Takei, Harmony Becker, Steven Scott, and Justin Eisinger (Top Shelf Productions)
Low Orbit, by Kazimir Lee (Top Shelf Productions)
A Song for You and I, by K. O’Neill (Random House Graphic)
Spent, by Alison Bechdel, Holly Rae Taylor, Jon Chad (Mariner Books)
Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, by Alex L. Combs, Andrew Eakett, Tif Bucknor (Candlewick Press)
Dr. Magdalene Traumer, a brilliant scientist with the noble dream of saving the world, meets Dorian Wildfang, a free-spirited wanderer who fears nothing . . . except her own destiny. Together, they embark on a wild adventure across Europe, chasing a mission that proves that life is about the journey and not the destination. Along the way, these seemingly polar opposite companions find common ground on a journey that sparks an unexpected romance as they navigate the complexities of self-discovery and the challenges of a world on the brink of chaos.
Collecting all 10 chapters, including the entire unpublished second volume, of the groundbreaking comics series A Thing Called Truth; face your fears and jump in for the road trip of a lifetime whenA Thing Called Truth arrives in bookstores January 6th!
Mad Cave Studios presents the first-ever print edition of Virginia Woolf, the acclaimed comiXology Original graphic novel by Liuba Gabriele. Adapted from the Italian release by Becco Giallo, this vivid portrait explores Woolf’s creative brilliance and her passionate, complicated relationship with Vita Sackville-West.
As part of Mad Cave’s latest English print releases, Virginia Woolf offers an emotional LGBTQIA-focused retelling of their semi-secret love affair, drawing from Woolf’s novels and the pair’s letters to capture the intensity of her inner world. With expressive colorwork and intimate storytelling, Gabriele brings striking depth to a relationship that helped shape one of literature’s most influential voices.
An emotional and vibrant retelling of the famous author’s passions and torments, as well as her ardent relationship with Vita Sackville-West.
Virginia Woolf ended her own life in March 1941, driven by the strength of her grief for the world entering another war. She was a woman full of turbulent emotions and desires, ones which brought her both great joy and suffering. Told through loose connections with some of Woolf’s most beloved novels and using quotations from letters written by Woolf and Sackville-West, this graphic novel brings color and texture to this semi-secret love affair and boldly renders the waves and lulls of Woolf’s extraordinary mind.
Perfect for admirers of literary biography, readers of Woolf’s work, educators, librarians, and anyone drawn to intimate, emotionally rich graphic storytelling.
Virginia Woolf is a 128-page paperback graphic novel that arrives May 26, 2026.
