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For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a space nerd. For starters, I often checked out nonfiction space books from the library as a kid. This would’ve been back in the good old days, when Pluto was still a planet. I have a distinct memory of working on a speech project in elementary school and choosing to do mine on the inner planets while my brother did the outer ones. I love that we divided up our solar system like that.
As a teen, I even called NASA once to share I noticed a mysterious light in the night sky. I had to leave a voicemail of course, but I am still somewhat proud of the fact that I found a phone number to actually reach NASA. I even got an email back from them a few weeks later. And if what I saw was most likely Venus, that’s beside the point.
What I have always felt as a space nerd is that it’s much more fun to gaze upon the beauty of space than to just hear about it. When it comes to outer space, it’s all about those awe-inspiring optics. And who needs to wait around for the science to catch up when the sci-fi genre gives us the opportunity to travel out amongst the stars, no spaceship required? Best of all, sci-fi comics provide us with the armchair space exploration and the stunning visuals, too.
Below, I’ve gathered together eight sci-fi comics for teens. Whether you’re a teen or an adult though, I think you’ll fall in love with the breathtaking illustrations and powerful stories of these science fiction reads.
8 Teen Sci-Fi Comics
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
When I think about sci-fi comics for teens, the first one that comes to mind is this sweet coming-of-age graphic novel by Tillie Walden. You’ll find all the beauty of deep space and more within these pages.
While Mia adjusts to her new work salvaging space ships, she dreams of finding the girl she fell in love with at boarding school.
Clock Striker, Volume 1: “I’m Gonna Be a SMITH!” by Issaka Galadima with Frederick L. Jones
This fun sci-fi comic by Issaka Galadima and Frederick L. Jones promises a steampunk twist (my favorite kind of twist!). While dreams don’t often come to fruition in Cast’s small town, she still hopes to become a legendary SMITH one day. Even though these extraordinary warrior engineers haven’t been seen in quite some time, Cast lucks out by meeting one named Ms. Philomena Clock who agrees to take her on as an apprentice.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Vol. 1 by Hayao Miyazaki
I couldn’t write about teen sci-fi comics without selfishly including my favorite, this manga series by my idol, Hayao Miyazaki. While I try to find ways to sneak my love of Nausicaä into everyday conversations, this story makes for a perfect fit on this list. One thousand years after the destruction of modern civilization, the world has grown into a desert wasteland, scattered with toxic jungles swarming with predators and poisonous spores. Nausicaä is a princess from a small kingdom by the sea, and she’ll do whatever it takes to maintain her valley’s peace despite the conflicts of warring nations.
Aria: The Masterpiece Volume 1 by Kozue Amano
For those (like me) obsessed with the idea of humans one day living on Mars, I recommend this sci-fi manga by Kozue Amano. The story stars a delightful character named Akari who lives on the planet Aqua, once known as Mars, in the city of Neo-Venezia. While Akari dreams of becoming an Undine gondolier, her training leads her to discover new friends and intriguing new places tucked within her beloved city.
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu
Speaking of sci-fi comics set on Mars, this new graphic novel by Wendy Xu is another must-read! With continued advancements in AI technology, it’s quite interesting to see AI gain more of a spotlight in the science fiction genre too. After Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars, she gets a job with an AI specialist and begins catching feels for the AI assistant in the lab named Kye.
Count by Ibrahim Moustafa, Brad Simpson, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic classic novel as is, but Ibrahim Moustafa giving it a sci-fi comic twist makes for a wild ride for both old fans and new. Having escaped his hover-prison, Redxan Samud is thirsting for revenge. With a disguise, a new fortune, and an Automaton Retainer Unit at his disposal, Redxan will begin seeking out those who did him dirty.
CosmoKnights, Vol. 1 by Hannah Templar
This entertaining, sci-fi graphic novel by Hannah Templar is a cosmic combination of neo-medieval adventure with an outer space setting. Our main character, Pan, navigates working in her dad’s bodyshop and sneaking out to go dancing with her friend Tara. Yet Tara just so happens to be a princess, and Pan is devastated when their escapades are put to a stop. Things take a turn from there, though, when a pair of off-world gladiators show up at Pan’s door.
Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 1 by Gwon Gyeoeul, Art by SUOL, Translated by David Odell
While many of these other teen sci-fi comics promise outer space antics, this one by Gyeoeul Gwon draws you into the world of a video game instead. Despite our college student protagonist’s difficult family life, she finds an escape through playing the game Daughter of the Duke Love Project. She’s just had experience playing the heroine character Ivonne on easy mode, though, and her world gets quite literally turned upside when she’s pulled into the game Jumanji-style and finds herself in the role of the villain, trying to stay alive on hard mode.
Before You Blast Off…
Looking to immerse yourself in more comics for teens? Check out these 10 Great YA Fantasy Graphic Novels! Or, if you’re still on a sci-fi kick, you may want to explore these Compelling New Science Fiction Graphic Novels. In any case, I hope one of these gorgeously illustrated books makes you feel like you’re lost in a galaxy far away.