Tabletop role playing games like Dungeons & Dragons have been a popular hobby for years, but have exploded in popularity recently. Thanks to movies and tv shows that show these creative and imaginative games in a positive light, more people are feeling inspired to try it out for themselves. If you're a big D&D fan, or even just an aspiring TTRPG player, these comic books are for you!
By Molly Knox Ostertag & Xanthe Bouma
New York: HarperAlley, 2022. Comics. 202 pages.
Best friends Jess and Olivia have always handled middle school the same way they handle monsters in their D&D games -- together. Jess is perfectly happy to keep their game small, with Olivia as dungeon master and Jess as lone party member. But when Olivia suggests starting a club at school -- and bringing in new members -- it feels like everything is changing too quickly for Jess. The story goes back and forth from "real life" at school and showing scenes from the campaign, and, at times, both mingle together.
By Jaime Formato
Philadelphia: Running Press Kids, 2022. Comics. 314 pages.
When Riley's best (and only) friend, her older brother Devin, leaves for college, she finds herself facing middle school alone. Soon, Riley catches the attention of her neighbor Lucy, who wants to play D&D and wants Riley to write a campaign for her. Before long, they are joined by other girls and Riley is a proper Dungeon Master. Or, she is until Devin returns from college early and expresses his dislike of how Riley is playing. This graphic novel is based on relationships between friends and family and shows how TTRPG's can help work through conflict.
By Scout Underhill
New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2024. Comics. 265 pages.
Four adorable doggos are excited to play their favorite tabletop role-playing-game under the guidance of Magnus, their Game Master. Initially tasked with retrieving a magical dog collar, they soon learn that they are up against a greater foe -- all of the squeaky toys in the in-game village have been taken! Switching seamlessly from dogs as players to dogs as in-game characters, this adventurous comic book is a fun, heartwarming story about teamwork.
By Scott R. Kurtz
New York: Holiday House, 2024. Comics. 221 pages.
11-year-old Val is the new girl in school and her highly anticipated first day at a new school goes horribly. The only bright spot is an invitation to the school's all-boy Table Titans Dungeons & Dragons gaming club. Making friends seems like a perfect cure to her problems, but joining the club inadvertently puts her at odds with popular Kate. Even worse, the club needs a new advisor and their only option is the wrestling coach -- who will only agree if Valeria joins the wrestling team. The silly middle school hijinks are well-matched by Val's fantastical daydreams and depictions of the D&D campaign.
By Samuel Sattin
Illustrated by Rye Hickman
New York: Little Brown, and Co, 2023. Comics. 205 pages.
Taking a more serious tone than others on this list, this graphic novel is all about 12-year-old Isaac who was recently diagnosed with OCD. Because of his compulsions and intrusive thoughts that pester him frequently, Isaac has withdrawn himself from social activities at school leaving him feeling isolated. So he is delighted when some classmates see his fantasy drawings and invite him to join their RPG group. His mother is hesitant, worried that the game will worsen Isaac's condition, but he knows the creativity of the game helps quiet his constant buzzing thoughts. Both a thoughtful depiction of a misunderstood disease and a wholesome middle grade graphic novel.
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