Three Gorgeous Graphic Novels About Love: A Sea of Love, The Prince and The Dressmaker, Watersnakes

by Liz Publika

A Sea of Love (2014)

Story by Wilfrid Lupano

Illustrated by Grégory Panaccione

Every morning, a fragile, bespectacled fisherman pushes off from shore, leaving behind his devoted wife to tend the house and wait for his return. One night, he never comes back — swept up by chance in the nets of a massive industrial trawler that unknowingly drags him across the Atlantic. At home, the village mourns and moves on, certain he’s gone for good. His wife doesn’t. Seeking answers, she visits a fortune teller who glimpses his face in a crêpe, alive and far away in Cuba. Refusing to accept the obvious conclusion, she clings to that vision and sets out on a wildly unlikely journey, driven by stubborn hope and the belief that love, even when overlooked by the world, can still cross an ocean.

The Prince and the Dressmaker (2018)

Written and Illustrated by Jen Wang

Paris, on the cusp of the modern era. Prince Sebastian is expected to marry, or at least that’s what his parents are arranging for him. He has other priorities — mainly keeping his double life hidden. By day, he’s a dutiful royal. By night, he transforms into Lady Crystallia, a dazzling fashion sensation who’s redefining Parisian style.

Behind every unforgettable look is Frances, a gifted dressmaker and Sebastian’s closest ally. She’s one of the very few who knows the truth: sometimes the prince wears dresses, and when he does, the city comes alive. But Frances wants more than anonymity. Designing in secret means staying invisible, and her own ambitions are starting to press back. As the stakes rise, she must decide how much of herself she’s willing to set aside to protect someone she loves. Jen Wang spins a romantic, joyful story about self-expression, creativity, friendship, and finding the courage to be seen.

Watersnakes (2020)

Written and Illustrated by Tony Sandoval

Mila is a lonely teenager bracing herself for yet another dull summer when she crosses paths with Agnes, a fearless new friend who quickly proves to be anything but ordinary. Agnes is a ghost — and not the wispy, harmless kind. She carries the lingering spirit of an ancient fallen king, along with a grin packed with teeth that once belonged to his loyal warrior guardians. What starts as an unexpected friendship opens the door to a strange, haunting adventure where the past refuses to stay buried.

Note* Descriptions for novels were rephrased but based on those provided by seller.