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With the recent popularity of the movie adaptation of Project Hail Mary, we may be having a space renaissance. Even more young kids may start dreaming of becoming astronauts, which can drive an interest in science fiction, especially science fiction having to do with space. The joy of YA space stories can run the gamut from how imaginative writers can be with alien creatures and what the edge of the universe is like, to depictions of realistic space travel
This can be seen most of all in YA comics, the canon of which spans genres, even within the space category. From superheroes to thoughtful to adventure stories— comics and graphic novels offer multiple ways to engage with genre, style, and storytelling through their artwork. Below are six YA space comics that do just that.
Out of this world space comics for teens
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
This is a major classic of the space comics genre, perfect for readers of all ages. A ship of misfits travels across space, fixing the ancient ruins they find along the way. It takes place in the future, and we slowly learn about Mia, who has recently joined the crew. Mia is suffering after losing her connection with Grace, whom she met at boarding school. The story comes with multiple emotional gut punches, paired with fantastic space visuals.
Major Thomás by Omar Morales
Inspired by the life of the real astronaut José Hernandez, this comic follows a young man’s journey from farmworker to space explorer. Thomás Muñoz achieves his dream of reaching the stars as an astronaut and quickly gets caught up in space battles. Equal parts warm and adventurous, this is a great story for anyone focused on achieving their dreams. Thomás also has a robot sidekick named Albert, a classic of the space genre.
Love and Gravity (Always Human #2) by Ari North
In the second part of the beloved WebToon comic Love and Gravity, the futuristic main couple, Austen and Sunati, are still working their hardest to be together. Austen has Egan’s Syndrome, which stops her from being able to get the body modifications that Sunati and everyone else can have in the distant future. When Sunati gets the offer of a lifetime to move to Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, their relationship is put to the test.
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu
Though this comic came out in 2023, it remains current with its relation to AI. Setting off for a new start on Mars, Clementine Chang is working at the forefront of science. Clem’s boss, Dr. Marcella Lin, has a highly agile, human-adjacent project, Kye (an artificial intelligence in the shape of a human). Clem and Kye quickly start falling for each other, and Clem has to find a way to break him free from his laboratory cage.
Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries
Even in a faraway terraformed space colony, a teenager is struggling with his mental health. Oberon Afolayan lives on the planet Meridian, where everyone has a “ghost power.” One day, Oberon wakes up with the ability to put his dreams into the real world. He creates a version of his high school crush, Kon, entirely by accident. Kon takes it upon himself to turn around Oberon’s life.
Aria: The Masterpiece, Volume 1 by Kozue Amano
As life carries on past Manhome (formerly known as Earth), the people on the planet Aqua (formerly known as Mars) have recreated the city of Venice. There’s an excess of water due to melting icecaps, so traveling around by boat is the main form of transportation. Akari goes to Neo-Venezia to pursue her dream of becoming an undine (formerly known as a gondolier) on Aqua. With funny touches like Martian cats running the companies, this is an excellent space story.
If you’re looking for more young adult comics, you can check out this list for new and longtime fans. There are plenty more space comics for teens, as well as space-faring science fiction for all ages.