Best Catholic graphic novels for kids

Graphic novels have become increasingly popular among children, as they are more accessible than a traditional chapter book and are less daunting to read. This is especially helpful for children who do not enjoy reading or struggle with longer blocks of text.

In recent years many Catholic publishers have caught-on to the rising trend and have created various graphic novels that seek to inspire children with wholesome stories.

Voyage Comics in particular was founded with this intention, seeking to create exceptional entertainment, informed by Catholic values, that inspires people to live a heroic life. 

Below is a list, in no particular order, of the best Catholic graphic novels for kids that are currently available. We will update this list as new releases are published.

Digital Disciple: Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist

Published by Voyage Comics and the Augustine Institute, Digital Disciple is an entertaining graphic novel on the life of Bl. Carlo Acutis and is perfect for children of all ages.

Meet Carlo, an Italian fifteen-year-old computer geek who loved superheroes and video games, but most of all, the Holy Eucharist. This action packed comic book highlights the final years of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ life and how he became a digital disciple, creating a dynamic website and stunning display that taught others about the many remarkable Eucharistic miracles around the world. Readers will be captivated by Carlo, a likable teenage boy who continues to inspire the world by his simple life and extraordinary example of holiness.

The Chaste Heart of Joseph: A Graphic Novel

Written by Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC and drawn by artist Sam Estrada, The Chaste Heart of Joseph is a unique graphic novel published by Marian Press that presents St. Joseph in an entirely new light.

How much do you really know about St. Joseph? He was once a little boy and played like all children. He had royal blood, and could have been a king. He was a young man when he married Mary. He was a wonderful father to Jesus. He was the brave and steadfast protector of the Holy Family. He’s the model of manhood. He’s worked many miracles and is a powerful intercessor for us . . . And he had a pure, chaste heart. Join Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, as he tells the dynamic and inspiring story of St. Joseph, our spiritual father and the “Terror of Demons.” You’ll learn that, whenever you need help, just “Go to Joseph!”

Finnian and the Seven Mountains

Inspired by the legendary “Sword of St. Michael,” Finnian and the Seven Mountains is a fantastical take on various medieval stories, tying together seven holy pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Seeking to avenge the death of his parents at the hands of Viking marauders, a young man named Finnian leaves his monastic school in Ireland to find a legendary sword rumored to have the extraordinary power to defeat evil.

Join writer Philip Kosloski, and artists Michael LaVoy, Jay David Ramos (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, EXTRAORDINARY X-MEN) and Jim Fern (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, X-MEN ANNUAL, and CROSSING MIDNIGHT) on an epic journey that begins on the mysterious island of Skellig Michael, where the sword was last seen.

Will Finnian find the mythical sword and lead the way to victory? Or will the Vikings continue to destroy innocent villagers?

Find out what happens in this epic adventure series!

The Saints Chronicles Collection

Featuring small bit-sized saint stories, The Saints Chronicles by Sophia Institute Press is a unique graphic novel that brings together a wide variety of saints into several volumes.

The Saints Chronicles bring vividly to life the stories of courageous Christians from the earliest days of Christianity to modern times. All five volumes of this Graphic Novel Series are packed with engaging texts and dramatic images that captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

Pauline Books & Media Graphic Novels

Another set of excellent Catholic graphic novels comes from Pauline Books and Media. These feature various lives of the saints, such as St. Bernadette, St. Nicholas, St. Clare, St. Philip Neri, and even an entire graphic novel on Jesus!

The Mission of Joan of Arc

Containing the exciting adventures of St. Joan of Arc, The Mission of Joan of Arc focuses on her interactions with St. Michael the Archangel and how the visions she saw influenced her life.

At age 18, Joan led the French armies into battle. She was a peasant girl who couldn’t even read, let alone fight a war. To save France from the English, she was going to need divine intervention.

The heavens answered her.

Joan received aid from St. Michael the Archangel, supreme commander of the heavenly armies. With his help, Joan led the French to victory on the battlefield, paving the way to the end of the Hundred Years’ War.

This two issue series follows Joan’s encounters with the Archangel, exploring her brief military campaigns in France, ending in her capture, trial and heroic martyrdom.

Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel

Portraying the remarkable events that happened in Fatima, Portugal, the Our Lady of Fatima graphic novel by Tan Books contains the excellent artwork of Sam Estrada.

When a little boy stops in to see Sister Lucia on his way to Catechism Class, she tells him the amazing story of Fatima. As the boy’s eyes fill with wonder, so too will readers respond to the appearance of The Virgin Mary to Lucia and her cousins as little children.
 
They will be fascinated to learn about what Our Lady taught Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. They will be inspired to Our Lady’s pleas to pray the Rosary, do penance, and follow Jesus as the three shepherd children did. Readers will marvel as they watch the courageous response of the children of Fatima to the Blessed Mother’s message. Their eyes will widen in wonder as they learn about the “Miracle of the Sun”.
 
The Graphic Novel is a particularly effective way to bring the powerful story of Fatima alive. Packed with charming illustrations, Our Lady of Fatima – The Graphic Novel will delight readers, whether they’re children or children-at-heart.

The Truth Is Out There

Published by Catholic Answers, The Truth is Out There is an entertaining philosophical story that seeks to plum the depths of Christian thought in a graphic novel format.

A new way to bring the Catholic Faith to young people

Brendan and Erc are just your average interplanetary mailmen trying to find their way in the galaxy. But one day, while piloting cargo through the far reaches of space, they suddenly find themselves on a journey they didn’t expect: a journey to the truth.

A totally new kind of Catholic resource for apologetics and evangelization, The Truth Is Out There combines the visual excitement and quirky humor of graphic novels with solid popular philosophy and theology. The result is a book in which everyone from teens to adults can find accessible answers to questions about God, the soul, true happiness, and much more—and have fun doing it!

And because Brendan and Erc start their journey at the very beginning, readers don’t have to be Catholic—or possess any kind of faith—to appreciate the thoughtful ideas and arguments they’ll encounter. If you just have an open mind (and a sense of adventure) you will come away from these pages with a clearer sense of life’s purpose, and a better understanding of the reasons for believing in God, Jesus, and the Church. And if you’re already a believer, The Truth Is Out There will deepen your knowledge of the Faith and sharpen your skills at defending it.

Lily of the Mohawks: Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Featuring the life of Native American saint, Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks seeks to highlight the inspiring story of a young woman captivated by the Catholic faith.

Caught between two worlds, Kateri Tekakwitha wants to live out her newfound Christian faith with every ounce of her being.

However, she is also under intense pressure from her Mohawk tribe to remain steadfast in the beliefs and traditions of their community.

What will she do?

Will she abandon her Christian faith? Or will she find a way to live in both worlds as a faithful Native American Christian?

Discover her radical choice in this exciting historical graphic novel on the life of St. Kateri Tekakwitha!