Banned, Challenged, and Censored: The 2025 Graphic Novel Edition

An ongoing topic and continued issue for librarians and teachers is the increase in the number of titles being challenged, censored, and banned in our public and school libraries, as well as classrooms and prisons. PEN America “has counted more than 10,000 book bans in public schools” and cites “it is books that have long fought for a place on the shelf that are being targeted…books by authors of color, by LGBTQ+ authors, by women... about racism, sexuality, gender, history.” Schools in Florida and Iowa lead the charge, with Texas and Wisconsin not far behind.  

Analysis by PEN America of the most commonly banned books found the following content statistics as of June 30, 2024:

• 44% included books with people and characters of color.
• 39% included LGBTQ+ people and characters.  
• 57% included sex-related themes or depictions  
• Almost 60% are written for young adult audiences and depict topics young people confront in the real world. These including grief and death; experiences with substance abuse; suicide, depression and mental health concerns; and sexual violence.

So where do graphic novels fit in? That category has faced challenges, censorship, and banning for years. Here in Tennessee, several graphic novels have been banned by school administrators and/or face formal challenges. This is, in part, due to an amendment (HB0663) to the 2022 Age-Appropriate Materials Act. Even more disturbing is a list of 400 titles compiled by one school system being passed from district to district and used as a blueprint. Below are a few of those banned graphic novel titles:  

• Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
• Bungo Stray Dogs series by Kafka Asagiri
• Flamer by Mike Curato
• The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood & Renée Nault
• The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
• Jujutsu Kaisen series by Gege Akutami
• Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure series by Hirohiko Araki
• H.G. Wells: The Time Machine by Dobbs and Moreau
• The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

Keep in mind that graphic novels are just a part of the increasing (and in my mind, out-of-control) war on books. If you want to learn more about book bans, how to respond to challenges, and more-- check out PEN America’s website. We’ve also provided lists containing some of the currently banned and challenged graphic novels and manga in varying locations of the United States.

Banned & Challenged Adult Graphic Novels

Banned & Challenged Juvenile Graphic Novels

Banned & Challenged Teen Graphic Novels

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