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As Valentine’s Day approaches, thoughts naturally turn to love... and what better way to celebrate than with great comic books about romance?

While the romance comics genre has had a complicated history in the U.S., love stories have always been at the heart of the medium. From superhero relationships and tragic breakups to slow-burn indie love stories and swoon-worthy graphic novels, comics thrive on heightened emotion, epic passion, devastating loss, and the drama of young hearts running free. Whether you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift idea, a romantic graphic novel to binge, or simply the best comic book love stories of all time, there’s no shortage of unforgettable tales.

To help you get in the spirit of the season (and maybe find your next great read), here are six of the best comic book romance stories. Just keep in mind: when it comes to love in comics, heartbreak is often part of the package.

Best romance comics: Heartstopper

There’s no discussion of romance comics without mentioning Alice Oseman’s monolith of the genre — a title so successful that it almost feels at odds with the simplicity and intimacy of Oseman’s storytelling, as Nick and Charlie meet and fall in love in such a way that feels understated and honest. A beautiful comic that’s almost guaranteed to devastate a lot of readers when it ends later this year.

Best romance comics: The Love Bunglers

What was I just saying about devastating readers? The Love Bunglers — a storyline from Love & Rockets by Jaime Hernandez that builds on literal decades of stories and still holds up as a standalone work — is far from a feel-good romance, but it is a very (brutally) honest one. Something that feels like a great romance for older, somewhat more cynical readers who still wear their hearts on their sleeves. It might not leave you with happy ever afters, but it’s all the better for that honesty.

Best romance comics: Lore Olympus

You can’t keep a good story down, as seen by the overwhelming success of Rachel Smythe’s Lore Olympus — a contemporary retelling of the Greek myth of Persephone, and the, shall we say, complicated relationship between her and the king of the underworld, Hades. Pairing the literally mythic scope of the narrative with Smythe’s lively, personal writing and breathtaking artwork, it’s easy to see why audiences across the world have fallen for this series. (Spoilers: it’s not going to end well… but that’s something that’s been out there for literally centuries by this point.)

Best romance comics: Fruits Basket

Sure, we’ve all had our problems when it comes to relationships — but few of us have discovered that, when touched by someone of the opposite sex, we turn into literal animals. Pity poor Tohru Honda, in that case, who comes face to face with that very issue… and somehow manages to overcome, thanks to patience, good humor, and a kind heart. Is this a ridiculous manga that’s part-supernatural, part-relationship guide? Well… maybe a little, even if that last part isn’t entirely intentional from the outset.

Best romance comics: Mister Miracle

What’s that, you say? Mister Miracle isn’t a romance comic? Well, sure, if you go by the fact that it was initially created and promoted as an adventure epic from the mind (and hand!) of none other than Jack Kirby — but I’d argue that as soon as Barda showed up, the series very much turned into one of the finest romances that western comics have produced — and, for that matter, that Scott and Barda are very much one of comics’ finest couples, period.

Best romance comics: A Very British Affair - The Best of Classic Romance Comics

To end with, something a little different: this collection of classic British romance comics from the mid-20th century is corny, cliche-ridden, and one of the most beautiful comic books you’ll have seen in a long time. Think of it as rediscovering part of the past you didn’t even know existed, and then finding yourself conflicted over whether or not times have changed. On the one hand, the writing is more complicated, on the other, just look at the astonishing artwork. Comics to fall in love with.

Get ready for what's next with our list to upcoming comics and how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to all the free comics you can get with this year's Free Comic Book Day and Comics Giveaway Day.