There’s something undeniably irresistible about the idea of slipping away from our ordinary world into a realm of wonder, danger, and magic. For those who dream of escaping the mundane, portal fantasy offers a narrative lifeline—stories where characters step through hidden doors, magical mirrors, or enchanted wardrobes and find themselves somewhere entirely new. And when these tales unfold in the rich, visual medium of graphic novels? The experience becomes even more immersive.
Portal fantasy, a subgenre rooted in escapism and transformation, has long been a favorite among readers. Think The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, or The NeverEnding Story—stories where protagonists are plucked from their normal lives and flung into realms where they are often cast as heroes. For those yearning to swap laundry rooms for enchanted forests, or traffic jams for time loops, these graphic novels deliver just that—adventure, awe, and the thrill of the unknown.
Here are some standout portal fantasy graphic novels that breathe new life into this classic concept.
Nordlys: Book One by Malin Falch
On the eve of her coming-of-age ceremony, young Sonja is visited by a mysterious boy named Espen, who invites her to travel across the northern lights to his homeland. She accepts, and what follows is a breathtaking plunge into a magical Norway teeming with trolls, pirates, and ancient magic. As Sonja’s bond with this world deepens, she uncovers a destiny that may bridge both her old life and the new one. With lush, dreamlike illustrations and Nordic folklore as its backdrop, Nordlys is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and connection.
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
What happens when a kid trades money for a handful of mysterious seeds? For Jack, it grows into a backyard full of otherworldly wonders—running garlic bulbs, talking plants, and a dangerous gateway to another world. When a monstrous force kidnaps his little sister, Jack must rise to the challenge and become the hero this strange new realm demands. Hatke masterfully blends domestic life with myth and magic, making Mighty Jack a perfect introduction to the genre for younger readers—and their parents.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
After a tragic car accident claims their father, Emily and her family relocate to a creaky old house that belonged to a missing great-grandfather. But when their mother is dragged through a portal in the basement, Emily and her brother follow—only to find themselves in a world at war. As Emily dons a powerful amulet, she’s forced into a role much greater than just “daughter.” Amulet is a sweeping, emotionally charged series that weaves family, loss, and destiny into an unforgettable adventure.
Hotel Dare by Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre
What begins as a summer chore turns into a cosmic crisis when three siblings discover that each room in their grandmother’s crumbling hotel leads to a different world. As these realms begin to bleed into one another, threatening universal collapse, the children and their grandmother must band together to protect not just one world—but all of them. Vibrant, fast-paced, and emotionally resonant, Hotel Dare reminds readers that even the most unlikely heroes can save the day.
The Wormworld Saga by Daniel Lieske
In this visually stunning series, a grieving boy stumbles upon a painting in his grandmother’s attic and, upon touching it, tumbles into a magical realm. Unable to return, he must navigate an unfamiliar world filled with wonder and peril. Lieske’s digital illustrations pop with color and imagination, channeling the spirit of The NeverEnding Story while offering something entirely its own.
Tenement by Jeff Lemire, Andrea Sorrentino, Dave Stewart, and Steve Wands
Not all portals lead to wonder. In Tenement, part of the Bone Orchard Mythos horror universe, the residents of an apartment building are drawn into a nightmarish version of their own complex after entering the home of a deceased neighbor. Their descent into this twisted mirror world is filled with dread, loss, and the unraveling of reality. Beautifully terrifying, this is portal fantasy for those who like their escapism tinged with existential fear.
Die: Volume 1 – Fantasy Heartbreaker by Kieron Gillen, Stephanie Hans, and Clayton Cowles
Mix Jumanji with gothic horror, and you get Die. A group of teens vanish into a role-playing game, only to return years later—scarred, changed, and missing a friend. Now middle-aged, they’re pulled back into the game after a bloodstained die reappears. What follows is a gritty, emotionally raw journey through a fantasy world built from their own traumas and regrets. A haunting take on nostalgia, addiction, and the price of fantasy, Die is as intellectually rich as it is visually mesmerizing.
The Fade by Aabriya Iyengar, Mari Costa, Angel de Santiago, and Jim Campbell
College life is stressful. For Jeannie and Arno, the internet’s latest obsession offers a reprieve—a dream world known as The Fade, accessed by a spell-like ritual. At first, it’s thrilling. But soon, the lines between dream and reality begin to blur. As their nightly escapades become more intense and disturbing, they realize The Fade may be more than just a dream… and far more dangerous. A contemporary take on portal fantasy that explores escapism, identity, and the fragility of the psyche.
Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP
In this classic isekai manga, three middle school girls are transported from a Tokyo field trip to the magical land of Cephiro. Summoned by a princess and hailed as legendary knights, they must embrace their newfound powers to save the realm and return home. With its blend of mecha, magic, and 90s anime charm, Magic Knight Rayearth delivers a nostalgic punch while questioning what it means to be a hero.
Why Portal Fantasy Still Matters
At its heart, portal fantasy is about transformation. It’s about taking a step through the unknown—whether a wardrobe, a hotel room, or a dream—and emerging changed. These graphic novels capture that metamorphosis beautifully, combining striking visuals with compelling storytelling. Whether whimsical or terrifying, they remind us that there’s still magic behind closed doors—and maybe, just maybe, there’s still a hidden passage waiting for you to find it.
So next time you glance toward your laundry room, don’t be surprised if there’s a caticorn on the other side, inviting you into adventure.
