Comics & Graphic Novels
Here are the comics and graphic novels that Jonah has written and illustrated. Click on the images to see more.
Jonah's debut graphic novel, published by Andrews McMeel on March 26, 2024! Buy now.
Ninth-grader Jonah is not a jock. On the contrary, he loves history class and nerdy movies, and his athletic ineptitude verges on tragic. So, what's he doing signing up for the baseball team? Could it have something to do with the cute shortstop, Elliot?
For the rest of high school, Jonah faces challenges on and off the baseball field, from heteronormative social pressure to thrilling romance. Realizing who his real friends are, he figures out what really matters and finally recognizes and embraces his gay identity.
Based on debut author-illustrator Jonah Newman's coming-of-age experiences, Out of Left Field is a big-hearted and funny YA graphic novel about learning to be yourself.
Praise for Out of Left Field:
A two-time 2025 Children's Book Council Favorites Winner! (9th-12th Grade Teacher Favorites + 9th-12th Grade Librarian Favorites)
"Brilliantly written and illustrated high school story that deftly showcases the triumphs and regrets of friendship and finding oneself. A remarkable debut!" —Dav Pilkey, #1 bestselling graphic novelist
"First base, first boyfriends, and believing in yourself—Out of Left Field is a charming tour of the mistakes and triumphs of coming out in high school." —Ngozi Ukazu, award-winning creator of Check, Please!
"Clever paneling and nearly wordless sequences effectively pump the brakes for key moments—and show glimpses of Jonah’s wild imagination... multiple queer characters of all ages at various stages of coming out add an important sense of community and possibility... A welcome hit into the outfield of books about queer athletes." —Kirkus Reviews
"In this semi-autobiographical graphic novel debut, Newman presents an empathetic and sometimes painfully frank exploration of finding oneself... Vibrant and fluid illustrations impart a youthful spirit that captures athletic dynamism and the joy that comes with growing into oneself, despite the challenges." —Publishers Weekly
Sample pages:
More Comics
Aiden and Lillie's Totally Normal, Drama-Free Senior Year
Jonah's current project, a YA graphic novel coming from Andrews McMeel in 2028.
As queer best friends Aiden and Lillie begin their senior year at a Westchester high school, college admissions mania is out of control. How will they cope with the pressure from their peers, their families, and themselves?
Benny Beck: Vampire Killer
A short horror/humor comic, written by Gregory Paul Silber and created in 2020.
If Adam Sandler starred in a Quentin Tarantino movie, it might look something like this. A silly romp with oodles of Jewish humor and more than the doctor's recommended dosage of Nazi vampire decapitations.
Napoleon's Gay Minister
A short nonfiction comic, created in 2019.
Jean-Jacques-Régis de Cambacérès was "the second most important man in Napoleonic France." One of Napoleon's top advisors, Cambacérès was known for his competence and judgment, for throwing fabulous dinner parties -- and for being gay.
The Intervention
A short memoir comic, created in 2018.
91-year-old Lorna Melnitz is accomplished, opinionated, and used to being self-sufficient, but once she's faced with the universal challenges of aging, her five children come together for one reason: to curtail her independence.
Empire on Edge
A historical fiction graphic novel, created from 2012-2018 and published as a serial webcomic.
At the height of Napoleon Bonaparte’s power in Europe, seven French revolutionaries who call themselves the Genevan Society embark on a continent-spanning quest to bring the Emperor down.