Martial arts stories often use combat as a vehicle for exploring identity, family, community, and personal responsibility. These works place character development and cultural storytelling at the forefront.
A Tiger’s Tale Vol. 1
- Reading Level: Middle Grade / YA
- Creator: Patrick Lugo
- Publisher: PLUGOarts / Kung Fu Forest
- Publishing Date: 2022
- A family-friendly wuxia adventure that combines martial arts with mythology, friendship, mentorship, and the responsibilities that come with power.
- Order your copy HERE
Monkey Prince
- Reading Level: YA
- Creator: Gene Luen Yang
- Publisher: DC Comics
- Publishing Date: 2022
Drawing from Journey to the West, this series explores cultural identity, expectations, and belonging through the lens of superhero storytelling. - Link: https://www.dc.com/comics/monkey-prince-2022
The Last Fallen Star
- Reading Level: Middle Grade
- Creator: Graci Kim
- Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
- Publishing Date: 2021
A Korean-inspired fantasy where training, courage, and family bonds matter as much as magical battles and swordplay. - Link: https://www.gracikim.com/books
Dasig
- Reading Level: YA
- Creator: Christian Cabuay
- Publisher: Independent
- Publishing Date: 2022
A work of historical fiction that introduces readers to Filipino martial traditions while exploring heritage, community, and the preservation of cultural knowledge. - Link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/baybayin/dasig-graphic-novel
Who Smashed Hollywood Barriers with Gung Fu? Bruce Lee
- Reading Level: Middle Grade
- Creator: Teresa Robeson
- Publisher: Penguin Workshop
- Publishing Date: 2025
A Biorgraphical examination of Bruce Lee’s impact not only on martial arts but also on representation, media, and cultural exchange in the West. - Link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books
