There's nothing like a good dose of Erotica to spice up your sex life. Whether you get yourself in the mood before your partner comes home or the two of you read it together, adult content can really light your fire.
Some of the best erotic books are Illustrated Erotic Stories. They draw you into the storyline and give you that authentic experience as if you and your partner were really there. And believe me or not: even sexy comics can give you a evening full of joy!
If you're interested in getting into Erotic Graphic Novels and Erotic Art, read on.
Here's the naughty girl's guide to erotic stories with pictures.
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The Rundown on Erotica
Before we dive into all the best erotic visual novels or adult comics, let's take a minute to talk about erotica. This unique genre of work might surprise you a little bit.
Erotica is essentially any type of content that has been created to be sexually stimulating or arousing. It comes in many different flavors and is designed to be appealing to everyone, even people with some pretty unique taste!
There are many different types of erotica out there. Some people think of fanfiction or of the massively popular Fifty Shades of Grey, but the truth is that this genre is extremely diverse.
Erotica encompasses everything from erotic short stories to erotic literature illustrated by famous graphic artists or animators. In fact, some of these storylines are even turned into eroge video games for viewers to enjoy.
Since erotica content goes above and beyond just books, it can leave consumers with a huge selection of goodies to choose from. No matter how they want to consume it, they're sure to be satisfied.
Erotica vs. Pornography
When some people hear the word erotica, they get turned off because they think that it's pornography. While pornography can sometimes be classified as erotica, the two are not the same thing.
There has been a great deal of debate on this topic actually. A Supreme Court case in the 1950s actually looked at whether or not a movie was pornographic or simply erotic:
The court gave an extremely vague ruling, with the judge stating that they would "know it when [the judge] see it" as the argument for calling the movie pornography. In pop culture, there's still much debate as to whether something is erotic or pornographic.
This gets even more complicated when you start talking about Illustrated Erotica. Images that reveal sexual positions or body parts may seem like pornography at first glance.
In general, however, erotica is mostly a form of art while pornography tends to be filmed or photographed.
Erotica is mostly much "softer" than pornography, although you may still want to hide your book title from your kids.
A Look at the Different Types of Illustrated Erotica
Now that we've got a clear idea of what constitutes erotica, let's get down to the good stuff. In order to help you choose the perfect erotica, you'll want to know about the different types.
Illustrated Erotic Novels vs Erotic Comics
Illustrated erotic stories are typically written narratives with accompanying images or illustrations.
Erotic comics, on the other hand, are visual narratives that tell stories through sequential art, often including explicit sexual content or nudity.
While both may contain explicit sexual content or nudity, erotic comics use visuals to drive the narrative, while illustrated erotic stories rely on the written word as the main focus with illustrations serving to enhance the story.
However, we think: it is not essential if a story, book or novel exactly applies to illustrated erotic story or erotic comic. We love both forms of diving into a sexy world of a good storyline combined with nice pictures!
Women's Erotica
Women's erotica, although the name suggests otherwise, doesn't necessarily mean that it's erotica for women. This can be the case, but it can really be for anyone.
Women's erotica is typically created by female illustrators and involves strong female characters. Instagram artists are on the rise in creating beautiful women's erotica in this genre.
LGBTQ+ Erotica
One genre of erotica that has its own community is LGBTQ+ erotica. There are actually several internet communities where lovers of this type of erotica can come together and share recommendations.
This type of erotica focuses on queer couples or couples that have their own kinks. It's an extremely encompassing genre and is a great way for LGBTQ+ folks to find something that turns them on.
On top of that, this category contains erotica illustrated or written by trans and queer authors. There are several illustrated erotic novels that feature trans couples and are extremely inclusive to people in the LGBTQ+ community.
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BIPOC Erotica
Another genre of erotica that is very community-focused is BIPOC erotica. Like women's erotica and LGBTQ+ erotica, this category also contains erotic works by people of color as well as about them.
Because there are so many erotic novels written about white people, it can be extremely validating to read about people of color instead. Illustrated erotic novels are gaining popularity in this genre in particular. That's because it offers BIPOC people a place to see themselves as the heroes of the story and to visualize the plot.
BDSM and Kinky Erotica
Kink and BDSM erotica are some of the more popular types of erotica. They're a great way for couples to get excited together or to get in the mood if they like things that are a little off the beaten path.
While BDSM erotica is specifically for bondage and lovers of this type of content, kink erotica can cater to any number of different fetishes. Whether you have a foot fetish or enjoy role play, there's something for everyone in this genre.
Kinky and BDSM erotica tends to be a highly visual genre. Harleen and Sunstone are two illustrated graphic novels that allow readers to dive into their deepest desires and imagine themselves playing between the sheets the way the characters in these stories do.
Vintage Erotica
Some of us just swoon over the idea of Mr. Darcy sweeping Elizabeth off to his bedroom. And if that's you, vintage erotica may be something you'd be interested in.
Vintage erotica includes novels that were written as if they were set in the past as well as erotica by authors from times gone by. Historical erotic novels will take you back in time and place you right in the arms of your very own King Henry.
Historical erotica tends to be mostly written, but illustrated pieces can truly transport the reader back in time. This can make the novel even more engaging and spicy.
Supernatural Erotica
If you were a huge fan of Jacob and Edward's love triangle with Bella, you may just enjoy some supernatural erotica. This genre is perfect for fantasy lovers who want to step out of the real world and explore something new.
Supernatural and paranormal erotica tends to center on mythical creatures such as vampires, werewolves, and even ghosts. Illustrated erotica in this genre includes a lot of Yaoi, or Japanese illustrated erotica.
The Best Illustrated Erotic Stories
Now that we've walked you through all the different erotica genres, it's time to pick out a book. There are some truly engrossing illustrated erotic stories or even sex comics out there that you won't want to miss. Here are a few of our favorites.
Sunstone is an erotic graphic novel written by Stjepan Sejic.
This is the perfect adult comic for anyone who loves BDSM because it's packed full of leather costumes, whips, and other fun kinky toys.
The plot follows two women who have fallen in love on the internet. They meet up in person and begin exploring the world of BDSM together.
While it's certainly bound to get you in the mood, it's also a sweet love story that you'll enjoy.
#2 The Story of O by Pauline Réage
The Story of O is sexy BDSM-Novel that follows the story of a woman named O who submits to increasingly extreme and violent sexual acts as a manifestation of her love for her lover.
O is taken to an isolated chateau in the French countryside where she is ritualistically and repeatedly subjected to sexual desires of the men there. Over several weeks, O is trained in the ways of submission physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually, and spiritually. She returns to her life in Paris as a transformed person but is eventually shared with a British businessman and aristocrat named Sir Stephen who becomes her sole master.
O falls deeply devoted to Sir Stephen and eventually, he takes her to be branded with a hot iron. O is then told to bring Jacqueline, a model, under Sir Stephen's control, and becomes involved with Jacqueline's half-sister Natalie. The novel concludes with O on a nude, sexually titillating display at a party, and an epilogue suggests that she was abandoned by Sir Stephen.
Pauline sometimes tends to an overabundance of detail that may make some pages pass slowly, but the overall plot moves along quickly so that it is a very hot read.
So it you're a little into BDSM and want to dive into a story about the transformation of a "vanilla" person into a slave, this one is for you.
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#3 Lost Girls by Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie
Lost Girls is great for people who want an adult twist on their favorite childhood stories.
This book will make you think differently next time you turn on a Disney movie!
Lost Girls, written by Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie is all about Alice, Wendy, and Dorothy from Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz telling us about their sexual encounters on their (sexual) adventures.
They take you on romps that the original stories apparently left out. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
#4 Looking Through the Curtains by Andrey Rider
Looking Through the Curtains is a special collection of erotic short stories. From sexy, to explicit, to dirty, to hard, to vulgar: there's a super hot story for each of us here, including sexy illustrations. The illustrations are mostly not extremely explicit, but in my opinion already very sexy (it doesn't always have to be completely naked to be sexy...).
The erotic stories themselves are well written, imaginative and very erotic.
Especially the many different storylines lend themselves to be read as a couple's adventure and, if you feel like it, to be relived. So if you're looking for a source of inspiration for some exciting and new adventures for you, your partner and your sex life, Looking Through the Curtains is perfect.
By the way, we love collections of erotic stories, even those without pictures, for this very reason. If you want some more ideas on this, check out our collection of the best anthologies or check out our Free Story section.
#5 Salome & Under the Hill by Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley
Do you prefer the classic works?
Then you should definitely take a close look at the combined works of Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley. Salome, written by Oscar Wilde, is a work that convinces with a continuous erotic charge and actually defined today's image of a femme fatale.
It was precisely the combination with the erotic illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley that caused Salome a wave of indignation at the time. Nowadays almost unimaginable, because in our modern understanding, the illustrations are quite tame and convincing rather by their subtle eroticism.
But the story is already written in such a way that the combination of the written words, the illustrations, and my own imagination set off a real firework.
Under the Hill is definitely a bit more obscure in that regard. It chronicles the sexual escapades of Venus and her lovers and even includes one scene in which Venus gets very friendly with her pet unicorn. And it is written in a refined and very special language. It is funny and unique to read, but all in all, it is certainly a bit bizarre and not ideal for all those who are looking for a straightforward and open erotic story. But for anyone looking for something different, classic and special - go for it!
In the following, we'll show you a few more hot options of stories that are, even though more clearly of the erotic comic genre, definitely worth a look.
#6 Swing Series by Jenni Cheung
Swing is a series that follows a couple on their way into the swinger lifestyle.
The couple goes through, carefully and considerately, the path from couple sex, to FMF, FFM threesomes to full partner change and more. He tends to be the quieter and more hesitant figure while she, Cathy, lovingly but firmly takes him on the journey into sexual adventures.
The images are sexy, but not overly explicit. Super we find that the bolder the couple becomes, the more explicit the graphic depictions also become. All parts of the series are qualitatively implemented top and make from the first to the last page fun.
And as always: dreaming and being inspired is explicitly allowed!
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#7 XXXenophile by Phil Foglio
XXXenophile is an erotic comic series written by Phil Foglio.
These fun stories were written with humor and gave a quirky plot twist to many of the more classic sexual fantasies we have.
For example, one comic focuses on a woman who enjoys safe sex - sex with a safe! This series features both heterosexual characters as well as queer characters, making it a fun read no matter what your sexual orientation is.
Just a little remark: Xxxenophile is a 90s comic, so you won't find it as ebook.
They're really worth the money, however, you maybe have to browse a little to find a nice copy.
Another classic erotic comic is Strips. This series came out in the 1980s and was written by Chuck Austen.
These stories follow a campus womanizer and a girl who can't seem to catch his eye. While the girl pines after him, he and his buddies go on many sexual misadventures around their college campus.
If you don't like cliffhangers, however, you'd best pass on this one. The series never came to a conclusive ending and left many people wanting more.
As Strips is also from the 80s and 90s, you just can find hardcopies.
#9 Oh Joy Sex Toy by Erika Moen
Oh Joy Sex Toy is an ongoing and current series that's authored by a husband and wife duo.
The story is a place where the authors translate some pretty complex ideas about sex into an easy-to-understand form.
So it is not steamy romance story like others.
Erika and her husband take you on their sexual journey of discovery. Not only will you learn a lot about sex toys and how they can be used, but you'll also get a variety of ideas on how to spice up your personal sex life.
Oh Joy Sex Toy is a truly sex-positive book that explains any aspect of sex you might not understand or want to learn about.
The authors talk about sex education, sex toys, and so much more throughout the story. And they do it in a light, positive and highly refreshing way. So show now shame - everybody can learn more...
If you're interested in sex in any capacity, Oh Joy Sex Toy is a great book to read. You'll enjoy learning about some complex sexual adventures in an easy-to-digest comic book strip.
#10 Chester 5000 by Jess Fink
For people who just can't get enough of robots, this is an amazing erotic graphic novel.
Chester 5000 is about a man who builds his wife a sex robot to satisfy her desires since he never seems to be enough.
The robot and the wife end up falling in love, but not before they've made the most of all the robot's special functions in the bedroom. Author Jess Fink doesn't shy away from detail, making this a particularly steamy novel to read.
#11 Side by Side: Journal of a Small Town Boy
This book starts out as a sweet story about two best friends, Rick and Evan, who grow up in a small town.
Then, the story quickly takes a turn when the author reveals that Rick is gay and is constantly made fun of.
However, Evan accepts Rick completely and never makes him feel bad for who he is. Then one day, Evan leaves for the big city and takes Rick with him where the two become roommates.
Once they're living together in the city, Evan discovers that he's also gay.
The two go through many different sexual adventures around the city, supporting each other the entire time.
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Get in the Mood With Your Favorite Illustrated Erotic Books
Erotica is a unique genre of work because it is so diverse. One of the best ways to experience erotica is with illustrated erotic stories or sexually explicit comic books that transport you right into the middle of the story.
Want more ideas? No worries, we've got you covered!
Find a selection of the best Erotic Comics of all time - here on Filthybooks!
If you're interested in reading some erotic stories (without graphics) that you won't be able to put down, head over to Filthy Books.
Check out a few books and get ready to spend the day with a book (and maybe your partner) in bed!