10 horror comic books you need to read

As a longtime comics aficionado who’s spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of sequential art, I can confidently say that these two masterpieces stand tall among the pantheon of great Batman and DC tales.

Horror is just one of the various genres that people find fascinating to explore. It has gained significant popularity in films and television programming, with numerous horror films and series achieving considerable success over the last several decades. Interestingly, I’ve compiled a list suggesting some horror movies and TV shows adapted from comic books.

As a gaming enthusiast who also dives deep into the world of comics, I can’t help but notice the chilling allure of horror comic books. Given that, let me steer our conversation towards the graphic novels that have left their mark on numerous movies and series we’ve discussed earlier. So, without any more delay, here are some spine-tingling horror comic book suggestions perfect for your spooky season reading list.

A note that this list is in no particular order!

Swamp Thing (Various)

The muck encrusted mockery of man, the Avatar of the Green, The Swamp Thing! Swamp Thing has had a great amount of runs in his decades long history, with his initial run and introduction from the minds of renowned writer Len Wein and legendary artist Bernie Wrightson in House of Secrets No. 92 and the subsequent series, to the recent and awesome Scott Snyder run from the New 52 era. And of course, the one comic that made Swap Thing and his world more than just classic horror by a study on existential dread and coming to terms with one’s identity, is the iconic Alan Moore run from the early to late ’80s.

The Moore run has become one of my favorite comic runs of all time, and Swamp Thing one of my favorite characters. The way that Moore wrote his stories and the various artists who worked on the title brought his words to life, it was a perfect union of story and art. My recommended reading for Swamp Thing is to read the character’s first appearance in House of Secrets No. 92, then the Alan Moore run, and finally the Scott Snyder and later Charles Soule run from the New 52. It’s up to you which one to read first, and there are so many more good Swamp Thing runs beyond those ones, too.

Hellboy

As a seasoned comic artist, I, Mike Mignola, dipped my brush in the inkwell for Marvel and DC Comics throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Yet, it was my own creation, the enigmatic Hellboy, that would become the centerpiece of an expansive narrative tapestry woven over decades, populated by characters who breathed life into my universe.

The Hellboy comics speak for themselves, really. While I might not always be a fan of the writing in certain tales, Mike Mignola’s gothic, heavily-shadowed artwork sets it apart and is easily identifiable even to the most casual reader. Moreover, artists like Richard Corben, P. Craig Russell, and others lend their distinctive styles to these comics, making them a perfect fit.

If you’re new to the world of Hellboy, I’d recommend starting with the two omnibus collections that gather Mike Mignola’s Short Stories. These stories recount numerous investigations led by Hellboy during his tenure as a B.P.R.D. agent. Notably, they contain the memorable “Crooked Man” storyline, which I found particularly captivating when I first read it. After getting acquainted with these stories, you can choose any reading order that suits you; whichever path you take, you’re bound to be satisfied.

Tomb of Dracula

The Tomb of Dracula series, a timeless classic and one of my favorites, emerged during a period when restrictions on horror content by the Comics Code Authority began to ease, sparking a surge in demand for such material. In response, Marvel and DC started publishing more horror-themed titles (including Swamp Thing from DC), but it was The Tomb of Dracula that paved the way for Marvel to churn out numerous horror comics rapidly afterward.

Titles like “Werewolf by Night,” “Man Thing,” “Monster of Frankenstein,” and “Ghost Rider” can trace their origins back to the influential comic, “Tomb of Dracula.” In terms of its impact on the comic book world, it’s safe to say that this classic series has earned its status. Initially, a number of writers like Gerry Conway, Archie Goodwin, and Gardner Fox contributed to the early issues, but it wasn’t until issue No. 7 that Marv Wolfman took over and stayed on board until the very end, penning issue No. 70. Compared to his predecessors, Wolfman’s writing style was versatile, allowing him to give each character a distinct voice, and he also incorporated other genres such as romance and sci-fi into the mix.

Throughout the entire duration of the series, Gene Colan was the consistent artist, and his contributions to the title serve as a masterclass on how to create horror comics. His artistic style seamlessly matched the book from the start, with his use of deep shadows, stunning landscapes, and locations, and he undeniably provided the most authentic portrayal of Dracula in comic form! Don’t hesitate any longer; delve into this chilling universe – it’s a substantial read indeed.

Batman Vampire Trilogy

Just finished an unforgettable comic about Batman that has got to be on every Bat-fan’s reading list! It’s one of those Elseworlds titles from DC during the late ’80s and early ’90s, and it redefines what a horror Batman story can be. These graphic novels are something special, offering an eerie yet captivating take on the Dark Knight.

In a nutshell, Elseworlds can be considered DC Comics’ equivalent to Marvel’s “What If…?” series, which explores alternate realities where familiar characters are reimagined in unique ways. Among the many titles that originated from this imprint, none have had as significant an impact as the Batman Vampire trilogy. The initial graphic novel was titled “Batman and Dracula: Red Rain,” followed by “Batman: Bloodstorm” and concluding with “Batman: Crimson Mist.” These captivating tales were penned by Doug Moench and beautifully illustrated by horror artist Kelley Jones.

In these comic book series, Batman encounters hordes of vampires ravaging Gotham City, with Dracula as their ringleader. Throughout the span of three graphic novels, Batman adapts innovative strategies to combat undead adversaries and transforms from a man into a true symbol of justice – Batman – to overcome these unique threats. The writing and illustrations harmoniously create a gripping narrative steeped in blood.

Years down the line, Moench and Jones teamed up once more primarily because their previous collaborations had been successful, with the main Batman comic being one of their joint projects.

American Vampire

amazing, three books about vampires in a row! The latest addition to this list is “American Vampire”, a creation by writer Scott Snyder and artist Rafael Albuquerque, with input from the renowned horror author, Stephen King (yes, the same one who wrote “It”, Stephen King).

The comic book series titled “American Vampire” was once produced under DC’s now-defunct Vertigo imprint. This imprint, established in the ’90s, offered a platform for writers and artists to explore more mature themes that might have been restricted within the boundaries of traditional comics during that era. Notable titles under this imprint include “The Sandman,” “Hellblazer,” “Preacher,” and others.

American Vampire explores the idea: “What if each nation had its distinctive breed of vampires with specific powers and vulnerabilities?” Snyder and Albuquerque address this intriguing concept through the introduction of Skinner Sweet, the first American Vampire, and his century-spanning tale filled with violence and bloodshed. The initial storyline sees Sweet transforming a woman into a vampire named Pearl in the 1920s; simultaneously, Stephen King delves into the backstory of Skinner Sweet before his transformation into a vampire, revealing his life’s events that ultimately led him to become one of the undead.

When it comes to comics, Scott Snyder is a reliable name, boasting an extensive portfolio of renowned works that could hardly be exhaustively listed in this context. However, for those new to his work, starting with “American Vampire” would be your best choice.

Batman: Arkham Asylum

It’s common knowledge among both die-hard and casual enthusiasts about the renowned “Batman Arkham” games from Rocksteady Studios. However, you might not be aware that the first game in this celebrated series was inspired by a graphic novel from the late ’80s. This graphic novel was named “Batman: Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth,” and it was penned by the legendary Grant Morrison, with illustrations by Dave McKean, who is equally renowned in the field.

The first Rocksteady game did take some inspiration from the graphic novel, such as the setting and certain villain’s involvement in the overall plot, but these two Batman stories are very different from each other in many ways. But for the purposes of this list I’m going to focus on the graphic novel.

Grant Morrison, as a writer, frequently explores and carries forward concepts that might strike some as rather eccentric or surreal. In essence, reading any comic book authored by him often translates into an intensely creative and dreamlike journey, and this Batman graphic novel is no exception to this rule. I would posit that the narrative of this graphic novel is not only bizarre and fantastical in its own right, but it’s further amplified by the equally strange and imaginative artistic approach of Dave McKean, resulting in a reading experience that feels like stepping into a vivid dreamscape.

The narrative commences in a setting reminiscent of familiar grounds, as Batman is summoned to prevent the escapees from Arkham Asylum from causing chaos. However, the plot takes a turn into eerie and grotesque landscapes, filled with enigmatic villains that will challenge both Batman and the readers’ mental fortitude. I suggest delving into this graphic novel because of its unconventional nature; it would be intriguing to gauge the responses from this community, whether they have already read it or are yet to discover its unique charm.

Deadman by Kelley Jones

In this list once more, I find myself drawn to the captivating work of Kelley Jones, now joined by Mike Baron. Their narrative weaves a haunting tale about a soul yearning for eternal rest, only to be confronted with the gruesome depths humans will plunge to obtain their desires. This chilling journey gradually strips this soul of its belief in humanity and even its own human essence. As a fan, I can’t help but be captivated by their exploration of the darker side of human nature.

For over a decade, Deadman was a character primarily featured in secondary stories of prominent DC Comics characters like Superman. However, when writer Jones took on the character, his collaboration with artist Baron set Deadman apart from previous supernatural tales. Unlike the cheerful supernatural stories of the ’70s, these stories were markedly darker and more sinister. Deadman is a ghost who has been wandering for a long time, feeling that all the lives he saved have ultimately amounted to nothing. He also grapples with his solitary existence, being a dead man in a world filled with living beings.

1) The tales delved deeper into Deadman’s crumbling psyche, eventually transforming him into the antagonist within his own narrative. These graphic novels skyrocketed Jones’ fame, as each illustration from this collection seems to brim with an eerie ambiance, and his revamped character design, making Deadman appear more gaunt and spectral, only heightened the series’ allure.

Frankenstein Alive, Alive!

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at how the tale of Frankenstein has leapt off the pages of the original novel and invaded every nook and cranny of storytelling. It’s in movies, TV shows, video games, and yes, even comics! Among all these adaptations, one that truly stands out for me is the graphic novel “Frankenstein: Alive, Alive!” The way this comic breathes life into the classic novel is nothing short of exceptional.

In a nod to horror legend Steve Niles and the return of Bernie Wrightson, this work can be viewed as a sort-of sequel to Mary Shelley’s original novel. The narrative focuses on the Monster post the novel’s events, living life as a circus sideshow oddity. While I don’t wish to spoil it, let me mention that for me, a fan, this graphic novel was particularly special because it introduced me to Wrightson beyond his work on Swamp Thing. Rediscovering this artist and delving into more of his darkly beautiful art was truly delightful. In my opinion, this is Wrightson’s finest work due to the striking resemblance of his Monster interpretation to the original story descriptions, combined with his signature blend of deep shadows, intricate figures, and a chilling macabre aesthetic that keeps you captivated, making it hard to look away from any single image.

In this tale, Niles’ narrative prowess shines brilliantly, making it an immersive experience for all senses. Moreover, Wrightson surpasses his past accomplishments in this piece, which is a must-read for enthusiasts of the horror genre.

Batman: The Long Halloween

Once again, we journey to Gotham City during Batman’s early days, where a chilling serial killer who targets holidays is on the loose. This was the initial joint effort of the legendary duo, Jeph Loeb (writer) and Tim Sale (artist), and this graphic novel remains one of the most celebrated Batman stories ever created. It has also been recognized as a key influence for films like Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy and Matt Reeves’ recent Batman series.

Batman: The Long Halloween” stands as a remarkable example of crime narratives across all forms of media. Although it’s not strictly a horror comic, it does tackle themes and visual elements that may unsettle or at least give pause to its readers. While Alan Moore’s work on “Swamp Thing” opened my eyes to the potential of comics and what they uniquely offer compared to other mediums, “Batman: The Long Halloween” was the comic book that captivated me so deeply I yearned for more. It was this very story that led me to discover “Swamp Thing” and countless other comic book tales over the years. This book not only made Jeph Loeb one of my favorite writers, but also Tim Sale one of my most cherished artists. Although Sale’s art might be an acquired taste for some, I find it a distinct, captivating interpretation of the Batman mythos that I can’t help but admire, and I believe you will too.

Spectre by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake

In conclusion, let me introduce a lesser-known but undoubtedly captivating comic series from the 90’s: The Spectre, penned by John Ostrander, a key figure in Suicide Squad, and illustrated by Tom Mandrake. This work serves as an outstanding demonstration of how creators can breathe new life into established characters, exploring their unique interpretations.

If you haven’t heard already, The Spectre originated in More Fun Comics issue No. 52, published in 1940. This supernatural character was brought to life by Jerry Siegel (who also created Superman) and artist Bernard Bailey. The main character, Jim Corrigan, was a police officer from the 1930s who met a tragic end at the hands of gangsters. Instead of finding peace after death, he felt that justice wasn’t being served in the world, so he chose to take action. A mysterious voice then appeared to Corrigan, offering him the opportunity to become an avenger on behalf of Heaven against the mortal realm. Accepting this role, Corrigan transformed into the Wrath of the unavenged dead and assumed the identity of The Spectre, the Spirit of Vengeance.

For many years, the character known as the Spectre played a minor role in DC Comics storylines, but his fortunes changed significantly during Ostrander and Mandrake’s work on the series. This revamping of the Spectre was groundbreaking, completely transforming him from his original form. Ostrander maintained the essence of the initial comics, yet infused the character with fresh, personal lore that added immense depth and complexity to him, qualities previously lacking. Mandrake’s artistic style perfectly complemented this modern interpretation of the Spectre, skillfully depicting the awe-inspiring origins and abilities of the Spectre while simultaneously creating harrowing images of Hell and gore that continue to linger in my memory even today.

This run on the Spectre has become another favorite of mine, and it’s a shame that the whole run isn’t fully collected. For those of you intrigued by this comic, the best bet to get a good portion of it is through the two graphic novels that collected the first 22 issues of the run, which can be found in The Spectre: Crimes and Judgments, and The Spectre: Wrath of God. The only other way to get the full run is to buy the individual issues. I implore you guys to check this comic out, because not only is it edgy and badass, it’s also contemplative about the nature of humanity and our potential for both evil and good.

2024-11-01 06:02