The landscape of horror comic books is thriving, largely due to the innovation of independent publishers. Among them, Image Comics stands out with exceptional horror narratives and anthologies, like Ice Cream Man and The Silver Coin. For enthusiasts of horror films eager to explore the realm of comics, a vast selection awaits, showcasing diverse publishers and talented creators.
Fans disillusioned by the abandonment of the Dark Universe can still indulge in the allure of Universal Monsters through works from Skybound Entertainment. Additionally, inventive takes on famed cinematic vampires are captured in titles such as Dracula Motherf**ker! and Blacula: Return of the King. Moreover, the enduring series Hack / Slash continues to charm slasher aficionados, particularly with its latest contribution from Zoe Thorogood. Pairing rural and “cabin-in-the-woods”horror, I Hate This Place serves as a commendation to the genre, appealing to horror movie buffs ready to explore their local comic shops. These selections cater to the discerning tastes of horror aficionados.
8 The Universal Monster Comics
From Skybound Entertainment; By Various Creators
Universal Monsters enthusiasts need to look no further than Skybound’s dedicated Universal Monster comic series. Among their collection, three critical works stand out: Dracula, Frankenstein, and Creature of the Black Lagoon Lives!. Each comic reimagines these classic Universal Monster films, offering fresh perspectives for both new fans and long-time admirers. Additionally, the recent introduction of The Mummy marks an exciting twist on the Universal Monster saga.
7 Dracula, Motherf**ker!
From Image Comics; By Alex de Campi and Erica Henderson
In contrast to Skybound’s traditional adaptations, Dracula Motherf**ker! embraces a more dynamic, retro-inspired interpretation of the vampire genre. This comic appeals to fans of B-movies and the gritty aesthetics of 1970s crime cinema. The story centers on Dracula’s brides, who imprisoned him in the depths of his coffin for a century. Fast forward to the 1970s, where a budding crime scene photographer uncovers this buried secret, putting his life at risk. Owing to its trippy art style and compelling narrative, it stands out as a must-read for horror and comic enthusiasts alike.
6 Blacula: Return of the King
From Zombie Love Studios; By Rodney Barnes and Jason Shawn Alexander
Another captivating vampire narrative inspired by cinema is the comic Blacula: Return of the King, drawing from William Crain’s 1972 classic. This followed the original film, which had a sequel titled Scream Blacula Scream, and now, decades later, Blacula returns in comic form. Created by the talented team behind Killadelphia, this new tale follows a journalist joining forces with a character entwined in Blacula’s fate, with an added layer of intrigue as Blacula seeks out Dracula himself.
5 Hack / Slash: Back to School
From Image Comics; By Zoe Thorogood
Transitioning to another horror subgenre, Hack / Slash: Back to School is the ideal comic for fans of legendary final girls from horror classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and Scream. The series captures the early exploits of Cassie Hack, a heroine on a mission to eliminate slashers. Joined by a group of women sharing her cause, the writer Zoe Thorogood delivers a heartfelt tribute to slasher films and iconic final girls in this compelling series that deserves immediate recognition.
Zoe Thorogood is also acclaimed for her autobiographical work It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth, currently available via Image Comics.
4 Lovesick
From Image Comics; By Luana Vecchio
For horror enthusiasts seeking a comic that boldly pushes boundaries, Lovesick offers a gripping experience. The narrative follows Domino, a dominatrix who lurks on the dark web, torturing and killing clients for a fee. However, she finds herself in the crosshairs of others who wish to inflict the same brutality on her. This visually stunning and graphically violent comic delves deep into discomforting themes. Additionally, readers can explore Domino’s origins further in the prequel series, Doll Parts: A Lovesick Tale, which presents a different yet equally captivating horror narrative.
3 Home Sick Pilots
From Image Comics; By Dan Watters and Caspar Wijngaard
Blending horror with punk ethos, Home Sick Pilots resonates with fans of 90s horror flicks, ghost stories, and gargantuan mechs. The storyline follows Ami, the frontwoman of a band that’s been missing for weeks—at least, that’s what everyone believes. In reality, she is trapped in a sentient haunted house, desperately seeking to uncover the ghosts’ intentions before time runs out for her and her bandmates.
2 I Hate This Place
From Skybound Entertainment; By Kyle Starks and Artyom Topilin
A cabin in the woods serves as a popular setting in horror cinema, as showcased in films like Cabin Fever, The Evil Dead, and The Cabin in the Woods. Similarly, I Hate This Place invites readers to explore the terrifying possibilities inherent in rural horror narratives, echoing classics like The Descent and The Blair Witch Project. The plot revolves around a couple who inherits a rural farmhouse, soon realizing that dark forces are hell-bent on invading their new domicile, culminating in a story that races forward at breakneck speed.
1 Bitter Root
From Image Comics; By Chuck Brown, David F. Walker, and Sanford Greene
Announced in May 2021, Regina King is set to direct the film adaptation of the Graphic Novel Bitter Root. This enthralling series caters to fans of monster-hunting classics like Buffy: The Vampire Slayer and Supernatural. The narrative follows the Sangerye family as they battle monsters during the Harlem Renaissance. Uniquely blending supernatural horror with the societal horrors of racism, this period piece is truly unlike any other. Readers will be pleased to know that it has recently expanded with the new series, Bitter Root: The Next Movement #1, now available from Image Comics.