Tucking into an engrossing graphic novel, especially on a cold night, is pure bliss, but it’s enjoyable any time, truth be told. Graphic novels span numerous themes: fantasy, suspense, and one we find particularly captivating – horror. Even the horror genre has diverse branches, and today, we delve into some exceptional eco-horror graphic novels to explore. These stories are bone-chilling accounts of nature gone awry. Occasionally, it’s vegetation rebelling against humankind; at other times, it’s sheer ecological devastation that might resonate deeply with readers. One thing remains undeniable: these eco-horror journeys will make you view the world from a fresh perspective – be it enlightening or disconcerting.
Eco-horror is a distinctive genre that frequently blends chilling stories with social critique about humanity and our environmental actions. Although such themes are widespread in various narratives, they aren’t always necessary elements. It’s feasible to discover an unsettling story that steers clear of extensive commentary. Interestingly, you might have encountered eco-horror without realizing it. For instance, the game and HBO series titled “The Last of Us” fall under this category, as well as movies like “Annihilation“, “Frogs“, “Wilder Girls“, and “Cholorphobia“. Keep in mind that these examples merely scratch the surface – there are numerous captivating stories yet to be discovered.
Farmhand
Under the pen of Rob Guillory, Farmhand seamlessly blends eco-horror and family drama in a chilling narrative. The story unfolds around Jedidiah Jenkins, an innovative farmer who deviates from conventional agriculture by cultivating extra limbs and organs for those in need. However, the production of human parts has its cost, a fact that Jedidiah, his loved ones, and the town will soon discover as their miracle farm transforms into an apocalyptic menace.
The comic book titled ‘Farmhand’ is created by Rob Guillory and is distributed by Image Comics. It caters excellently to horror enthusiasts who prefer an agricultural-themed apocalypse, featuring agricultural contamination and a hint of Cronenberg-style horror for added effect.
Family Tree
In a heart-stopping tale of resilience, I found myself immersed in “Family Tree,” where an extraordinary event befalls our protagonist, Meg, as she mysteriously begins to transform into a tree. This kicks off a desperate quest for a cure and survival. As the clock ticks, it’s not just time that Meg’s family – her mother, brother, and even their estranged grandfather – are racing against, but also an enigmatic organization with sinister intentions. Little do they know, Meg’s metamorphosis is far from unique, and it all hinges on the secrets buried deep within their ancestral lineage.
As a passionate moviegoer, I’d say that “Family Tree” is an intriguing comic book series penned by the talented Jeff Lemire, renowned for his works like “Sweet Tooth” and “The Nobody.” This masterpiece is beautifully illustrated by Phil Hester. It’s a captivating mix of David Cronenberg’s surrealism and eco-horror genres. The narrative weaves together family drama, time travel, and hints of dystopian futures, making it as thought-provoking as it is engaging.
Swamp Thing by Alan Moore
In the 1980s, Alan Moore began writing for “Swamp Thing,” significantly updating and rejuvenating the plotline. The initial story arc was titled “The Anatomy Lesson” and essentially restarted the mythology, presenting fresh terrors and implications as it progressed. This narrative delves into the mysteries of life versus death, the essence of self, and other profound topics. It also addresses intricate issues such as environmental concerns, marginalization, trauma’s impact, and more.
In truth, it’s hard to miss Swamp Thing, even among those who aren’t into comics. Particularly, Alan Moore’s version of Swamp Thing is well-known. The Swamp Thing comic books generally fall under the eco-horror genre, but Alan Moore’s interpretation stands out. It vividly illustrates the potential harm humans can inflict on the environment in a way that’s both clear and sometimes unsettling. The run of Swamp Thing by Alan Moore featured artworks from Dan Day, John Totleben, Stephen Bissette, Tom Yeates, and Rich Veith and was published by Vertigo/DC Comics.
Into the Unbeing
Deep within Australia’s untamed wilderness, a phenomenon yet unknown to mankind has been discovered by a team of climate scientists. It’s fortunate that these researchers were the ones to stumble upon it, as one can only speculate about the consequences for any adventurer who might have tampered with it. As they delve deeper into their investigation, what they’re seeing becomes increasingly unbelievable. While an inhospitable alien landscape could excite any brave explorer, anyone familiar with science fiction realizes that such a discovery might be more of a cautionary tale than a thrilling adventure.
This comic titled “Into the Unknown” was penned by Zac Thompson (Relay, Nature’s Labyrinth), beautifully illustrated by Hayden Sherman and Jim Campbell, and released by Dark Horse Comics. The narrative series blends eco-horror with scientific exploration and the urge to delve into uncharted territories, sparking numerous intriguing discussions.
Dark Fang
Vampires might not be the typical choice for an eco-horror comic’s showrunner, but Dark Fang challenges that notion. As a vampire, Valla has spent most of her existence dwelling in the ocean depths, enjoying its tranquility and avoiding human contact. However, the emergence of pollution in the waters she cherishes compelled her to rise from her watery abode. Now, Valla is determined to find out the source of this contamination and, if possible, eliminate it, regardless of the cost.
The comic book titled “Dark Fang” offers a distinctive blend of eco-horror and vampire themes, created by Miles Gunter (writer) and Kelsey Shannon (illustrator), and published under Image Comics. It is rich in social commentary, particularly focusing on environmentalism and the exploitation of fossil fuels.
Mother Nature
In various circles, it’s not unusual to encounter stories about corporations acting unscrupulously, and this is especially prevalent in the eco-horror genre. The death of Nova Terrell’s father turned her world on its head, and what made it even worse was that she witnessed the event. This gave her a clear idea of Cobalt Corporation’s part in the tragedy, leading her to embark on a mission to expose and bring down the company. In her efforts to undermine the corporation from the outside, Nova accidentally uncovers something that significantly deepens her appreciation for “Nature” as a nurturing force.
In simple terms, Jamie Lee Curtis and Russel Goldman collaborated on a comic book titled “Mother Nature“, which was beautifully illustrated by Karl Stevens and published by Titan Comics. Originally conceived as a movie script, there’s potential for it to hit the big screen in the future (Courtesy of Comet Pictures). The comic combines elements of eco-horror and motherhood, exploring themes of loss, environmentalism, and the importance of government regulation.
Slow Death Zero
For those who prefer anthologies, check out “Slow Death Zero: The Anthology of Ecological Horror Comics”. As its name suggests, this compilation gathers 33 writers and artists to deliver a chilling series of 28 stories that focus on global warming, ecological catastrophes, and the unsettling aspects of our environment. Given that these tales don’t sugarcoat the harsh realities of melting ice caps, it might be wise to avoid reading it just before bedtime if you’re not a fan of nightmares.
Titled “Slow Death Zero: The Anthology of Ecological Terror in Comics,” this collection was skillfully edited by Jon B. Cooke and Ronald E. Turner, with a total of 33 creative minds contributing to the project. This publication, published by Last Gasp (an appropriately chilling name), is a reissue of timeless eco-horror stories that originated on Earth Day 1970, demonstrating the longevity of this subgenre within horror comics.
The Autumnal
Autumn presents an ideal backdrop for eco-horror narratives, with its shifting seasons hinting at darker events approaching. Welcome to “The Autumnal“, a tale that revolves around Kat Somerville and her daughter Sybil. In pursuit of a quiet existence, they’ve relocated to New Hampshire, but their new life isn’t shaping up as planned. This narrative might remind you of other stories involving troubled families reconnecting with their ancestral roots. However, in this case, the connection could be more literal than usual. Unbeknownst to Kat and Sybil, there are terrors that should remain undisturbed – a lesson they’re about to learn the hard way.
The Autumnal”
Description: This gripping tale was penned by Daniel Kraus (author of “The Shape of Water” and co-creator of “Trollhunters”), beautifully illustrated by Chris Shehan and Jason Wordie, and brought to you by Vault Comics. The Autumnal masterfully combines elements of eco-horror, family drama, and the supernatural, resulting in a chilling yet captivating narrative.
Deep Roots
For centuries, humans have harbored fear and fascination towards realms beyond our own comprehension. We’re drawn to the enigma of parallel dimensions and worlds barely within our grasp. But what if one such world was close enough to interact with? Introducing Deep Roots, a story that bridges two worlds: ours and a domain inhabited by plants and monstrous creatures. When this mysterious realm intrudes upon the human-controlled world, chaos ensues as vegetation and creatures mobilize against the species that have been systematically ravaging our planet.
The comic book titled “Deep Roots” is penned by Dan Watters (who has previously worked on titles such as Home Sick Pilots, Lucifer, Limbo), and brought to life visually by Val Rodrigues (known for his work in Unnatural Order, Mezo). This publication comes from Vault Comics. The story offers a chilling portrayal of an ecological struggle that is more directly symbolized as the conflict between nature and mankind.
Poison Ivy by G. Willow Wilson
Poison Ivy, a character that’s been part of DC Comics for many years, is well-known even among casual fans due to her strong connection with the environment and her complex motivations. Over time, she’s been depicted as both an activist and an eco-terrorist, reflecting her struggle against humanity’s self-centeredness. Recently, her story has been reimagined by G. Willow Wilson, starting with “The Virtuous Cycle.” In this new arc, Ivy is determined to save the planet from its greatest enemy – humans. She realizes that reasoning with them won’t work, so extreme actions are now necessary. The narrative unfolds as a chilling and peculiar series of events in which Ivy confronts humanity and beyond.
G. Willow Wilson’s tenure on Poison Ivy features several different artists, such as Marcio Takara, Brian Level, Stefano Guardiano, Jay Leisten, Arif Prianto, Atagun Ilhan, and more. DC Comics publishes this rendition of Poison Ivy, which leans into her eco-horror heritage by giving free rein to the activist character.
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2025-04-21 20:13