7 Essential Comics to Read at Halloween

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October is here, which means it’s officially Halloween season! Time to dig out those costumes and find some scary comics to get you in the mood. Horror has been a popular part of comics for years, with many different publishers creating their own monster-filled and often gruesome stories. With so many options, some comics really capture the feeling of Halloween. Some are lighthearted and over-the-top with creative monsters and lots of action, while others build tension slowly, exploring fear and what it means to be human. Here’s a list of essential comics to read to prepare for the spooky atmosphere of Halloween.

As a huge movie and comic book fan, I’ve always been fascinated by how certain horror comics really set the standard for the genre. What’s even cooler is that so many of them became incredibly popular films and TV shows! And honestly, with Halloween right around the corner, these particular comics just *feel* right – they really capture the spooky, monster-filled spirit of the holiday.

7) Locke & Key

The comic series *Locke & Key* from IDW Publishing is like a blend of *The Chronicles of Narnia* and a haunted house story. After their father is murdered, the Locke family moves into their eerie old family home, Keystone. The three children – Tyler, Kinsey, and Bode – quickly find out the house contains many magical keys. Each key has a different power and works with specific doors, allowing users to do things like control shadows, read minds, or even become a ghost.

The Locke family isn’t the only one living in their house. A dangerous force is after the Omega Key, hoping to unleash something terrifying. The story features compelling characters and a consistently suspenseful, mysterious atmosphere.

6) Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on a Serious Earth

Batman’s gloomy world and unsettling villains make him perfect for a truly frightening story. This graphic novel traps the Dark Knight inside Arkham Asylum, now controlled by the Joker and its other dangerous, mentally unstable residents. Every page is filled with suspense, as you’re kept guessing which of Batman’s terrifying enemies will strike next.

The story features some of Batman’s most dangerous foes, like Two-Face, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and Clayface. The unsettling artwork adds to the horror, creating a dreamlike and frightening atmosphere. It’s truly one of the most disturbing Batman tales, exploring the insanity within Arkham Asylum.

5) Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

It’s surprising to find horror stories coming from Archie Comics! While *Sabrina the Teenage Witch* is usually a fun and lighthearted comedy about a young witch, *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina* is a much darker take on the character, exploring the world of the occult. The series follows Sabrina as she grows up and tries to balance her life as a normal teenager with her magical abilities—all while battling scary demons and zombies.

The story was also made into a hit Netflix show that, like the original comic, blends teenage drama with intense horror. It’s a great watch for anyone who enjoys Archie Comics or the horror genre.

4) The Saga of the Swamp Thing

Swamp Thing, the DC Comics character originally known as Alec Holland, began as a man transformed into a plant-monster by a chemical explosion. But when writer Alan Moore took over the series, he drastically changed the character’s story. Moore revealed that Alec actually died in the explosion, and the creature known as Swamp Thing isn’t a transformed man at all – it’s an ancient being of the swamp itself, which somehow gained Alec’s memories. This new take blends unsettling body horror with deep questions about life and existence.

The story evolved into a thoughtful look at who we are, mortality, our relationship with the environment, and the very essence of being human. With its moody visuals and complex ideas, *The Saga of the Swamp Thing* helped create DC Comics’ unique brand of scary superhero stories.

3) Hellboy

Hellboy, the demonic hero from Dark Horse Comics, has been battling supernatural creatures for more than three decades. His story began in 1944 when the occultist Grigori Rasputin and the Nazis performed a ritual to bring a baby demon – with a distinctive stone hand – to Earth. The U.S. Army rescued the infant, and he was raised by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, who then established the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (B.P.R.D.). Now, Hellboy works alongside other unique agents at the B.P.R.D. to defend the world from paranormal dangers.

Hellboy has fought a wide range of terrifying creatures drawn from myths and otherworldly nightmares. The *Hellboy* series skillfully combines elements of gothic horror, mythology, classic adventure stories, and superhero tales to create a truly original and thrilling experience.

2) Tales From the Crypt

If you enjoy chilling, scary short stories, the classic comic book series *Tales from the Crypt* is a great choice. Each issue features a brand new, over-the-top horror story introduced by the quirky and joke-telling Crypt-Keeper. You’ll find every kind of monster here, including zombies and werewolves. Some stories build suspense slowly, focusing on psychological fear, while others are filled with shocking visuals and gore.

The comic book spawned a similarly spooky TV series that lasted seven seasons. The artwork is beautiful and perfectly captures the comic’s blend of horror and playful campiness. If you’re looking for something to get you in the mood for Halloween, this horror series has everything you could want.

1) The Walking Dead

Image Comics’ *The Walking Dead* is arguably the most famous horror comic ever created. It grew into a huge franchise with TV shows, video games, and other adaptations. The comic tells the story of a group struggling to survive after a zombie outbreak. A key element of the series is its unpredictability – even main characters can die unexpectedly. Each issue is filled with intense violence, disturbing psychological themes, or both, and it often makes you question what truly makes a monster.

The series’ black and white style is a nod to the classic 1968 zombie film, Night of the Living Dead, which really launched the genre. With its spooky atmosphere and thrilling story of people trying to survive, The Walking Dead is a great choice for any horror fan this Halloween.

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2025-10-16 01:11