by Joshua H. Stulman

Horror is a genre of comics that go all the way back to the 1940’s Golden Age. Mostly derived from films, Dracula had a part in inspiring Batman, Frankenstein had a major influence on The Hulk, and no doubt the Mummy continued a great trend in Egyptian science fiction.

But in the 1950’s, a fear of the corruption of children by comics lead to United States Senate Committee hearings and ultimately the adoption of self-censorship regulations by the comic industry- that conveniently put E.C. Comics (a major competitor to Marvel and DC Comics) out of business.

By the 1970’s, the Horror genre was restored to comics and the censorship restrictions were moderated, thanks in large part to Warren Publishing, who skirted the Comic Code by publishing in the Magazine format.

Here are 5 Great Horror Comics Perfect for Halloween!

5. CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED # 26 – Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

One of the original Horror characters, the original Frankenstein was adapted to comic form several times, here by Classics Illustrated in 1945. The golden age artwork was done by Robert Well, with the flair of the era that emphasized large areas of black and flat tones that bring out the figures.

4. Werewolf By Night # 1

Werewolf by Night was one of Marvel‘s premiere Horror series after the easing of Comic’s Code restrictions. Although the series was pretty tame in gore, it emphasized horror folklore and action rather than terror. The series is perhaps best known for introducing the Egyptian themed super-hero, Moon Knight.

3. Rocky Horror Picture Show Comic Adaption

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the pinnacle of the counter culture movement in the horror genre. It combines comedy, adult themes, and musical format as overlays to a twist on the traditional horror themes and characters found in pop culture.

2. New Mutants # 18-20 – The Demon Bear Saga

“The Demon Bear” story was recently adapted in the New Mutants (2020) set in Fox’s cinematic X-Men Marvel Film Universe. The comic was similar to a dark horror film that befitted artist Bill Sienkiewicz‘s painterly style. The story revolves around a New Mutant named Moonstone and her parents’s possession by an evil tribal bear spirit that tortures the young mutant in her dreams.

1. Walking Dead Comic Series

The Walking Dead comic series lead a revitalization in the Horror Genre in Pop Culture. Created by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore in 2003. The comic became wildly popular for its emphasis on humanity in a post apocalyptic world. Most shockingly of course are the many psychologically demented villains found throughout the series.

The award winning TV series followed the comic as closely as possible in the initial seasons and departed much later continuing to build on the idea of survival in an uncertain world. The comic has inspired three separate TV series as well as Horror Pop Culture themed conventions across the globe.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF HORROR COMICS

Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, Brooklyn Comic Shop