13 Horror Comics and Graphic Novels You Need to be Reading in 2015
Matt Molgaard
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The October Faction (IDW): Steve Niles does it again. The October Faction centers on a oddball family all wrapped up in the ways of the monster. Frederick Allan, the patriarch of a family that consists of a witch, a warlock and a balls-to-the-wall lunatic, is a former monster hunter; and his very own family members are in the process of luring him right back into the ways of the supernatural lifestyle he once lived. Subplots abound and the grim nature of the Allan lifestyle are about to lead him right back into the hazardous habits he once found thrills in. Niles once more crafts a genius piece that sucks readers into an insane world where man must combat the evils of a world that most don’t know about. But Niles isn’t alone in this amazing saga; the brilliant Damien Worm is on hand to create some mesmerizing artwork that feels very reminiscent of Ben Templesmith’s engrossing artwork. Together these two have created a dark and infectious tale that must be read!
The Walking Dead (Image Comics): Somehow The Walking Dead continues to provide stunning and emotional story arcs. The character development has never once found itself neglected, always taking the front seat to the actual assault of the undead. The book features a slew of memorable and truly embraceable personalities, and the story’s villains seem to become more menacing as the book plows forward. Remember the earlier issues, in which The Governor seemed to be the nastiest creature conceivable? Well, those days are long gone, and with more than 140 issues now in the bag, you can bet we’ve been introduced to some truly vile creatures. This is a book that still – and likely always will – remind us that the monster within our very own hearts can be infinitely more paralyzing than shambling, flesh-eating ghouls. Yes, folks, The Walking Dead is still a brilliant must-read.
The Mushroom Murders (Creator’s Edge): An excellent murder mystery with some unique angles, Chad Anderson and Robert Keough’s The Mushroom Murders isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror book. Who is (or are) The Mushroom Killer? A supernatural spin on things keeps the story feeling a little reminiscent of “The X-Files,” and that’s a good thing. Anderson’s writing is exceptional as he covers all bases and builds to a strong finale, and Keough’s artwork fits the tale perfectly. While this one remains something of an unknown commodity, it shouldn’t. The Mushroom Murders is engaging from Page 1, and our focal detectives on the case give us good reason to keep our eyes glued to the pages. This is a damn fine book if ever there was one.
The Fly Outbreak (IDW): This is an absolutely gorgeous book. The artwork is stunning, capturing the look of a young Eric Stoltz in remarkable fashion, and Brandon Seifert’s story sees Martin struggling to find a cure before monsters beyond the grasp of the human imagination can escape. Trust in this: No one wants a flesh-eating milky substance spit in their face, but it all really boils down to the many talents of one man to prevent that from happening. Outbreak has such a beautiful look, almost monochrome in a strange sense, and it works through and through. Prepare yourselves for a fine blend of nostalgia and contemporary chills here. IDW strikes yet again!
