The giant skeletons are out, leaves are falling, and pumpkin spice is in the air. The only thing that's missing? Dark Horse's Spooky Staff Picks! The Halloween season wouldn't be complete without some creepy books and comics, so Dark Horse staff members have prepped some of their favorite new books and comics to inspire your reading this season.
Looking to spook-ify your space while you read? Check out our Spotify for playlists like Dark Horse Spooky Synth Horror or Dark Horse Halloween Haunts to create the perfect Halloween reading atmosphere!
Spooky Staff Picks 2024
Count Crowley: Mediocre Midnight Monster Hunter by David Dastmalchian, Lukas Ketner, Lauren Affe, and Frank Cvetkovic
"Mystery, murder, mayhem, and monsters with a Svengoolie meets Frankenhooker vibe to it. What’s not to like!? The cover art alone is worth the price of admission with its 60’s B-movie horror influences. David’s storytelling captures the fun, horror, and cheese of classic drive-in movies of the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s while incorporating a fun and original storyline to keep the readers coming back."—Casey Goodwin, Scheduling
Midst from Critical Role and Third Person
"The Midst comics take place in the same weird cosmos as the podcast of the same name, but you don't need to be familiar with that in order to enjoy these eerie sci-fi standalone stories! Each 48-page comic follows different characters as they explore and try to simply exist in the very hostile environments of the Un and the Fold--one of which is filled with razor-sharp mineral shards called Mica, one of which is made of a dark substance that reacts violently to artificial light, and both of which contain multitudes of weird and otherworldly creatures. The first story, 'Address Unknown,' follows the adventures of a small group of misfits and refugees who discover an uninhabited new landmass half in the Un and half in the Fold, and decide to try and build a new life for themselves there. But calamity strikes in several ways at once, pitting our main characters against their very surroundings in a desperate fight for survival. Next, in 'The Valorous Farmer,' one small-town person with a simple dream of self-sufficiency gets pulverized--both physically and metaphorically--by environmental hazards, creature attacks, and a strict system of governance that some might call rigged. Their only hope for survival will be to do the thing that comes hardest to them: leaning on their community.
"The Midst comics are each created by a unique team of comics talents, in close consultation with Matt Roen, Sara Wile, and Xen of Third Person. 'Address Unknown' and 'The Valorous Farmer' are available now, and a third story entitled 'Ripples' will be available later this year. Extra special touch: The uncoated interior paper for these comics gives them a rustic feel that goes perfectly with the art and story! You can find them at your local comics shop or online now, and if you're a fan of Firefly, the Midst podcast, or any other freaky sci-fi madness, you'll definitely want to add these to your collection!"—Jenny Bingham-Blenk, Editor
The Butcher's Boy by Landry Q. Walker, Justin Greenwood, Brad Simpson, and Pat Brosseau
"DON'T EAT THE MEAT! Butcher's Boy is a thrilling new horror series by Landry Q. Walker and Justin Greenwood that's sure to leave you hungry for more. It's a nail-biting story filled with suspense, eldritch horrors, and gruesome imagery that left me anxious to turn the page. Horror fans will definitely want to pick up and devour this delectable horror series now...before it devours you first!"—Chris Beltran, Publicity Coordinator
Star Wars Adventures: Vader's Castle The Deluxe Library Edition by Cavan Scott, Francesco Francavilla, Nick Brokenshire, Kelley Jones, and more
"Darkness envelops the Drive-In theatre
The screen alights to credit the creators.
Cavan Scott our host and lord thriller
With spooky art by Francesco Francavilla.
You adjust your colored glasses over your nose
And the eerie score steels your spine in stiff repose.
Each lens combines into an homage to fright.
One Hammer Films, One Star Wars to fill the night.
These stories unleash the stench of decay
Unchaining the funk of a galaxy far, far away.
Your terrorized mind this tome will shackle
For no mere mortal can resist
the tales of Vader's Castle!"—Spencer Cushing, Senior Editor
Into the Unbeing by Zac Thompson, Hayden Sherman, and Jim Campbell
"I have heard that the most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not 'Eureka!' but 'That’s…odd..' Into The Unbeing by Zac Thompson, Hayden Sherman, and Jim Campbell delivers devilishly odd happenings in each issue!!
"When four scientists and their dog set out into the Australian outback to investigate the impacts of climate change they find a horror beyond anything they could have possibly imagined. An 8 issue series guaranteed to ignite your imagination and make you think about our planet's future."—Konner Knudsen, Editor
Cthulhu Cat by Pandania
"What's more terrifying to a dog than an all-powerful eldritch horror in the form of a sweet and squishy tentacled cat?
"Keep the spooky vibes going when October is over and pick up Cthulhu Cat on November 5. The cats you’ll find within these pages are adorable representations of Lovecraft’s 'Great Old Ones,' until they get hungry, that is… Anyone can follow this silly tribute to Lovecraft's monsters—even my dog Toby, and he doesn't know how to read!"—Paige Brayton, International Licensing Manager
Arkham Horror: The Terror at the End of Time by Cullen Bunn, Andrea Mutti, Valerio Alloro, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou with cover art by Rafael Albuquerque
"The setting is Lovecraft’s infamous Arkham, Massachusetts in the Roaring Twenties. While flappers dance and drink bootlegged liquor, terrifying Ancient Ones are attempting to break into our world with the assistance of cultists, and only a handful of investigators stand against them. These comics are a great read for anyone who enjoys action, suspense, hardboiled detectives, and of course, Lovecraftian horror. Jenny and Joe are interesting characters with a solid dynamic. Writer Cullen Bunn paces the introductions of the characters well, building to scenes of intense suspense and cliffhanger endings between issues. Andrea Mutti’s illustrations are a perfect match, moody and dark.
"Whether or not you’ve played any of the Arkham Horror games (board game, card game, roleplaying game…), or are familiar with H.P. Lovecraft's works, this comic series can be picked up and enjoyed all on its own. Issues #1 and 2 are out now, with #3, 4, and the collection on the way.
"Each issue includes bonus content, such as new cards and abilities that can be played in the card game and roleplaying game, and locations and details found in the Welcome to Arkham Guidebook. The comics expand the Arkham Horror universe in another way, adding a new dimension to the worldbuilding and new stories to the canon. Enjoy the comics alone or alongside your Arkham Horror gaming or reading, and hold on to your sanity, if you can…" –Cara O'Neil, VP of Marketing
H.P. Lovecraft’s The Call of Cthulhu - and more Lovecraft manga adaptations by Gou Tanabe
"If you want to explore more of Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos this Halloween horror season, the newest manga adaptation of Lovecraft’s works by Gou Tanabe to arrive in an English edition is The Call of Cthulhu, available October 15 and 16. Tanabe’s adaptations of Lovecraft’s works are faithful to the original stories, and he depicts scenes of cosmic terror, dread, isolation, and insanity with incredibly detailed, sweeping artwork.
"The Call of Cthulhu features 'the risen corpse-city of Rlyeh,' and that alone should give you an idea of what lurks in these pages! First published in 1928, The Call of Cthulhu is one of the most well-known of all of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, and also inspired the namesake role-playing game system set within the Cthulhu Mythos. More horror reading and more horror gaming this season!
"All volumes of Gou Tanabe’s adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft’s works so far at Dark Horse are translated by Zack Davisson. Currently available are: The Hound and Other Stories, At the Mountains of Madness (two paperback volumes and one Deluxe Edition hardcover), and The Shadow Over Innsmouth." –Cara O'Neil, VP of Marketing
Summer Shadows by John Harris Dunning, Ricardo Cabral, Brad Simpson, and Jim Campbell
"I absolutely adore this moody and atmospheric vampire horror. John Harris Dunning has written a spellbinding story of loss, longing, death, and seduction set against the contrasting backdrop of a sunshiny Greek island. This four-issue series is beautifully illustrated by Ricardo Cabral, features stunning colors from Brad Simpson, and is expertly lettered by Jim Campbell. If you love a slow-burn horror, if you love horror noir, or if you just love a good vampire story, DO NOT miss out on Summer Shadows."–Tara McCarron, Assistant Editor
'Patra by James Robinson and Scott Kolins
"'Patra is a delightfully gory horror series that's an absolute must-read for spooky season! The bold color palette and textured art style draws you in, and the tantalizing mystery unraveling with every issue keeps you wanting more. I can't wait to read where this story goes!"–Rikki Midnight, Prepress Manager
Operation Sunshine by Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, David Rubín, K.J. Diaz, and Ferran Delgado
"As a fan of The Last Podcast on the Left, I had to read this book and it did not disappoint! With the irreverent humor you would expect from Henry and Marcus of the podcast, coupled with the slick illustrations from David Rubín, this is a vampire tale that shouldn't be missed. Horror, gore, and laughs? A perfect combination for the spooky season!"–Arc Mission, Digital Sales Manager
Loving, Ohio by Matthew Erman and Sam Beck
"There's nothing scarier than being a teenager--unless you're a teenager, unwillingly in a cult, with a strange man from that cult chasing after you and your friends. Pair that with David Lynchian/Twin Peaks elements and you've got Loving, Ohio, one of my favorite reads of this year. It's a beautifully written and illustrated book that drips with both existential and physical dread across every page. I can't stop recommending it to every horror lover I know."–Kaitlyn Nash, Publicist
And a few more rapid fire recommendations!
For kids and young adults:
The Unlikely Story of Felix and Macabber by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou and Juni Ba
- Monsters on a quest for redemption and growth in a world run by fear.
Under Kingdom by Christof Bogacs and Marie Enger
- An epic adventure that follows Shay as he's thrust into a secret world full of monsters that live under his West Virginian town.
Dead Mall by Adam Cesare, David Stoll, and Justin Birch
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Cosmic horror in an empty mall.
Young Hellboy by Mike Mignola, Tom Sniegoski, Craig Rosseau, Dave Stewart, and Clem Robins
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Pulp adventures with a young Hellboy.
Star Wars: Tales from the Death Star by Cavan Scott, Ingo Romling, Soo Lee, Juan Samu, and Vincenzo Riccardi
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The evils hidden in the ruins of the Death Star are revealed in this anthology Star Wars graphic novel.
Star Wars: Tales from the Rancor Pit by Cavan Scott, Nick Brokenshire, Juan Samu, Puste, Rafael Pérez, Andy Duggan
- Jabba the Hutt's victim hangs above the rancor pit with only his scary stories there to save him.
- A year and a half after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the Ghostbusters are officially back in business and headed to where it all began: New York City!
- Follow Crazy Dave, Patrice, Nate, and their dedicated, gifted plants, as they confront Zomboss and his hordes of clueless zombies!
For adults:
- Dr. Philip Morgan invites entomologists, young influencers, and a reporter amongst others to his secluded coastal research facility for a mysterious and bizarre study.
- Spinning out of the world of the hit Minor Threats superhero series comes a new tale of costumed underdogs--featuring a support group for superheroes, struggling to reclaim their mediocre lives after tasting their true potential.
- A dark, moody, and menacing horror/crime tale.
- A supernatural horror series about monsters of the silver screen coming to life and wreaking havoc on a small town.
- Blending prose and multiple kinds of illustration, New York Times-bestselling comics writer Scott Snyder (We Have Demons) and renowned comics artist Jock (Batman, Wytches) weave a tale of horror about growing up in a world far more harrowing than our own.
- In a bizarre and deadly far future, the most dangerous thing of all is not a vampire, but the one who hunts them--the one who is half them--a dhampir, the unearthly beautiful wanderer known as D.
- Victor and Sara go on vacation and end up in a town that's not even on the map. Once there, they realize their vacation is no longer about making sure their relationship survives—it's about making sure they do!
- An original graphic novel where the heroes of a new comic book universe will collide with a new pantheon of alien deities from beyond our understanding of reality.
- The terrifying tale of six internet celebrities who accompany a superstar survivalist on a one-week trip deep into the remote Canadian wilderness. After their plane crashes, the influencers and their guide are stalked by a mountain man of local legend, Skinner.
- In this new Stranger Things story arc, the Demogorgon is a long way from Hawkins, Indiana and a Russian scientist is desperately trying to get their quarry home aboard an ocean freighter.
- In 1884 a mine collapsed into itself. What was the dark substance found 666 feet underground? A new graphic novel blending modern horror, historical fact and Western lore.
- Inspired by the gothic novel that started a genre, this queer vampire murder mystery series is a mesmerizing tale of identity, obsession and fateful family secrets
Horror Manga
Mob Psycho 100 by ONE- Follows a psychic boy named Shigeo whose powers threaten to break free unless he represses his emotions.
- Fuses gothic horror, violent action, and dark humor into a tumultuous tornado of terror.
- Guts the Black Swordsman relentlessly follows a dark, bloodstained path that leads only to death...or vengeance.
- A fictionalization of the true life of Charles-Henri Sanson, the "Gentleman of Paris," who performed nearly three thousand executions in 18th century France.
- Five spiritualist students form the Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, carrying out the last wishes of their cadaverous clients, so their souls can move on.
The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos Halloween Special by James Tynion IV, Tate Brombal, Soo Lee, Nick Robles, Isaac Goodhart, Fernando Blanco, Morgan Beem, Miquel Muerto, Patricio Delpeche, and Aditya Bidikar.
- A very special Halloween celebration with Christopher Chaos's best friends... and fiercest foes! Features five new short stories from the Christopher Chaos universe.
- A historical horror series about defrauded spiritual medium Alicia Wilkinson, who's brought to The Ashcroft Hospital to perform seances amongst the patients to draw out their mental maladies.
- A supernatural fantasy about loss, power, and destiny.
- A new horror anthology just in time for Halloween.
- Wagner and Jones explore the veiled stories from Dracula, diving into the bloody, horrifying events between the lines of the famed horror novel.
- Thrust into a bizarre fantasy world called Neverwhere, the muscular adventurer Den goes on an exotic adventure through ancient ruins meeting an evil queen, her sacrificial doppelganger, bizarre lizard men, giant insects, and more strange and dangerous madness in this legendary saga brimming with horror, magic, and violence.
- A non-fiction comic book experience depicting true stories of UFO abductions with an eye to capturing the strange essence of those encounters.
- A vampire-flipped Dracula in which mortality means life...and life means death.
The Goon Omnibus Volume 1 and The Good: them That Don't Stay Dead by Eric Powell
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Eric Powell’s award-winning crime pulp series that combines pulp horror, crime drama, and a twisted sense of humor.
The Complete Harrow County by Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook
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A complete collection of the entire comics run of essential southern gothic horror series Harrow County.
Barstow by David Ian McKendry, Rebekah McKendry, Tyler Jenkins, and Justin Birch
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Award-winning horror writing and filmmaking team David Ian McKendry and Rebekah McKendry team-up with Eisner-nominated artist Tyler Jenkins for this all-new comedy-horror series.