Best Horror-Related DC Universe Comics, Ranked

As a longtime connoisseur of comic books, I must say that these selections are nothing short of spine-tinglingly brilliant! Each one offers a unique blend of chills, thrills, and thought-provoking narratives that have left an indelible mark on the genre.

DC Comics, best known for iconic superheroes such as Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, also boast an impressive collection of horror-themed comics. These chilling tales are perfect for this Halloween season! We’ve curated a list featuring the finest horror stories set within the DC Universe (excluding imprints like Vertigo), and we’re skipping horror anthologies such as “House of Mystery” or “The Unexpected.” Additionally, “Batman: The Long Halloween” is not included. Although it partially takes place in October, it’s primarily a crime story rather than a horror one, despite its eerie elements.

10. The Demon

by Jack Kirby

Known for his iconic science fiction tales at both DC and Marvel, Jack Kirby was particularly recognized for creations like “New Gods” and “Eternals”. However, when DC requested a horror comic from him in the early 70’s, he hesitantly complied. The series, titled “The Demon“, centered around Jason Blood, a Gotham City resident who was not only an expert in the occult but also over 1,000 years old. His hidden identity, however, was that he could transform into a rhyming demon called Etrigan, due to a spell cast by Merlin during Arthurian times. Spanning just 16 issues from 1972-1974, these issues are filled with Kirby’s signature horror elements. Etrigan battled witches, evil immortals, and various monsters (Jack Kirby had a soft spot for monsters). While other series featuring the Demon have come and gone, we suggest reading the original Kirby creation above all else.

9. Batman & Dracula Trilogy (Red Rain, Bloodstorm, and Crimson Mist, 1991-1998)

by Doug Moench and Kelley Jones

Prior to these three books, writer Doug Moench and artist Kelley Jones had already garnered acclaim for their work on multiple Batman comics. However, the Batman & Dracula trilogy might be their most outstanding joint effort. This Elseworlds tale revolves around Dracula arriving in Gotham and preying upon the homeless populace. To thwart him, Batman transforms into a vampire to counter Dracula’s tactics. Fans had eagerly anticipated this confrontation between the two “bat-men,” one literal and one symbolic. Throughout the trilogy, events grow increasingly chaotic as Batman’s bloodlust escalates. He drains many of his well-known adversaries. The narrative unfolds in Bloodstorm, culminating in 1998’s Crimson Mist. Moench showcases his knack for horror storytelling in this trilogy, while Jones’ depictions of both Batman and Dracula often border on nightmarish.

8. Blackest Night (2009)

by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis

A Green Lantern-centric crossover as a Halloween read? We know, it sounds weird. Well, this one is not only one of the greatest DC crossover events stories ever, it’s also one of the best zombie stories in comics history too. In the DC comics lore, there is not only a Green Lantern Corps, but several other colors. Each of them powered by different emotions. In 2009, Green Lantern writer Geoff Johns revealed the existence of the Black Lantern Corps. These Lanterns were powered by the energy of death itself. The Black Lantern rings attached themselves to the rotting corpses of famously dead DC characters. They then waged an all-out war against the DC heroes in Blackest Night. The art by Ivan Reis is next level in this series. He brings true horrific detail to the terrifying Black Lanterns. Sci-fi zombies fighting the greatest heroes ever. What’s not to love?

7. The Spectre (1992-1998)

by John Ostrander and Tom Mandrake

The Spectre, a character originating from the Golden Age of comics more than eight decades ago, initially was Jim Corrigan, a police detective who transformed into a spectral superhero after his death. Over the years, he has had multiple ongoing series and stands out notably in John Ostrander’s run, published between 1992 and 1998. Featuring exceptional artwork from Tom Mandrake, this version of The Spectre showcases the vengeful spirit (representing divine wrath) as he battles supernatural adversaries across the DC universe. These tales evoke an authentic old-school horror atmosphere, drawing heavily on Biblical horror themes. In our opinion, this series is best enjoyed during a chilly October evening with a warm cup of cocoa in hand.

6. DCeased (2019)

by Tom Taylor and Trevor Hairsine

This is the most recent horror comic from DC on this list, and it has become quite a sensation. Marvel might have beaten DC to the game with their Marvel Zombies series many years ago, but DCeased just might be the better zombie vs. superheroes series overall. Written by Nightwing scribe Tom Taylor, DCeased focuses on an alternate Earth where the fabled Anti-Life Equation has unleashed a zombie apocalypse on Earth. Lois Lane is the series narrator, and the story features most of the main DC heroes—either living or dead. This six-issue mini-series was so popular, it has continued on in various spin-offs, with the most recent, War of the Undead Gods, coming out in 2023. But we think the first mini-series is still the best, and worth reading this Halloween season.

5. Justice League Dark (2018-2021)

by James Tynion IV and Alvaro Martinez

The original “Justice League Dark” was introduced during DC Comics’ New 52 relaunch in 2011. It featured characters with supernatural leanings. Although enjoyable, many fans agree that the first version wasn’t as impressive. The best iteration of this series began in volume two, spanning from 2018 to 2021. Written by James Tynion IV and illustrated by Alvaro Martinez, this revamped version brought together characters like Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Man-Bat, Detective Chimp, with Wonder Woman leading the team. John Constantine and Doctor Fate occasionally joined the group. The stories were well-developed and boasted genuinely chilling supernatural adversaries. Although Wonder Woman might seem an unusual addition to such a team, her inclusion makes sense given her magical origin. Despite the somewhat awkward title, the comic itself is highly praised.

4. Deadman

by Arnold Drake and Neal Adams

In the ’70s, Neal Adams gained notoriety for his distinctive take on Batman. Alongside this iconic role, he also contributed significantly to the creation of a lesser-known DC hero – Deadman, the spectral entity of circus trapeze artist Boston Brand. He’s a spirit who jumps into living bodies to uncover his own murder and assist the downtrodden. The story arcs were penned by writer Arnold Drake, but it was Neal Adams’ artwork that truly brought them to life. While there have been various iterations of Deadman since, the original series published in Strange Adventures #205-216 (later compiled as Deadman in 1985) is widely considered the definitive portrayal of the character. Given that DC Studios head James Gunn is a fan of Boston Brand, this Halloween could be an excellent opportunity to familiarize yourself with him.

3. Batman: Arkham Asylum – A Serious House on Serious Earth (1989)

by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean

In many Batman tales, darker motifs are prevalent, but none more so than the original graphic novel “Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth” by writer Grant Morrison. Published in 1989 during the peak of Batmania, this masterpiece showcased stunning artwork by Dave McKean, who also worked on “Sandman”. The narrative revolves around Gotham City’s infamous asylum, which has been seized by its terrifying patients. This event coincides with eerie supernatural occurrences that took place when the asylum was initially established decades prior. In this graphic novel, Batman’s rogues gallery appears more chilling than ever, particularly Dave McKean’s portrayal of the Joker. This original graphic novel catapulted Grant Morrison to comic book fame and significantly impacted the “Batman: Arkham Asylum” video game series.

2. Hellblazer “Dangerous Habits” (1991)

by Garth Ennis and Will Simpson

Alan Moore initially introduced the charismatic and ever-smoking occult investigator John Constantine in the comics of Swamp Thing, swiftly gaining popularity among readers. His solo series, titled Hellblazer, debuted in 1987 and ran for an impressive 300 issues. The original creative team consisted of writer Jamie Delano, artist John Ridgway, and Dave McKean, who crafted stunning painted covers. Throughout the years, several notable writers like Grant Morrison and Brian Azzarello have contributed to Constantine’s stories, but many agree that his most memorable run was under Preacher creator Garth Ennis during the early ’90s. Ennis penned 50 issues of the series, with “Dangerous Habits” being considered his best work. In this storyline, Constantine struck a deal with demonic entities to cure himself from lung cancer, serving as the inspiration for the 2005 Keanu Reeves film, Constantine. This year, if you’re looking for a chilling Hellblazer tale for Halloween, “Dangerous Habits” would be an ideal choice.

1. Saga of the Swamp Thing (1984-1987)

by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and Rick Veitch

Prior to revolutionizing comics with his groundbreaking work on Watchmen, Alan Moore took over as writer for DC Comic’s struggling horror series, Saga of the Swamp Thing, in 1984 starting with issue #20. He significantly transformed the series by collaborating with artists Stephen Bissette, Rick Veitch, and John Totleben. Moore redefined the storyline, suggesting that instead of a man transforming into a plant, Swamp Thing was originally a plant that became human-like.

If you categorize Moore’s “Saga of the Swamp Thing” into a broader horror genre, it would be fitting to call it “American Gothic.” However, what sets it apart from traditional horror comics is its innovative approach; elements such as werewolves and ghosts are reimagined within it. What makes this series unique is the incorporation of profound philosophical discussions on existence, adding depth that elevates it above other horror comics of the time. In total, Alan Moore’s run on “Saga of the Swamp Thing” spanned 56 issues, and these 56 issues significantly transformed the landscape for supernatural and horror-themed comic books.

2024-09-25 02:33