Horror Graphic Novels

In the past fifteen years or so, the children’s graphic novel market has exploded. Thanks in part to series such as Dog Man, Amulet, and The Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adaptations, as well as Raina Telgemeier’s realistic fiction titles, graphic novels have shifted from beyond the superhero genre into a medium in which children can explore issues and concepts that were once reserved only to prose titles. Children’s graphic novels gained further recognition this year when Jerry Craft’s New Kid won the 2020 Newbery Medal - an award given by the Association for Library Services to Children in recognition for “distinguished contributions to American literature for children.”

In my interactions with parents, there is still a stigma attached to the medium. Since graphic novels are primarily pictures that means it’s like a picture book and therefore has no worth in a child’s reading habits. Or it’s easily dismissed as simple fluff. Yet, graphic novels are a fantastic gateway into reading for children. I have worked with immigrant children who used graphic novels as a way to learn English. I have worked with reluctant readers who were hesitant to try out graphic novels only to return demanding more. Plus, graphic novels are a fantastic method to teach art appreciation. 

In regards to horror, I recognize that I’m essentially preaching to the choir when I talk about the blending of comics/graphic novels and horror. The medium and the genre have had a long history of working together to create memorable works of art and entertainment. The pulpy horror comics of the 1940s have had a large influence over horror content for decades and even up to this day. 

Since kids horror graphic novels tend not to be as graphic as teen and adult horror titles, horror themes can slip easily into stories through other genres. This is a great way to explore horrific tropes without creating chaotic nightmares. Here are some of my favorite spooky graphic novels perfect for young readers and readers looking to expand their knowledge of the genre.  

Anya’s Ghost, written and illustrated by Vera Bogsol

I adore ghost stories, especially in children’s and teen literature. There’s something so deliciously creepy about how children and teens can perceive different things from adults or how children and teens are willing to accept something supernatural within their normal routines.

With Anya’s Ghost, Vera Bogsol mixes her immigrant experiences with a ghost story to discuss what it means to find your place in the world. Anya is embarrassed that she’s a Russian immigrant. She has worked hard to hide her Russian accent and to fit in with the popular crowd. When Anya meets a ghost after accidently falling into a well, she discovers that what we perceive in others can be vastly different. Anya’s Ghost is creepy but also serves as a wonderful story about discovering self worth.  

(Want more awkward teens in horror? Try The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner) 

Coraline, written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by P. Craig Russell

I know that this is a bit of a cheat since Coraline was originally published as a prose title as well as adapted brilliantly by the fine folks of Laika into a gorgeous animated feature…. BUT….this book is perfect for reluctant readers. Another trend in graphic novels has been graphic adaptations of popular prose titles. Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, Phillip Pullman’s The Golden Compass, and Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time have all had graphic novel adaptations created in recent years. For reluctant readers, it’s a great way to visualize the story if they’re not connecting with the story in prose format. 

The graphic novel adaptation of Coraline is lovely. P. Craig Russell art resembles a mixture of dreams and nightmares. What I love about Gaiman’s writing is that he never talks down to his audience. He respects children and their unique understanding of the world that can be easily forgotten once we become adults. Gaiman knows that Coraline is a horrific story. He knows this will terrify readers. He also knows that with this story, as well as his other works, we’re able to explore horror in a safe space to be prepared for the real life horrors we later encounter.  

(Already a fan of Coraline? Try the Courtney Crumrin series by Ted Naifeh) 

Hilda series, written and illustrated by Luke Pearson

If you’ve watched the Hilda series on Netflix, you’re familiar with the concept behind Luke Pearson’s original graphic novel collection. Hilda is a young girl who lives with her mother in the city. She loves exploring as well as discovering the magic around her world. The animated adaptation follows the graphic novel pretty closely but like all book-to-visual media adaptations, there are some differences that are worth a look. 

This is a great series that combines children’s horror with fantasy, specifically with the various magical creatures that Hilda and her friends discover. Trolls are a constant threat for the city. Mini-elves have constructed a horrific bureaucracy. Magic is very, very, old. The art is delightful and the story is highly engaging. I have reread this series numerous times and I will probably reread it again in the near future. 

(Can’t get enough Hilda? Try Nightlights & Hicotea, written and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez)

Bone, written and illustrated by Jeff Smith

This is one of those examples in the “horror is subjective” category. Jeff Smith’s brilliant Bone series is high fantasy. There are epic battles, a princess, a dragon, legends, and a prophecy. It’s heartwarming and possesses great comedic timing throughout its pages. It’s a series I love to recommend because there is something for everyone. But I will make the case that this series is also horrific. 

Okay, let’s consider your personal definition of horror. Now compare that with a child’s definition of horror. When I was a kid, I was terrified of Star Wars. I remember seeing pictures of Darth Vader and having nightmares for over a year. There was a tree outside my bedroom that I thought resembled the Dark Lord of the Sith whenever I lay in bed at night. It wasn’t logical but to a child with an active imagination, logic is a silly notion. That I’m now married to a Star Wars junkie and my apartment is crawling with action figures is hilarious in retrospective. 

Bone has horrific elements to its story. There are magical creatures that desire destruction and that could be terrifying for a child. When I first read the final battle sequence, I couldn’t help but feel terrified and anxious for the characters. It’s a great example of what it means to face your fears in unknown situations - a lesson we’re all still learning. Yes, Bone is a fantasy series but let’s start recognizing how horror can creep into any genre and still make an impact. 

(Looking to explore more high-fantasy graphic novels with hints of horror? Try the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi)

Further Recommended Reading

Through the Woods, written and illustrated by Emily Carroll

Witches of Brooklyn, written and illustrated by Sophie Escabasse 

The Graveyard Book Graphic Adaptation, written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by various artists

Johnny Boo!, written and illustrated by James Kochalka

The Witch Boy, written and illustrated by Molly Ostertag

Ghostopolis, written and illustrated by Doug TenNapel

Lumberjanes, created by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen and Noelle Stevenson