Halloween Reading List

Swamp Thing 26: "By Demons Driven"

Gather round ghouls and boys, we've gathered some of the spookiest stories we've ever read. We've murderously picked our delicious brains for these classic tales of horror and chills for your reading enjoyment.

Batman: Haunted Knight
by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale

First released in 1996, Haunted Knight is a a reprinting of three Batman one shots from Halloweens 1993-95 by the legendary team of Loeb and Sale. The three stories are each independent of one another but all take place on (you guessed it) Halloween, early in Batman's career. The 3rd story is a special treat, and is essentially "A Christmas Carol" but Batman-style. It should be noted that these one shots are actually what forged the way for the now classic books Long Halloween and Dark Victory, both also written by Loeb and penciled by Sale. That alone should make this book a worthy read!

Marvel Zombies
by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips

Marvel Zombies is a 5 issues limited series from 2006 and was the first in the now popular series of Marvel's Zombies books. A virus has plagued the Earth, and the Marvel superheroes have turned into zombies, albeit still fully aware and with their powers. The super-zombies begin to run out of "food", and are soon treated to a visit by the Silver Surfer, with news of the coming of Galactus... The premise, though outdone and predictable, is a fun though dark "what-if" and should be a good read for any Marvel or zombie fan. Robert Kirkman, famed for The Walking Dead, is also no stranger to zombie stories.

Detective Comics #871-881 
by Scott Snyder, Jock, and Francesco Francavilla

Still only available in single issues, Scott Snyder's run on DC's flagship title brought a much needed sense of mystery, and a darker and gritter feel to the book. No over the top super-villains, no crazy crossover events - just Batman and the evils of Gotham City. Jock's artwork is FRAME WORTHY, and sets the grim mood for the book very well. Gotham City in the background is darkly beautiful. Seriously, these issues are some of the coolest/WTF Batman stories we've read. A trade collection will be released on November 29th.

 

Swamp Thing #25-27
Alan Moore, Steve Bissette and John Totleben

Abby Arcane finds work at a local school for autistic children. There she meets one of the students, Paul, whose terrifying drawings of the Monkey King only hint at the terror that will soon be unleashed upon the other students, Abby and of course the Swamp Thing. Jason Blood aka Etrigan the Demon guest stars in the issues as well.

Hellblazer #5: "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" 
By Jamie Delano and John Ridgway

Be careful what you wish for and in this case, pray for! The Resurrection Crusade organization extends it's power and influence to America, as a visiting John Constantine soon discovers. In middle America, a disturbed war veteran, Frank Ross, still suffers from lingering experiences and haunting memories from his time in Vietnam. As the townspeople pray for the return of their sons who fought in the war with Ross, one night of terror will bring the horrors of battle and Ross' memories, straight to their doorsteps.

Images copyright DC Comics, Marvel Comics. With special thanks to DC Wikia and Marvel Wikia contributors