Books Like...

'Hellblazer: Original Sins' by Jamie Delano follows John Constantine as he battles a Freemason Corporate Government conspiracy involving black wizards and corrupt cops who have built a 'fear machine' to raise a giant Freemasonic Lovecraftian beastie. Constantine is aided by a group of travellers gypsy renegades who practice oddball nature magic. The story includes nightmarish violence, government conspiracies, and trippy concepts, all presented in Delano's unique and original writing style.

'Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft' follows the Locke family as they move to their family estate in Lovecraft after the tragic death of their father. In the mansion named Keyhouse, the children discover keys with magical powers and doors leading to mysterious realms. As they uncover the secrets of the house, they encounter dark fantasy elements verging on horror, including an evil entity locked in the well house. The story is intricately woven with complex characters and a plot that balances between horror and heartbreak, all set in a gothic, noir atmosphere with realistic and detailed artwork.

Transmetropolitan #1 is a graphic novel series set in a dystopian future America that follows the adventures of Spider Jerusalem, a cyberpunk journalist investigating government corruption. The writing style is described as cheeky, filled with crass humor, and featuring a protagonist reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson, known for his wild drug-fueled journalistic snark and wit. The story is a mix of gonzo journalism and sci-fi elements, addressing political themes and social commentary in a dark, gritty, and hilarious manner.

'Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1' by James Tynion is a gripping horror comic that follows the mysterious disappearances of children in a town. When a group of friends ventures into the woods, only one survives, traumatized by the brutal deaths of the others at the hands of a unseen monster. A mysterious and badass stranger arrives in town to help, but faces obstacles from the skeptical adults. The story unfolds with suspense, leaving readers intrigued by the dark and dangerous world the characters inhabit.

The plot of this comic is filled with high stakes suspense, originality, and a sense of mystery that keeps readers on edge. The artwork is described as both scary and beautiful, perfectly complementing the grim tone of the story. Characters are well-developed, with a focus on the reactions of the townspeople to the tragedies unfolding around them, adding depth to the narrative.

"The Lost Army" in the series "Hellboy Novels" by Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden follows Hellboy, a young demon who must navigate between being the destroyer of the world or its savior while battling monsters from various myths worldwide. The book blends together a literary sensibility with pulpy goodness, creating a fantastical tale that is imaginative and interesting, with elements of horror, fantasy, and supernatural occurrences in an authoritarian state.

The plot of the book revolves around Hellboy seeking to figure out what is haunting and plaguing towns, often leading to people dying or disappearing. The writing style is described as a mix of humor, drama, and epicness, portraying Hellboy as a relatable character who solves supernatural crimes while dealing with the mistakes of his past. The graphic novel format allows for a visually compelling experience, with artwork that is considered wonderful and hilarious, adding depth to the storytelling.

Watchmen by Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore is a graphic novel that delves into a dark and complex world of flawed superheroes set in an alternate version of the United States during the 1980s. The book intricately weaves together a narrative that explores themes of morality, politics, psychology, and the consequences of wielding power. The writing style is described as multilayered, astounding, and nuanced, with subtle dialogue that speaks volumes and a plot that remains substantial and engaging even upon multiple readings.

The story of Watchmen follows a group of superheroes who are not your conventional crime fighters with superpowers, but rather individuals with talents, training, and flaws. The book challenges the traditional superhero narrative by presenting characters who are morally ambiguous, realistic, and deeply human. Through a mix of political satire, social commentary, and exploration of vigilante justice, Watchmen offers a thought-provoking and disturbing look at a world on the brink of destruction.

'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' by Frank Miller is a groundbreaking milestone in comic history that revisits the seriousness of comics by taking bronze age childlike characters and turning them into serious, nuanced figures. The story follows a retired Bruce Wayne who finds himself driven to resume his one-man war on crime despite fighting crime being considered a crime itself. is praised for fully defining the mythology of the Dark Knight and being a culturally accurate superhero story that delves into darker themes.

The writing style of 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns' is described as a mix of very good and in some places, very bad, with some readers appreciating the art style while others find it too cartoony or incomprehensible. The story is noted for its dark and powerful narrative, strong geopolitical and media satire, and for taking Bruce Wayne to darker places, ultimately revitalizing the character of Batman in a unique and impactful way.

'Countless Haints' in the series 'Harrow County' by Cullen Bunn is a dark horror graphic novel with beautiful artwork and a captivating southern gothic horror story. The plot follows Emmy, a young woman who discovers her peculiarities when she turns 18 and embarks on a journey to define her identity. The narrative is described as idyllic, subdued, yet mystical and childlike, creating a setting filled with dark wonders and menacing whispers. The story unfolds at a good pace, allowing readers to delve into the subtleties of character interactions and the spooky ambiance of the environment.

The book offers a unique approach to art, blending watercolor and ink traditional panels, standing out in an age dominated by digital inkers and colorists. With a focus on character development and a gradual increase in horror elements, readers find themselves connecting with Emmy and her journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of eerie events and supernatural occurrences.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen series by Alan Moore is set in a world where characters from literary fiction coexist in late 19th Century Britain. The storyline follows a rejuvenated Alan Quartermain and the ageless Mina Harken, the last of a generation's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. The duo embarks on a quest to retrieve the Black Dossier, which reveals the full history of the League's role as secret enforcers between the Fay magic world and the non-magical realm. The narrative is a mix of various literary styles, including Boy's Own adventure, Shakespearean text, bawdy romp, and autobiography, showcasing Alan Moore's versatility in storytelling.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: The Black Dossier features complex visuals and challenging text, incorporating elements of ancient and modern storytelling in an experimental package. The book presents an admixture of script, fine print text, postcards, period advertisements, and stories within the titular Black Dossier, ranging from a Shakespearean satire to a clever take on classic literature like Virginia Woolf's Orlando. The writing style includes dense prose that demonstrates Alan Moore's profound knowledge of literature, with references that are both intriguing and obscure, appealing to readers familiar with different literary works.

'Wytches #1' in the series 'Wytches' by Erico Assis, Jock, Clem Robins, Matt Hollingsworth, Scott Snyder is a gripping and unsettling comic series that blends horror and supernatural elements. The tangled storytelling and eerie artwork create an atmosphere of tension and unease that draws readers into its world. The story follows the Rooks family, particularly 13-year-old Sailor and her guilt-ridden father, Charlie, as they navigate through cursed pledges to the wytches of Litchfield, New Hampshire. The narrative explores primal fears, the complexities of human relationships, and the intense terror that parents feel when their child is endangered. The art style, colored with impressionistic strokes, complements the modern, graffiti-like look of the story, which revolves around monster hunters, monster collaborators, and a tale of survival against supernatural forces.

The first volume of this graphic novel turns the lore of witches upside down, introducing readers to a fresh take on dark magic and supernatural entities. The story centers around Sailor and her family's fight for survival against the wytches who have marked her. combines original, scary storytelling with unique art by Jock to create a chilling reading experience that delves into the depths of horror and human emotions.