Books Like...

'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.

'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.

In "American Vampire, Vol. 1," the story is split into two different time periods - 1880 and 1925. The plot weaves together the experiences of two protagonists, Pearl in the 1925 storyline and the anti-hero Skinner Sweet in the 1880 storyline. The stories are a blend of horror and Americana, covering the Wild West and the Roaring 20s in an authentic and captivating manner. The writing style by Scott Snyder and co-writer Stephen King is described as unique and a fresh take on vampire-based horror, focusing on making vampires dangerous and scary again instead of romanticizing them.

'The Nice House on the Lake, Vol. 1' by James Tynion is a sci-fi horror thriller that follows a group of characters brought together in a mysterious lake house. The story is described as a blend of genres, offering a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is praised for its ability to create distinct voices for each character, despite a large cast, and for its smart and engrossing complexity.

The graphic novel "Black Hole" by Charles Burns explores the lives of teenagers in 1970s Seattle who are affected by a sexually transmitted disease that leads to bizarre physical mutations. The story delves into themes of alienation, teen angst, and growing pains, using the disease as a metaphor for these issues. The artwork is described as detailed, creepy, and haunting, effectively capturing the loneliness of adolescence.

"Black Hole" is a dark and unsettling narrative that combines elements of horror, sci-fi, and psychological exploration. The book portrays the struggles of the infected teenagers as they navigate their altered bodies and societal stigmas, reflecting on themes of adolescent loneliness and identity. The graphic novel is praised for its stark black and white illustrations, which evoke a sense of discomfort and beauty simultaneously, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Severed is a horror graphic novel that follows the story of a young boy in the early 1900s searching for his father while being pursued by a mysterious cannibal monster who preys on children with unique talents. The book is praised for its different and gripping storyline, along with its great art that complements the eerie atmosphere created by the author's writing style. Readers appreciate the depth of the plot development, the suspenseful narrative, and the well-crafted characters that make the horror elements truly engaging.

The writing style of Scott Snyder is highlighted as a standout feature of Severed, showcasing his ability to create compelling stories that resonate with readers, even those who are not typically fans of the horror genre. The book is described as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of trusting adults and chasing dreams without being aware of the lurking evil in the world. Overall, Severed offers a unique blend of horror, suspense, and emotional depth that sets it apart from other graphic novels in the genre.

"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.

"Rise of the Governor" in the 'Walking Dead' series by Robert Kirkman is a gripping tale that offers readers a deep dive into the backstory of one of the main characters. The plot is expertly crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intense and nail-biting narrative. The characters are portrayed as believable and complex, reflecting the harsh reality of a post-apocalyptic world. The author's writing style delves into the tiniest details of the story, creating a vivid and immersive experience for readers.

'Providence' by Juan Rodriguez, Jacen Burrows, and Alan Moore is a story that delves into the intertwining of fiction, dreams, and reality, with references to various literary figures like H. P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce, and Robert W. Chambers. The book explores the concept that dreams and reality are two extremes of a bipolar reality that can shift, impacting human history. The narrative is described as a complex journey through cosmic horror, where the protagonist experiences an epiphany that challenges the perception of human existence.

The plot of 'Providence' is intricate and thought-provoking, incorporating elements of horror, cosmic themes, and psychological exploration. The writing style is described as dense, filled with references and allusions that add depth to the story, making it enjoyable for readers familiar with the references while still engaging for those who are not.