A History of Horror in Comics

The origins of horror in comics can be traced back to the pulp magazines and comic strips of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Characters like The Phantom and Mandrake the Magician sometimes dealt with horror tropes like ghosts and monsters.

However, the history of horror in comics is a rich and varied tale that spans several decades, encompassing a diverse array of themes, styles, and publishers. The earliest known horror comics can be traced back to the pre-Code era, a time before the Comics Code Authority (CCA) imposed restrictions on content. During this period, comics explored darker and more macabre themes.

In the 1930s, comic books emerged as a popular new medium, and horror stories featured prominently. Classic Illustrated, while not exclusively horror, adapted literary works like Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," bringing these classic tales to a new audience through the Unique Art of the comic medium. Early comic book companies like EC Comics published titles like "Tales from the Crypt", "The Vault of Horror" and "The Haunt of Fear" These often-adapted classic horror stories and films as well as including original terror tales. These comics, edited by Al Feldstein and William Gaines, featured twisted tales of horror, often with a moralistic twist.

In the 1950s, public backlash over grisly content led to the comics code authority which heavily censored horror comics. Publishers like Dell focused more on tamer supernatural stories but also published one-shot comics based on the Universal Films of the 30s and 40s. However, by the late 1960s and 1970s, underground horror comics emerged to evade the code. Magazines like Creepy and Eerie, published by Warren Publishing, became quite popular.

Mainstream publishers also returned to horror, especially after the code was revised in the 1970s. Marvel's Tomb of Dracula featured a recurring vampire antihero. DC published titles like House of Mystery and Ghosts. Horror manga also emerged in Japan and influenced some US comics.

In recent decades, iconic horror characters like Swamp Thing and Hellboy have starred in their own series. Horror continues to be a staple genre in comics today, from Walking Dead's zombie apocalypse to the disturbing tales in titles like Nailbiter. While public tastes have changed, the desire to be thrilled and chilled remains.

In the 2020s, horror comics continue to thrive. Independent publishers like Image Comics and Aftershock Comics produce a diverse range of horror titles, exploring psychological horror, supernatural elements, and complex character-driven narratives. Notable contemporary titles include "Wytches," "Harrow County," and "Gideon Falls."

In summary, horror in comics has evolved across many eras, pushed boundaries, faced backlash, and ultimately endured as a compelling genre for visual storytelling.

Below are some public-domain comic covers.