Staff Picks
Spooky Comics For Tween Readers
- Thomas M.
- Sunday, October 01, 2023
Collection
Spooky season is here, and with it comes - whoa, hey, I didn't mean to scare you. Here, let's turn on some more lights. These horror comics have frights and spectacle, but they're not quite as intense or gratuitous as more mature comics out there.
Scary Summer
Published in 2006
Graphix presents R. L. Stine's lightweight horror series, Goosebumps, in graphic novel format.
Slappy's Tales of Horror
Published in 2015
A collection of short graphic novels featuring characters from famous "Goosebumps" stories includes "Ghost Beach," in which two siblings investigate a local legend and discover a terrible secret about their family.
Little Girls
Published in 2019
Something hunts people on the outskirts of town| Sam and Lielet are two new friends living in Ethiopia. They're dealing with the kind of problems that all kids have: judgmental social cliques, condescending adults, alienation| and a legendary brain-eating monster straight out of folklore. Sure, it's not going to be easy, but all they have to do is live through it. Showcasing a quietly unsettling plot and building tension similar to Nick Drnaso's Sabrina and Adrian Tomine's Killing and Dying, debut creative team Nicholas Aflleje and SARAH Delaine construct a poignant story of otherness and mystery.
Eerie Tales from the School of Screams
Published in 2023
From the director of the Oscar-nominated movie Boxtrolls comes a middle grade horror anthology that will leave you holding onto your blankets for dear life! Perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Goosebumps ! School is tough. School is scary. School is EERIE . No one knows this better than Davis and Emily. But they're not scared of school because of tough tests or merciless vice-principals. No, they're scared because their teacher wants her students to present the class with the spookiest, most chilling stories they can think of. From the twisted mind of Graham Annable comes five horrifying stories that will scare your skeleton right out of your skin. Are you ready to stare down "The Face in the Forest"? Do you think you can handle the truth behind "The Village that Vanished?" Lock the doors, turn on all the lights, and arm yourself with candy— you'll need all the help you can get to face these nightmares.
Eerie Tales from the School of Screams
Published in 2023
"School is tough. School is scary. School is EERIE. No one knows this better than Davis and Emily. But they're not scared of school because of tough tests or merciless vice-principals. No, they're scared because their teacher wants her students to present the class with the spookiest, most chilling stories they can think of"-- Provided by publisher.
Anya's Ghost
Published in 2011
Anya, embarrassed by her Russian immigrant family and self-conscious about her body, has given up on fitting in at school but falling down a well and making friends with the ghost there just may be worse.
Five Nights at Freddy's. The Silver Eyes
The Graphic Novel
Published in 2020
"Ten years after the horrific murders at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza that ripped their town apart, Charlie -- whose father owned the restaurant -- and her childhood friends reunite on the anniversary of the tragedy and find themselves at the old pizza place which had been locked up and abandoned for years. After they discover a way inside, they realize that things are not as they used to be. The four adult-sized animatronic mascots that once entertained patrons have changed. They now have a dark secret ... and a murderous agenda."--Provided by publisher
Beasts of Burden. Issue 1-4, Animal Rites
Published in 2006
Welcome to Burden Hill - a picturesque little town adorned with white picket fences and green, green grass, home to a unique team of paranormal investigators. Beneath this shiny exterior, Burden Hill harbors dark and sinister secrets, and it's up to a heroic gang of dogs - and one cat - to protect the town from the evil forces at work. These are the Beasts of Burden Hill - Pugs, Ace, Jack, Whitey, Red and the Orphan - whose early experiences with the paranormal (including a haunted doghouse, a witches' coven, and a pack of canine zombies) have led them to become members of the Wise Dog Society, official animal agents sworn to protect their town from evil. This turns out to be no easy task, as they soon encounter demonic cannibal frogs, tortured spirits, a secret rat society, and a bizarre and deadly resurrection in the Burden Hill cemetery - events that lead to fear and heartbreak as our four-legged heroes, discover that the evil within Burden Hill is growing and on the move. Can our heroes overcome these supernatural menaces? Can evil be bested by a paranormal team that doesn't have hands? And even more importantly, will Pugs ever shut the hell up? Adventure, mystery, horror, and humor thrive on every page of Beasts of Burden - a comic-book series that will capture readers' hearts and haunt their dreams. Award-winning comics creators Evan Dorkin (Milk and Cheese) and Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother) first introduced these very special investigators in The Dark Horse Book of Hauntings and the other Dark Horse Book of...anthologies, for which they won coveted Eisner Awards for Best Short Story and Best Painter. Those first tales are collected here, along with the comic series Beasts of Burden.
Beasts of Burden. Vol. 01, Animal Rites
Published in 2010
"Black magic, demonic frogs, and zombie roadkill are just a few of the problems plaguing this seemingly sleepy little town. With the human residents unaware of the danger, it's up to a determined crew of dogs (and one cat) to keep their community safe"--Cover.
Coven
Published in 2022
After members of her coven are murdered, sixteen-year-old Esmy moves across the country with her parents to master her neglected craft in order to find the killer and protect her coven.
Are You Afraid of the Light?
Are You Afraid of the Light?
Published in 2020
Spending the summer at a family beach house, Dash and his best friend, Lily, are alarmed by the house's ramshackle condition and the presence of eccentric relatives before encountering a series of supernatural beings.
The Graveyard Book
Based on the Novel by Neil Gaman. Volume 1
Published in 2014
The first volume of a glorious two-volume, four-color graphic novel adaptation of Neil Gaiman's #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning novel The Graveyard Book, adapted by P. Craig Russell and illustrated by an extraordinary team of renowned artists. Inventive, chilling, and filled with wonder, Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book reaches new heights in this stunning adaptation. Artists Kevin Nowlan, P. Craig Russell, Tony Harris, Scott Hampton, Galen Showman, Jill Thompson, and Stephen B. Scott lend their own signature styles to create an imaginatively diverse and yet cohesive interpretation of Neil Gaiman's luminous novel. Volume One contains Chapter One through the Interlude, while Volume Two includes Chapter Six to the end.
Apocalypse Taco
Published in 2019
Twins Axl and Ivan, with Sid as their driver, make a late-night fast-food run for a high school theater crew but return to discover that goo monsters are copying--and mutating--everything in sight.
Apocalypse Taco
Published in 2019
Sid, Axl, and Ivan volunteer to make a late-night fast-food run for the high school theater crew, and when they return, they find themselves. Not in a deep, metaphoric sense: They find copies of themselves onstage. As they look closer, they begin to realize that the world around them isn't quite right. Turns out, when they went to the taco place across town, they actually crossed into an alien dimension that's eerily similar to their world. The aliens have made sinister copies of cars, buildings, and people-and they all want to get Sid, Axl, and Ivan. Now the group will have to use their wits, their truck, and even their windshield scraper to escape! But they may be too late. They may now be copies themselves . . .
Ghost Book
Published in 2023
Perfect for fans of Spirited Away , Coco , and Ghosts comes a spooky fantasy graphic novel about the friendship between a girl who can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between the worlds of the living and the dead. Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die. July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He's a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth—for William to live, July must die. Inspired by Chinese mythology, this dark yet resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice, and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics. "Absolutely gorgeous and a completely unique adventure. Remy Lai is a master storyteller!" —Christina Soontornvat, two-time Newbery Honor Winner "Spooky, spellbinding and full of heart!" ―Kayla Miller, bestselling author of Click "A deliciously spooky, funny adventure." ―Jessica Townsend, bestselling author of The Nevermoor series
Ghost Book
Published in 2023
"July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He's a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth--for William to live, July must die"--Provided by publisher.
Beetle & the Hollowbones
Published in 2020
Twelve-year-old goblin and witch-in-training Beetle enlists her former best friend, Kat Hollowbones, to help stop Kat's sorceress aunt from demolishing the mall where Beetle's friend Blob Ghost is trapped.
Baba Yaga's Assistant
Published in 2015
The fearsome witch of Russian folklore mentors a brave teen who draws on her grandmother's wisdom to pass a series of tests, outfox a territorial bear, and make dinner for her child-eating host.
Specter Inspectors. Issue 1-5
Published in 2021
The truth is out there...on social media! True believer Noa, her cynical little sibling Gus, credulous cameraman Ko, and skeptical Astrid head to one of the most haunted towns in America to prove that ghosts exist, for all the social media likes! The investigations of hauntings uncover something more devilish than just a couple of ghosts, something that will put Noa and Astrid's relationship to the test... ...and reveal the centuries-old sinister secrets of the town itself.
The Accursed Vampire
Published in 2021
*Named a Rainbow Book List Title* A spooky and funny graphic novel perfect for fans of The Witch Boy and Real Friends Dragoslava is a vampire kid. It has its perks, but sometimes being stuck as a kid forever can be a pain in the neck. And that's not even the worst part. A few centuries ago, Drago was cursed by a witch. If they don't complete every task she sets, they will be turned into worms. When the witch wants a spellbook from Baneberry Falls, Drago sets off with their immortal friends. But mysteries await in this sleepy Midwestern town, and Drago must figure out if the keepers of the spellbook have a hidden agenda, like everyone else they've ever known. One thing's for sure: after this accursed mission, Drago's immortal life will never be the same again!
The Accursed Vampire
Published in 2021
"Dragoslava is a vampire kid. It has its perks, but sometimes being stuck as a kid forever can be a pain in the neck. And that's not even the worst part. A few centuries ago, Drago was cursed by a witch. If they don't complete every task she sets, they will be turned into worms"-- Provided by publisher.
The Girl from the Other Side. Vol. 01, Siúil, a Rún
Published in 2017
"In a land far away, there were two kingdoms: the Outside, where twisted beasts roamed that could curse with a touch, and the Inside, where humans lived in safety and peace. The girl and the beast should never have met, but when they do, a quiet fairytale begins"--Provided by publisher.
Ready for a Scare?
Published in 2022
When Kelly and some friends have a webcam sleepover while her parents are stranded in a snowstorm out of town, Kelly tries to scare her friends with creepy tricks.
The Show Must Go On!
The Show Must Go On!
Published in 2023
Bree is delighted to get the lead role in "The Last Sleepover" at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, but from the start the rehearsals are marked by strange occurrences until she begins to fear she will not survive opening night.
Truth or Dare
Published in 2022
When Abby Miller confesses her crush on Jake during a game of Truth or Dare and then receives a text message warning her to stay away from him, she starts suspecting that her stalker is a ghost, and not a jealous classmate.
You Can't Come in Here!
Published in 2022
Emily Hunter quickly made friends with Drew and Vicky, the only other young people on her street, but just before her end-of-the-year party with school friends, Emily discovers that Drew and Vicky are hiding some very frightening secrets.
Goosebumps. Secrets of the Swamp
Published in 2021
"When twelve-year-old Blake is shipped away to stay with her weird aunt in Fever Swamp for the summer, she expects her weeks to be filled with video games, mosquito bites, and a whole lot of nothing. Instead, she finds herself in a spooky turf war between wolf hunters and werewolves! Blake's never let anything--including her prosthetic hand--slow her down or stop her from crushing her opponents in a game of Lore Hunter, but real-life monsters on all sides take danger and fear to a whole new level. Blake will need to use all of her gaming skills to escape in this all-ages scarefest from New York Times bestselling author Marieke Nijkamp (This Is Where It Ends, Before I Let Go) and artist Yasmin Flores (Marvel Action: Captain Marvel, Tilly)."-- Amazon.
Ronin Island. Volume 1, Issue 1-4, Together in Strength
Published in 2019
After a mysterious attack wipes out the major cities of 19th century Japan, Korea, and China, survivors from all three lands find refuge on a hidden island and build a new society. Hana, the orphaned daughter of Korean peasants, and Kenichi, son of a great samurai leader, have little in common except for a mutual disdain for the other. But these young warriors will have to work together when an army invades the island with shocking news: there is a new Shogun and the Island is expected to pay fealty in exchange for protection from a new enemy...a mutated horde that threatens to wipe out all humanity. Written by bestselling author Greg Pak (Mech Cadet Yu, Totally Awesome Hulk) and beautifully illustrated by Giannis Milonogiannis (Old City Blues, Prophet), Ronin Island Volume One explores an idealistic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a morally gray time of war where the reasons for fighting are questioned at every turn.
The Sleepover
Published in 2021
Perfect for fans of Stranger Things , this middle grade graphic novel follows a group of kids trying to cheer up their friend after a recent loss with a fun-filled sleepover, but their plans soon take a dark turn when they discover his new nanny may literally be a monster. When the Russo family returns home from vacation to discover their nanny, Ruby, has unexpectedly passed away, Matthew takes the news the hardest. After weeks of reeling, his three best friends decide to cheer him up with a night of junk food, prank calls, and scary movies. But their plans for a sleepover are jeopardized when Matt's single mother?unable to take any more time off of work?is forced to hire a new nanny on the fly to watch over Matt and his younger sister, Judy. Miss Swan, however, is all too happy to have the boys over. And although she seems like the perfect babysitter, letting the kids eat whatever they want and mostly leaving them alone, there's something about her that Matt doesn't trust. He thinks she may actually be the witch from local legend?the one who torments children into the night and then eats them. Is he just having a hard time dealing with Ruby's replacement, as his friends suspect? Has he watched one too many scary movies, as his mom fears? Or are he and his horror-buff friends in for the fright of their lives as they come face-to-face with a real monster?
The Sleepover
Published in 2021
Matt's friends plan a fun sleepover to try and cheer him up after he falls into a deep grief over the death of his nanny, but the sleepover quickly takes a turn when they realize the family's new nanny may be an actual monster.
The Graveyard Book. Volume 1
Published in 2014
Nobody Owens is a normal boy, except that he has been raised by ghosts and other denizens of the graveyard.
The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo
Published in 2016
After moving to Echo City, Charles finds himself at the mercy of the town's monsters, but lucky for him there is Margo Maloo, monster mediator.