![[Top 15] Best Lovecraftian Comics](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_image_2x_1240xauto/public/2021-05/top-15-best-lovecraftian-comics0.webp?itok=5lTZqDEL "[Top 15] Best Lovecraftian Comics")
If plain old horror doesn't cut it for you and you're seeking something supernatural on the cosmic scale or you're a literary nerd who also happens to be into comics, you'll probably enjoy those Lovecraftian comics.
These comics, as the title of this article suggests, are inspired by the one and only H.P. Lovecraft--one of the most reknown horror authors of all time. His works are known for their "weird horror," and the comics in this list take care to reflect that. In here you'll find more than your fair share of tentacles, madness, and everything in between.
15. Only the End of the World Again
Lawrence Talbot, a werewolf, has just set up shop in the dark, mysterious town of Innsmouth. He soon hears that the end of the world is supposedly nigh and the tool that’s going to bring it about is the blood of a werewolf. Much of the criticism this comic has received is on its art, which some say doesn't do the original story justice. This comic’s story is actually pretty short, and a decent chunk of it is sketches illustrating how the comic came to be.
You’ll like Only the End of the World Again if…
- You like werewolf stories
- You like short stories
- You’re a fan of Neil Gaiman stories
14. Colder
Declan Thomas not only has a lower body temperature than humanly possible, but he also has the ability to enter a person’s madness and can sometimes even cure it. The former inmate of an insane asylum hopes that one day he’ll be able to cure his own insanity, but with an interdimensional demon preying on him, he might not have enough time. This comic goes above and beyond with its artwork, and though its script is a little lacking in some areas it’s still a worthy read. Lovecraft fans will enjoy it for its monstrous character designs and depiction of insanity.
You'll like Colder if
- You like “crazy” protagonists
- You like memorable antagonists
- You like entertaining comics with absurd plotlines
13. The Calling: Cthulhu Chronicles
Pharmaceutical salesman Clayton Diggs learns that his sister has committed herself to an insane asylum, and shortly after that he learns that a cruise ship has just docked with all its passengers dead. He decides to work with others to find out the why behind these mysterious happenings. Meanwhile, a cult is at work hoping to unleash a sleeping ancient horror upon the world.
You’ll like The Calling: Cthulhu Chronicles if…
- You like mysteries
- You like high-quality art
- You like stories with conspiracies
12. The Dark Goodbye
Max "Mutt" Mason is hired by Lavinia Tillinghast to find her missing twin sister. His investigation leads him to discover that there are larger, darker forces at work and that if certain events are not properly dealt with, it could very well mean the end of the world. This two-issue long series is made extra enjoyable with its plentiful cliches and references.
You’ll like The Dark Goodbye if…
- You like crime stories
- You’re interested in a parody of Lovecraft and noir comics
- You like Cthulhu mythos comics
11. Fatale
Josephine, aka Jo, is an immortal female fatale who can’t stop attracting men. At the same time she’s being pursued by a cult that worships cosmic gods that aren’t too far off from being Lovecraftian horrors. If you’re a fan of noir crime but crave a bit of the supernatural, this comic is definitely one that you should check out.
You’ll like Fatale if…
- You like paranormal crime comics
- You like comics featuring the occult
- You like stories that jump time periods
10. Cthulhu Tales
Cthulhu Tales is an anthology series featuring illustrated takes on concepts from H.P. Lovecraft’s writings. Some of the standout works in this series are Are You There, Cthulhu? It’s Me, Margaret, and The Art of Noises. The works in this collection are from different authors, so there are bound to be ones you like more than others, but don’t let that put you off reading it!
You’ll like Cthulhu Tales if…
- You like collections with diverse stores
- You like collections with both humor and horror
- You like short stories
9. Necronauts
When escape artist Harry Houdini has a near death experience because of a new trick, he unintentionally attracts Great Old Ones and draws them to our world. Now he must team up with other famous figures--Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Fort and H.P. Lovecraft--in order to keep humanity from becoming enslaved by evil. This series is a treat for fans of any of the aforementioned people, especially with its great art.
You’ll like Necronauts if…
- You like crossovers with historical figures
- You like comics that take feature other worlds
- You like comics set in the past
8. Neonomicon
FBI agents Brears and Lamper have decided to pick up where former agent Aldo Sax left off on a case about ritualistic murders. Their questioning leads them to discover a world of horrors beyond their imagination. Readers should be careful when picking this up because there are disturbing explicit scenes that may be triggering to some, and many of the characters are written to be unlikeable.
You’ll like Neonomicon if…
- You like paranormal mysteries
- You like comics with literary references
- You like comics with graphic art
7. The Courtyard
FBI agent Aldo Sax has a new case to solve, this one dealing with ritual murders, using his method of Anomaly Theory. What few clues he can find point him to The Courtyard, which may be a greater danger than he’s ready to face. It’s worth noting the main character has some outdated ideals (think racist, misogynistic, and hombophoic). This comic, as expected from one by Alan Moore, is a dark piece of fiction that certainly captures the vibe of Lovecraftian works.
You’ll like The Courtyard if…
- You like short stories
- You like comics that involve drugs and the underworld
- You like comics with a lot of literary references
6. Nameless
An occult hustler who goes by Nameless is hired as part of a mission to save the world from impending doom in the form of an asteroid set on colliding with Earth. What makes that comet a real problem though, is the fact that there’s an ancient being trapped on it that’s dreaming of destruction. Nameless is incredibly complex, perhaps even too complex for some, that is hard to understand without prior knowledge of many of its references. This has been one of the comics major source of criticism, but others note that it was likely Nameless was intentionally written that way, but why? You’ll have to read to find out.
You’ll like Nameless if…
- You like cosmic horror
- You like comics that jump story lines
- You like gorey comics
5. Providence
Robert Black writes as a reporter for The New York Herald, but a chain of events causes him to put his work on hold to write a novel. As he travels to research for his work, Black has all sorts of supernatural encounters. This series, another one from iconic writer Alan Moore, is related to his other works Necromicon and The Courtyard, and just like them it is a well-researched piece with interesting commentary and nods to literature.
You’ll like Providence if…
- You like deep, thought provoking comics
- You like satire
- You like slow-paced reads
4. Batman: The Doom that Came to Gotham
Twenty years after the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne has returned to Gotham City, but back with him is a dark evil that he unintentionallhy brought along. In this three-issue long series, popular DC characters make cameos, and Lovecraft fans will be pleased to see the plenty of horrors illustrated. It’s not everyday the story of a comic book hero is thrown into the world of monsters from the mind of one of history’s most prominent horror writers, so if you’re curious to see how that ends up, be sure to check this one out!
You’ll like Batman: The Doom that Came to Gotham if…
- You’re a fan of the DC universe
- If you like unique crossovers
- You’re interested in a new take on Batman comics
3. Fall of Cthulhu
Cy Morgan’s Uncle committing a public suicide led the graduate student to become part of an elaborate plot designed to end in war. In this epic Cy finds himself exposed to the Dreamlands, rituals, and gods of old. Fans of Lovecraft who are bored by the common reneditions and uninspired takes on the famous author’s works, will be pleased by this comic with its unique premise and gripping story.
You’ll like Fall of Cthulhu if…
- You like psychological horrors
- You like horror comics with action
- You like comics heavy with mythos lore
2. Locke & Key
After their father was violently murdered, the Lockes decide to move in with their father’s brother in their childhood home, the Keyhouse. However, when the youngest discovers a certain key the family soon learns that there are secrets in the Keyhouse that weren’t meant to be unlocked. This is a horror comic that is sure to spook you whether it's with its twisted plot or spectacular artwork.
You’ll like Locke and Key if…
- You like realistic characters
- You like atmospheric, suspensefully horror
- You like stories that deal with grief
1. Hellboy
Hellboy is a half demon summoned from Hell. He was found as a baby by the Allied Forces, and was raised as a normal boy by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm, a scientist present when he was found. As an adult, Hellboy works as a paranormal investigator for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense as well against dark forces, for example Nazis and witches. Though high on action, this series does delve into deeper topics at times, which makes it a great read for any and all ages.
You’ll like Hellboy if…
- You like gothic-horror comics
- You like comic series with many writing styles
- You like comics with battles and drama
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