October is here, which means it's the perfect time to dive into some seriously spooky reads. I wanted to share five horror comic series that'll give you chills, thrills, and maybe a few sleepless nights. Whether you're a horror veteran or just dipping your toes into the dark side, these titles are absolute must-reads.
American Vampire by Scott Snyder and Rafael Alburquerque
This series completely reinvents vampire mythology by asking a simple question: what if vampires evolved differently in different parts of the world? Snyder takes us through American history with a new breed of vampire that's faster, stronger, and way more dangerous than the European bloodsuckers we're used to. Alburquerque's art is gorgeous and brutal in equal measure. What makes this perfect October reading is how it blends historical fiction with horror—you're getting Old West showdowns, Hollywood glamour, and World War II action, all soaked in blood. It's ambitious, it's smart, and it's got bite.
Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
This is the series that proves horror works just as well with mystery and family drama stirred into the mix. After their father's murder, the Locke family moves into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, where they discover magical keys that unlock incredible powers—and terrible dangers. Gabriel Rodriguez's artwork brings Keyhouse to life as a character itself, full of secrets in every shadow. What I love about this for October is how it balances genuine scares with emotional depth. It's got demons, it's got magic, but it's also about grief, growing up, and protecting the people you love. Fair warning: once you start, you won't want to stop until you've found every key.
Kill or Be Killed by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips
Here's one that might surprise you—psychological horror at its finest. The story follows a grad student who survives a suicide attempt, and afterward, he believes a demon is forcing him to kill one bad person per month or die himself. But is the demon real, or is our protagonist losing his grip on reality? Brubaker keeps you guessing while Sean Phillips delivers that signature noir atmosphere with dark, moody artwork. This is perfect October reading because it gets under your skin in a different way—it's not about monsters in the shadows; it's about the monster you might become. Plus, that constant question of "Is this real?" will haunt you.
Nailbiter by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson
If you like your horror with a side of serial killer investigation, you need this in your life. The small town of Buckaroo, Oregon has a dark claim to fame: it's produced sixteen of the world's worst serial killers. When an NSA agent goes missing while investigating why, an army interrogator returns to his hometown to find answers. Williamson crafts a genuinely unsettling mystery, and Henderson's art perfectly captures that creepy small-town vibe where everyone seems to be hiding something. For October, this hits that true crime sweet spot—it's got the procedural detective work but with horror twisted throughout. Just when you think you've figured it out, Williamson pulls the rug out from under you.
The Goon by Eric Powell
Let's end with something a little different—horror comedy done absolutely right. The Goon is an enforcer protecting his territory from zombies, mad scientists, eldritch horrors, and whatever other weirdness crawls out of the woodwork. Eric Powell writes, draws, and colors this himself, and his style is utterly unique—it's like if old-school EC Comics got into a bar fight with Three Stooges slapstick. The Goon is hilarious, violent, occasionally heartbreaking, and completely unpredictable. This is your October palate cleanser when the other horror gets too heavy. You'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you might actually feel something for this big lug and his dimwitted sidkeroo Franky.
We've got all of these titles here at Alter Ego Comics. Stop by the store and I'm always happy to chat about what might work best for your taste in terror.
Stay spooky,
Marc Bowker
Alter Ego Comics
Lima, Ohio