Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    So You Want to Read Comics

    So You Want To Read Comics: Comedic Horror Edition

    Jonathan CadotteBy Jonathan CadotteOctober 25, 20223 Mins Read

    We’re laughing through the fears with this week’s “So You Want To Read Comics”.  This is our weekly feature where we take a look at a single topic or genre, then give you two comic book recommendations, perfect for new readers, based on that topic or genre.  This week we’re looking at the horror subgenre, comedic horror.

    Many pioneers in the horror genre have seen comedy and horror as being part of the same range of genres.  With both of them attempting to elicit responses from the most basic parts of audiences’ brains: fear and amusement.  Many early horror stories incorporated some elements of black humor or gallows humor and it wasn’t long after cinema came into being that filmmakers were trying to capture this same dichotomy on screen.  The first commercially successful attempt at this was Abbott and Costello Meets Frankenstein and since then there has been no shortage of comedic horror films.   Movies like Evil Dead, Re-animator, Dale and Tucker Versus Evil and even the slasher flick Scream have incorporated humor into their grisly tales.

    Here are a couple of comic book series for those who like to mix in some chuckles with their bloodshed.

    iZombie

    Writer: Chris Roberson
    Artist: Michael Allred
    Publisher: DC Comics

    Probably more well known for the tv series that it spawned,  iZombie was an early 2010s comic series from DC that told the story of Gwen Dylan, a twenty-something gravedigger living in Oregon, who also happens to be a zombie.  In this universe, zombies are able to stave off becoming mindless monsters by consuming brains at least once a month.  It just so happens when Gwen eats a brain she can see the brain’s owner’s memories.  What this series does so well is to take familiar concepts like zombies, werewolves, vampires, and ghosts, and then add just a smidge of absurdity.  For example, one of Gwen’s friends is a were-terrier, who turns into a bipedal scotch-terrier instead of a wolf.  There’s still plenty of horror to go around though as many of the people who Gwen gets her brains from have died in horrific and gruesome ways.  The series has ended, so it’s possible to read the entire series in multiple volumes or a single omnibus.

    The Goon

    Writer: Eric Powell
    Artist: Eric Powell
    Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

    The Goon is somewhat of an indie-darling in the world of comics.  Its popularity has led to spin-offs and many crossovers with other comic book properties, meaning that once someone starts reading it, it’s possible to follow the threads into a whole world of comic books.  At the heart though, is a story of the titular Goon, a hulking strongman who battles the occult, zombies, monsters, and evil clergymen with his two fists and whatever blunt object he can get his hands on.  The humor in this series often comes from the nonchalant ways that The Goon reacts and interacts with the supernatural horrors he encounters.  Rather than being terrified, he is more often annoyed and unimpressed.  Also, The Goon has a large cast of characters ranging from despicable, to terrifying, to incompetent, to endearing, which has contributed heavily in this series being a crowd favorite.


    What are some of your favorite comedic horror stories?  What do you think of these recommendations?  Let us know in the comments section below.


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    chris roberson Dark Horse Comics dc comics Eric Powell iZombie Michael Allred So You Want To Read Comics The Goon
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticlePREVIEW: The Black Ghost Season 2 #3
    Next Article PREVIEW: Bloodshot Unleashed #2
    Jonathan Cadotte

    At a young age, Jonathan was dragged to a small town in Wisconsin. A small town in Wisconsin that just so happened to have a comic book shop. Faced with a decision to either spend the humid summers and bitter winters traipsing through the pine trees or in climate controlled comfort with tales of adventure, horror, and romance, he chose the latter. Jonathan can often be found playing video games, board games, reading comics and wincing as his “to watch” list grows wildly out of control.

    Related Posts

    Unchosen #1 Review

    Read More

    Wayne’s Comics Podcast #701: Interview with Curt Pires

    Read More

    Retro Review: Marvel Team-Up #95

    Read More

    Comments are closed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    6.0
    July 13, 2025

    Unchosen #1 Review

    6.3
    July 13, 2025

    Retro Review: Marvel Team-Up #95

    8.7
    July 11, 2025

    Fantastic Four #1 Review

    6.0
    July 8, 2025

    JSA #9 Review

    7.0
    July 7, 2025

    X-Men: Hellfire Vigil #1 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT