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The status of horror genre in comics

Comic books have been a popular medium for storytelling since the 1930s, with a wide range of genres being explored. Among these genres is horror, which has been gaining popularity in recent years.

By Bree McdowellPublished 11 months ago 4 min read
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(The) Zombie by Stefano Labbia.

Comic books have been a popular medium for storytelling since the 1930s, with a wide range of genres being explored. Among these genres is horror, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. The horror genre in comic books has come a long way from its early days when it was seen as something that was only intended for children.

The horror genre in comic books first gained attention in the 1940s with titles like "Tales from the Crypt" and "The Vault of Horror." These titles featured gruesome and macabre stories that often had a twist ending. However, due to the introduction of the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s, the horror genre was heavily censored and toned down. It wasn't until the 1970s that horror comics started to make a comeback.

One of the pioneers of horror comics in the 1970s was the magazine "Creepy," which featured a mix of horror, science fiction, and fantasy stories. "Creepy" was followed by other horror titles such as "Vampirella" and "Swamp Thing." These titles explored more mature and complex themes, and their success opened the door for future horror titles.

The horror genre in comic books has seen a resurgence in recent years with publishers like Image Comics, Dark Horse Comics, and IDW publishing titles like "The Walking Dead," "Hellboy," and "Locke & Key." These titles have delved into various sub-genres of horror, including zombies, witches, and supernatural entities. They have also become incredibly popular, with "The Walking Dead" becoming a cultural phenomenon and even spawning its own television series.

The status of the horror genre in comics has come a long way since its early days of censorship and criticism. Today, the horror genre is regarded as a legitimate form of storytelling in comic books. The variety in sub-genres allows for unique and interesting stories, and the success of horror titles proves that audiences are willing to explore darker themes. The popularity of horror in comic books also reflects a broader cultural fascination with the macabre and the supernatural.

But why horror genre in comics are important in comics industry? Well, horror comics provide an escape from everyday life. They offer a way to experience unimaginable fear and terror without having to leave your home. The element of horror in comics provides an exciting rush for readers who are looking for something out of their comfort zone. While reading horror comics, readers disconnect from reality and lose themselves in terrifying and thrilling storylines, making it an important escape for those seeking that type of experience.

Secondly, the horror genre in comics allows creators to express themselves creatively. It's a space where writers and artists create their own worlds filled with monsters, demons, and supernatural beings, which wouldn't be possible in other comic genres. By doing so, creators can push the boundaries of their imaginations, which opens up possibilities for other writers to follow suit. The genre itself allows for endless possibilities, leaving room for creators to take different approaches while still creating a memorable storyline.

Thirdly, horror comics provide social commentary. The genre has always been an outlet for exploring societal fears and anxieties, which is central to its appeal. With issues like climate change, social unrest and rising mental health concerns, the horror genre can address current affairs and social issues in a way that captures the reader's attention and makes them think about them. Doing so also can be an avenue for raising awareness among readers on critical social topics.

Lastly, horror comics help individuals better understand the horror genre. It can be easy to dismiss the genre as just superficial, but for fans of the genre, they are intrigued by its depth and complexities. Comics that cover the genre tackle challenging yet exciting themes making it an evolving art form. For example, the industry has seen several sub-genres, including psychological horror, body horror, and cosmic horror, where each sub-genre has its unique storytelling styles and focuses on different areas of horror storytelling.

In conclusion, the horror genre in comic books has come a long way from its early days of censorship and stigma. Today, horror titles are recognized as legitimate forms of storytelling that explore a wide range of sub-genres. Popular titles like "The Walking Dead" and "Hellboy" have proven that audiences are willing to explore darker and more complex themes. The horror genre in comic books has established itself as a significant player in the medium and is here to stay.

zombiespop culturematurecomicsart
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About the Creator

Bree Mcdowell

As a proud product of two distinct cultures, I have gained a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. Born in Poland and raised in the United States.

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