Mystery books are great, but murder mystery comics blend gritty storytelling and intricate plots with beautiful visuals to pull readers into investigative tales. Comics and graphic novels hit deeper than books because their stories of historical killers, psychological thrillers, and noir mysteries show, as well as tell us, what the story entails. The work from talented illustrators does not go unnoticed.
If you’re just getting started out with murder mystery comics, or even if you just want some new options to explore, here are the top 10 murder mystery graphic novels and comics that are sure to keep you hooked from page 1:
1. From Hell by Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell: From Hell is an ambitious, and dark exploration of the Jack the Ripper murders in Victorian London. Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell blend fact and fiction to create a stunning page-turner that you won’t want to miss. They use gritty black-and-white artwork to intensify the eerie atmosphere and gives you chilling vibes as you explore the mind of a murderer.
2. Blacksad by Juan Díaz Canales & Juanjo Guarnido: This graphic novel is set in a post-World War II world, and follows private investigator John Blacksad, a tough feline detective who is navigating the dark underbelly of society. It’s a mix of classic noir and painted art that captures the grittiness of crime, corruption and moral ambiguity, with richly developed characters and a beautiful setting.
3. The Good Asian by Pornsak Pichetshote: In this comic – Edison Hark, who is a Chinese-American detective investigating a series of murders in 1930s Chinatown, explores themes of identity, prejudice and corruption. It offers a nuanced look at Asian-American history through a noir lens. They use vintage-inspired artwork in this thought-provoking mystery.
4. Nailbiter by Joshua Williamson: In the small town of Buckaroo, Oregon, a strange phenomenon has bred sixteen serial killers. Nailbiter follows NSA agent Nicholas Finch as he teams up with local police to uncover why. This murder mystery comic is filled with psychological horror and, of course, mystery elements. This graphic novel is filled with dark humor and chilling visuals.
5. The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips: This graphic novel is set in the golden age of Hollywood. After the death of an actress, screenwriter Charlie Parish is led into a world of deceit and blackmail. In this noir masterpiece, you’ll get to experience the glamour, grime and mystery of 1940s Hollywood.
6. Human Target by Tom King & Greg Smallwood: Human Target centers on Christopher Chance, a bodyguard who takes on his clients’ identities to protect them. I loved the TV show, so this was on my list of comics to read immediately. In this story, Chance finds himself the target after an assassination attempt goes wrong. It has stylish art and complex characters. This psychological mystery unravels Chance’s own past while he tries to uncover his assailant’s identity.
7. Friday by Ed Brubaker & Marcos Martin: This is a supernatural mystery that follows Friday Fitzhugh, a former young detective who returns to her hometown and is drawn into an eerie investigation. Her and her childhood partner are forced into a mystery that could threaten that very town. This is a coming-of-age mystery with beautiful art complementing it.
8. Private Eye by Brian K. Vaughan & Marcos Martin: This graphic novel is set in the not-too-distant future where privacy no longer exists. Private Eye follows a masked journalist-turned-detective who is trying to uncover secrets in a surveillance-saturated society. It’s a suspenseful and high-stakes mystery filled with vibrant artwork.
9. Sherlock Holmes: The 7% Solution by Nicholas Meyer: This comic was adapted from Nicholas Meyer’s novel. It follows Sherlock Holmes as he undergoes treatment for his cocaine addiction, which leads him into a dangerous plot that involves Professor Moriarty. This psychological mystery dives into Holmes’s mind, and shows his vulnerabilities and wit, while staying true to classic Holmesian intrigue.
10. The One Hand/Six Fingers by Ram V & Dan Watters: This dark, surreal tale, is about a detective with only one hand and six fingers who navigates a bizarre world where dream logic and reality blend together. The One Hand/Six Fingers delves into themes of self-identity and loss. It uses abstract storytelling and vivid artwork to create an atmospheric murder mystery unlike any you’ve read before.
Top 10 Murder Mystery Comics / Graphic Novels
These murder mystery comics bring fresh perspectives to classic crime themes. Each of them exploring different settings, tones, and artistic styles. From Hell has unsettling realism and The One Hand/Six Fingers has a surreal world. These stories prove that the murder mystery genre can be as diverse and visually captivating as regular comics, if not moreso. These comics offer a thrilling experience from cover to cover.
