The Seven Best Zombie Comic Series of All Time

Zombies have been a staple of the horror genre for decades, shuffling their way onto our screens and into our nightmares. But did you know that some of the most terrifying and thought-provoking zombie stories have been told in the pages of comic books?

As a rabid horror comic consumer, I’ve always been fascinated by the unique blend of visceral thrills and social commentary that zombie comics offer. There’s something about the stark imagery, the graphically depicted breakdown of society, the apocalyptic settings, the claustrophobic panels, and the raw, unfiltered emotion that makes these stories truly come alive (or undead, as the case may be).

So, grab your shotguns and settle in as I take you on a journey through seven of the best zombie comic series out there. These are the stories that have kept me up at night, made me question if humanity is worth saving, and left me craving more.

1. The Walking Dead

Synopsis:

The Walking Dead almost needs no introduction at this point, but I’ll attempt one anyway. It’s a post-apocalyptic horror comic book that follows a group of survivors, led by former police officer Rick Grimes, as they navigate a world overrun by zombies, known as “walkers.” The series explores the challenges of survival, the breakdown of society, and the moral dilemmas that arise in the face of unimaginable horrors. Ultimately, it’s more about how humans treat each other in times of struggle than it is about killing zombies. That’s probably what made it the most successful comic on this list, and cemented it as one of the best horror comics of all time. It also spawned two TV shows that became fan favorites, though I found the comic series to be far superior.

Review:

I still remember picking up the first issue of The Walking Dead back in 2003. I was immediately hooked by the gritty realism, the complex characters, and the relentless sense of dread. Robert Kirkman’s writing is masterful, and Charlie Adlard’s artwork perfectly captures the bleakness and brutality of the world.

The Walking Dead is more than just a zombie story; it’s a character-driven drama that explores the depths of human nature. The series is full of memorable moments, from shocking deaths to heartwarming acts of kindness. It’s a must-read for any fan of the genre.

2. ’68

Synopsis:

’68 is a unique zombie comic series that takes place during the Vietnam War. The series follows a group of American soldiers as they fight for survival against both the Viet Cong and a horde of flesh-eating zombies. And you thought Vietnam couldn’t get any worse? Wrong! Just throw Zombies into the mix, and you’ve got hell on earth, squared.

Review:

’68 is a wild ride from start to finish. The combination of historical setting and zombie mayhem is both unexpected and thrilling. The series is full of action, gore, and dark humor. The artwork by Nat Jones is visceral and disturbing, perfectly capturing the chaos and carnage of the war.

What sets ’68 apart is its exploration of the psychological impact of war and the dehumanizing effects of violence. It’s a thought-provoking and disturbing series that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.

3. iZombie

Synopsis:

iZombie follows Gwen Dylan, a medical student turned zombie who works in a morgue to satisfy her hunger for brains. With each brain she consumes, Gwen temporarily inherits the memories and personality of the deceased, leading her to solve crimes and uncover secrets. The series proved so popular that it also spawned a successful TV show starring Rose McIver and Rahul Kohli. A fun watch!

Review:

iZombie is a refreshing take on the zombie genre, blending horror, humor, and mystery. The series is full of quirky characters, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists. The artwork by Mike Allred is vibrant and stylish, perfectly complementing the offbeat tone of the story.

What I love about iZombie is its focus on character development and emotional depth. Gwen is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and her struggles with her zombie identity are both poignant and humorous. It’s a fun and engaging series that will appeal to fans of both horror and comedy.

4. Marvel Zombies

Synopsis:

Marvel Zombies is a miniseries that explores an alternate Marvel Universe where Earth’s superheroes have been infected with a zombie virus. The series follows the zombified heroes, who crave flesh and battle each other for survival. It’s seriously brutal, and the fun comes from seeing all your favorite Marvel heroes snacking on each other. Yikes!

Review:

Marvel Zombies is a guilty pleasure for any fan of superhero comics. The series is full of over-the-top action, gruesome violence, and dark humor. The artwork by Sean Phillips is dynamic and detailed, perfectly capturing the grotesque transformations of the heroes.

While Marvel Zombies is not for the faint of heart, it’s an entertaining series that explores the darker side of the Marvel Universe. It’s a must-read for fans of both zombies and superheroes. Plus, it features some truly jaw-dropping covers by the great Arthur Suydam, one of the Longbox of Darkness’ favorite artists. 

5. Afterlife with Archie

Synopsis:

Imagine the wholesome town of Riverdale, home to Archie Andrews and his pals, overrun by flesh-eating ghouls. That’s the premise of Afterlife with Archie, a series that reimagines the classic Archie Comics characters in a horrifying new light. It all starts when Jughead’s beloved dog Hot Dog is tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver. Desperate to bring his furry friend back, Jughead turns to Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but her spell goes horribly wrong, unleashing a zombie plague upon Riverdale.

Review:

I’ll admit, when I first heard about Afterlife with Archie, I was skeptical. Could the squeaky-clean world of Archie Comics really handle a full-blown zombie apocalypse? Boy, was I wrong. This series is a masterclass in horror, blending the familiar with the terrifying to create something truly unique.

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s writing is sharp and suspenseful, and Francesco Francavilla’s artwork is absolutely stunning. The dark, moody palette and stylized character designs perfectly capture the grim atmosphere of the story. Seeing beloved characters like Archie, Betty, and Veronica struggle to survive in a world gone mad is both shocking and strangely compelling.

Afterlife with Archie is a must-read for any horror fan, especially those who grew up with the classic Archie Comics. It’s a bold and terrifying reimagining of a familiar world, proving that even the most innocent of settings can be fertile ground for horror.

6. The Goon

Synopsis:

The Goon is a dark comedy horror comic series that follows the adventures of the titular character, a muscle-bound brawler who protects his town from a variety of supernatural threats, including zombies and other undead. The series’ main antagonist is The Zombie Priest, who controls an army of the undead which he often pits against the muscle of The Goon and the wit of his pal Franky.

Review:

The Goon is a unique blend of horror, humor, and pulp action. The series is full of quirky characters, witty dialogue, and over-the-top violence. The artwork by Eric Powell is expressive and cartoony, perfectly complementing the dark humor of the story.

What I love about The Goon is its unpredictable nature. The series can be hilarious one moment and terrifying the next. It’s a good time that will appeal to fans of both horror and comedy, provided you have a slightly sick sense of humor 😉

7. George Romero’s Empire of the Dead

Synopsis:

Straight from the mind of the godfather of the modern zombie film comes Empire of the Dead. This series takes place in New York City, where, years after the initial zombie outbreak, the undead have become a somewhat manageable (though still terrifying) part of life. Humans have carved out a semblance of normalcy, even using zombies for entertainment in gladiatorial arenas. But things take a sinister turn when a new breed of zombie emerges – intelligent, blood-sucking vampires!

Review:

Romero’s influence on the zombie genre is undeniable, and Empire of the Dead proves that he still had plenty of fresh ideas to offer. This series is a thrilling blend of classic zombie horror and vampire lore, with Romero’s signature social commentary woven throughout. The artwork, by Alex Maleev, is gritty and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the decaying urban landscape and the monstrous creatures that inhabit it.

What I love about Empire of the Dead is its ambition. Romero doesn’t just rehash familiar tropes; he expands the mythology of the undead, exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of the genre. The result is a truly unique and unforgettable zombie comic experience.

Honorable Mentions:

• Revival (Image Comics): This chilling series explores what happens when the dead suddenly return to life in a small rural town. But here’s the twist: these “revivers” aren’t your typical flesh-eating zombies. They retain their memories and personalities, leading to all sorts of emotional and psychological complexities. Revival is more of a slow-burn mystery with horror elements, exploring themes of grief, faith, and the nature of life and death. While it doesn’t feature traditional zombies, the eerie atmosphere and unsettling premise make it a must-read for fans of the macabre.
  
• Crossed (Avatar Press): Now, this one is definitely not for the faint of heart! Crossed, created by Garth Ennis, throws all notions of morality and restraint out the window. It depicts a world ravaged by a virus that turns people into violent, sadistic psychopaths marked by a cross-shaped rash on their faces. The “Crossed” are driven by their most primal urges, indulging in unspeakable acts of cruelty and depravity. While they’re not technically undead, their relentless savagery and the sheer brutality of the series make it a terrifying exploration of the dark side of human nature.
  
• 28 Days Later (Fox Atomic Comics): Based on the iconic film, this comic series expands on the “Rage” virus that transforms people into hyper-aggressive, infected beings. While not technically zombies in the traditional sense, these infected individuals exhibit many similar traits: animalistic behavior, a thirst for violence, and a relentless pursuit of uninfected humans. The 28 Days Later comics capture the frantic energy and claustrophobic terror of the film, delivering a pulse-pounding survival horror experience.
  

Why they didn’t make the main list:

As much as I love these series, they don’t quite fit the criteria for my list. The creatures in these stories are driven by rage, disease, or some other affliction, rather than the classic reanimated corpse trope (except for Revival, but the Resurrected in this series are fully human). But hey, who says horror has to stick to rigid definitions? These comics offer their own unique brand of terror and deserve a spot on any horror fan’s reading list.

The Wrap-Up

These are just a few of the many great zombie comic series out there. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the genre or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in the world of zombie comics. So, pick up a few issues or some of the collected editions, and prepare to be terrified, entertained, and maybe even a little bit… should I say enlightened? Yeah, we’ll go with that.

What are your favorite zombie comic series? Let me know in the comments below! And remember to subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive horror content, delivered straight to your inbox. Thanks for reading, horror hounds!