15 Murder Mystery Comics We Recommend

Murder mysteries have been a popular genre for centuries, and with the rise of comic books, it was only a matter of time before the two came together. Comics offer a unique visual storytelling experience that can be just as captivating as any novel or TV show. From hard-boiled detective stories to supernatural whodunits, murder mystery comics offer a thrilling and often gritty look into the dark side of human nature. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 15 murder mystery comics we recommend. Whether you’re a seasoned comics reader or new to the medium, there’s something on this list for everyone. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare to be transported into a world of murder, mayhem, and mystery.

Batman: The Long Halloween

Jeph Loeb’s Batman comics typically feature intricate storylines, an ensemble cast of iconic Batman characters, and a murder mystery that ties them all together. The Long Halloween, considered the quintessential example of this formula, takes place in Batman’s early career, with Batman, Jim Gordon, and Harvey Dent working to take down the Falcone crime family while simultaneously dealing with the emergence of a new villain, the Holiday Killer. The series unfolds during a year as Batman tries to uncover the identity of the killer and put a stop to their deadly spree. The Long Halloween is a captivating murder mystery that builds on the foundation laid by Frank Miller and Dave Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One, and is enhanced by Tim Sale’s evocative artwork depicting the dark and twisted world of Gotham City.

Murder Me Dead by David Lapham

Murder Me Dead is a critically acclaimed murder mystery comic series created by David Lapham. The story follows a wealthy man named Martin who is pulled back into a dangerous world of love, lust, and betrayal after reconnecting with his former flame, Gilda. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of his past, he finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit and violence that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With its gripping storyline, intricate plot twists, and dynamic characters, Murder Me Dead is a must-read for fans of the murder mystery genre.

Kill or be Killed by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

Kill or be Killed is a gripping murder mystery comic series created by the acclaimed duo of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. The story follows a young man named Dylan who, after attempting suicide, is saved by a demon who offers him a deal: kill one person a month or die himself. As Dylan begins to carry out the demon’s twisted mission, he finds himself caught up in a web of violence and deceit that threatens to consume him. With its dark and gritty storyline, morally ambiguous protagonist, and stunning artwork, Kill or be Killed is a thought-provoking and intense exploration of the nature of evil and the human psyche.

The Fade Out by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips

The Fade Out is a critically acclaimed murder mystery comic series created by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Set in the 1940s, the story follows a screenwriter named Charlie Parish who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after a young starlet is found dead. As he delves deeper into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, Charlie uncovers a web of corruption, betrayal, and cover-ups that threaten to destroy his career and his life. With its noir-inspired atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plot twists, The Fade Out is a captivating and suspenseful murder mystery that offers a glimpse into the darker side of Hollywood’s golden age.

Sin City: The Hard Goodbye by Frank Miller

Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of his most popular creator-owned comics, known for its dark and brooding crime dramas filled with stylish violence and sex. The franchise began with The Hard Goodbye, which introduced Marv, the face of the series. The story follows Marv as he wakes up to find his companion, Goldie, dead and framed for her murder. This leads Marv on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth, and along the way, he discovers the depths of corruption in his city. The Hard Goodbye is widely considered the best of the Sin City stories, featuring striking black-and-white artwork and a relatable protagonist in a city full of killers and sinners.

Identity Crisis by Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer, known for writing crime dramas and political thrillers, brought his expertise to his comic book work with Identity Crisis. The story begins with the murder of Sue Dibny, the wife of Elongated Man. As more victims are claimed, dark secrets from the Justice League’s past are revealed, and the DC Universe becomes a darker and more dangerous place. Identity Crisis is often compared to Marvel’s Original Sin, and is a controversial addition to DC’s event comics, criticized for its contribution to the sense of doom and gloom in the DCU. Despite this, Meltzer, alongside artist Rags Morales, crafted an engaging mystery that kept readers guessing throughout the series, particularly in issue #3 where Deathstroke takes apart the Justice League.

Torso by Brian Michael Bendis

Brian Michael Bendis is a well-known name in the comics industry, but it wasn’t always that way. One of his early works, Torso, helped him establish himself as a talented writer and artist. Together with Marc Andreyko, Bendis co-wrote and provided art and lettering for the mini-series. Torso is a fictionalized retelling of the real-life Cleveland Torso Murders that took place in the late 1930s. The series follows investigator Eliot Ness as he and his team track the killings and try to catch the killer in an era before DNA testing and constant surveillance. With its unique visual approach and compelling mystery, Torso won an Eisner Award and solidified Bendis’s place in the industry.

She Died In Terrebonne by Kevin Church

She Died in Terrebonne, a web comic turned graphic novel, is a murder mystery that succeeds in large part due to its focus on character and setting. Writer Kevin Church and artist T.J. Kirsch create a compelling protagonist in the form of Japanese-American private detective Sam Kimimura, who is hired to track down a missing girl but soon finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation. The 1970s setting is vividly brought to life through Kirsch’s artwork and design, and adds to the overall stylish and energetic feel of the comic. By prioritizing both character and setting, She Died in Terrebonne delivers a satisfying and engaging mystery.

Daredevil: End of Days by Brian Michael Bendis

Daredevil: End of Days, like Marvel’s “The End” series, presents the final story of the character. The comic starts with Daredevil’s death at the hands of Bullseye, and his last word prompts journalist Ben Urich to uncover the truth about Murdock’s last days. End of Days is often compared to Daredevil’s version of The Dark Knight Returns, with a top-notch creative team that includes Brian Bendis and David Mack co-writing, and Klaus Janson and Bill Sienkiewicz illustrating. The emotional depth of the story and its fitting conclusion to the series make it more than just a “What if?” scenario.

Richard Stark’s Parker: The Hunter by Darwyn Cooke

Parker: The Hunter is a graphic novel adaptation of the crime novel by Richard Stark (a pen name for author Donald E. Westlake), written and illustrated by Darwyn Cooke. The story follows Parker, a professional thief who has just been released from prison and is out for revenge against his former partners who double-crossed him during a heist. With its minimalist artwork, retro design, and hard-boiled narration, Cooke’s adaptation is a masterful tribute to the noir genre. The novel was critically acclaimed upon its release, winning multiple awards and leading to three sequels by Cooke before his untimely death in 2016.

Road to Perdition by Max Allan Collins

Road to Perdition is a graphic novel by Max Allan Collins and Richard Piers Rayner. Set during the Great Depression, it follows the story of Michael O’Sullivan, a hitman for the Irish mob who goes on a journey of revenge with his son, Michael Jr., after the rest of his family is murdered by his own boss. The story is loosely based on real-life gangster John Looney and his enforcer, Michael O’Leary. The graphic novel was adapted into a film in 2002, directed by Sam Mendes and starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. It has been praised for its compelling characters, themes of family and loyalty, and stunning black-and-white artwork.

Criminal: The Sinners by Ed Brubaker

If you’re searching for a compelling crime comic, look no further than Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’ Criminal. Each of the series’ six arcs presents a self-contained tale featuring complex characters entangled in illegal activities. While all the volumes are worth reading, the fifth, “The Sinners,” stands out for its murder mystery plot. The story follows Tracy Lawless, previously introduced in Criminal Vol. 2: Lawless, as he becomes involved in the underworld as a hitman and is tasked with finding a killer who targets high-level criminals. The Sinners offers a sophisticated take on Sin City’s themes and is equally striking visually.

Watchmen by Alan Moore

Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind for most fans, Watchmen is essentially a murder mystery story that begins with the death of former superhero and government agent, The Comedian. The quest to find his killer brings the other heroes out of hiding and drives the plot towards its dramatic and unexpected conclusion. In Watchmen, writer Alan Moore and artist Dave Gibbons reimagined flawed but intriguing characters from Charlton Comics into a world on the brink of nuclear destruction. The densely crafted story provides new details with each reading, while delivering a powerful commentary on the superhero genre, making it one of the most cherished and influential comics ever written.

Sandman: The Doll’s House by Neil Gaiman

“Sandman: The Doll’s House” by Neil Gaiman and Mike Dringenberg can be considered a murder mystery in a supernatural context. The story revolves around Dream, also known as Morpheus, and his quest to recapture escaped dreams that have taken human form. Along the way, he discovers that a dream vortex has been created by a young woman named Rose Walker, and her presence threatens the balance of the Dreaming. The mystery deepens when it is revealed that Rose’s family is being hunted by a supernatural serial killer called The Corinthian. The story then becomes a race against time to stop The Corinthian before he kills again, while also dealing with the larger threat posed by the dream vortex.

Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill

“Locke & Key: Welcome to Lovecraft” is a horror and supernatural comic book series that also features elements of a murder mystery. The plot revolves around the Locke family, who move into their ancestral home, Keyhouse, after their father is murdered. They soon discover that the house contains magical keys that unlock various doors and abilities, but also attracts a malevolent entity responsible for their father’s death. The Locke children seek to uncover the identity of their father’s killer and suspect a connection to the mysterious entity. The search for the truth about their father’s death intertwines with the supernatural elements, creating a suspenseful and captivating narrative.

Also Read: 10 Unexplained Mysteries In DC Comics