The Intersection of Indie Comics and Horror
Disclosure: Hello people! Just so you know, this post includes affiliate links, which earn us a commission (no extra cost to you). This is one of the things that helps us run this little shindig. You can read our full disclosure here. Now, enjoy the read!
In the realm of indie comics, one genre stands out for its ability to captivate readers with its dark, dastardly, dreadful, and... chilling tales: horror! The intersection of indie comics and horror is a fascinating space where creators have the freedom to explore a wide range of themes, delve into unique storytelling techniques, and pay homage to the rich history of the genre. This time around, we'll take a closer look at this personal favorite of mine, and the themes, trends, and tributes that define the captivating world of indie horror comics.
Themes
Horror comics obviously delve into themes that evoke fear, dread, and unease in readers. Ya know… horrors. From exploring the human psyche to confronting existential fears, creators can tackle a wide array of topics within the horror genre. Themes such as isolation, loss, identity, and the supernatural are commonly explored, offering readers a thought-provoking and immersive experience. In the indie space, there is even more freedom to delve into these things than in the mainstream, where editorial may present red lines and roadblocks to some ideas.
Indie horror comics are a breeding ground for exploration of the deepest fears and darkest corners of the human psyche. Here are some of the prominent themes commonly found in indie horror comics:
Isolation
Many horror comics explore themes of isolation, both physical and psychological. Characters may find themselves trapped in remote locations, cut off from civilization, or isolated within their own minds. This theme resonates with readers as it taps into the primal fear of being alone and vulnerable in the face of unknown threats. The horror comic, Harrow County, for example is a great example of using isolation to foster a sense of dread.
Loss
Loss is a recurring theme in horror comics, as characters grapple with the pain of losing loved ones or confronting their own mortality. Whether it's the loss of innocence, identity, or loved ones, this theme adds emotional depth to the narrative and underscores the fragility of human existence.
Self-Reflection/Projection
The exploration of oneself is another prevalent theme in indie horror comics. Characters may grapple with questions of character, identity crisis, or the blurring of boundaries between reality and illusion. This theme allows creators to delve into existential questions and challenge readers' perceptions of reality.
Fear of the Unknown
At the heart of horror lies the fear of the unknown, and indie comics can excel at exploiting this primal fear with unbound indie freedom. Whether it's confronting supernatural entities, cosmic horrors, or existential dread, indie creators can push the boundaries of imagination to evoke a sense of unease and uncertainty in readers.
Survival
Survival is a central theme in many horror comics, as characters are forced to confront life-threatening situations and make difficult choices to stay alive. Whether it's battling monsters, navigating treacherous environments, or facing off against human adversaries, the theme of survival underscores the primal instinct to fight for one's life against insurmountable odds. Books like Crossed and The Walking Dead heavily deal in themes of survival.
Guilt and Redemption
Guilt and redemption are powerful thematic elements in horror comics, as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and seek redemption for past sins. Whether it's confronting past traumas, seeking forgiveness from others, or struggling to forgive oneself, this theme adds layers of complexity to the characters and their motivations.
The Supernatural
Horror comics often explore themes of the supernatural, including ghosts, demons, witches, and otherworldly entities. This theme allows creators to unleash their imagination and transport readers to realms beyond the realm of the natural, where the laws of physics and logic no longer apply. For example, the series, Hellboy, utilizes the supernatural to great effect.
These are just a few of the many themes that horror comics explore. By delving into these themes with nuance, depth, creativity, and a bit of a rebel attitude (toss that voice that says, “Wait, maybe you shouldn’t…” aside) indie creators can craft stories that resonate with readers on a visceral and emotional level, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
Trends
In recent years, indie horror comics have seen a surge in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of digital platforms and crowdfunding campaigns. This has led to quite a range of voices entering the genre, resulting in a wealth of innovative and boundary-pushing stories.
Here are some of the notable trends that have emerged within the realm of indie horror comics:
Resurgence of Classic Horror Tropes
Indie creators have embraced and reimagined classic horror tropes, breathing new life into familiar themes such as haunted houses, vengeful spirits, and ancient curses. By putting their own unique spin on these timeless elements, creators infuse their stories with a sense of nostalgia while offering fresh perspectives on age-old fears. A good example of bringing a trope into new light (or dark) is 30 Days of Night.
Blending of Genres
Creators are increasingly blending horror with other genres such as sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery, resulting in innovative and genre-defying storytelling. These hybrid narratives push the boundaries of traditional genre conventions, offering readers unique and unexpected twists that keep them on the edge of their seats. A great example of this is Vampire Hunter D, which blends classic horror with pulp, science fiction, fantasy, and other elements.
Experimentation with Format
With the rise of digital platforms and self-publishing tools, indie creators have unprecedented freedom to experiment with format and distribution methods. From webcomics and digital releases to serialized print editions and limited-run zines, indie horror comics come in a wide variety of formats, allowing creators to reach audiences in new and exciting ways. An example of this would be Graphic Audio's exclusive audio comics, like the Hellboy story, Hellboy And The BPRD: The Goddess Of Manhattan.
Focus on Psychological Horror
Horror comics can utilize psychological horror over graphic violence, relying on atmosphere, tension, and psychological manipulation to unsettle readers. By tapping into deep-seated fears and anxieties, these comics leave a lasting impression on readers long after they've finished reading. Honestly, who doesn’t like a good splatter show, amirite? But delving into the psyche more than just gore can provide a uniquely deep approach to a horror story. Gideon Falls is a series that deals with the thralls of psychological perturbation.
Crowdfunding Campaigns
Many indie creators turn to crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and Fund My Comic to finance their projects, allowing them to bypass traditional publishing channels and retain creative control over their work. These campaigns often attract a passionate fanbase eager to support independent creators and help bring their visions to life.
These trends demonstrate the vibrant and dynamic nature of the indie horror comics scene, where creators are pushing the boundaries of storytelling, exploring new thematic territory, and challenging readers' expectations at every turn. As the genre continues to evolve and innovate, indie horror comics remain a vital and exciting part of the broader comic book landscape.
Tributes
Indie creators often pay homage to the rich history of horror comics, drawing inspiration from classic tales and iconic creators. From subtle nods to overt references, tributes to horror legends such as H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and Clive Barker can be found throughout indie horror comics. These tributes serve as a testament to the enduring influence of past masters and the ongoing evolution of the genre. On top of that, we’ve recently seen some long-beloved iconic fictional characters move into the public domain, which means… horror versions of those characters. So, there’s that as well!
Here are some of the ways in which creators pay tribute to horror legends:
Visual References
One of the most common ways that indie creators pay tribute to horror legends is through visual references. This can take the form of subtle Easter eggs hidden in the background of panels, such as a book titled "Necronomicon" or a poster for a fictional horror movie featuring iconic imagery reminiscent of classic films. The Creepshow comic series fashions itself as a love letter to classic horror.
Character Homages
Indie creators often create characters that pay homage to iconic figures from horror history. Whether it's a mysterious detective inspired by Sherlock Holmes, a brooding vampire reminiscent of Dracula, or a plucky heroine in the vein of Ellen Ripley, these characters serve as loving tributes to the archetypes that have defined the genre for generations. The series Hack/Slash plays with horror tropes in a number of ways, even having crossovers with horror characters.
Narrative Parallels
Indie creators may also pay tribute to horror legends through narrative parallels, drawing inspiration from classic stories and putting their own unique spin on familiar themes. This can include reimagining classic tales such as Frankenstein or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or crafting original stories that echo the narrative structure and themes of beloved horror classics. For example, the short four-issue series, Neonomicon, takes the ideas of Lovecraft and runs with them.
Artistic Homage
In addition to narrative and visual references, indie creators may pay tribute to horror legends through artistic homage. This can take the form of stylistic nods to iconic artists such as Bernie Wrightson, H.R. Giger, or Junji Ito, or the incorporation of iconic imagery such as the haunted landscapes of H.P. Lovecraft or the grotesque creatures of Clive Barker.
Meta-Commentary
Some indie creators use their work to engage in meta-commentary on the horror genre itself, paying tribute to its history while also critiquing its tropes and conventions. This can include self-aware references to common horror clichés, tongue-in-cheek nods to the absurdities of the genre, or heartfelt tributes to the impact that horror has had on their own lives and creative endeavors.
Tributes to horror legends are a common and beloved aspect of indie horror comics, allowing creators to express their admiration for the genre's rich history while also putting their own unique stamp on the genre. Whether through visual references, character homages, narrative parallels, artistic homage, or meta-commentary, these tributes serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of horror and its continued influence on creators and audiences alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intersection of indie comics and horror is a vibrant and dynamic space where creators have the freedom to explore dark and unsettling themes, experiment with innovative storytelling techniques, and pay tribute to the genre's rich history.
Can this be done in the mainstream? Yes… to a degree. But ultimately, there will be a line that you can’t cross. Then what? In the indie space, that line is much further back, and if you’re a true rebel, may be obliterated completely (look at outlaw comics).
For a genre like horror, that can go a long way in compelling a reader to dive into your particular story. This also means that indie horror scribes should push the boundaries as much as possible. The onus is on the creator to make use of the freedom that indie provides.
Whether you're a seasoned horror fan or new to the world of indie comics, there's something uniquely enticing about the chilling tales found within the pages of indie horror comics. So, grab a flashlight, dim the lights, and prepare to be immersed in a world of fear and fascination unlike any other.
Maybe I'll do some spotlights on cool indie horror stuff, in the future. If that sounds cool, let me know!
Shameful plug: If you're into horror and indie comics, check out my comic, Black Rose Omen: The Bondage. It's got vampires, a revenant, ancient magic, and lots of bloody goodness.
You can also check out some free comics on the site, here, and you can sign up to my email list and get a free digital comic. If you're into the supernatural, then you'll probably dig it.
