With spring break/summer vacations steadily closing in, there’s no better time for us to unleash some thrilling, spine-chilling tales for you, Marvel fans and readers—stories that will pull you into their depths, leaving you both exhilarated and haunted long after you turn the last page. 

It's time to dig into the dark and terrifying side of Marvel Comics. While Marvel is widely recognized for its family-friendly superheroes, the publisher has also carved out a niche in the horror genre. From unsettling psychological tales to gruesome supernatural horrors, Marvel’s horror comics have left readers sleeping with the lights on for decades.

If you're looking for bloodcurdling horror stories filled with eerie atmospheres, grotesque monsters, and mind-bending terror, Marvel has you covered. Here’s a ranking of some of the most chilling Marvel horror comics that will send shivers down your spine this Halloween season.

Tales of the Zombie – The Birth of Marvel Horror

In the 1970s, Marvel cleverly dodged the strict censorship of the Comics Code Authority by publishing black-and-white horror magazines, allowing them to explore mature themes with greater creative freedom. One such magazine was Tales of the Zombie, which introduced readers to Simon Garth, a businessman cursed into a state of zombification.

Originally created by Stan Lee and Bill Everett in the 1950s, Simon Garth was resurrected as a tragic and chilling protagonist in stories by Steve Gerber and Pablo Marcos. With its eerie voodoo themes, visceral storytelling, and morally complex characters, Tales of the Zombie remains one of Marvel’s most unsettling horror series.

Druid – A Descent into Madness

Warren Ellis’ Druid (1995) takes a different approach to horror, leaning heavily into psychological terror. The story follows Doctor Druid, a second-rate sorcerer who was often considered one of the least impressive Avengers. Frustrated with his failures, he embarks on a dark path in search of true power.

As Doctor Druid’s obsession grows, so does his insanity. He loses his humanity, slipping further into darkness as he becomes more detached from reality. The creeping sense of dread throughout Druid makes it a masterclass in psychological horror, showing how ambition and desperation can lead to self-destruction.

The Tomb of Dracula – The Undisputed King of Vampires

Marvel’s take on Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire, The Tomb of Dracula (1972-1979), is one of the most influential horror comics of all time. Written by Gerry Conway and Archie Goodwin, the series featured stunning artwork by Gene Colan, which perfectly captured the gothic horror aesthetic.

This long-running series introduced readers to a terrifying yet strangely charismatic Dracula who faced off against vampire hunters, supernatural beings, and even Marvel superheroes. Most notably, this comic gave us Blade, the iconic vampire hunter who would later become a pop culture phenomenon.

Absolute Carnage – A Blood-Soaked Nightmare

Few villains in Marvel’s history are as terrifying as Carnage, and Absolute Carnage (2019) amplifies his horror tenfold. Written by Donny Cates with art by Ryan Stegman, this crossover event sees Carnage return, resurrected by a cult that worships the symbiote god Knull.

Carnage embarks on a brutal hunt, targeting anyone who has ever bonded with a symbiote, including Venom, Spider-Man, and even Captain America. With grotesque violence, horrifying body transformations, and a story soaked in blood, Absolute Carnage is one of the most terrifying Marvel stories ever told.

Marvel Zombies – Superheroes Turned Flesh-Eating Monsters

What happens when Earth’s mightiest heroes become the undead? Marvel Zombies (2005), written by Robert Kirkman with art by Sean Phillips, explores this terrifying concept.

In an alternate universe, a mysterious virus transforms heroes like Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Captain America into flesh-hungry zombies. Unlike typical zombies, these infected heroes retain their intelligence and abilities, making them even more dangerous. As they devour every living being in sight, their existential dread and grotesque hunger make Marvel Zombies a uniquely disturbing horror read.

Damnation – When Mephisto Takes Over Las Vegas

When Doctor Strange tries to restore Las Vegas after its destruction, he inadvertently allows Mephisto, Marvel’s version of the Devil, to take control of the city. Damnation (2018), written by Nick Spencer and Donny Cates, takes readers into a nightmarish world where sin and damnation rule.

Doctor Strange, now transformed into the new Ghost Rider, must join forces with the Midnight Sons and other supernatural heroes to free the city from Mephisto’s grasp. With hellish imagery and supernatural horror, Damnation is a must-read for fans of occult horror.

Journey into Mystery – The Birthplace of Marvel Horror

Long before superheroes dominated Marvel Comics, the publisher was known for its horror anthologies. Journey into Mystery (1952) was one of the earliest examples, featuring eerie tales of monsters, witches, and macabre mysteries.

These short horror stories, filled with unexpected twists and gruesome fates, laid the groundwork for Marvel’s future horror comics. If you enjoy classic horror storytelling reminiscent of The Twilight Zone, Journey into Mystery is an essential read.

Rise of the Midnight Sons – Marvel’s Supernatural Avengers

In the 1990s, Marvel embraced the horror-action genre with Rise of the Midnight Sons, a crossover event that assembled the most terrifying supernatural heroes. Featuring Ghost Rider, Blade, Morbius, and the Nightstalkers, the Midnight Sons take on Lilith, the Mother of Demons, and her monstrous offspring.

With gothic horror aesthetics, demonic creatures, and an all-star lineup of supernatural warriors, Rise of the Midnight Sons is a thrilling blend of horror and superhero action.

Chamber of Chills – Pre-Code Horror Stories Resurrected

Before the Comics Code Authority cracked down on horror comics, publishers pushed the boundaries of terror. Chamber of Chills (1970s) revived many of these forgotten stories from the 1950s, allowing a new generation to experience classic horror tales.

These unsettling stories often featured cruel twists of fate, vengeful spirits, and terrifying monsters. One particularly haunting tale, They Wait in Their… Dungeon, follows a sadistic prison warden who meets a horrifying fate at the hands of his own inmates.

Masters of Terror – Adapting Literary Horror Classics

For fans of classic horror literature, Masters of Terror (1975) is a must-read. This anthology series adapted works from legendary authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard, featuring stories crafted by Marvel’s top writers and artists.

One standout tale is The Terrible Old Man, based on a Lovecraftian short story about a man who finds a book that predicts his future. As his greed grows, so does his paranoia—until his inevitable, horrifying demise. With its psychological dread and dark philosophical undertones, Masters of Terror remains one of Marvel’s most chilling horror comics.