The zombie genre is always trying to reinvent itself, and The Last of Us is one of the most successful examples of that. It’s almost impossible to talk about games nowadays without hearing great things about the series — mainly its second installment. And starting April 13, we’ll also watch this incredible story on HBO and Max with The Last Of Us Season 2’s release.
Besides TLOU, there are many interesting takes on the zombie genre, even if they don’t stray as far away from the original concept. Thankfully, we can find several of them in comic books — many of which have been adapted for TV or film. And The Last of Us has gotten its own, excellent comic book continuation, American Dreams, from game creator Neil Druckmann and artist Faith Erin Hicks, focusing on the character Ellie.
So, if you can’t wait for the new season or haven’t gotten your fill of the undead killers, come with us as we explore 11 absolutely killer zombie comic books worth sinking your teeth into.
1. The Walking Dead
Writer: Robert Kirkman
Artist: Charlie Adlard, Tony Moore
One of the best long-running comics in history, The Walking Dead is also one of the most popular zombie stories ever. It gave new life to the genre while also providing solid character drama. And you may be aware, but The Walking Dead has become one of the longest-running TV franchises currently on the air.
Get The Walking Dead Omnibus on Bookshop
2. Empire of the Dead
Writer: George A. Romero
Artist: Alex Maleev
The “Father of the Zombie Film” couldn’t be not included, right? In 2014, George A. Romero joined Marvel to create his new undead epic, and the craziness is on another level. It’s a zombie vs vampire free-for-all.
Get Empire of the Dead on Amazon
3. Afterlife with Archie
Writer: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Artist: Francesco Francavilla
The happy-go-lucky Archie cast meets horror and tragedy (while never letting go of comedy) in this undead apocalypse. Francavilla’s art is the cherry on top, solidifying the unique vibe of the story. While Afterlife with Archie never made it to TV, you can see hints of the storyline on Riverdale.
Get Afterlife With Archie on Amazon
4. The Goon
Writer: Eric Powell
Artist: Eric Powell
The Goon shines in its simplicity. Every issue is almost standalone, giving you a hilarious and action-packed story featuring Goon and Franky, his quipster best friend. They battle a lot of different things, but their main enemy is the Zombie Priest — hence the title’s inclusion on this list. Despite multiple tries, and even a short test animation, The Goon has yet to make it to film or TV. Boo!
Get The Goon: Bunch Of Old Crap Omnibus on Bookshop
5. DCeased
Writer: Tom Taylor
Artist: Trevor Hairsine, James Harren, Stefano Gaudiano
What’s more fun than watching the zombie version of your favorite heroes? This take on DC is non-stop entertainment with good twists, action, and comedy. Also, if you like the Supersons (Jon Kent and Damian Wayne), do yourself a favor and read this.
6. iZombie
Writer: Chris Roberson
Artist: Michael Allred
A very different spin on the genre, iZombie follows Gwen Dylan, who must eat brains once a month to maintain her memories. However, she also gets the thoughts and personality of her food. That encourages her to accept their last requests, be it solving a crime or righting wrongs. The series was very loosely adapted for The CW’s iZombie TV show, which is pretty great in its own right.
Get iZombie: The Complete Series Omnibus on Bookshop
7. 28 Days Later
Writer: Michael Alan Nelson
Artist: Declan Shalvey
A sequel connecting the 28 Days Later movie to 28 Weeks Later, this comic focuses on Selena, one of the film’s survivors. Even if you haven’t watched the franchise, you can enjoy her epic journey to return to Great Britain.
Get 28 Days Later: Vol. 1, London Calling on Amazon
8. Daybreak
Writer: Brian Ralph
Artist: Brian Ralph
Told in a first-person perspective, a one-armed man guides you through the zombie apocalypse and helps you survive. This gimmick is not only effective in setting the atmosphere but also in creating tension, as you can only helplessly watch your savior’s daily struggles. This was adapted into a short-lived, one-season TV show on Netflix.
9. Revival
Writer: Tim Seeley
Artist: Mike Norton
Tim Seeley mixes small-town soap opera drama with a very unique take on the undead: specifically, one day, everyone who died returns to life. While not technically a zombie comic the way you’d normally think of one, it fits the bill with dark secrets, murders, and lots of supernatural intrigue and weirdness. Though the premiere date is TBA, Revival is being adapted for TV by SYFY and should premiere later this year.
Get Revival Compendium on Bookshop
10. Victorian Undead
Writer: Ian Edginton
Artist: Davide Fabbri
Have you ever imagined how Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson would fare against supernatural entities? In this series, the world’s greatest detective will test his intellect against, zombies, Dracula himself, and even Jekyll and Hyde.
Get Victorian Undead: Sherlock Holmes vs. Zombies! on Amazon
11. Zombo
Writer: Al Ewing
Artist: Henry Flint
An utterly ridiculous and hilarious comic about a polite zombie superhero on a deadly planet. The satire pokes fun at anything you can imagine and isn’t afraid of being gruesome or going in insane directions.
Get Zombo: Can I Eat You Please? on Bookshop
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