Page Chewing

What are the best horror comics and manga I've ever read?

In this episode of Page Chewing, I'm counting down my personal top 10 horror comics and manga, featuring everything from psychological terror and extreme survival horror to cosmic nightmares and unforgettable body horror.

Some of these stories have stayed with me for more than a decade. Others feature artwork so disturbing that it's impossible to forget.

We'll explore why Scott Snyder's Severed has one of my favorite comic book endings, why The Walking Dead is worth reading even if you've given up on the television series, and what makes Alan Moore's Lovecraft-inspired horror so compelling.

I'll also discuss the brutal survival horror of Crossed, Grant Morrison's mind-bending Nameless, and why Junji Ito's Uzumaki sits at the very top of my list.

Along the way, we'll talk about the different ways horror comics can unsettle readers, from graphic violence to psychological dread and the fear of the unknown.

Whether you're an experienced comic reader or someone looking for a place to start with horror manga and graphic novels, this episode offers ten recommendations worth exploring.

Content warning: Several works discussed contain extreme violence, disturbing imagery, and mature themes.

What are your favorite horror comics and manga? Join the conversation and share your recommendations!

Visit Page Chewing for more conversations about books, comics, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and storytelling.

Books mentioned (Amazon Affiliate links): 10. Severed — Scott Snyder https://link.amazon/B00W0iMUq

9. Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees — Patrick Horvath https://link.amazon/B03B4Ws5n

8. Berserk — Kentaro Miura https://link.amazon/B022XOBt5

7. American Vampire — Scott Snyder https://link.amazon/B0bE6x3Ep

6. The Walking Dead — Robert Kirkman https://link.amazon/B09xgBJup

5. Neonomicon — Alan Moore https://link.amazon/B0fBvpAEH

4. Providence — Alan Moore https://link.amazon/B0eik9ckS

3. Crossed — Garth Ennis https://link.amazon/B07tD0VvX

2. Nameless — Grant Morrison https://link.amazon/B05PDQQHV

1. Uzumaki — Junji Ito https://link.amazon/B07JS7R8R

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The Pet Sematary read-along continues with Chapters 51–54, and Stephen King takes us through one of the most heartbreaking sequences of the novel.

Louis Creed's determination to retrieve Gage and bring him to the burial ground forces us to confront the devastating effects of grief and the lengths someone might go to escape unbearable emotional pain.

This time, I'm discussing King's remarkable ability to build tension through Louis's exhausting journey, the possibility that supernatural forces are influencing his decisions, and the increasingly mysterious intentions of the burial ground.

I'm also questioning something that hasn't received much attention in our previous discussions: Gage himself.

If Louis succeeds in bringing him back, what will Gage become? And is it fair to make that decision for someone who has no say in the matter?

My predictions are also changing dramatically as we approach the conclusion. I'm beginning to suspect that not everyone will survive what's coming.

Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue building our evolving notebook of observations, questions, and predictions.

Next episode: Chapters 55–57.

Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–54.

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Is fantasy becoming too complicated? Are enormous series and excessive worldbuilding discouraging readers? And why is horror experiencing such strong sales compared with fantasy?

This week on Page Chewing, I'm exploring these questions and sharing my thoughts on whether fantasy could benefit from more standalone novels, shorter stories, and less emphasis on elaborate worldbuilding.

I'm also wrapping up my first reading of Stephen King's Pet Sematary. What initially left me somewhat disappointed has become one of my favorite King reading experiences as I've had more time to reflect on the story.

Our special Halloween conversation with Stephen King scholar Caroline Bicks is coming October 31st, including a discussion of the novel's early drafts and alternative ending.

I'm also continuing through Agustina Bazterrica's disturbing Tender Is the Flesh and R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought.

Looking ahead, November brings our Shadow & Claw read-along by Gene Wolfe, with weekly Friday discussions. I'm also planning to revisit Hermann Hesse's Steppenwolf in December.

Beyond the books, I'm discussing upcoming Page Chewing videos, revisiting The Sopranos, and reflecting on how our perspectives change as we watch our parents grow older.

Thanks for listening, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the future of fantasy fiction.

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The Slog continues!

We're back with Chapters 5–8 of R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought, the final installment of The Prince of Nothing trilogy.

This week, Steve, Shobz, and Shawn explore some of the most psychologically fascinating developments in the series as Cnaiür continues his descent into madness, Kellhus becomes increasingly mysterious, and the consequences of manipulation begin to reveal themselves.

Cnaiür has always been one of Bakker's most complicated characters. But as his memories, emotions, and identity become increasingly fractured, we're left wondering how much of his behavior is truly his own.

Is he losing his mind? Is he undergoing another transformation? Or is something even stranger happening?

Meanwhile, Kellhus's motivations become increasingly difficult to understand. With fewer opportunities to experience events from his perspective, we're forced to interpret his actions through the people surrounding him.

Has Kellhus fundamentally changed since the Circumfix, or is he still the same Dûnyain manipulating everyone around him?

We also discuss:

• Cnaiür's deteriorating mental state and his relationship with Conphas
• Kellhus, the Circumfix, and the disappearance of his internal perspective
• Achamian, Seswatha, and the possibility of Kellhus accessing the Mandate's dreams
• Esmenet's growing understanding of Achamian's suffering
• The heartbreaking relationship between Achamian and Esmenet
• The Consult's motivations and their interest in Conphas
• Connections between the First Apocalypse and the events of the Aspect-Emperor series
• The recurring themes of manipulation, identity, memory, and history

As always, we're approaching this reread with knowledge of the entire series, exploring details, foreshadowing, and connections that might be overlooked during a first reading.

⚠️ FULL SERIES SPOILERS!

This discussion contains spoilers for all seven books of R. Scott Bakker's The Second Apocalypse. We strongly recommend finishing the series before listening.

CURRENT READ: The Thousandfold Thought — Chapters 5–8

SERIES: The Second Apocalypse Reread

Join us as we continue the Slog through one of the darkest and most philosophically challenging fantasy series ever written.

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The tension continues to build in Stephen King's Pet Sematary as Louis Creed moves closer to making a decision that could change everything.

In Chapters 46–50, we follow Louis's increasingly desperate efforts to reach Gage's body, while Rachel races back toward Ludlow and Jud prepares to intervene.

This section showcases King's ability to build suspense through small obstacles, detailed descriptions, and the thoughts of a character overwhelmed by grief.

We also explore how grief drives the characters in different directions, whether Louis is being influenced by something beyond his own desperation, and whether anyone can stop him before it's too late.

Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue tracking our observations and predictions.

Next episode: Chapters 51–54.

Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–50.

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Grief is pushing Louis Creed toward a decision that could change everything.

In Chapters 41–45 of Stephen King's Pet Sematary, Louis sends Rachel and Ellie to Chicago while becoming increasingly consumed by the possibility of bringing Gage back from the dead.

We explore King's use of Louis's internal thoughts, the desperation driving his decisions, and the questions he doesn't seem willing to confront about what resurrection might actually mean.

Meanwhile, Ellie begins receiving warnings through dreams involving Victor Pascow, raising new questions about why she's being contacted instead of Louis.

Can Jud stop Louis before he makes a terrible mistake?

Join me for another installment of the Page Chewing Pet Sematary read-along as we continue tracking our observations and predictions.

Next episode: Chapters 46–50.

Spoilers are limited to Chapters 1–45.

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This week on Panel Chewing #152, we're talking about disappointing comics, surprising discoveries, Halloween horror, and two outstanding Picks of the Week.

We open with a conversation about the health of the comic book industry. Are comics thriving, or are the big superhero titles hiding problems facing smaller independent publishers?

Then we jump into this week's reading.

Steve finally reaches his breaking point with Absolute Superman #24. Despite enjoying the early issues, the series has lost the qualities that initially made it interesting. Is it time to move on?

Jarrod has a similar experience with The Demon #1, a new DC series featuring Jason Blood and Etrigan. The character has a fascinating history, but does the artwork fit the darker storytelling?

We also discuss Rob Liefeld's return to Evangeline, the disturbing body horror of Gastronomique, the Halloween special for Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Jeff Lemire's Minor Arcana, Michael Moorcock's Hawkmoon, Jonah Hex, Crowbound, and Midnight X-Men.

• Absolute Superman #24
• The Demon #1
• Evangeline #1
• The Dirt Beneath the Devil #3
• Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees: Halloween Special
• Minor Arcana #19
• Gastronomique #2
• Hawkmoon: The Mad God's Amulet #1
• Jonah Hex #1
• Crowbound #2
• Midnight X-Men #1

Jarrod: Superman: The Stranger #2

Wes Craig continues his Depression-era Superman story, exploring a young Clark Kent who is still searching for his place in the world. Jarrod loves the noir atmosphere, artwork, and developing conflict with Lex Luthor.

Steve: Hyde Street #13

The Butcher has arrived, and nobody feels safe. Geoff Johns continues building a disturbing, unpredictable world filled with morally complicated characters and unanswered questions. Steve considers this some of the best comic book storytelling currently available.

Our ongoing group read continues with Volume 20.

This volume introduces a particularly dangerous adversary: a master poisoner whose methods challenge Ogami Itto in ways traditional swordsmen cannot.

We discuss the growing conflict between Retsudo Yagyu and his new ally, the exploitation of vulnerable people, the changing nature of Ogami's compassion, and how Daigoro may be influencing his father's humanity.

Read along with us through Libby or Hoopla, subject to your library's collection.

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After a few days of battling a cold, I'm back with another Page Chewing weekly update!

This week I'm announcing our November featured read-along: Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe. We'll be taking a slower approach with weekly Friday discussions and a special guest conversation at the end of the month.

I'm also sharing my changing opinion of Stephen King as I continue reading Pet Sematary, discussing why Tender Is the Flesh has been such a disturbing experience, and revisiting R. Scott Bakker's The Thousandfold Thought as part of our full-spoiler Second Apocalypse reread.

Finally, I want to hear your thoughts on BookTok and its growing influence on the publishing industry. Is social media helping readers discover more books, or is it concentrating attention on a smaller selection of titles?

Plus, updates on upcoming Page Chewing videos, Panel Chewing, and Beyond the Page.

Thanks for listening!

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In this episode of Beyond the Page, Steve welcomes author, Army veteran, and podcast host Danno E. Cabeza to discuss his upcoming novel, The Return of Doctor Necropolis, a superhero crime-noir story about a brilliant but deeply flawed supervillain.

Danno shares how an experimental writing project unexpectedly became a novel that took nearly ten years to complete. We explore what makes morally questionable protagonists compelling, the relationship between identity and personal responsibility, and why readers can sympathize with characters who repeatedly make terrible decisions.

We also discuss the challenges of returning to a manuscript after a decade, incorporating military experience into superhero fiction, writing believable relationships, and creating a world where the government has nationalized superheroes.

Danno talks about his love of X-Men comics, the influence of crime fiction, his experiences reviewing comics professionally, and why he ultimately chose prose rather than a graphic novel for this story.

We also get into independent publishing, the realities of running a successful Army football podcast, his terrifying experience at airborne school, unusual food combinations, and the lessons he's learned from teaching people to swim.

Join us for a conversation about supervillains, storytelling, comics, creativity, and why the most interesting fictional characters aren't always the good guys.

Find Danno: https://www.asforfootball.com/

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Everything changes in Chapters 36–40 of Stephen King's Pet Sematary.

We've reached Part Two, and the story takes a devastating turn that I absolutely did not see coming. After the quiet, happy moments at the end of Part One, Stephen King delivers one of the most jarring developments of the novel so far.

In this episode, I discuss Gage's sudden death, the different ways Louis, Rachel, and Ellie process grief, and the enormous emotional pressure placed on Louis as everyone looks to him for strength when he needs support himself.

We also learn more about the disturbing history of the burial ground, including what happened when someone attempted to bring a human being back from the dead.

In this episode:

• The shocking beginning of Part Two
• How King uses sudden tragedy to unsettle the reader
• Louis, Rachel, and Ellie's different responses to grief
• Jud's guilt and the history of the burial ground
• Whether the cemetery is evil, indifferent, or something else
• My predictions about Louis, Church, and what happens next

I'm reading Pet Sematary for the first time and haven't seen the movies, so I'm experiencing the story completely blind.

Throughout October, we're using six recurring questions to build an evolving notebook of observations, theories, and predictions.

Next episode: Chapters 41–45.

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