Graphic Novels to Get You in the Halloween Spirit

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee

If you’re in need of something heartwarming with just a touch of scary, Séance Tea Party is for you! With pages decorated in cute Halloween imagery, and a story that features a ghostly haunting, this one is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. It’s lighthearted, while also delving into some deeper themes – like the heartache that comes with the end of friendships and of childhood.

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner

This delightful middle-grade graphic novel follows a 13-year-old girl who discovers that her ancestors are witches and that she, herself, has inherited powers. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, regardless of whether you’re 13-years-old or 30+ years old like me!

Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse

This wholesome middle-grade story centers on a young witch who must live with her two aunts in Brooklyn after her mom passes away. She soon discovers that they’re all witches, including her! It’s a wonderfully witchy and touching coming-of-age tale about a young girl who, while mourning the loss of someone she loves, discovers something new about herself in the process.

Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner

This is a hilarious take on the ‘romanticizing vampires’ trend. The story follows a middle school boy who poses as a vampire in his quest to win over his crush, unaware that she’s actually a vampire slayer. Whoops…

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

This unique graphic novel totally charmed me with its super spooky vibes and its challenging of gender norms. It’s about a boy who aspires to be a witch, even though in his family, girls are meant to be witches and boys are meant to be shapeshifters. Our main character practices witchcraft in secret, and spellbinding adventures abound!

Archival Quality by Ivy Noelle Weir & Steenz

This one follows Cel, a young librarian who loses her job after suffering a mental breakdown. She takes on a new role as an archivist at the Logan Museum, where she unravels some ghostly museum mysteries… Of all the stories on this list, Archival Quality is definitely the creepiest, but the cute illustrations provide a nice contrast.

Ghosted in L.A. by Sina Grace, Siobhan Keenan, and Cathy Le

I love the artwork in this one! It’s super vibrant, fun, and slightly more detailed than some of the others on this list. It tells the story of Daphne Walters, who moves to L.A. to be with her boyfriend but then gets DUMPED by her boyfriend, and unwittingly ends up moving in with a family of ghosts.

M is for Monster by Talia Dutton

This new YA graphic novel explores a scientist’s attempt to bring her sister back to life, a story clearly inspired by Frankenstein. It’s a wonderful ode to the classic monster story, and it beautifully deals with themes about what makes people who they are beyond just their physical bodies.

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle

For the perfect Halloween read, don’t miss Squad! It blends your classic ‘trying-to-fit-in’ high school story with fun, campy horror. It’s about a high school girl who befriends the popular clique, only to discover they are actually werewolves! Does she want to join them and become one of them? What lengths will she go to to fit in? Read it and find out!

Doughnuts and Doom by Balazs Lorinczi

This magical, pastry-filled love story follows Margot, a witch who struggles with spells but excels at potion-making, and Elena, a doughnut-seller by day and struggling rock musician by night. Magic, witches, and doughnuts! What more can you ask for in an autumn read?

Crumbs by Danie Stirling

This cozy, not-so-spooky supernatural romance follows Ray, a seer with magical abilities, who crosses paths with Laurie, a barista at a bakery where pastries have the power to make dreams come true. At 384 pages, Crumbs is a longer read, so grab some snacks, a warm drink, and a comfy spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy if you’re like me and enjoy reading graphic novels in one sitting!

The Closet by James Tynion

This graphic novel is worlds different than the previous recommendations, but it’s one that really resonated with me, so I just had to put it on this list. Its atmospheric and creepy and ultimately deals with real-life horrors. It follows a man and his young son as they move cross-country after a divorce. The son claims to see monsters, and the monsters continue to haunt them on their cross-country journey. Fair warning: if you plan to pick this one up, prepare to be very sad and feel empty inside for a bit!