Marshal Law is a comic that represented a true watershed in the landscape of superhero stories. Created by Pat Mills and Kevin O’Neill, the series debuted in the early ’80s as a dark and violent parody of the genre. Not only did it radically depart from traditional heroic narratives, but it also inspired modern works like The Boys, with which it shares many of its themes and the same cynical and disillusioned view of superheroes. Garth Ennis’s work, in fact, drew inspiration from Marshal Law to explore the idea of superheroes as corrupt and morally ambiguous characters, foreshadowing many of its themes, such as the abuse of power and criticism of consumerist society.
The Boys
The Boys isn’t your typical superhero comic, and thank goodness for that. If you’re tired of spandex-clad guys rescuing kittens from trees with virtuous stares, then Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson have just what you need. Here, the “supes” aren’t exactly heroes but rather sociopaths chasing glory and personal gratification. Sure, there are explosions, epic fights, and iconic characters, but every page drips with a corrosive critique of the superhero myth and the culture that worships it.
The protagonists? A group of “ordinary men” (though not quite) who decide to teach these arrogant gods a hard lesson. Billy Butcher, the team leader, is the embodiment of well-channeled hatred. A character with the charisma of a London gangster and the subtlety of a truck when it comes to morality. And then there’s Hughie, the unlucky everyman, representing the reader thrown into a world of ultra-violence and razor-sharp wit.
By John Doe
“John Doe” is one of the most iconic works of modern Italian comics, created by Lorenzo Bartoli and Roberto Recchioni. Published between 2003 and 2012 by Eura Editoriale (later Editoriale Aurea), the series is distinguished by its blend of action, irony, and social critique. The concept of following the story of a “Death’s accountant” who decides to rebel against the divine system combines existential themes with a pop and pulp aesthetic.
By Dampyr
“Dampyr”, created by Mauro Boselli and Maurizio Colombo in 2000 for Sergio Bonelli Editore, is one of the longest-running and most acclaimed Italian horror comics. The story focuses on Harlan Draka, a dampyr a being half-human and half-vampire, destined to fight against the Masters of the Night, powerful immortal vampires who rule entire territories around the world. Harlan is portrayed as a reluctant hero, marked by the discovery of his true nature and battles against supernatural entities that threaten humankind. From the first issue, there is a commitment to creating a unique mythology that blends European legends with new ideas, offering the audience a dark and engaging atmosphere.
By Samuel Stern
Samuel Stern is an Italian horror series launched in 2019 by Gianmarco Fumasoli and Massimiliano Filadoro for the publishing house Bugs Comics. Set in Edinburgh, the series focuses on Samuel Stern, a bookstore owner with a passion for the occult who has a rather unique occupation: exorcisms.
By Brendon by Claudio Chiaverotti
Brendon, created by Claudio Chiaverotti and published by Sergio Bonelli Editore, is a horror-fantasy series set in a post-apocalyptic world that blends medieval atmospheres with dark and magical elements.
By The Cannibal Family
“The Cannibal Family” is one of the Italian horror comics that most stands out for its ability to probe the depths of the human soul, transporting readers into a dark and unredeemable world. Created by Stefano Fantelli and Rossano Piccioni and published by Edizioni Inkiostro, this comic breaks every convention, pushing beyond the limits of traditional horror and leaving a trail of reflection that lingers well beyond the last page. Through the story of a family of cannibals, “The Cannibal Family” explores deeply disturbing themes that intertwine with a ruthless analysis of human nature.
By At the Mountains of Madness
“At the Mountains of Madness” by Gou Tanabe is a manga adaptation of the novel of the same name by H.P. Lovecraft, one of the most celebrated and terrifying works by the author from Providence. Tanabe, known for his ability to bring Lovecraft’s disturbing and mysterious atmospheres to paper, manages to convey that sense of unease and terror that characterizes the author’s narrative, transforming words into images that seem to emerge from alien nightmares. Adapting Lovecraft into a comic is a risky choice, but Tanabe proves to be fully up to the challenge, offering a visual experience that amplifies the original cosmic horror.
By Dylan Dog – The Nightmare Investigator
Dylan Dog is an Italian horror comic created by Tiziano Sclavi and published by Sergio Bonelli Editore since 1986. The protagonist, a charming London-based private investigator with a dark past, specializes in supernatural and paranormal cases. Armed with irony, charm, and a hefty dose of pessimism, Dylan faces monsters, ghosts, and creatures of all kinds, often reflecting on human nature and its darker sides.
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