If discovering your next beloved graphic novel, or series feels daunting, the staff of Dark Horse Comics has a few recommendations for those eagerly seeking advice on the best books to grab from 2025 that are available right at comic shops and bookstores everywhere. Straight from the incredible team that brings you countless heart-stopping, spine-chilling, laugh-out-loud comic series and graphic novels, here is the Dark Horse 2025 Staff Picks.
Assistant Editor Rose selects Purgatory Funeral Cakes Volume 1
By Sanho with translation by Danny Lim and Lettering by Michael Heisler
“A tender and heartwarming story of love and loss, this book has gorgeous art and was a real joy to work on. I can’t recommend it enough!”
Prepress Technician Darby agrees: “Supernatural elements blend seamlessly with real-life struggles, creating a cozy and melancholic way to explore grief and healing. The art style is simple yet iconic.
Tim, V.P. of Business Development, picks Dr. Werthless
By Harold Schechter & Eric Powell
“Dr Werthless is mandatory reading for all true crime and comic history buffs. Frederic Wetham nearly destroyed the entire comic book industry, all while he worked with some of the most reviled psychopaths and murderers of modern history. Truth is scarier than fiction!”
V.P. of Book Trade and Digital Sales Mark adds: “Another impressive collaboration between Eric Powell and Harold Schechter (Did You Hear What Eddie Gein Done?). This fascinating book explores the life of Dr. Fredric Wertham, known for his crusade against comics in the 1950s. It goes way beyond his image as a humorless scold to explore his background and motivations, resulting in a fascinating portrait of a complex man simultaneously driven by progressive ideals and personal ambition. “
The pick from Assistant Editor Jenny is Red & Blue: Monster Hunters
by Sara Soler with translations by Silvia Perea Labayen and lettering by Joamette Gil
“If a Pixar movie were a comic, it would be this book. On the surface, it’s for the littles–with bright, engaging artwork, two protagonists with opposite personalities solving a mystery together, and a built-in lesson about doing the right thing even when it’s difficult. But the details in this tale of teamwork are both hilarious and relatable for the older crowd, too. It’s the perfect book to read over and over as a family. Order it now!”
Publicist Kaitlyn recommends The Complete Harrow County Compendium
By Cullen Bunn, Tyler Crook with Carla Speed McNeil, Hannah Lavender, and Jenn Manley Lee
“There’s a reason why Mike Mignola, Mark Millar, The Guardian, Paste Magazine, Bloody Disgusting, and more have praised Harrow County as one of the best modern horror comics series; Cullen Bunn has written a southern gothic story for the ages and Tyler Crook’s work is so lush that I would step into the world of Harrow County if I could, haints and all. And even if you have read all of Harrow County, you won’t want to miss all the extras–like short stories and comics, pinups, and more behind-the-scenes looks at the making of Harrow County–that the Compendium includes!”
Sales Accounting Executive Riley agrees: “This modern classic brings Cullen Bunn’s unique take on rural myth, ghosts, cryptozoology, curses, family ties, small town culture, and more to insane levels of beauty and horror via Tyler Crook’s watercolor and ink. If you have not read this, buy two, one for yourself and get another for anyone you love that’s into the spookies. “
Prepress Technician Jake Johnson picks Usagi Yojimbo Volume 41: Ten Thousand Plums TPB
By Stan Sakai, with colors by Hi-Fi Colour Design
“Sakai, a master of the comics craft. This work rides the full spectrum of what makes Sakai special: beginning with a classic but complicated all-ages(ish) yojimbo story featuring an extremely sympathetic antagonist and ending up in a quiet rumination on love, acceptance, and support for people who believe different things than we do. This last part is incredibly moving and shows a special rare side of Sakai’s work: the quiet and slow observations like we saw with ‘Chanoyu.'”
and Resident Alien Volume 8: The Book of Life TPB
By Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse
“This series took a bit to grow on me, it is extremely mundane. And that is what is so incredible about it. This team has mastered pacing and understands the loud impact small and quiet moments have in our lives. This is a series that shows the incredible magic that can happen when the writing and art are not only in sync but truly complement each other. Hogan and Parkhouse’s 2025 installment examines what it means to be human as only our favorite, complicated alien can show us.”
and Lester of the Lesser Gods HC (Albatross)
by Eric Powell and Lucky Yates with art by Gideon Kendall and Eric Powell
“In classic Albatross style, Lester of the Lesser Gods is 100 percent irreverent nonsense. Essentially this is a post-apocalyptic hero’s journey starring a clueless and excessively confident protagonist. There are references to the absurdities of our very specific moment in time that are taken to the extreme and them peppered with uhhh very crude humor. My favorite parts of this are the random moments of genius the reader encounters along the way. It is very silly nonsense and sometimes that is needed, like perhaps when being a decent person throughout 2025 and into 2026.”
Assistant Editor Tara selects Living Hell
By Caitlyn Yarsky with lettering by Clayton Cowles
“Living Hell has humor, heart, demons from hell, and a dog named Pants. What more could you want? Written and illustrated by the extremely talented Caitlin Yarsky, Living Hell is the perfect gift for the urban fantasy lover in your life.”
Publicity Manager Ally concurs: “This story felt like just what I needed after deepdiving on Hazbin Hotel. I am obsessed with these very relatable characters in such deeply troubling circumstances. Couldn’t put it down. In fact, I think I’ll go re-read it right now!”
Licensing Coordinator Haley selects Cat + Crazy
By Wataru Nadatani with lettering by Susie Lee and translation by Zack Davisson
“For all the crazy cat lovers in your life, these books are a must. The illustrations capture cats and the people who love them so well. They are sweet, silly, and a true joy to read. 11/10, no notes.”
The Goon: Them That Don’t Stay Dead is the pick of V.P. of Product Development and Sales Randy
By Eric Powell
“I was beyond happy to see The Goon return to Dark Horse Comics. The Goon is one of the most fun comics and has stellar art and storytelling. I am thrilled to find myself back on Lonely Street and spending some time with Goon and Franky!”
Publicity Manager Ally chooses ElfQuest: The Original Quest Book 1 – Book 4
By Wendy Pini and Richard Pini
“There is nothing in all of the books I’ve ever read that is quite like the epic fantasy of ElfQuest and if you want to experience it the way Wendy and Richard intended, this four-book, hardcover remaster of the original series not only proves this story can surpass generations and entice readers from any age, but that there is so much more to discover in ElfQuest. Whether it is your first time reading, or you have always loved ElfQuest, you owe it to yourself to enjoy the full-color, expertly crafted editions made this year.”
Sales Accounting Executive Riley picks Barstow
By Rebekah McKendry, David McKendry, and Tyler Jenkins with lettering by Justin Birch
“This goopy and brisk supernatural crime thriller takes all the grit and wayward ambitions of the rural American southwest and poisons it to the root with satanic cults and ancient evil. Starkly colorful and violent all over, Barstow kept me reading to the inevitable conclusion that no good deed goes unpunished and everyone loses when we fiddle with powers beyond our control.”
Editor Judy recommends Lone Wolf and Cub Deluxe Edition Volume 1
By Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima with translation by Dana Lewis
“The groundbreaking samurai masterpiece by Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima finally gets the deluxe treatment! Experience the first volume of one of the most powerful and influential manga ever created now in an oversized hardcover edition oriented in the original right-to-left reading format.”
Accounting Clerk Julia recommends Into the Unbeing Volume 2
By Zac Thompson and Hayden Sherman with lettering by Jim Campbell
“Do you or folks you’re shopping for love cosmic horror & sci-fi? Allow me to recommend Into The Unbeing, a surreal climate horror story in the vein of Annihilation. The art blew me away, and the story gave me a lot to think about, ending with even more questions than answers.”
Sr. Director of Licensing, Lance, picks FML
By Kelly Sue DeConnick and David López with colors by Cris Peter and lettering by Clayton Cowles
“FML is a unique, genre-bending ride that is equal parts fantasy horror, coming-of-age drama, and metal-fueled catharsis. For readers who enjoy emotionally complex stories with a supernatural twist, this IS a must-read.”
Prepress Technician Darby adds, “A punky Portland-based mystery that revolves around a quirky and troubled family. I love the DIY riot grrl aesthetic of the series, and the panel art is exceptional. Coming-of-age, family dynamics, friendship, love, moral clarity – this one covers it all!”
If you missed the first issues and can’t find them at your favorite comic shop: order the collection now!
Assistant Editor Jennifer selects Midst: Tales from the Cosmos
By Colin Lorimer, Jasmine Walls, Kendra Wells, Alejandro Aragon, Aviv Or, Vash Taylor and many more with lettering by Jim Campbell and cover art by Will Kirkby
“Dive into this unique sci-fi western anthology and explore the people, places, and bizarre phenomena that will immerse you in unexpected stories from the strange and expanding cosmos of Midst! Each of the three tales features incredible art, characters, and interesting stories to get lost in.”
Sales Specialist Patrick picks Jupiter’s Legacy Library Edition Volume 1 HC
by Mark Millar, Wilfredo Torres, Davide Gianfelice, Francesco Montarino with colors by Ive Svorcina, letters by Peter Doherty, and cover by Frank Quitely
“Well written innovative storyline with the clashing of unique civilizations. Each having super powered heroes and villains culminating in a surprise ending.”
Digital Sales Manager Arc recommends Planetes Deluxe Edition
By Makoto Yukimura with translation by Yuki Johnson
“Planetes is the perfect gift for fans of slice-of-life (in space) manga stories! And now this beloved classic has received the Dark Horse Deluxe treatment and is available in a gorgeous hardcover format that features debossed patterns on the front and back covers, metallic copper gilded page edges, and a ribbon bookmark. Hey, I’m not the only one who thinks the book looks great. Planetes Deluxe Edition Book 1 won the 2025 American Manga Award for Best Publication Design. It really is a stunning book to behold!”
The second book is available for order and in stores now!
Assistant Editor Joseph selects Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons: The Rise of Hellfire TPB
By Jody Jouser, Eric Campbell with art by Diego Galindo, colors by Diana Sousa, lettering by Nate Piekos, and cover art by Magali Villanueve
“Spell slinging, sword swinging, and the luck of the dice shaped the lives of the Stranger Things boys well before they had real monsters to face. This D&D crossover delves into Eddie Munson’s past, how he became Dungeon Master of the Hellfire Club, and how he first recruited Lucas, Dustin, and Mike into his adventuring party. Throughout, there are brilliant glimpses into the fantasy world that they explore together. Written by Jody Houser (Doctor Who, Star Wars) and Eric Campbell (Frank Frazetta’s Dawn Attack), this book is a must-read for fans of tabletop role-playing games and the hit Netflix series! “
Social Media Associate Will chose Innocent Rouge Omnibus Volume 1
By Shin’ichi Sakamoto with translation by Michael Gombos
“In this sequel to Innocent, Sakamoto continues not only with his beautiful storytelling, but with the gorgeous artwork you come to expect after reading Innocent.”
Prepress Technician Darby recommends Kylooe
by Little Thunder with translation by Montana Kane and lettering by Michael Heisler
“A watercolor wonderland! Little Thunder’s unique art style makes this book a joy to look at. The story is filled with themes of romance, love, and self discovery.”
and Nocturnals: The Sinister Path
by Dan Brereton with lettering by Lois Buhalis
“If you like goth baddies, classic monsters, spooky stories, and a vintage illustration aesthetic, this one’s for you!”
The full series collection is available for pre-order now wherever you buy comics.
and The Great British Bump-off: Kill or be Quilt
by John Allison and Max Sarin with colors by Sammy Borras, and letters by Jim Campbell
“The perfect cozy mystery. The style is fun, colorful, and the character’s expressions are priceless. Themes of romance, community, and quilts?!”
and The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos
By James Tynion IV, Tate Brombal, Isaac Goodhart, and Soo Lee with colors by Miquel Muerto, lettering by Aditya Bidkar and cover art by Nick Robles
“This monster universe has deep world-building, and we’ve only scratched the surface! The characters are all relatable and endearing, just trying to figure out who they are and what their purpose is.”
Volume 2 arrived in 2025 but don’t forget to check out everything Christopher Chaos coming soon and in stores now!
Publicist Kaitlyn selects 10,000 Ink Stains: A Memoir
by Jeff Lemire
“10,000 Ink Stains is essential for creatives (whether you create comics or something else) and for fans of Jeff Lemire’s work. Not only is it interesting to hear the stories behind the making of Sweet Tooth, Black Hammer, and other series and his experience adapting some of that work for television, but Jeff’s advice and his honesty about his struggle with mental health is inspiring.”
Associate Editor Misha picks Crystal Heart
by Eran Aviram and Aviv Or
“Crystal Heart is a wonderful romp through the world of both TTRPGs and high fantasy. Made in the style of a Live-Play (think Critical Role, or Dimension 20) it follows the players AND the in-game story, so readers get to follow along the narrative while also learning how to play the Savage Worlds game system. Full of heart, creativity, and shocking reveals, it’s really a blast to read for both veterans and newcomers in the TableTop Game world. “
Need more recommendations? Take a look at the Dark Horse Creator Gift Guides from Zack Kaplan, Tate Brombal, Wendy and Richard Pini, and Tiffany Smith for more great ideas to fill your shelves.
Be sure to follow Dark Horse Comics on social media and check our website, www.DarkHorse.com, for more news, announcements, and updates.
