The age of crime comics brought some fascinating reads to the medium.

Crime is one of the biggest genres in the comic world, taking off after the decline of superhero comics. There are many types of crime comics out there, some being captivating retellings of famous crimes whereas others feature completely original and enthralling plotlines. For comics that are more realistic without the superpowered beings flying in to save the day, these are the ones you should pick up.

15. Crime Does Not Pay

If you're new to crime comics, why not start with the series that started it all?

This series is notorious for its content that was pretty graphic for the time it was published in, and is the series that kicked off the crime comic genre. Crime Does Not Pay is all about criminals like murders and gangsters, with inspiration taken from real life felons. Don’t think that this series is promoting crime though, because it’s purpose is the exact opposite, and in it all the bad guys suffer in the end.

You'll like Crime Does Not Pay if…

• You like seeing the bad guys get paid their dues
• You like a decent amount of violence in your reads
• You like older comics

14. A History of Violence

This graphic work has plot twists that you'd never have expected.

After Tom McKenna defends his store from two criminals trying to rob it, he receives attention from the media that paves the way for the New York mafia to find him. For some reason, they insist that he’s Joey despite him denying it, which sets the stage for a violent journey for Tom and those around him. This award winning graphic novel has been adapted into a film.

You’ll like A History of Violence if…

• You like violent storlines accompanied with gory artwork
• You like detailed art
• You like revenge stories

13. A Treasury of Victorian Murder Compendium

The unique art style used in this comic adds to its chilling atmosphere.

In this compilation of stories, real life crimes from the Victorian era are retold in ink. Topics covered in this series include presidential assassinations, the infamous Beast of Chicago, and even some cases which have yet to be solved. Packed with history and wit, this entertaining series will have you flipping pages while you try to play detective.

You’ll like A Treasury of Victorian Murder Compendium if…

• You like reading about history
• You’re interested in serial killers and murders
• You like disturbing content without gore

12. Scalped

This story addresses modern day issues through an engaging story filled with detail.

A unique crime series set in the West, Scalped tells the story of the people of Prairie Rose Indian Reservation. The story starts with Dashiell Bad Horse returning to the reservation, and soon after he is hired onto the Tribal Police Force. On top of having a gripping, gritty plot, this series also discusses deeper issues, an example being the preservation of cultural identity.

You’ll like Scalped if…

• You like series with diverse characters
• You enjoy complex, imperfect characters
• You like comics with good, realistic worldbuilding

11. Postal

The suspense grows with each addition of the comic series as new truths are revealed.

Eden, Wyoming is a town where no crime is allowed, which is ironic considering the place was founded by criminals. Mark Shiffron, the local postman, has Asperger’s, which allows him to notice details that aren’t so obvious to others. He decides to make use of this trait after a troubling incident in the town occurs. Praised for its interesting concept and suspenseful atmosphere, Postal is definitely worth giving a try.

You’ll like Postal if…

• You like dark stories
• You like characters you can empathise with
• You like stories that raise moral questions

10. Kill or Be Killed

One of the highlights of this series is that neither you nor Dylan can be sure just how real the demon is.

Dylan is a depressed college student who attempts suicde after overhearing his roommate and his best friend talking about how pitiable he is. Somehow he survives, but that very night he is visited by a demon who claims to have saved his life and who says that if Dylan wants to live, he must kill a person a month. At first Dylan had his doubts, but after he begins to believe the demon’s words, he finds himself on the hunt for “bad” people to kill monthly. This series has R-rated content, which isn’t for everyone, but is intriguing nonetheless.

You’ll like Kill or Be Killed if…

• You like fast-paced reads with plenty of action
• You like main characters that make you feel for them
• You like high quality art

9. 100 Bullets

This series presents an interesting take on the concept of revenge and how far some are willing to go for it.

Agent Graves is a mysterious figure who gives others the chance to get revenge, if that’s what they want. He approaches those who have been wronged by offering them a handgun with 100 untraceable bullets that they can use however they’d like. How they use them, and if they even use the gun, is completely up to the victims. Dealing with conspiracies and revenge, 100 Bullets takes a look at the complexities of morals and justice.

You’ll like 100 Bullets if…

• You like revenge stories
• You like relatively episodic stories
• You like stories with creative concepts

8. Becoming Unbecoming

Many have found the heavy content in this comic relatable, proving that it is one everyone should read.

Taking place during the time of the Yorkshire Ripper, a girl named Una is a victim of violence, which she blames herself for. Dealing with heavy issues such as sexual assault and abuse, this graphic novel holds a strong message about how women are treated in society. Without being overly explicit, this story provokes much necessary thought and discussion.

You’ll like Becoming Unbecoming if…

• You like comics the deal with social issues
• You like tragic stories
• You like stories that deal with trauma

7. Sin City

This comic uses strong language and stunning black and white artwork to drive its point home.

Sin City is an extreme piece of work about a framed man seeking revenge for a murdered prostitute. For an idea of the content it includes, there are topless females, gunshots to the face, and even a cannibal serial killer. If you’re okay with mature content, Sin City is an entertaining noir read that’ll capture your attention.

You’ll like Sin City if…

• You like explicit, brutal comics
• You like black and white comics
• You like comics with good art and writing

6. The Spirit

This is another one of the original crime comics that helped the genre gain popularity.

This series is on the older side of comics and is a big name  in the crime comics genre. It follows Denny Colt, aka The Spirit, who fights crime in an iconic mask, hat, and tie. Though The Spirit’s main gig is fighting crime, there are plenty of light moments alongside all the dark ones that make this particular collection of comics perfect for a wide range of tastes.

You’ll like The Spirit if…

• You like old comics
• You like short but rich stories
• You like quality artwork that stands the test of time

5. Criminal

Each book in this series has stunning art that's hard to forget and an even more memorable plot.

Mostly centered around the Lawless family, as the title suggests, this series is all about criminals. A notable feature of this series is that it’s made up of a number of loosely connected arcs rather than following a single storyline. This series is one of the most highly praised crime comics out there for a reason, and definitely one worth reading for all fans of crime.

You’ll like Criminal if…

• You like comics that aren’t afraid to depict mature scenes
• You like dark comics with tight, compelling plots
• You like complex characters that you can root for

4. Torso

Sometimes real life stories need to be illustrated for their true horror to be felt.

Based on a real life story, Torso chronicles Elliot Ness’ journey as he investigates the Cleaveland Torso Murderer. The art style used in this comic complements the story’s disturbing plot perfectly, and the authors do an excellent job at accurately portraying the setting. Stories like this one are why sayings like “truth is stranger than fiction” exist.

You’ll like Torso if…

• You like historical fiction
• You like historically accurate retellings
• You like horror with your crime

3. My Friend Dahmer

For anyone wondering what could create a serial killer, recommend them this comic.

To the world Jeffrey Dahmer was a monster, but to Derf Backderf he was very much human. In this story of his, Backdorf shines light onto Dahmer’s pas. Though he in no way excuses Dahmer’s crimes, Backdorf offers a glimpse into the world of his classmate that was plagued by torment. This story is a sad and disturbing one that illustrates the impact society can have on a person’s development.

You’ll like My Friend Dahmer if…

• You’re interested in the stories of serial killers
• You’re interested in criminal psychology
• You like depressing stories

2. Parker

This comic is praised for being a great adaptation that caputres the gritty tone of the written series.

Based on the novel, the comic rendition of Parker by Darwyn Cooke is renowned for its excellent artwork and being a great adaptation of the original story. It is about a man named Parker who seeks revenge after being betrayed, and despite his criminal activities, abides by his personal moral code. Packed with suspense and violence, this story is joy to breeze through.

You’ll like Parker if…

• You like art that’s duotone
• You like revenge stories
• You like expressive art

1. From Hell

This comic is less a retelling of the event and more a masterpiece of conspiracy and horror.

William Gull, the royal physician for Queen Victoria, is asked to help deal with a royal scandal, and when it is dug up, he is summoned to bury the ones who are attempting to bring it to the surface. Gull begins having visions as he continues to kill and he falls deeper and deeper into the pits of insanity. This graphic novel is critically acclaimed for its take on evil that makes it a horrifying, disturbing, but worthwhile read.

You’ll like From Hell if…

• You like slow paced stories
• You like historical fiction 
• You like conspiracy theories

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