As Morbius just recently hit theaters and the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness signals a merging betwixt the superheroes of the MCU and the supernatural of Marvel Comics, a rich history of epic confrontations will give Marvel all the material needed to continue building its universe. Likewise, with the success of The Batman, DC Comics looks primed to add more to its burgeoning selection of films.
After a revision in the comics' code, the supernatural flood gates opened, yielding countless stories. So naturally, some of the best comics with supernatural elements represent iconic characters from both sides, with artwork to match and give unparalleled insight into the factors that continue to draw them into conflict.
Batman & Dracula: Red Rain (2014)
This is a delightfully remarkable Elseworlds tale, seeing the Dark Knight battle with the Dark Lord for the soul of Gotham. After overcoming his internal disbelief at the existence of vampires, Batman must learn and adapt if he is to stem the tide of violence vampires are wreaking through the city. Featuring Commissioner Gordon and the ever-present Alfred, Batman must sacrifice more than ever before if he is to stop Dracula.
Picturesque metaphors litter the landscape in this hypnotic trek into the supernatural by scribe Moench, whose writing flows effortlessly from page to page. Deftly drawing parallels from society to internal demons, he articulates it's not what one is but the choices that one makes that define them.
Batman Confidential #26-28 (2009)
A New Dawn sees the Caped Crusader locked in a race against time to prevent an ancient evil from unleashing a reign of terror on Gotham. Following a trail of dead bodies, left with ominous riddles, Batman must team up with one of his most notorious villains if they are to prevent the cleansing light of Aten and the curse of King Tut.
Conjuring up memories of Boris Karloff's The Mummy, the creative team of DeFilippis, Weir, and García-López takes readers on a suspenseful jaunt through ancient Egypt via this classic detective Batman tale. Mixing in action and intrigue through historical context, they leave one questioning who the enemy is and offer a superb comic on superheroes versus frights.
DC Comics Presents: Superman #1 The House Of Dracula (2010)
Tasked with getting the story of a lifetime, the reporting trio of Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen feature in this modernized take on Bram Stoker's classic. Granting the first interview ever, the reclusive Count Rominoff seeks to draw attention to his nation's plight against hostile invaders from Pokolistan, setting off a chain of supernatural events.
With perfect visual artwork, the quartet of Churchill, Rapmund, Tanya Horie, and Richard Horie give life to this superhero against the supernatural best. Understanding Superman as few writers can, Loeb is sharp as ever, offering a quick read with great depth, featuring a jaw-dropping conclusion sure to leave a smile on the faces of comic fans.
Fear Itself: Fearsome Four #1-4 (2011)
In this widely imaginative tie-in to the Fear Itself story arc, comic fans are treated to a battle royale between the monstrous Nexus of All Realities, Man-Thing, and the Fearsome Four, comprised of Howard the Duck, Frankenstein, Nighthawk, and She-Hulk. It's all hands on deck if this quartet is to conquer fear and save the day.
This superhero versus supernatural mash-up is top-notch, featuring a wonderfully spun tale that delves into the human psyche. Courtesy of some truly psychedelic panels and good ol' fashion storytelling, Bodenheim and Montclare deliver a frighteningly fantastic story, begging readers to ponder the definition of fear itself.
FrankenCastle #17-21 (2010)
This cult classic amongst fans is true to its parental advisory. With a Bloodstone shard embedded in his chest, FrankenCastle is out for revenge on those responsible for ending his first life. Guest-starring Elsa Bloodstone, the Legion of Monsters, and Wolverine, this story features elements necessary to craft an excellent, engaging entry in the superhero supernatural pantheon.
This five-book series is one massive action sequence, expertly frosted with an insightful monologue on the robust ties that drive familial bonds. Writer Remender is clearly in his element as he precisely articulates what drives superheroes and why the Punisher's distinctive brand of justice is as frightening as it is, making him one of the most powerful vigilantes in Marvel Comics.
Hulk Monster-Size Special #1 (2008)
Everyone's favorite green goliath is front and center in this menacing monster-filled one-shot as Hulk comes face to face with a cadre of supernatural staples. Hulk is undoubtedly the strongest as he matches strength with Frankenstein, ferocity with Werewolf by Night, and wits with Dracula, proving the line separating superheroes from monsters to be a fine one indeed.
Through intersections with Hulk, this shockingly succinct voyage into supernaturals of legend is delivered imaginatively through a proficient gang of creators, including awarding-winning Hulk icon Peter David, who also wrote some of the Hulk's best comic issues of the 1990s. As a result, each admission presents a real story, paired with prose and penciling that perfectly accompanies the plot, marking this one-shot a best in class in the genre.
Legion Of Monsters #1-4 (2011-2012)
The supernatural monster detective agency known as the Legion of Monsters represents the law in Monster Metropolis. Along with famed monster-hunter Elsa Bloodstone, Morbius, Manphibian, Jack Russell, and N'Kantu must discern what evil affects the residents of Monster Metropolis before there is no longer a city left to save.
A dull, grainy spattering of color meshes entirely with measured dialogue to set the tone in this well-rounded tale. Writer Hopeless pens an unforgettable read, blending action, drama, humor, and love into a compelling story on superheroes and the supernatural.
Tomb Of Dracula #1-4 (2004-2005)
Marvel Comics' premier Vampire Slayer extraordinaire comes face to face with the lord of the Vampires, Dracula. Teaming up with a ragtag unit of Vampire Hunters featuring Noah Van Helsing and Divinity Drake, Blade must lead the team on a doomed mission deep into Castle Dracula to prevent Dracula's ascension into Godhood.
Arguably the best story featuring these two perennial foes, Tomb offers a rich and detailed history of vampires in Marvel Comics. In addition, the talented duo of Jones and Tolagson crafts a story fraught with betrayals and twists, depicting one of the classic superhero-versus-supernatural rivalries in all comics and making it a must-read on the topic.
Werewolf By Night #32 (1972)
Werewolf by Night, Jack Russell, has wrestled with the curse placed on his family by the infamous Darkhold. Unfortunately, as Jack seeks to manage his recently inherited condition, the nefarious Committee wants to weaponize it, culminating with the first appearance and one of the best comic book issues of Moon Knight and his loyal sidekick Frenchie in this vintage read.
Written by supernatural pioneer Moench, this Bronze Age origin continues Marvel's creative effort to use traditional supernatural antagonists in comics. Gaining perspective and getting a great story, The Stalker Called Moon Knight stands the test of time as an excellent study on early clashes between heroes and the supernatural and is a terrific addition to any fan's reading list.
X-Men: Apocalypse/Dracula #1-4 (2006)
Retribution spanning from the Crusades to 19th century Victorian England comes to bear in this beautiful death dance between the alpha mutant Apocalypse and Vlad Tepes Dracula. In this sordid tale, the Count has come for blood as Vampiric forces besiege Clan Akkaba, and Apocalypse will need to find allies in the strangest places if he is to survive.
The duo of Tieri and Henry plays off each other seamlessly in this four-book foray into the sinister realizations of revenge. Crafting a relatable feel of vindication and utilizing Drake as a worthy antagonist to Apocalypse denote this special edition as one of the best of the superheroes-battle-the-supernatural collection.