C.O.M.A. Blog: Comic Books & Murder Mysteries

When people hear the word “mystery,” their minds often drift to classic novels such as The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle, Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie, or The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett. Others might think of contemporary mystery series like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, Sue Grafton’s Alphabet series, or Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, Jesse Stone, & Sunny Randall books—all captivating tales filled with intrigue, suspense, and unforgettable detectives. Many mystery fans instinctively think of classic novels, films, and television series when exploring the genre. However, one avenue that often goes overlooked is the world of comic books. While superhero stories dominate the medium, there’s a rich tradition of mystery comics that deliver gripping detective work, unexpected twists, and atmospheric storytelling. Series like Batman: The Long Halloween delve into intricate crime narratives, while Ed Brubaker’s Criminal offers noir-inspired tales of deception and intrigue. Whether in graphic novels or serialized issues, mystery comics present suspense in visually dynamic ways, making them a hidden gem in the genre.       

 I've been a lifelong comic book collector, a passion that began when I was about eight or nine years old. My grandmother encouraged me to hold onto them, having regretted tossing out my uncle’s collection when he was a kid. Much to my mother’s chagrin, that simple advice sparked a lifelong addiction—though, I’d say it’s a much better vice than drugs or alcohol. And thanks to my grandmother, I eventually realized that the murder mystery genre isn’t just confined to novels, movies, and television—it has a strong presence in the world of comic books and superheroes as well.

 I first understood the presence of murder mysteries in comic books when I was about eleven years old, after receiving several comics for Christmas from one of my aunts. One of the issues was Justice League of America #171 from October 1979.

 In The Murderer Among Us: Crisis Above Earth-One!, the first part of a two-part story, the Justice League of America (JLA) holds its annual gathering with its Earth-Two counterparts, the Justice Society of America (JSA), aboard the JLA’s orbiting satellite. Everything seems fine—until an explosion rocks the headquarters. As the teams scramble to stabilize the situation, Superman discovers the body of Mr. Terrific, one of the JSA’s Golden Age heroes. Zatanna attempts to reveal the cause of death with a spell, only to be thrown into a coma for her efforts. The two Flashes search the satellite for a hidden assailant but find nothing. When the JLA’s diagnostic computer reports that Mr. Terrific was strangled—not killed by the explosion—the heroes come to a chilling conclusion: one of their own must be the murderer. The mystery unravels in the following issue, as Batman and the JSA’s Huntress—his late Earth-Two counterpart’s daughter—piece together the truth and expose the killer.

As I grew older and became an ardent fan of murder mysteries, I naturally immersed myself in the novels, movies, and television series that defined the genre. However, it wasn’t until my thirties that I fully realized how often mystery and comics intersect.

Here are a few of my favorite examples where these two genres brilliantly cross paths:     

Batman: The Many Deaths of Batman (DC Comics May-July 1989; Batman #433-435):

 The Many Deaths of Batman is a three-part Batman storyline written by John Byrne and illustrated by Jim Aparo. Published in 1989 and shortly after the groundbreaking storyline Batman: A Death in the Family, this story follows the activities of a serial killer who murders a number of people dressed in Batman costumes.                                                        

 This three-part story arc begins with an almost completely silent issue—featuring only two words of dialogue—relying solely on visuals to convey its eerie atmosphere. In Chapter One: Period of Mourning, a shocking scene unfolds: Batman appears to be dying, strung up on a fence in a crucifix-like pose. An ambulance rushes him to the hospital, where chaos erupts as doctors desperately try to save his life. Amidst the frenzy, two physicians argue when one attempts to remove his mask. Despite their efforts, Batman dies. Of course, it isn’t actually the Batman. What follows is a chilling series of murders across Gotham City, where men—each killed by different means—are found dressed as the Dark Knight. Despite an intensive investigation by the Gotham City Police Department, only the real Batman can uncover the truth. His first major clue? He personally knows every one of the victims, each linked to his past in a significant way.

Identity Crisis (June - December in 2004; Identity Crisis #1-7):

t was created by writer Brad Metzler and the artistic team of Rags Morales and inker Michael Bair. What begins as a tragedy within the superhero community soon unearths painful secrets that challenge heroes at their core and mobilize villains against them. Meltzer crafted one of the most tragic and hard-hitting comic books I’ve ever encountered. To be honest certain parts remain difficult to revisit due to the unsettling subject matter. 

 This seven-part miniseries, which set off a ripple effect across the DC Universe, begins with the shocking murder of Sue Dibny, wife of the Elongated Man. Her body is discovered horribly burned, sending the superhero community into a desperate search for the killer. Suspicion quickly falls on Doctor Light when it's revealed that years earlier, he raped Sue aboard the JLA satellite. In response, a select group of heroes had wiped Light’s memories and altered his personality—an ethically murky act that set off a chain reaction with devastating consequences.                                                                                                                                 

Yet Identity Crisis isn’t just a tragic and emotionally intense story—it’s also a gripping mystery at its core. Unlike traditional superhero narratives, which often revolve around cosmic threats or grand battles, this story takes a grounded and suspenseful approach, weaving a psychological thriller into the DC Universe.

The mystery unfolds like a classic detective story, building tension as clues emerge, suspects are considered, and heroes race against time to uncover the truth. Much like an Agatha Christie novel, Identity Crisis thrives on misdirection. Early suspicion falls on Doctor Light, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the Justice League. But the revelation that his mind had been tampered with years earlier adds a chilling layer of ethical ambiguity—did the League inadvertently create the villain they feared?                                                                          

 As the investigation deepens, more crimes follow, forcing the heroes to question everything they thought they knew. When the true culprit is finally revealed the mystery takes an even darker turn. The twisted motivations aren’t driven by a grand villainous scheme but by a desperate, personal attempt to manipulate events in the killer’s favor. The moment the heroes realize the killer was one of their own adds a haunting, intimate horror rarely seen in superhero stories.                                                                                                                

Ultimately, Identity Crisis redefines what a mystery can be within the world of comics. It proves that suspense, deduction, and psychological tension can be just as captivating as superhuman battles, making it one of the most compelling murder mysteries in comic book history.

Watchmen (DC Comics September 1986 - October 1987; Watchmen #1-12):

Watchmen was written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons and is set in 1985 and takes its title from a popular translation of the Latin phrase Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?—“Who Watches the Watchmen?”

 The story begins in October 1985, when New York City detectives investigate the murder of Edward Blake. With no leads, costumed vigilante Rorschach takes matters into his own hands. His investigation leads to a startling revelation—Blake was the true identity of The Comedian, a government-employed hero. Convinced that the murder is part of a larger conspiracy to eliminate costumed adventurers, Rorschach warns four of his retired comrades: Dan Dreiberg (formerly the second Nite Owl), the superpowered and emotionally detached Jon Osterman (Doctor Manhattan) and his lover Laurie Juspeczyk (the second Silk Spectre), as well as Adrian Veidt (once the hero Ozymandias, now a successful businessman). Rorschach develops a theory that a “mask killer” is targeting heroes, possibly an old enemy seeking revenge. As the mystery unfolds, shocking revelations come to light, forcing the surviving heroes to piece together the truth and stop the real mastermind behind the plot.                    

Something I’ve come to realize about Watchmen—despite its deep political commentary, philosophical explorations, and superhero deconstruction—is that, at its core, it is a murder mystery. Beneath all the world-building and grand themes, it follows the framework of a classic detective story: a murder, an investigation, misdirection, false leads, and a shocking reveal. For example, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective is a comedy, yet it follows the framework of a classic detective story, with its eccentric protagonist investigating an animal’s disappearance. Sunset, starring James Garner and Bruce Willis, blends Western elements with a traditional whodunit structure. Even I, Robot, a sci-fi thriller, revolves around a hidden murder mystery, seamlessly integrating detective fiction into its futuristic narrative. These films prove that mystery storytelling transcends genre boundaries, demonstrating how detective fiction can be woven into unexpected settings while maintaining suspense and intrigue.                                     

Ultimately, Watchmen proves that a well-crafted mystery transcends genre boundaries, demonstrating how detective storytelling can be seamlessly woven into even the most unconventional narratives.

Astro City: The Tarnished Angel (DC Comics/Homage Comics/Wildstorm Comics, Astro City #14–20, 2000/1998):

 Written by Kurt Busiek, with art by Brent Eric Anderson, this installment is part of the Astro City series, which delves into the lives of superheroes, villains, and everyday citizens within a richly detailed world.  This volume follows Carl Donewicz, a former supervillain known as Steeljack, freshly released from prison. Old, broken, and determined to keep his head down, he hopes to live out his remaining years in peace. But fate has other plans. A string of murders targeting supervillains in his neighborhood forces Steeljack into an unlikely role—that of an investigator. As he delves into the mystery, he must navigate prejudice, mistrust, and the harsh realities of life outside prison, all while uncovering a deeper conspiracy that threatens to consume him. Determined to rebuild his life, Steeljack struggles to find honest work, his criminal past casting a long shadow over his future. With few options left, he reluctantly takes on a dangerous job—tracking down the killer responsible for the murders of several supervillains. But the deeper he digs, the more he realizes he may not just be chasing a murderer—he may soon find himself next on their list.                                                                                                                             

The story blends noir-style crime fiction with superhero elements, creating a gripping narrative that feels both familiar and fresh. Busiek’s writing is deeply introspective, offering a nuanced look at redemption, morality, and the struggles of those who live in the shadows of larger-than-life heroes. Anderson’s artwork perfectly complements the tone, balancing classic superhero aesthetics with gritty, atmospheric storytelling.                                                            

The Tarnished Angel is a personal favorite of mine for many reasons. Artist Alex Ross modeled Steeljack’s look after the late Robert Mitchum—an actor I deeply admire. The seven-part narrative embodies classic noir storytelling in the vein of Mickey Spillane and Raymond Chandler but seamlessly integrates a modern superhuman twist.                                                   

As a longtime comic book fan, Astro City remains my all-time favorite series, lasting over twenty years. Yet of all the characters that have come and gone, Steeljack stands out as a favorite. He isn’t the most powerful or the smartest, and he readily admits it. But he’s strong, tough to kill, and, more importantly, he possesses an unwavering determination reminiscent of pulp heroes like Mike Hammer and Philip Marlowe. No matter how bleak things get, Steeljack refuses to back down—he keeps swinging, and that’s what makes him so compelling.

The Twelve (Marvel Comics January 2008 - April 2012; The Twelve #1-12):

 Written by J. Michael Straczynski with art by Chris Weston. The story follows twelve obscure superheroes from Marvel’s Golden Age (originally introduced in Timely Comics during the 1940s) who were captured by the Nazis during World War II. Cryogenically frozen for experimentation, the war ended before the Nazis could carry out their plans, leaving the heroes trapped for decades. In the present day, their bunker is accidentally uncovered by construction workers, leading to their revival by the U.S. military. As these heroes awaken in the modern world, they struggle to find their place in a vastly different society. The series explores themes of culture shock, morality, and the contrast between past idealism and the complexities of the present. Meanwhile, a silent killer begins targeting them one by one, adding a mystery element to the narrative.

 What sets The Twelve apart from other superhero comics is its seamless blend of classic superhero storytelling with noir-style detective fiction. While most superhero tales focus on grand battles and cosmic threats, The Twelve takes a more grounded approach, weaving a suspenseful murder mystery into its narrative.

 One of the most compelling aspects of the story is how it mirrors classic detective fiction. The Phantom Reporter, a hero with journalistic instincts, takes on the role of investigator, much like a hardboiled detective from a Raymond Chandler novel. His methodical approach—gathering clues, analyzing motives, and confronting suspects—follows the structure of a traditional whodunit.

 Compared to other mystery-driven comics, The Twelve shares similarities with Batman: The Long Halloween, which also revolves around a series of murders and a detective-style investigation. However, The Twelve adds a unique twist by exploring the psychological struggles of heroes displaced in time, making its mystery feel even more layered and complex. Another strong comparison is Gotham Central, which focuses on the Gotham City Police Department solving crimes in a world filled with superheroes. Like The Twelve, it emphasizes detective work over superhuman battles, creating a tense and immersive mystery.

 Ultimately, The Twelve proves that superhero comics can deliver gripping detective stories, blending suspense, character-driven drama, and intricate plotting in a way that rivals classic mystery fiction.

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 Beyond the books I’ve already mentioned, there are several other mystery-driven comics worth exploring, such as:

• Batman: The Long Halloween – A noir-inspired whodunit in which Batman hunts a serial killer named Holiday, unraveling a gripping murder mystery in Gotham City.

• Criminal (Ed Brubaker) – A series of interconnected crime stories that dive deep into gritty, noir-style detective narratives, showcasing morally complex characters and suspenseful plots.

• Gotham Central – A procedural drama following the detectives of the Gotham City Police Department as they investigate crimes in a world dominated by superheroes and villains.

• Jessica Jones: Alias – A psychological thriller centered on a former superhero-turned-private investigator, blending detective storytelling with deeply personal stakes.

• The Black Dahlia (Adapted by Matz & Miles Hyman) – A graphic novel adaptation of James Ellroy’s famous murder mystery novel, bringing the classic crime story to life in a visually striking format.

• Original Sin (written by Jason Aaron with art by Mike Deodato) -The story revolves around the shocking murder of Uatu the Watcher, a cosmic being who observes events across the universe. His death sets off a chain of investigations led by Nick Fury and the Avengers, uncovering hidden secrets that shake the foundations of the Marvel Universe.

• Daredevil: End of Days (written by Brian Michael Bendis and David W. Mack, with art by Klaus Janson, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Alex Maleev) - The story begins with Daredevil’s brutal murder at the hands of Bullseye. As Daredevil dies, his last word—"Mapone"—becomes the central mystery of the series. Ben Urich, a journalist, sets out to uncover the meaning behind Murdock’s final utterance, leading him on a journey through Daredevil’s past and the lives of those he impacted. Along the way, Urich encounters Murdock’s former allies and foes, each offering pieces of the puzzle. The series explores themes of legacy, morality, and the lasting consequences of Daredevil’s actions. With its dark, gritty tone and noir-style storytelling, End of Days delivers a compelling and unconventional perspective on Daredevil’s world.

• Sin City: The Hard Goodbye (by Frank Miller) -- The story begins with Marv waking up next to Goldie, the only person who ever showed him kindness, only to find her murdered. Framed for the crime, Marv embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth, following a trail of deception, corruption, and brutality through the dark streets of Basin City. The mystery in The Hard Goodbye is central to its noir-inspired narrative, unfolding like a classic detective story. What sets The Hard Goodbye apart from other noir mysteries is its raw intensity, brutal protagonist, and stark visual storytelling. Unlike classic detectives like Philip Marlowe or Sam Spade, he fights his way to answers, using violence and intimidation instead of careful observation. The story mirrors noir classics like Chinatown and The Maltese Falcon, where the protagonist uncovers a deeper conspiracy. But Marv’s journey is far more brutal, leading him into a world of sadistic villains and systemic corruption, where survival means embracing the darkness rather than exposing it. Ultimately, The Hard Goodbye redefines noir storytelling by stripping it down to its most primal elements—revenge, deception, and survival—while maintaining the intrigue and tension of a classic mystery.

While mainstream publishers have produced many incredible mystery-driven comics, independent creators continue to push the boundaries of the genre in fascinating ways. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to highlight some noteworthy indie mystery comics as well.

At the heart of it, my point is this: when searching for a great mystery—or any compelling story—keeping an open mind is essential. Some of the most unforgettable tales come from unexpected places, and broadening one’s perspective can lead to incredible discoveries. As I often say, believe, and live by: “A closed mind never learns anything.”

Till next time, CGE