In creepy horror graphic novels, the sense of fear is created through various elements. The settings are often desolate or strange, like the post - apocalyptic world in 'The Walking Dead' which is full of danger at every turn. The dialogue can be cryptic and menacing, adding to the mystery and fear. Additionally, the use of foreshadowing is common. In '30 Days of Night', the early hints of the vampires coming build up the anticipation and fear. And the way the artists depict violence and gore, if applicable, can also shock and terrify the readers.
Creepy horror graphic novels create a sense of fear in multiple ways. The character designs can be really terrifying. Take the demons in 'Hellboy' for instance. Their grotesque appearances add to the horror. The pacing of the story is crucial too. A slow build - up, like in 'Locke & Key', where the secrets of the keys are gradually revealed, keeps the reader on edge. Moreover, the use of sound effects (if it's an animated version or if you can imagine them while reading) and the layout of the panels can contribute to the overall sense of dread.
They often use the unknown. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the house itself is full of secrets. We don't know exactly what's lurking in the dark corners or behind the closed doors. This lack of knowledge makes our imagination run wild and creates fear.
IT horror novels often create fear by using the unknown aspects of technology. For example, in 'It', the entity Pennywise can manipulate technology in the town, like making the sewers seem even more menacing, which scares readers as it's something that could potentially happen in real life.
Zombie horror novels create a sense of fear mainly through the concept of the undead. The idea that the dead can come back to life and attack the living is inherently terrifying. Also, they often depict a breakdown of society, like in 'World War Z', which makes readers fear for their own safety in such a chaotic world.
Urban horror novels often use familiar settings like city streets, apartments, or office buildings. By making the setting something readers can recognize, it becomes easier to imagine the horror happening there. They also play with the idea of the unknown lurking within the normal, for example, a monster hiding in the sewers beneath a busy city.
Expedition horror novels often create fear by isolating the characters. When a group is on an expedition, they are far from help. For example, in 'The Ruins', the characters are stuck at the Mayan ruin with no easy way out. This isolation makes the reader feel that the characters are truly alone and vulnerable.
They often use atmosphere. In 'It', Stephen King describes the sewers and the town of Derry in a way that makes them seem menacing. The isolation, the strange noises, and the lurking presence all contribute to the fear. Also, the use of psychological elements like the characters' fears and traumas. In 'Rosemary's Baby', Rosemary's growing paranoia about her pregnancy adds to the overall sense of dread.
They often use the setting. For example, a small, dark room or a long, narrow corridor. The limited space makes the character's (and reader's) options seem very few, creating fear. Also, the lack of escape routes is key.
Survival horror novels create fear through atmosphere. They often set the story in isolated or creepy places like old mansions or desolate wastelands. For example, in 'The Shining', the Overlook Hotel is a place full of dark secrets. Also, the unknown is a big factor. When there are unseen threats like in 'I Am Legend' with the mutants, it scares readers.