Best Graphic Novels for Halloween (2026): 5 Compared

Halloween reads should be spooky, not scary, and the best graphic novels for halloween keep the frights fun. We compared five Halloween graphic novels and illustrated books by fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age, using only what each listing publishes.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Ghosts	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Hocus Pocus: Illustrated	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	The Witches: Graphic Novel	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Pumpkinheads	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Hack-A-Ween	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Ghosts

Raina Telgemeier·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 256-page graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier; skip it if you want movie tie-ins.

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Pros

• By Raina Telgemeier
• 256 pages from Graphix
• Published March 1, 2022

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• A ghost story, not pure Halloween
• 2022, same age as Hocus Pocus

2

Hocus Pocus: Illustrated

A. W. Jantha·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 240-page illustrated novelization for ages 7+; skip it for graphic novels.

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Pros

• The Hocus Pocus story
• 240 pages, published August 30, 2022
• Reading age 7+ is stated

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• An illustrated novel, not a graphic novel
• From Random House/Disney, a licensed tie-in

3

The Witches: Graphic Novel

Roald Dahl·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 304-page Roald Dahl graphic novel; skip it for newer 2022 books.

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Pros

• Roald Dahl's classic
• 304 pages, the longest here
• From Graphix

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• 2020, older than Ghosts and Hocus Pocus
• A classic, not a new story

4

Pumpkinheads

Rainbow Rowell·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 224-page Rainbow Rowell graphic novel; skip it for younger readers.

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Pros

• By Rainbow Rowell
• 224 pages from First Second
• A Halloween romance

Cons

• Reading age 17+, above kids
• 2019, older than the 2022 picks
• Romance, not horror

5

Hack-A-Ween

Meredith Rusu·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 64-page book for ages 7 to 10; skip it for full-length novels.

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Pros

• Reading age 7 to 10 is stated
• 64 pages, quick read
• From Scholastic

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• 64 pages, the shortest here
• 2020, older than the 2022 picks

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More picks to compare

• The Haunted MaskFor ages 8 and up: 160 pages, 2024.Check on Amazon
• HellaweenFor ages 14 and up: 208 pages, 2023.Check on Amazon
• Cookie and BroccoliFor ages 4 to 8: 112 pages, 2024.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 20 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age where one is given. Every pick here lists a reading age, all marked as from customers. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best graphic novels for halloween

Match the reading age

Ghosts lists 8 to 11 years and The Witches lists 8 to 10, both marked as from customers. Hocus Pocus lists 7+ and Hack-A-Ween lists 7 to 10, while Pumpkinheads lists 17+. All are marked as from customers. For younger readers, the 8 to 11 and 7+ picks are the closest fit.

Graphic novel or illustrated book

Ghosts, The Witches and Pumpkinheads are graphic novels. Hocus Pocus is an illustrated novelization, and Hack-A-Ween is a 64-page chapter book. Know the format the reader wants before you choose. Adult readers have their own list at best graphic novels for men.

Stories and editions

Ghosts is by Raina Telgemeier, The Witches adapts Roald Dahl, and Hocus Pocus brings the Disney movie. Ghosts and Hocus Pocus are the newest, both from 2022. Check the publisher and date on the listing to pick the right edition. More picks are on our best graphic novels for women.

Before you buy

• Check the listed reading age against the reader; all five are marked as from customers.
• Decide between graphic novel, illustrated novel and chapter book before you shop.
• Note the publication date and publisher on the listing to pick the right edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best for an 8-year-old?

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier lists a reading age of 8 to 11 years, with 256 pages from 2022.

Is there a Hocus Pocus book?

Yes: Hocus Pocus: The Illustrated Novelization, 240 pages for ages 7 and up, from 2022.

Which are the longest?

The Witches at 304 pages and Ghosts at 256 pages.

Still deciding? Our top pickGhosts

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Related lists

See every book club list and all fiction lists. Also see our best graphic novels for men. Also see our best graphic novels for women.

More lists: graphic novels for grown ups, graphic novels for young women and graphic novels for young men.