Explore the ‘Stranger Things’ Comics to Discover the Upside Down

While we await the release of season 5 of Stranger Things, there’s a rich collection of novels and an extensive array of comic books to dive into.

With such a diverse selection, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. Following the series’ meteoric rise in popularity in 2016, Dark Horse Comics inked a multi-year partnership with Netflix in 2018 to bring various Stranger Things comics to life. The inaugural comic debuted later that same year, marking the start of a significant expansion in the universe. Today, fans can explore numerous issues, several miniseries, and an assortment of graphic novels, all of which enrich (though are not essential to) the understanding of our beloved characters and their struggles against supernatural foes and sinister government operations in Hawkin, Indiana.

To ensure you’re fully versed in the lore by the time Stranger Things season 5 debuts (potentially as late as 2025?!), now is the perfect moment to dive into these captivating tales.

Here’s your guide to reading the Stranger Things comics in chronological order.

Stranger Things: The Other Side (2018-2019)

Stranger Things: The Other Side comic cover, showing Will and the Upside Down — (Dark Horse)

This miniseries fills in the gaps around Will’s ordeal in the Upside Down. While his trauma has been referenced in Seasons 2, 3, and 4 of Stranger Things, the specifics of his survival remained largely unexplored—until this series came along.

Stranger Things: SIX (2019)

Cover of Stranger Things: SIX featuring Dr. Brenner and a young girl — (Dark Horse)

Curious about the other kids who were part of Dr. Brenner’s experiments with Eleven? This miniseries sheds light on Six, a young girl with precognitive gifts exploited by both her parents and Brenner. Will she seize the chance to liberate herself and her peers? Dive into this four-issue arc to find out.

Stranger Things: Into the Fire (2020)

Cover of Stranger Things: Into The Fire showing number 8 and new characters — (Dark Horse)

After dodging the nefarious grasp of Dr. Brenner, two former test subjects long for normalcy. However, upon learning that Brenner’s lab in Hawkins has been shut down, they set off in search of Nine, a formidable pyrokinetic whose unstable psyche threatens everyone around her.

Stranger Things: Science Camp (2020)

Stranger Things: Science Camp cover featuring Dustin and Suzie — (Dark Horse)

Join Dustin and Suzie as they embark on a science-filled summer at Camp Know Where, where a mysterious stranger interrupts the counselors and campers alike. Their peaceful summer is thrown into chaos as camp counselors begin to vanish, forcing Dustin and Suzie to unite with the other campers, even the bullies, to save their summer.

Stranger Things Halloween Special (October 2020)

Cover of Stranger Things Halloween Special comic featuring the boys in Castle Byers — (Dark Horse)

This comic transports us six days prior to Will Byers’ disappearance, where Will, Lucas, Dustin, and Mike are reveling in Halloween festivities at Castle Byers. The boys share spooky tales and candy, while also uncovering one of Hawkins’ most notorious legends: the Child Eater of Hawkins.

Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons (2020-2021)

Stranger Things and Dungeons & Dragons comic cover featuring the boys and a dragon — (Dark Horse)

Discover how these four friends forged their bond through Dungeons & Dragons! This narrative showcases Lucas, Will, and Mike’s inaugural campaign with Dustin, reflecting on how the game shaped their childhood and understanding of the Upside Down.

Stranger Things: The Tomb of Ybwen (2021)

Cover of Stranger Things: Tomb of Ybwen featuring Bob Newby and Will — (Dark Horse)

As Will and Joyce mourn Bob Newby’s tragic fate after the intense events of Season 2, new enigmas arise. Feeling sidelined by his friends and their new partners, Will teams up with Mr. Clarke to unravel a hidden map left by Bob. However, with a blizzard approaching, Lucas, Mike, and Dustin embark to find Will, leading them into an old mine filled with traps and riddles.

Stranger Things Winter Special (November 2021)

Cover of Stranger Things Winter Special with Eleven surrounded by Christmas decorations — (Dark Horse)

Winter has descended upon Hawkins! The gang gathers to teach Eleven about Christmas by sharing their fondest holiday stories, but the festive cheer takes a peculiar twist when Dustin suspects something sinister lurking in the outdoors.

Stranger Things: Kamchatka (2022)

Cover of Stranger Things: Kamchatka showing a Demogorgon — (Dark Horse)

This entry leans heavily into espionage and horror, diverging from Hawkins to Russia, where a brilliant Soviet scientist is abducted for a covert operation. As he attempts to sabotage the project, his children get caught up in a thrilling fight for survival.

Stranger Things Summer Special (July 2022)

Cover of Stranger Things Summer Special featuring Officers Powell and Calahan in front of Starcourt Mall — (Dark Horse)

Explore key events from Stranger Things Season 3 through a new lens: that of the sheriff’s deputies! Officers Powell and Calahan are vigilant as Hawkins faces yet another wave of bizarre occurrences, requiring them to rely on their experience to navigate the chaos.

Stranger Things: Tales From Hawkins (2023)

Cover of Stranger Things: Tales from Hawkins featuring Murray Bauman and Robin — (Dark Horse)

Tales From Hawkins is an anthology that delves deeper into the mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana, spotlighting its residents and their stories. Among the features are Murray Bauman’s investigation into Barb Holland’s disappearance, Robin’s school life, a rivalry between pumpkin farmers, and the treacherous antics of amateur teenage hunters.

Stranger Things: The Voyage (2023-2024)

Cover of Stranger Things: The Voyage featuring a Demogorgon and ship crew — (Dark Horse)

A captain, lured by a tempting offer, agrees to transport a group of dubious Russians from Alaska. Unbeknownst to him, the cargo carries a deadly creature, resulting in a perilous voyage with nature’s wrath and a lurking Demogorgon threatening their lives.

Stranger Things Graphic Novels

Cover of Stranger Things: Zombie Boys showing the gang as zombies — (Dark Horse)

If you’re still craving more, there are additional graphic novel collections worth checking out:

Stranger Things: Zombie Boys (2020) – Set in Spring, the group copes with their haunting past while devising a zombie film for the AV club. As Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will explore fictional horror, they inch closer to reconciling their terrifying reality.
Stranger Things: The Bully (2020) – Taking place during Season 2, this story follows Hawkins Middle School’s notorious bully as he seeks to unveil the truth behind Eleven’s powers after a humiliating incident. Their confrontation leads to unexpected challenges from Demodogs.
Stranger Things: Erica the Great (2022) – Join Erica as she learns two essential lessons: collaborating with a frenemy to rescue a confused parakeet and accepting help, even while being the smartest person in the room.

Enjoy your reading spree!

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