Top 10 Spell-Casting Comics for New Readers
Spells, potions, and strange concoctions—they slip through the cracks of the waking world, seeping into your dreams. Whether their victims get trapped in a painting, cursed to age backward, or lost in a twisted fantasy abyss, these spellcasters come without warning, creeping into the shadows of your subconscious.
The world of witches, spellcasters, and all things magical isn't a whimsical escape; it's a labyrinth of secrets and dangers. Every coven harbours its dark rites and every solitary practitioner walks a razor's edge between this world and something far more sinister. In these comic books, the boundaries of reality are blurred, and every page could bring a spell you weren't ready for.
Here's a top ten list of the best comics about witches and spellcasters—each one a doorway to a world where the rules are different, where every charm has a cost, and where the line between ally and enemy dissolves under the weight of magic.
10. The Wicked + The Divine (Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie)
Suppose you're drawn to stories where myth weaves into the everyday, and the line between fame and fate blurs, The Wicked + The Divine should already be on your list. Twelve gods return to the world every ninety years, reincarnated as humans. They are worshipped like pop stars, wielding power and seducing the masses—and then, just as quickly, they die. Their time is short, just two years, but their presence lingers long after. This series isn't merely about witchcraft; it's about the price of being adored, the fragility of identity, and the inescapable pull of death.
From the moment it debuted in 2014, The Wicked + The Divine has held readers under its spell. Each issue feels like a ritual—vivid, dangerous, and all-consuming. The first issue, which introduced this tragic pantheon, quickly became a collector's prize. A CGC 9.8 (near-mint condition) copy of The Wicked + The Divine #1 can sell for around $100, with signed editions reaching even higher. Much like the gods themselves, the comic's allure grows with time, its rarity turning it into a relic of a world that feels both fantastical and frighteningly real.
9. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
A collection of magical comics would only be complete with a mention of this dark reimagining of the teenage witch we all think we know. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina pulls readers straight into the shadowy corners of a 1960s horror film—far moodier and more unsettling than any TV adaptation. Here, Sabrina's struggle to reconcile her human and witch heritage is anything but charming. Her world is thick with occult rites, strange sacrifices, and a creeping sense that the forces surrounding her are far from benevolent. For those who like their magic twisted and laced with dread, this series is an irresistible plunge into the darker side of the supernatural.
Riding a wave of newfound popularity following Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the comic has seen a surge in demand. Early issues, especially #1, vanished from shelves as eager readers snapped up them, leading to multiple printings. A CGC 9.8 (near-mint condition) copy of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina #1 now commands over $150 on the secondary market. The blend of 1960s-style horror and witchcraft makes it a highly coveted piece of modern folklore, a relic of a world where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
8. The Sandman (Neil Gaiman)
Known for its ethereal, mythical landscapes, The Sandman weaves magic into every corner of its world—and among the most iconic figures are its witches. The three witches, often portrayed as the Fates, loom over the story like a shadowy triad, their roles as both seers and weavers of destiny impossible to ignore. Then there's Thessaly, a witch whose cold power and complex morality make her an unforgettable force within the series. Magic in The Sandman isn't whimsical; it's ancient, dark, and deeply intertwined with mythology, crafting a world where witchcraft is both a tool and a threat. Neil Gaiman's magnum opus has left an indelible mark on modern witch lore, and it's impossible to discuss the intersection of magic and comics without acknowledging its profound influence.
During its original run, The Sandman sold well and helped establish DC's Vertigo imprint as a literary powerhouse. The first issue, which marks the debut of Morpheus, is particularly coveted by collectors. A CGC 9.8 (near-mint condition) copy of The Sandman #1 (1989) can fetch around $650. For collectors and fans alike, this issue is a relic of one of the most transformative comic series ever touching on witchcraft, mythology, and the unseen forces that shape the world.
7. Hex Wives (Ben Blacker and Mirka Andolfo)
In Hex Wives, witches aren't the usual spellcasters shrouded in mystery—they're women with immense power, forced to live under the suffocating control of men who fear what they can do. This newer title offers a feminist twist on witchcraft, delving into the politics of power and oppression. The witches, trapped in suburban lives of conformity, are kept docile by the very forces that seek to suppress them. But underneath the surface, their magic simmers, waiting for the moment when rebellion is not only inevitable—it's devastatingly satisfying. This series isn't just about spells or rituals; it's a sharp reflection on society's historical fear of powerful women and the price that comes when that power is denied.
Premiering in 2018, Hex Wives didn't soar in sales or become a collector's treasure, but its themes resonated deeply with its readers. Hex Wives #1 is typically priced at $30, a modest value for a comic that taps into something far more dangerous and timeless than mere magic—the refusal to be controlled.
6. Wytches (Scott Snyder and Jock)
For true horror lovers, Wytches takes the witch archetype to a place of primal fear far beyond the bounds of typical magic. This series spins a tale of a family hunted by ancient, feral beings—witches that are more monstrous than mystical, lurking in the shadows of the natural world. It's not just about spells and potions; it's about survival, family, and the unspeakable terror of what hides beneath. If you're looking to step into the magical realm through a doorway that creaks open into darkness, Wytches is your perfect entry—a critically acclaimed horror story that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Launched in 2014 by Image Comics, Wytches struck a nerve, its unsettling atmosphere gripping readers from the start. The first issue sold over 90,000 copies on release, fueled by the excitement surrounding Scott Snyder's eerie storytelling and his previous success with Batman. A CGC 9.8 (near-mint condition) copy of Wytches #1 can fetch around $120, with signed editions by both Snyder and artist Jock commanding even more. The series' stark, haunting visuals and bone-chilling horror helped cement its place as a modern classic in the witch-themed comic genre—a tale where every turn of the page feels like a descent into something far darker than you bargained for.
5. Scarlet Witch (James Robinson)
Wanda Maximoff—known to most as the Scarlet Witch—has long been an enigmatic force in the Marvel Universe. Still, this solo series pulls back the curtain on her complex and often perilous magical heritage. Here, Wanda's journey is more than just superhero battles; it's a deep dive into the murky, mystical realms of witchcraft as she grapples with the true nature of her powers. Each spell she casts unearths more questions than answers, and an ever-present struggle for control shadows her path. For Marvel fans, this series offers a glimpse into magic as an ancient and unpredictable force, echoing Wanda's quest for understanding.
Debuting in 2016, the Scarlet Witch solo series didn't shatter sales records, but it developed a devoted following, quietly becoming a must-have for Marvel's magical lore fans. The character's rise to prominence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has since increased the value of these issues. The first issue of Scarlet Witch is the most coveted, with CGC 9.8 copies selling for around $150. Issues that tie into larger Marvel events can command even higher prices. Wanda Maximoff's power and influence continue to ripple through the MCU, making her one of the most compelling figures in both the comic and cinematic worlds.
4. Hexed (Michael Alan Nelson and Emma Ríos)
In Hexed, we follow Luci Jennifer Inacio Das Neves—a thief who doesn't just break into vaults; she breaks into realms of magic and danger. Dabbling in the occult, Luci navigates a shadowy underworld where every deal is fraught with supernatural threats, and every choice could lead to something far worse than death. This series blends magical noir with fast-paced action, its dark world brimming with sorcery, curses, and mysteries lurking in every corner. The fluid, expressive artwork of Emma Ríos captures the pulse of the story, her lines moving as swiftly as Luci herself, bringing vivid life to this dangerous dance between magic and crime.
Hexed, published by Boom! Studios didn't make waves in mainstream sales but quickly grew a loyal following. Its unique mix of noir and the occult has made it a gem among indie collectors, each issue a sought-after piece of Luci's dangerous journey. Hexed #1, in near-mint condition, has fetched up to $35, with first editions from Boom! Studios often become prized possessions due to their limited print runs. With its intoxicating blend of magic and peril, Hexed has secured its place as a cult favourite in supernatural comics.
3. Anya's Ghost (Vera Brosgol)
Mixing the supernatural with a coming-of-age tale, Anya's Ghost introduces us to a world where the ordinary and the otherworldly slip dangerously close. When Anya befriends a ghost, she's drawn into a journey of self-discovery—one that forces her to confront not only who she is but the shadows lurking just beyond her reach. The magic here isn't flashy or grand, but deeply personal, woven into the fabric of Anya's everyday life. Anya's Ghost offers a subtle, unsettling narrative for readers seeking a story where witchcraft and the supernatural take a more intimate, haunting form.
Since its release in 2011, Anya's Ghost has been a beloved favourite, especially within the young adult market. While it doesn't carry the high collector's value of superhero comics, first editions remain prized by fans for their emotional depth and the ghostly charm that continues to resonate with readers.
2. Spell on Wheels (Kate Leth and Megan Levens)
A spellbinding road trip where magic and adventure collide. Three young witches—Claire, Jolene, and Andy—are on a mission to recover the magical artifacts a shadowy and elusive thief stole from them. The series blends sharp wit, action, and moments of deep sisterhood as these witches, each wielding her own unique powers, band together for a journey that's as much about friendship as it is about magic. Their path is filled with danger and discovery, but through every twist in the road, they remind us that strength comes from unity—and a bit of spellwork doesn't hurt either.
While this indie series from Dark Horse didn't climb the sales charts like some mainstream titles, it carved out its place as an empowering, modern take on witchcraft. Praised for its quick-fire dialogue, diverse cast, and heartwarming moments, Spell on Wheels has won over critics and readers alike. Though not a blockbuster, the first issue has become a collector's item, with CGC 9.8 copies selling for around $40. For those seeking a fresh, magical journey with strong female leads, this series offers a ride worth taking—where the magic is as vibrant as the friendships it celebrates.
1. Harrow County (Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook)
Dip into Southern Gothic horror, where folklore and witchcraft entwine unsettlingly. Emmy, a young girl coming to grips with her dark heritage, uncovers chilling secrets as she learns she may be bound to a witch who once haunted the very land she calls home. As her connection to the spirits of Harrow County deepens, Emmy finds herself teetering on the edge between terror and magic—two forces that are rarely separate in this haunting world. Tyler Crook's atmospheric artwork pulls you in with its eerie, almost dreamlike quality, leaving an impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.
From its debut, Harrow County became a favourite among horror fans, with its first issue frequently selling as readers were drawn into its spellbinding mix of dread and discovery. A CGC 9.8 copy of Harrow County #1 can fetch over $160; variant covers and early printings have only added to the allure for collectors. Its blend of atmospheric storytelling and haunting art style has cemented this series as a modern horror classic, where every corner of the land hides a secret, and every shadow threatens to reveal something darker.
These witch-themed comics do more than open portals to spellbinding, imaginative worlds—they offer a gateway to mystical and deeply coveted stories by collectors. From the creeping, gothic horror of Harrow County to the pop-culture deities and tragic fates of The Wicked + The Divine, each series crafts its own unique path into the magical realm, where every page holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. For those keen on building a collection, the first issues and critical moments within these titles have become prized relics, their value rising with their growing allure. Whether drawn by the dark forces of witchcraft or the pull of their collector's worth, these comics offer treasures for the bold reader—and even bolder collector.
