JTHM

Johnny the Homicidal Maniac (JTHM) is a graphic novel series created by American cartoonist Jhonen Vasquez. It was published primarily by Slave Labor Graphics, with the first issues appearing in the late 1990s. The story follows Johnny, a young man who is outwardly polite but harbors homicidal impulses and a tendency toward violent fantasies. Narration frequently breaks the fourth wall as Johnny's inner voice, referred to as "Nny," converses with him. The work combines horror imagery with dark humor and social satire.

The short miniseries and subsequent collected editions present a sequence of brutal, surreal encounters with various victims, demons, and alternate realities, interrupting a critique of consumerism, religion, and pop culture. The art is typically in stark black-and-white, prioritizing high-contrast visuals.

JTHM helped establish Jhonen Vasquez as a prominent figure in alternative comics in the late 1990s and contributed to the broader popularity of indie comic publishing in North America. It spawned related works in the JTHM universe, including the spin-off Squee!, and influenced later projects by Vasquez, such as the animated series Invader Zim. The title remains controversial for graphic depictions of violence and mature themes, and it remains a notable example of dark, satirical humor in comics.