Everything Stranger Things in order (books, comics and more)
Harper Scott 
So you just finished watching all seven supersized episodes of Stranger Things season 4 volume 1 and now you’re in the midst of withdrawals or post-series depression. I feel you. While waiting for the second part of season 4, why not look into all things related to Stranger Things? There’s more outside of the show like Stranger Things books and Stranger Things comics to enjoy!
The following list explores the entire Stranger Things universe in chronological order, starting from a prequel novel set before season 1 all the way to listing future projects that aren’t even released yet so you can pre-order and prepare!
With everything featured on this list, you should be able to stay happily invested in the Stranger Things Universe for many months to come, maybe even until season 5 arrives!
The following list of Stranger Things comics, Stranger Things books and other items is advisable for people who are already fans of the show. If you haven’t watched it yet, I would recommend watching all four seasons available now, as the extraneous material (books, comics, etc.) were not published until after multiple seasons were already released.
It’ll be easier to understand the prequels and spin-off content if you already have an understanding of the series. Then you can start from the beginning and work through, rewatching and reading in chronological order!
Not only is Suspicious Minds by Gwenda Bond the first of several Stranger Things books, but it’s a perfect starting point since it functions as a sequel. Taking place in 1969, Suspicious Minds delves into the story of Doctor Brenner (a.k.a. Papa) and the secrets behind Hawkins Lab, MK Ultra and Terry Ives (Eleven’s mother). Some parts of the novel are inconsistent with what we see in the show.
SIX was the second comic miniseries released and follows another one of Dr. Brenner’s lab subjects, this time 006, or Six, a girl named Francine. This four-comic miniseries is another prequel to the show’s first season. Note that, like Suspicious Minds, there are some plot inconsistencies in these comics.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Technically, this Stranger Things book takes place during season 2, specifically in the winter months while Eleven is with Hopper at his cabin. However, the bulk of this novel is told via flashbacks to 1977 to 1978 because its about Hopper’s past, so it functions as a prequel to Hopper’s story before Stranger Things began. Darkness on the Edge of Town by Adam Christopher is the second official Stranger Things novel.
Most of this novel takes place in 1980, before the events of Stranger Things season 1. But there is a flash-forward later to after Will is rescued from the Upside Down. Still, it’s worth reading before going back to season 1 to get a sense of how important Dungeons & Dragons is to the kids and the show overall.
Taking place just six days before the start of season 1, the Halloween one-shot is a one of several fun, special Stranger Things comics and it’s perfect for an annual re-read that centers on Will, Mike, Lucas and Dustin gathering in Castle Byers to eat candy and scare each other with a spooky story.
The season that started the phenomenon! In 1980s Indiana, a group of young friends witness supernatural forces and secret government exploits. As they search for answers, the children unravel a series of extraordinary mysteries. There are eight episodes in the show’s first season.
The Other Side is another comic series that recounts Will’s experience while he was trapped in the Upside Down. It kickstarted the Stranger Things comics as it was the first of many.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Following the events of season 1, Mike, Lucas, Dustin and Will are still dealing with the aftermath of tangling with the Upside Down when a newcomer joins the AV club with an idea about making a horror movie focused on a local legend. Will’s creepy drawings lead him to believe that his new friends are the local legends.
Purchase the graphic novel here
If you’re curious to find out more about season 1’s bully Troy in the aftermath of Eleven embarrassing him in front of the entire school, then you can follow-up with him in this graphic novel. He and James also encounter Demodogs.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Runaway Max can be read before or after season 2, it’s up to you. I recommend reading it before the second season starts if you’ve already seen it through once already, since it will give you a better idea of who Max is, her backstory and more insight into her relationship with Billy.
Now you can return to the show and check out season 2! Will grapples with the lingering effects of being in the Upside Down in season 2, while Hopper starts investigating strange things in town, like a field of rotting pumpkins. Plus, Eleven reconnects with other subjects from Dr. Brenner’s lab. This season has nine episodes.
This is a recap show that discusses inspiration for the series, shares behind-the-scenes stories and analyzes key aspects from the storylines. It’s streaming on Netflix and started after the show’s second season. So far, there has only been one season that launched alongside season 2.
The winter holidays are upon us and the kids of Hawkins are in full spirit. As they recall stories from their childhood to teach Eleven about Christmas, tensions run high when Dustin swears he saw something lurking in the forest outside.
This is a Goonies-like adventure comic series that explores Will’s relationship with Bob Newby after his death. The timeline is a little confusing since supposedly this takes place after the battle with the Mind Flayer but since Bob dies in season 2 (RIP), it makes more sense to read it here.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Set in 1984, the third comic miniseries, Into the Fire follows two more of Dr. Brenner’s previous subjects, including Nine, a powerful pyrokinetic being. It also features Eight, Kali, who is introduced during the show’s second season.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Learn more about Camp Know Where and how Dustin met Suzie with this comic that takes us to the camp right before season 3. Delve into B-movie horror nostalgia when Dustin goes to summer camp, confronts a sinister figure in an Albert Einstein mask, and joins forces with Suzie to solve mysterious disappearances.
Purchase the graphic novel here
Like Runaway Max, Rebel Robin is a prequel novel that introduces us to Robin and explores her backstory before she’s introduced in season 3. There is also a fictional podcast that goes along with the book that you can listen to wherever you listen to your podcasts (it’s free!).
The show’s third season takes place during summer in 1985 as Steve gets a job at the mall working at the ice cream parlor Scoops Ahoy, where he meets Robin. Elsewhere, the Mind Flayer becomes the season’s primary antagonist as it starts to possess people in Hawkins, like Billy.
Officers Powell and Callahan (both of whom are featured in season 4) patrol the mean streets of Hawkins, Indiana during the events of the third season, including the Starcourt Mall (before the fire). This is a new comic that won’t be released until July 6, 2022, but it would fit in right here.
Pre-order the special one-shot here
This is another upcoming Stranger Things novel that will take place between seasons 3 and 4. It focuses on Lucas. Dive into this revealing portrait of fan-favorite Lucas Sinclair and get to know Lucas like never before. The thrilling adventure of Stranger Things continues where season three left off, with Lucas finally telling his own story in his own words.
Taking place after the events of season 3, Erica the Great puts Erica Sinclair front and center in her own adventure. When Erica’s frenemy loses track of her mother’s prized Parakeet, the two will have to work together to return the bird safe and sound, or deal with the consequences. They learn that even the toughest and smartest people need a little help now and then.
Purchase the graphic novel here
The Kamchatka comic series is ongoing, so the first few comics are out but if you want the entire collection you can pre-order it and get the whole thing when it releases this November. This series follows along with the teaser we got at the end of season 3 in Russia. It delves into how the Soviets ended up kidnapping a Demogorgon and taking it to the prison camp, focusing on two teenagers who embark on a perilous journey.
Pre-order the graphic novel here
The latest season of Stranger Things is finally out after a multi-year gap. The first seven episodes are now streaming, with the final episodes of the season releasing on July 1. In season 4, the gang faces a new threat in the form of a deadly monster named Vecna.
Two supersized episodes are coming on July 1, 2022 to wrap up the show’s fourth season.
The series has already been renewed for a fifth and final season, the release date on the final season has yet to be announced as filming has not even begun yet, but stay tuned to Netflix Life all the details as they arrive.
Outside of the comics, books and the show, there is some other media to enjoy within the Stranger Things franchise, including a short story collection, games and reference books that go behind-the-scenes of the series.
Prepare to visit the darkest and most chilling corners of Hawkins. Dustin, Lucas, Max, and their friends want to rent videos one night. But when a blackout changes their plans, they swap seven twisted tales based on their hometown.
The official behind-the-scenes companion guide to the first two seasons and beyond, featuring exclusive color photos and stunning concept art.
There are a couple of games based on the show, mainly mobile games. Characters and the Demogorgon from the show were featured in Dead by Daylight DLC but expired in November 2021.
Besides the releases mentioned above, here are some of the other books and media released alongside the show that you can purchase.
Content coming soon!
Stream Stranger Things on Netflix, Stranger Things season 4 volume 2 arrives on July 1.
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