"Catacomb of Torment Honors Classic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's Crime SuspenStories #22 is often hailed as the most notorious and iconic horror comic ever published. Even if the title doesn't immediately strike a chord, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head is unmistakable. This issue significantly contributed to the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, leading to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the eventual downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has risen from the ashes as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting homage, the latest release from EC Comics pays tribute to Johnny Craig's controversial cover art. IGN has the exclusive reveal of artist Jay Stephens' cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, which is part of an ongoing series celebrating classic EC tributes. Take a look at the cover below:

For a point of comparison, here is the original cover of Crime SuspenStories #22 by Johnny Craig:

Catacomb of Torment is one of several new EC books launching under the imprint's "Summer of Fear" promotion. This horror anthology series boasts contributions from acclaimed creators such as John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Alongside Catacomb of Torment, the lineup includes Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino, and Cruel Universe 2 by J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood.

Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, "Our EC Comics line is not only the best-selling line of comics in Oni's near-30-year history, they're also an insanely fun thing to work on. So, after exceeding our own already-high expectations with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and Cruel Kingdom last year, we're challenging ourselves to get bolder and bigger – and bloodier! – on all fronts as EC enters the second year of its milestone resurrection."

Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn added, "Working on EC for the last year has been incredibly inspiring for everyone working on the series – from the team at Oni to our partners building these bite-sized worlds at each level of production. It's a real joy to continue bringing these entertaining morality tales to life with the best storytellers in the business. This summer's slate of comics is no exception."

Take a closer look at both Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment in the slideshow gallery below:

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

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The "Summer of Fear" initiative kicks off with the release of Blood Type #1 in June 2025.

For more classic comic book art, explore our picks for the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.