"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

In the annals of comic book history, few issues stand out as vividly as Crime SuspenStories #22 from 1954. This issue, notorious for its shocking cover art featuring a man with an ax and his wife's severed head, became a symbol of the horror comics genre. Its impact was profound, fueling the anti-comics sentiment of the 1950s, which ultimately led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority and the downfall of EC Comics.

Fast forward to the present, and EC Comics has been resurrected by Oni Press, breathing new life into the iconic brand. In a fitting tribute to the legacy of Johnny Craig's controversial cover, artist Jay Stephens has crafted a homage for the cover of Catacomb of Torment #1. This new release is part of an ongoing series celebrating classic EC tributes, and IGN is excited to reveal Stephens' artwork below:

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

Catacomb of Torment is one of several exciting new titles launching under the EC Comics imprint as part of the "Summer of Fear" campaign. This horror anthology series boasts contributions from acclaimed creators such as John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Joining Catacomb of Torment are Blood Type by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino, and Cruel Universe 2 featuring J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood.

Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson expressed his enthusiasm for 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."

Echoing Gorinson's sentiments, 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."

For a closer look at both Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment, explore the slideshow gallery below:

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

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

For more insights into the world of classic comic book art, be sure to explore our selection of the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.