Torment Catacomb Tribute to Horror Comic Art

Crime SuspenStories #22 from 1954 remains one of the most notorious and recognizable horror comics ever printed. Even if you don't recall the issue by name, you've certainly encountered its shocking cover image - a man gripping an ax while clutching his decapitated wife's head. This pivotal comic fueled the 1950s anti-comics moral panic, directly influenced the creation of the Comics Code Authority, and ultimately contributed to EC Comics' downfall.

Fortunately, EC Comics has recently risen from obscurity as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting homage, their latest release references Johnny Craig's controversial original cover art. IGN exclusively reveals artist Jay Stephens' variant cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, continuing EC's tradition of boundary-pushing horror visuals:

Artwork by Jay Stephens. (Image Credit: Oni Press)

For historical context, here's Craig's original Crime SuspenStories #22 cover:

Johnny Craig's original artwork. (Image Credit: EC Comics)

Catacomb of Torment headlines EC Comics' "Summer of Fear" initiative featuring several terrifying new anthologies. This horror collection showcases contributions from acclaimed creators including John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. The lineup also features Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's Blood Type, plus Cruel Universe 2 by J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood.

"Our EC Comics imprint represents both Oni Press' most commercially successful line in our nearly three-decade history and our most creatively fulfilling collaboration," stated Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "After surpassing expectations with Epitaphs From the Abyss and Cruel Universe last year, we're pushing further into bold, bloody territory during EC's second post-resurrection year."

"Working on EC Comics has profoundly inspired our entire creative team," added Oni Press Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn. "We're thrilled to continue revitalizing these impactful morality tales with today's finest storytellers - this summer's releases exemplify that creative vision."

Preview Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment in our exclusive gallery: