Horror Comic Cover Honored in Catacomb

Crime SuspenStories #22 from 1954 is arguably the most notorious and legendary horror comic ever released. Even if the issue title isn't familiar, you've certainly encountered the shocking cover image of a man holding an axe and his wife's decapitated head. This comic, more than any other, fueled the anti-comics movement of the 1950s, prompted the formation of the Comics Code Authority, and ultimately led to the downfall of its publisher, EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has recently been revived as a new imprint under Oni Press. It's only appropriate that the latest EC release pays homage to Johnny Craig's infamous and often-criticized cover art. IGN has the exclusive first look at artist Jay Stephens' cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, which is part of a series celebrating classic EC comics. See it below:

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

For comparison, here is Johnny Craig's original cover for Crime SuspenStories #22:

Art by Johnny Craig. (Image Credit: EC Comics)

Catacomb of Torment is one of several new EC titles launching as part of the "Summer of Fear" promotional event. This horror anthology series showcases work by creators including John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. It will be joined by Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's Blood Type, and J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood's Cruel Universe 2.

"Our EC Comics line is not only the best-selling line of comics in Oni's near-30-year history, it's also incredibly enjoyable to work on," stated Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "After surpassing our ambitious expectations with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and Cruel Kingdom last year, we're pushing ourselves to be more ambitious, expansive—and yes, bloodier—in every way as EC enters the second year of its historic comeback."

"Working on EC over the past year has been immensely inspiring for everyone involved—from the Oni team to our collaborators who build these self-contained worlds at every stage of production," added Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn. "It's a genuine pleasure to continue bringing these engaging morality tales to life with the industry's finest storytellers. This summer's lineup of comics is no exception."

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