"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands as one of the most notorious and iconic horror comics ever published. While the title might not be immediately recognizable to everyone, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head has become a cultural touchstone. This issue played a significant role in sparking the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, which led to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and ultimately contributed to the downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has been resurrected as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting homage, the latest EC release, *Catacomb of Torment #1*, pays tribute to the infamous cover art by Johnny Craig. IGN exclusively reveals artist Jay Stephens' cover for this issue, which is part of an ongoing series of classic EC tributes. Take a look at the cover below:

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

*Catacomb of Torment* is one of several new EC titles launching as part of the imprint's "Summer of Fear" promotion. This horror anthology series features contributions from acclaimed creators such as John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. It will be accompanied by *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 his enthusiasm, 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

18 Images

The "Summer of Fear" campaign will kick 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.