"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands as a landmark issue in the annals of horror comics, infamous for its shocking cover featuring a man with an ax and his wife's severed head. This iconic image played a pivotal role in fueling the anti-comics sentiment of the 1950s, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the downfall of EC Comics. However, the legacy of EC Comics lives on, as the imprint has been revived by Oni Press, bringing fresh horror to a new generation of readers.

In a fitting homage, the latest release from EC Comics, *Catacomb of Torment #1*, proudly showcases artist Jay Stephens' cover art, inspired by Johnny Craig's controversial original. IGN has the exclusive reveal of this tribute cover, which you can see below:

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

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

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

*Catacomb of Torment* is just one of several thrilling new titles launching under EC Comics' "Summer of Fear" initiative. This horror anthology series boasts contributions from acclaimed creators John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Joining this spine-chilling lineup are *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 EC Comics line, 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 also shared her excitement, saying, "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."

Dive deeper into the eerie worlds of *Blood Type* and *Catacomb of Torment* with the preview gallery below:

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

18 Images

The "Summer of Fear" kicks off with the release of *Blood Type #1* in June 2025. For fans of classic comic art, don't miss our curated list of the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.