"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands as perhaps the most infamous and iconic horror comic ever published. Even if the issue's title doesn't immediately come to mind, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head is unforgettable. This comic played a significant role in sparking the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, leading to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and ultimately the downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has made a triumphant return from the shadows as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting homage, the latest EC Comics release celebrates Johnny Craig's notorious cover art. IGN is excited to exclusively reveal artist Jay Stephens' cover for *Catacomb of Torment #1*, which is part of an ongoing series paying tribute to EC's classics. Feast your eyes on the cover below:

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

For a side-by-side comparison, here's Johnny Craig's original cover for Crime SuspenStories #22:

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

Catacomb of Torment is one of several thrilling new titles launching under the EC imprint's "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 the 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 shared 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."

Dive deeper into the eerie worlds of *Blood Type* and *Catacomb of Torment* with our exclusive preview 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 iconic comic book art, explore our selection of the most memorable superhero comic book covers of all time.