"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's Crime SuspenStories #22 is arguably the most notorious and iconic horror comic ever published. Even if the title doesn't sound familiar, you've likely seen the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head. This comic played a significant role in sparking the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, leading to the creation of the Comics Code Authority and ultimately contributing to the decline of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has risen from the ashes as a new imprint at Oni Press. In a fitting tribute, the latest EC Comics release honors Johnny Craig's infamous cover art. IGN exclusively reveals artist Jay Stephens' cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, part of an ongoing series of classic EC tributes. Take a look below:

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

For 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 new EC books launching under the imprint's "Summer of Fear" promotion. This horror anthology series features contributions from 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.

"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," said Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "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, bigger – and bloodier! – as EC enters its second year of revival."

"Working on EC for the last year has been incredibly inspiring for everyone involved – from the team at Oni to our partners building these bite-sized worlds at each level of production," said Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn. "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."

Explore more of Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment in the slideshow 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 more classic comic book art, check out our picks for the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.