"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* is often hailed as one of the most notorious and iconic horror comics ever published. Even if you're not familiar with the issue's name, chances are you've seen the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and gripping his wife's severed head. 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 contributing to the downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has made a triumphant return from obscurity as a new imprint under Oni Press. It's only fitting that their latest release pays homage to Johnny Craig's controversial cover art. IGN has the exclusive reveal of artist Jay Stephens' cover for *Catacomb of Torment #1*, which is 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 the original cover by Johnny Craig for *Crime SuspenStories #22*:

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

*Catacomb of Torment* is one of several new titles launching under the EC imprint's "Summer of Fear" promotion. This horror anthology series showcases the talents of John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. It will be joined 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."

For a closer look at both *Blood Type* and *Catacomb of Torment*, check out the slideshow gallery below:

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

18 Images

The Summer of Fear campaign kicks off with the release of *Blood Type #1* in June 2025.

For more classic comic book art, don't miss our picks for the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.