"Catacomb of Torment Honors Iconic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands out as perhaps the most notorious and iconic horror comic ever published. Even if the issue itself doesn't ring a bell, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head is unmistakable. This comic played a significant role in fueling the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, leading to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the eventual downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has risen from the ashes under the new imprint at Oni Press. In a fitting tribute, the latest release honors Johnny Craig's controversial cover art. IGN proudly unveils the cover of *Catacomb of Torment #1* by artist Jay Stephens, as part of an ongoing series celebrating classic EC works. Feast your eyes on Stephens' homage below:

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

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

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

*Catacomb of Torment* is one of several new titles launching as part of the "Summer of Fear" campaign from the EC imprint. This horror anthology features the talents of John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. It joins *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, 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. 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."

Echoing this sentiment, Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn added, "Working on EC for the last year has been incredibly inspiring for everyone involved – from the team at Oni to our partners crafting these bite-sized worlds at each production level. It's a real joy to continue bringing these entertaining morality tales to life with the best storytellers in the business. This summer's lineup of comics is no exception."

Get 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" kicks off with the release of *Blood Type #1* in June 2025.

For more iconic comic book art, explore our curated list of the most memorable superhero comic book covers of all time.