Home News "Catacomb of Torment Honors Classic Horror Comic Cover"

"Catacomb of Torment Honors Classic Horror Comic Cover"

Author : Sebastian Update : May 22,2025

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands out as perhaps the most notorious and iconic horror comic ever published. Even if the issue's title doesn't sound familiar, 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 sparking 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 Oni Press imprint. In a fitting tribute, the latest EC Comics release honors the infamous cover art by Johnny Craig from *Crime SuspenStories #22*. IGN is thrilled to exclusively reveal artist Jay Stephens' cover for *Catacomb of Torment #1*, which is part of an ongoing series celebrating classic EC Comics. Take a look at Stephens' cover below:

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

For a side-by-side comparison, here's the original cover by Johnny Craig:

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

*Catacomb of Torment* is one of several new titles launching under EC Comics' "Summer of Fear" campaign. This horror anthology series will showcase the talents of John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Joining *Catacomb of Torment* 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 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."

Explore more of *Blood Type* and *Catacomb of Torment* in the slideshow gallery below: