"Catacomb of Torment Honors Classic Horror Comic Cover"

1954's Crime SuspenStories #22 stands as a landmark in the horror comic genre, infamous for its shocking cover art featuring a man with an ax and his wife's severed head. This image not only captured the public's attention but also fueled the anti-comics sentiment of the 1950s, contributing to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the eventual downfall of EC Comics. However, the legacy of EC Comics has been revived, now thriving as a new imprint under Oni Press.

In a fitting tribute, the latest release from EC Comics honors the iconic cover art of Johnny Craig. IGN is excited to exclusively unveil the cover of Catacomb of Torment #1, illustrated by Jay Stephens, as part of a series celebrating classic EC Comics. You can see Stephens' homage below:

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

For a side-by-side comparison, here is 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 Comics imprint during the "Summer of Fear" campaign. This horror anthology features contributions from acclaimed creators such as John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Alongside Catacomb of Torment, fans can look forward to 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."

Echoing Gorinson's sentiment, 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 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 fans of classic comic art, don't miss our selection of the most iconic superhero comic book covers of all time.