"Catacomb of Torment Honors Legendary Horror Comic Cover"

The infamous 1954 issue of *Crime SuspenStories #22* stands as one of the most iconic horror comics ever published. Even if you don't recognize the issue by name, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head is unforgettable. This comic significantly fueled 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 been resurrected under Oni Press, and it's only fitting that their latest release honors the controversial cover art by Johnny Craig. IGN is proud to exclusively unveil the cover of *Catacomb of Torment #1* by artist Jay Stephens, part of an ongoing series of tributes to classic EC works. Take a look at the striking artwork below:

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

For comparison, here's the original cover of *Crime SuspenStories #22* by Johnny Craig:

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" campaign. This horror anthology series showcases the talents of 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.

Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson shared his excitement: "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 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."

Get a closer look at both *Blood Type* and *Catacomb of Torment* in the slideshow gallery below: