Catacomb of Torment Pays Tribute to the Most Iconic Horror Comic Cover of All Time

1954's *Crime SuspenStories #22* is widely regarded as one of the most notorious and iconic horror comics ever published. Even if the issue itself doesn't immediately come to mind, the chilling image of a man wielding an ax and holding his wife's severed head is undoubtedly familiar. This particular comic played a significant role in sparking the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the eventual downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has made a triumphant return from oblivion as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting tribute to the past, the latest release from EC Comics honors Johnny Craig's infamous cover art. IGN is excited to exclusively unveil artist Jay Stephens' cover for *Catacomb of Torment #1*, which is part of an ongoing series paying homage to classic EC works. Take a look at the striking artwork below:

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

For a side-by-side comparison, here's Johnny 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 under EC's "Summer of Fear" campaign. This horror anthology series features contributions from acclaimed creators such as 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.

"Our EC Comics line is not only the best-selling line of comics in Oni's near-30-year history, but they're also an incredibly enjoyable project to work on," said Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "After surpassing our own high expectations with *Epitaphs From the Abyss*, *Cruel Universe*, and *Cruel Kingdom* last year, we're pushing ourselves to be even bolder, bigger, and bloodier as EC enters its second year of revival."

"Working on EC for the past year has been a source of immense inspiration for everyone involved—from the team at Oni to our partners crafting these bite-sized worlds at every stage of production," added Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn. "It's truly a pleasure to continue bringing these engaging morality tales to life with the industry's top storytellers. Our summer lineup of comics is no exception."

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

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

18 Images

The "Summer of Fear" campaign will commence with the release of *Blood Type #1* in June 2025.

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