Tag Archives: epitaphs from the abyss

Oni and EC Comics’ Epitaphs From the Abyss gets a Library Edition and Limited Slipcase

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Oni Press and William M. Gaines Agent, Inc., are celebrating EC Comics’ history-making, headline-grabbing return Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition: Book One – the first in a new line of enhanced hardcovers collecting the entirety of the new EC library at Oni Press and debuting in two eye-popping editions, Oversized, unapologetic, and uncontrollably outrageous, both the standard Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition and the sublime Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition – Limited Slipcase & Portfolio Edition (limited to 1,000 units) will be on sale on July 14th, 2026—just as the new and nightmarish EC Comics horror host the Grave-Digger foretold.

Collecting Epitaphs From the Abyss #1–12 for the first time in a staggeringly deluxe, oversized (7.5″ x 11.5″) hardcover, both editions of Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition: Book One feature tales of depraved intention and traumatic tension in the undying EC tradition by relentless writers including Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, Corinna Bechko, Chris Condon, J. Holtham, and Matt Kindt, all realized into bloody reality by “all-slaughter” artists like Charlie Adlard, Tyler Crook, Kano, Klaus Janson, Leomacs, Alison Sampson, and many more. Both editions also feature more than 50 pages of “behind-the-screams” material, including process art, character designs for EC’s newest horror hosts, and a cover gallery for readers to gouge their eye, as well as all-new commentary from cartoonist Jay Stephens and series designer Rian Hughes. 

But that’s not all! Enter: the Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition – Limited Slipcase & Portfolio HC! – will feature an ultra-deluxe, limited-edition version of the Epitaphs From the Abyss hardcover comes packaged with a specially designed portfolio set featuring high-quality, 11” x 7″ cardstock prints featuring gallery-ready reproductions of all 12 covers by comics master Lee Bermejo, and packaged in a masterfully designed, foil-stamped slipcase featuring the work of artist Dustin Weaver and Eisner Award–nominated designer Rian Hughes.

In the history of comics, no one publishes a horror comics cover like EC Comics! Iconic, scandalous, and unforgettable, EC Comics’ historic horror covers are seared into the collective memory of generations. Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition – Limited Slipcase & Portfolio HC is the first-ever portfolio for the new EC Comics titles from Oni Press, featuring Lee Bermejo’s meticulously macabre covers spanning all 12 issues of the first hit series to immortalize EC’s long-awaited return. Having reaped international renown for his collaborations with writer Brian Azzarello on Joker and Batman: Damned, and with writer/screenwriter Mattson Tomlin on the Eisner Award-nominated A Vicious Circle, and countless unforgettable comics series, Bermejo has earned a reputation as one of the industry’s most iconic and formidable artists across a nearly three decade career. 

In 1955, the Comics Code Authority drove a stake through the depraved heart of EC Comics—the iconic publisher behind Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, and more instantly influential titles that redefined American horror for generations to come. Now, groundbreaking comics publisher Oni Press has done the unthinkable: resurrected the immortal spirit of EC Comics for the 21st century with a brand-new slate of wildly bestselling, critically acclaimed, and award-nominated new series . . . beginning with its flagship horror title Epitaphs From the Abyss! 

On July 14th, find out what brought the most notorious name in terror roaring back from the crypt as the Epitaphs From the Abyss Library Edition: Book One stalks into comic shops and book stores everywhere in two masterfully designed editions that no true fan – or blood-drinking fiend – will want to miss. 

Chris Condon and Charlie Adlard Deal with the Devil in Epitaphs From The Abyss #3

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ROLL OUT THE BLOOD-RED CARPET FOR EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS! Oni Press has revealed the first glimpse into infernal depths that await inside Epitaphs From The Abyss #3 – the next shocking installment of the EC Comics’ smash-hit return from the grave! 

On September 18th, your next infamous ish from the immortal EC Comics awaits with three all-new stories of fatalistic spectacle—told with wanton disregard for moral standards or public decency—from six ax-wielding masters of splatter de spectacular: rising star Chris Condon and Eisner Award nominee Charlie Adlard in “A Crossroads Repetition”; Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko and Eisner Award winner Jonathan Case’s “A Hand In It”; and Emmy Award winner Jay Stephens and the maniacal Leomacs‘ “Blood Type”!

This September 18th, every tombstone tells a tale . . . and the Grave-Digger’s cemetery is chock full of ‘em, only in Epitaphs From The Abyss #3 – featuring covers of staggering artistic audacity from EC masterminds Lee Bermejo, Tom Fowler, Jay Stephens, and Rian Hughes! 

Get a look at the nail-biting second issue of EC Comics’ Epitaphs From the Abyss

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THE REIGN OF EC COMICS CONTINUES WITH ANOTHER DOSE OF TERROR AND TORMENT!! Oni Press has unveiled the first ghastly glimpse inside Epitaphs From the Abyss #2! On August 21st, EC Comics proudly presents another epitaph that’s good until the last balloon pops as five masters of the comics trade unleash three unrelenting nail-biters . . . Trust us: You’d have to CRAZY to miss this issue—or DEAD! 

In our next terrifying festival of fright from the most infamous and influential comic book publisher of all time, prepare yourself for three ALL-NEW tales of depraved intention and traumatic tension in the immortal EC tradition—culled from the fingertips of death-addled writers Jason Aaron, Matt Kindt, and writer/artist Tyler Crook, and forever wedded to the bloodstained brushstrokes of artists Klaus Janson and Jorge Fornés! 

Corrupted even further by the malign influence of cover artists Lee Bermejo, Adam Pollina, Jay Stephens, and Rian Hughes, EC Comics’ terrifying return barrels forward with fearsome velocity on August 21st, only in Epitaphs From the Abyss #2!

Epitaphs From the Abyss #2

Terror, Torment and Extraterrestrial Invasion! EC Comics’ return continues with Epitaphs From the Abyss #5 and Cruel Universe #4 in November

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THIS FALL…THE REVENGE-FUELED RETURN OF EC COMICS RAGES ONWARD! Continuing EC’s landmark return, Oni Press has announced two new murderous, must-read issues in smash-hit series Epitaphs From the Abyss #5 and Cruel Universe #4! Making their murderous mark on the world this November, find them in comic shops everywhere. . . if you dare!

On November 13th, Epitaphs From the Abyss #5 welcomes you back to the Grave-Digger’s cemetery on the edge of the endless, black ABYSS that awaits us all . . . some sooner than others, heh heh! Inscribing this month’s moribund epitaphs in so much funerary stone, we welcome scribes Matt Kindt, Matthew Rosenberg, and Joanne Starer to write our rites of terror as artists Kano, Alexandre Tefengki and more surprise guests rain down torrents of red ink in true and timeless EC Comics fashion! 

Featuring covers by Lee Bermejo, Naomi Franquiz, Jay Stephens, and Rian Hughes, don’t miss a single blood-soaked page of the series that Capes & Tights calls “extremely well-written with outstanding artwork to complete the package” when The Grave-Digger reveals more tombstone-inspired tales in Epitaphs From the Abyss #5 – on sale November 13th! 

Then: Only human arrogance would lead us to believe that we are alone in this vast universe. The real question is, who will find us first? Allies to help us grow and flourish as members of larger cosmic society? Or others who would use up the earth for its resources, enslave the human race, and destroy everything we know and love? Do we live in a limitless realm of possibilities, or a deep dark Cruel Universe? Cozy thoughts, aren’t they?

While you ponder those questions, you’ll find no comfort in the pages of our latest galaxy-annihilating offering Cruel Universe #4 this November 6th. . . featuring the astronomical talents of EC veterans Matt Kindt and Ben H. Winters, while welcoming newcomers Cecil Castellucci and Matt Bors to the void as their harsh words are brought to terrible fruition by artists Alison Sampson, Kano, and more! 

Featuring covers by Greg Smallwood, Kano, Jay Stephens, and Rian Hughes, the countdown to ultimate annihilation continues with more all-new stories of entropy and oblivion from the series that ComicBook.com says “goes above and beyond expectation to deliver…tales of terror that feel both timeless and incredibly contemporary” in Cruel Universe #4 – on sale November 6th! 

Mini Reviews: TMNT, Something is Killing the Children, Epitaphs from the Abyss, and Hello Darkness

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

Sometimes, the staff at Graphic Policy read more comics than we’re able to get reviewed. When that happens you’ll see a weekly feature compiling reviews of the comics, or graphic novels, we just didn’t get a chance to write a full one for.

These are Graphic Policy’s Mini Reviews and Recommendations.

Logan

Hello Darkness #1 (BOOM! Studios) – This really is the week for anthology comics. Hello Darkness leads off with “Contagious” by Jude Ellison S. Doyle, Letizia Candonci, and Alessandro Santoro about kids killing their parents. This story connects with intergenerational tension, and Candonci and Santoro’s go from domestic bliss to chaotic violence in the blink of an eye. The intergenerational tension continues in “Stay in Your Lane” by Dave Cook and David Cousens with aggressive colors from Angel De Santiago. An aging bowler is passed over for a contract by a younger player, and decades of anger cause him to wreak havoc on the lanes. This is an absurd read, but there’s a ring of truth with Baby boomers/silent generations holding onto power and jobs until their hands are cold and dead. This story is followed by the first part of a Something is Killing the Children serial with James Tynion and Werther Dell’Edera setting the scene for Erica Slaughter to investigate some mysterious deaths in a small town. The story’s the equivalent of an establishing shot, but it’s a damn good: an atmospheric dive bar. Cartoonist Sarah Andersen follows this up with a haunting short story called “The Siren” about a mermaid and a lighthouse showing that her horror chops are equal to her comedy ones. Next, Steve Orlando and AL Kaplan do a horror comedy story about a queer man with a hand attached to his stomach that thinks will make him famous and well-liked, but that extra appendage gets all the love. Marissa Louise’s rage-filled palette helps sell his rage at being neglected. Hello Darkness concludes with its headliner: the first part of a multi-part serial from Garth Ennis, Becky Cloonan, and Tamra Bonvillain. The issue is centered around a conversation between friends at someone’s house about the war between Russia and Ukraine and about how nuclear war will never happen. The conversation gets kind of annoying, but Ennis and Cloonan end the serial in a haunting way that definitely hooks me for upcoming installments. Hello Darkness #1 is a wonderful showcase of a variety of artistic talents with not a bad story in the bunch. I also love how relevant many of the stories are to current events. Overall: 8.4 Verdict: Buy

Epitaphs from the Abyss #1 (Oni Press) -Oni Press revives the EC Comics brands with four twisted potboilers. First up is J. Holtham, Jorge Fornes, and Dan Jackson‘s “Killer Spec” about a blocked, “aspiring” screenwriter. The ending is kind of predictable, but Holtham crafts a delightfully evil protagonist who is definitely okay with using AI for screenplays while Fornes and Jackson bring the gore. It’s a story you read for the ride, not the destination. In the second story “Senator, Senator”, Chris Condon and Peter Krause get political as a journalist tries to figure out why a pro-choice conservative female politician flip flopped. The story gets creepier and creepier, and it’s a good satire of how individuals get consumed by the political machine as they rise through the ranks. “Family Values” is like the philosophical trolley problem, but in a suburban basement as a father has a limited time to choose which one of his family members to kill or men with rifles kill them all. Stephanie Phillips‘ script is full of biting satire and fleshes out each family member in a few short pages while Phil Hester and Travis Hymel nail the flop sweat on the dad’s face on the visual side. But the most unsettling part of the comic is colorist Marissa Louise literally draining the color out of the book as the clock counts down. Sadly, Epitaphs from the Abyss #1 wraps with its weakest story “Us vs Us” from Brian Azzarello and Vlad Legostaev. It’s about anti-vaxxers afraid of vaccines symbolized by creepy monsters. I like Legostaev’s design, but it lacks real bite poking at a soft target. But, overall, Epitaphs of the Abyss #1 is an unsettling and smart collection of short stories with a fun, punning horror host to tie it all together Overall: 8.0 Verdict: Buy

Something is Killing the Children #39 (BOOM! Studios) – Erica Slaughter goes to therapy in Something is Killing the Children #39 from James Tynion IV, Werther Dell’Edera, and Miquel Muerto. Although this story is set during Erica’s past, you can feel all the trauma and grief she’s gone through in the past 38 issues of this series released. Of course, there aren’t any quick fixes, but the therapist helps Erica make sense of the deaths of her birth family and her basically adoptive parent Jessica while also crafting a paradigm to see all the murders and monster attacks she encounters throughout the series. Tynion and Dell’Edera use a lot of grids for an even back and forth, but they break it sometimes in color pencil flashbacks as Erica’s memories flood back. Something is Killing in the Children is a very tense horror series so it’s nice to just have a quiet issue unpacking our protagonist’s psyche before the finale of the “Road stories” flashback arc and the upcoming issue zero. Overall: 8.9 Verdict: Buy

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (IDW Publishing) – The new relaunch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 from Jason Aaron, Joelle Jones, and Ronda Pattison is more Oz than Saturday morning cartoons. Aaron’s background doing gritty crime stories works for this story centered around Raphael helping out a prison warden root out corruption from the inside. But, of course, it goes deeper than any one sai wielding ninja turtle can dig or assault fellow inmates. Raph basically being an unpaid cop kind of put a sour taste in my mouth, but Aaron and Jones make his role more complex that as the story progresses. The tone of the story reminded me a lot of the Ed Brubaker arc of Daredevil where he’s in prison so it’s kind of like TMNT is going back to its Frank Miller parody roots. Plus the double page action sequences from Joelle Jones and Pattison are glorious. I’ve never followed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but between this intriguing start and Juni Ba’s work with Nightwatcher, I’m all in. Overall: 8.6 Verdict: Buy

SDCC 2024: Oni Press Draws New Blood for EC Comics with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Shiver Suspenstories, and Cruel Kingdom

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In advance of today’s “Oni Press; Groundbreaking Comics & Graphic Novels” panel at San Diego Comic Con 2024, Oni Press has announced the second unrelenting phase in its blockbuster resurrection of the infamous and influential EC Comics publishing imprint – expanding from the pages of Epitaphs From the Abyss and Cruel Universe with two all-new additions for 2025 … and even more shocks yet to come.

For more information on Oni’s growing line of EC Comics titles – including EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS, CRUEL UNIVERSE, SHIVER SUSPENSTORIES, and CRUEL KINGDOM – join us at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 on Friday, July 26th at 5 pm PT in Room 23ABC for the “EC Comics Lives Again at Oni Press!” panel presentation. From the publisher that drove Tales From The Crypt, Weird Science, Mad Magazine, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC Comics is back with a bold and bloody new line of comic book series, only at Oni Press! What the Comics Code Authority couldn’t kill has only made it stronger… Join us for a look ahead at EC’s no-holds-barred return with creators Jason Aaron (Thor), Corinna Bechko (Invisible Republic), J. Holtham (Night Thrasher), Klaus Janson (The Dark Knight Returns), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), Jay Stephens (Dwellings), and Ben H. Winters (CBS’ Tracker) alongside president & publisher Hunter Gorinson and editor-in-chief Sierra Hahn as they begin a new chapter for comics’ most infamous and influential publishing house!

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS

Cover Art by Lee Bermejo | Continuing into 2025
THE BIGGEST ONI PRESS DEBUT IN A DECADE – NOW A MONTHLY SERIES!

With more than 65,000 copies sold for its debut issue, the new flagship title of EC’s highly anticipated line of new series at Oni Press – Epitaphs From the Abyss – has been extended from its originally solicited five-issue run into an ongoing monthly series that will conclude with issue #12 … before introducing a horrific new title in the annals of EC’s long-running horror legacy next summer. 

With new stories for upcoming issues set to feature Charlie Adlard, Corinna Bechko, Matt Bors,  Chris Condon, Matt Kindt, Matthew Rosenberg, Mark Russell, Tim Seeley, Jay Stephens, Joanne Starer, Alexandre Tenfengki, and many more – and continuing with covers by Eisner Award nominee Lee Bermejo across all 12 issues – look for more gut-wrenching twists and adrenaline-inducing surprises to come each and every month!

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS

SHIVER SUSPENSTORIES #1

Cover Art by Darick Robertson | December 2024
THIS CHRISTMAS, TERROR COMES CALLING WITH 56 PAGES OF SHOCKING CHILLS FROM AN ALL-STAR CAST OF EC’S FINEST FIENDS!

This December, Oni Press is proud to present Shiver Suspenstories #1 – the FIRST in an ALL-NEW series of extra-sized EC specials colliding tales of horror, science-fiction, and frontline combat in one joyously wrapped, squarebound package … that may be leaking something strange under the Christmas tree… 

Featuring brand-new tales of merry dismemberment and yuletide destruction from writers Jason Aaron, Ben H. Winters, and more with artists David Lapham, Kano, and more – plus a newly remastered and authentically restored holiday classic from the EC vaults alongside covers by Adam Hughes and Darick Robertson! 

SHIVER SUSPENSTORIES #1

CRUEL KINGDOM #1

Cover Art by Adam Pollina | January 2025
WHERE ONCE CRUEL UNIVERSE BECKONED… NOW CRUEL KINGDOM SHALL REIGN!

In the aftermath of the science-fiction anthology Cruel Universe‘s initial five-issue run, Oni Press is proud to unveil a spellbinding new chapter in the distinguished lineage of EC history! Enter: Cruel Kingdom – EC’s first-ever dark fantasy anthology conjuring tales of magic, myth, and murder from forbidden realms long before our own.

Debuting in January 2025, Cruel Kingdom will feature never-before-seen stories of wizardry and wickedness from sordid scribes Cullen Bunn, Chris Condon, Dennis Culver, Al Ewing, Justin Jordan, and more with art from the bloodstained quills of Leomacs, and more – plus covers by Adam Pollina and more to yet to revealed! 

CRUEL KINGDOM #1

Looks can kill! Meet EC Comics’ All-New Horror Hosts

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JUST AS EVERY COFFIN NEEDS A CORPSE, SO TOO DOES EVERY STORY NEED A STORYTELLER! FORTUNATELY, THIS TERRIFYING TRIO HAS YOU HANDLED ON ALL COUNTS . . . Just one month away from the long-awaited resurrection of the infamous and influential EC Comics in the pages of Epitaphs From the Abyss #1, Oni Press has unveiled the first look at EC’s all-new, never-before-seen, dead-and-not-getting-better-anytime-soon trio of horror hosts . . . Meet EC’s all-new masters of menace: The Grave-Digger, The Tormentor, and The Grim Inquisitor!

Making their first full appearance on the Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 Horror Host Variant cover by acclaimed artist Dustin Weaver, Weaver’s work on and character designs for EC’s new torturous trio will be featured throughout the double-sized, 40-page issue arriving in comic shops worldwide on July 24th . . . and continue through multiple new EC horror series yet-to-be-revealed in the future. 

The Grave-Digger

Design by Dustin Weaver 

IN HIS CEMETERY, EVERY TOMBSTONE TELLS A TALE! As the central host of the upcoming EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS series from EC Comics and Oni Press, The Grave-Digger’s charming visage will soon regale readers far and wide with the tales of murderous intent and ill fortune that earned his cemetery’s denizens their places six feet deep. 

The Tormentor 

Design by Dustin Weaver 

INTRODUCING HER ROYAL TRAVESTY OF PAIN! A one-eyed butcheress with a penchant for playful flaying and audacious amputation, there is no weapon of opportunity or implement of torture too grisly to escape The Tormentor’s notice. But she still holds a fondness for “the classics” – like her red-hot poker and rusty pruning shears!

The Tormentor

The Grim Inquisitor

Design by Dustin Weaver 

THE DEACON OF DOOM! THE VICEROY OF THE VICE! THE PRINCIPAL OF PUNISHMENT … OR SO HE’D LIKE YOU TO THINK! A mad monk with a fanatic’s eye for keeping his secret sect’s surprisingly extensive bureaucracy of terror running like clockwork, The Grim Inquisitor fears no man . . . except The Supreme Inquisitor, who demands extremely exacting results from his right-hand man and deputy master of obscure occult rites.

The Grim Inquisitor

Get a look at the terrifying return of EC Comics with Epitaphs From the Abyss #1

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EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1 (of 5)

WRITTEN BY BRIAN AZZARELLO, CHRIS CONDON, J. HOLTHAM & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
ART BY JORGE FORNES, PHIL HESTER, PETER KRAUSE & VLAD LEGOSTAEV
COVER A BY LEE BERMEJO
COVER B BY ANDREA SORRENTINO WITH DAVE STEWART
EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS
B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:50) BY RIAN HUGHES
HORROR HOST VARIANT (1:100) BY DUSTIN WEAVER
FOIL COVER (GOLD) BY LEE BERMEJO
FOIL COVER (SILVER) BY ANDREA SORRENTINO WITH DAVE STEWART
BLANK COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
ON SALE JULY 24TH | $4.99 (STANDARD) | $7.99 (FOIL) | 40 PGS | FC
IOC: 05/30/2024
FOC: 07/01/2024

Debuting July 24th in a double-sized, 40-page testament of terror, EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1 ushers in the full-scale resurrection of comics’ most infamous and influential publishing house with four all-new tales of torment and tension: “KILLER SPEC” by J. Holtham & Jorge Fornés, “SENATOR, SENATOR” by Chris Condon & Peter Krause, ”FAMILY VALUES” by Stephanie Phillips & Phil Hester, and “US VS. US” by Brian Azzarello & Vlad Legostaev.

Epitaphs From the Abyss #1

RISE! Charlie Adlard, Christopher Cantwell, Javier Fernandez, David Lapham, Riley Rossmo and more Join EC Comics Vengeful Resurrection

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EC COMICS IS BACK FROM THE GRAVE … AND NOTHING CAN STOP WHAT’S COMING NEXT! Oni Press has revealed the all-new cast of vile visionaries at the helm of September 2024’s two gargantuan releases pumping new blood into the iconic legacy of the immortal EC Comics: Epitaphs From the Abyss #3 and Cruel Universe #2!

In anticipation of September’s frightful festivities, book your therapy appointment NOW because Oni’s hugely anticipated, dangerously demented new line of EC titles is assembling one of the most staggering cast of comics talent anywhere on the shelves today with new tales of ill intent from Corinna Bechko, Chris Condon, Jonathan Case, Stephanie Phillips, Jay Stephens, and Ben H. Winters – plus the official EC debuts of Charlie Adlard, Christopher Cantwell, Javier Fernandez, David Lapham, and Leomacs! 

Plus: New covers of staggering artistic audacity from EC masterminds Lee Bermejo and Greg Smallwood, alongside new contributions from Tom Fowler, Riley Rossmo, and Rian Hughes! 

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #3 

Written by CHRIS CONDON, CORINNA BECHKO & JAY STEPHENS
Art by CHARLIE ADLARD, LEOMACS & JONATHAN CASE
Cover A by LEE BERMEJO
Cover B by TOM FOWLER 
EC Homage Variant (1:10) by JAY STEPHENS
B&W Artist Edition Variant (1:20) by TOM FOWLER 
Archive Edition Variant (1:50) by RIAN HUGHES 
IN STORES SEPTEMBER 18th, 2024

EVERY TOMBSTONE TELLS TELLS A TALE . . . THESE ARE YOUR EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS!

In your next infamous ish from the immortal EC Comics, all-new stories of fatalistic spectacle—

told with wanton disregard for moral standards or public decency—from six ax-wielding masters of splatter de spectacular: rising star Chris Condon (That Texas Blood) and Eisner Award nominee Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko (Green Lantern: Earth One) and Eisner Award winner Jonathan Case (Green River Killer); and Emmy Award winner Jay Stephens (Dwellings) and the maniacal Leomacs (Rogues)!

CRUEL UNIVERSE #2

Written by CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL, CHRIS CONDON, STEPHANIE PHILLIPS & BEN H. WINTERS
Art by JAVIER FERNANDEZ, DAVID LAPHAM, LEOMACS & RILEY ROSSMO
Cover A by GREG SMALLWOOD
Cover B by RILEY ROSSMO
EC Homage Variant (1:10) by JAY STEPHENS
B&W Artist Edition Variant (1:20) by RILEY ROSSMO
Archive Edition Variant (1:50) by RIAN HUGHES
IN STORES SEPTEMBER 4th, 2024

You were an explorer who challenged the farthest reaches of existence. Until your technology inevitably failed you and you found yourself trapped in the endless void of space, drifting aimlessly amongst the nebulae, with only one question rattling through your tiny, dying, all-too-human brain: What if the horrors of this reality are too great to comprehend? What if they were NEVER supposed to be explored at all? GOOD THING YOU STILL HAVE THIS COMIC TO KEEP YOU COMPANY, SPACEMAN!

Test the boundaries of our cold and unforgiving CRUEL UNIVERSE with four bizarre tales of time and space by eight modern masters of the science-fiction form: Christopher Cantwell (Thanos, Iron Man) and David Lapham (Stray Bullets); Chris Condon (That Texas Blood) and Javier Rodriguez (Amazing Spider-Man); Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Grim) and Riley Rossmo (Wesley Dodds: The Sandman); and a very special surprise from Ben H. Winters (CBS’ Tracker) and Leomacs (Rogues). . . . At last, EC Comics dares you to look into the void and ponder what fate awaits us all! (Hint: It’s OBLIVION!)

Oni has announced that Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 and Cruel Universe #1 will receive no second printings

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In advance of initial orders for this summer’s relentless resurrection of EC Comics – due this week for Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 in advance of the double-sized, 40-page debut’s July 24th street date – Oni Press is advising retailers and comic shop customers that Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 and the first issue of its science-fiction companion title, Cruel Universe #1, will be limited to FIRST PRINTINGS ONLY with no second or subsequent printings to follow. 

In tandem with this policy, Oni will be producing a sizable overprint for both issues in order to ensure adequate supply to meet retailer re-orders for both titles as the infamous and influential EC Comics line returns to shelves with its first new stories in nearly 70 years. 

In addition, Oni reaffirms its previous announcement that all non-incentive A cover and B covers for the first three issues of both series – spanning Epitaphs From the Abyss #1-3 and Cruel Universe #1-3 – are returnable with no qualification for all orders placed through both Diamond Comic Distributors and Lunar Distribution. 

In addition, Oni is proud to present the very first look ahead at the very first interior artwork from EC’s star-studded, jugular-pumping return from a glorious cast of “all-slaughter” comics talents primed to reaffirm the power and potency of EC’s trademark styles in horror and science fiction in the weeks ahead: 

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1

Cover A by Lee Bermejo
On Sale July 24th

HE MOST NOTORIOUS NAME IN TERROR IS BACK – WITH A VENGEANCE! From the publisher that drove Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC COMICS returns . . . with its first ALL-NEW series in nearly 70 years!

In our first extra-sized, 40-page dose of fear, witness shocking tales of torment and tension in the undying EC tradition-as wrenched from the grave by the vile intentions of acclaimed writers Brian Azzarello (Batman: Damned, 100 Bullets), Chris Condon (That Texas Blood, Night People), J. Holtham (Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale), and Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Grim) and realized into bloody reality by “all-slaughter” artists Jorge Fornes (Rorschach, Danger Street), Phil Hester (Family Tree), Peter Krause (Irredeemable), and more!

What the Comics Code Authority couldn’t kill has only made it stronger . . . EC COMICS LIVES AGAIN IN EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS!

Featuring:

“INTRODUCTION” by Dustin Weaver 
“US VS. US” by Brian Azzarello & Vlad Legostaev 
“KILLER SPEC” by J. Holtham & Jorge Fornés
“FAMILY VALUES” by Stephanie Phillips & Phil Hester 
“SENATOR, SENATOR” by Chris Condon & Peter Krause

CRUEL UNIVERSE #1

Cover A by Greg Smallwood
On Sale August 7th

Compelled to OBLIVION, driven to ENTROPY, all life in our cosmos can only end in one place: COMPLETE ANNIHILATION! For the first time in 70 years, the limitless fury of EC Comics rages back to life to shred the very fabric of the universe itself-and wrench bizarre tales of time and space into our dimensional plane!

Our guides across this double-sized, 40-page introduction to a cosmic maelstrom of strange extraterrestrial entities, malevolent scientists, and terrifying technological catastrophes? Learn to fear the void with the irradiated imaginations of Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko (Invisible Republic), rising star Chris Condon (That Texas Blood), Eisner Award nominee Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT), and Edgar Award winner Ben H. Winters (The Last Policeman) as they collide with the wondrously destructive visions of artists Jonathan Case (Green River Killer), Kano (Immortal Iron Fist), Artyom Topilin (I Hate This Place), and Caitlin Yarsky (Black Hammer: Reborn)!

The unpredictable return of EC Comics continues here with the quantum comics event of the millennium! Galaxies will collapse. Space-time will be distorted. And your very will to exist, too, shall be broken . . . Just remember: it’s all in the name of SCIENCE!

Featuring: 

“THE CHAMPION” by Matt Kindt & Kano 
“SOLO SHIFT”  by Corinna Bechko & Caitlin Yarsky 
“DRINK UP!” by Chris Condon & Jonathan Case 
“PRICELESS”  by Ben H. Winters & Artyom Topilin 

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #2

Cover A by Lee Bermejo
On Sale August 21st

EC COMICS PROUDLY PRESENTS . . . ANOTHER EPITAPH THAT’S GOOD UNTIL THE BALLOON POPS!

In this month’s terrifying festival of fright: Three ALL-NEW tales of depraved intention and traumatic tension-culled from the fingertips of death-addled writers Jason Aaron (Thor, Southern Bastards), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT), and writer/artist Tyler Crook (Harrow County), and forever wedded to the bloodstained brushstrokes of artists Klaus Janson (The Dark Knight Returns) and Jorge Fornes (Batman)!

THREE UNRELENTING NAIL-BITERS FROM FIVE MASTERS OF THE COMICS TRADE . . . You’d have to CRAZY to miss this-or DEAD!

Featuring:

“SOUNDS AND HAPTICS” by Jason Aaron & Jorge Fornes
“GRAY GREEN MEMORIES” by Tyler Crook 
“PATTERN RECOGNITION” by Matt Kindt & Klaus Janson 

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