The 1954 issue of Crime SuspenStories #22 stands out as one of the most notorious and memorable horror comics ever released. Even if the title doesn't ring a bell, the striking image of a man gripping an axe while holding his wife's severed head has likely crossed your path. This comic played a key role in sparking the 1950s backlash against comics, prompting the formation of the Comics Code Authority and ultimately causing the collapse of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has risen anew as an imprint with Oni Press. It's a perfect match that their latest offering nods to Johnny Craig's controversial cover art. IGN exclusively presents Jay Stephens' design for Catacomb of Torment #1, extending a line of tributes to classic EC works. Take a look below:

For reference, here's Johnny Craig's original artwork from Crime SuspenStories #22:

Catacomb of Torment joins several fresh EC titles in the imprint's "Summer of Fear" lineup. This horror anthology brings together talents like John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. It arrives alongside Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's Blood Type, plus J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood's Cruel Universe 2.

"Our EC Comics series has become the top-selling lineup in Oni's nearly three-decade run, and it's a thrill to develop," shared Oni Press President and Publisher Hunter Gorinson. "After surpassing our goals with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and Cruel Kingdom last year, we're pushing boundaries further—and darker—as EC marks the second year of its revival."

"Collaborating on EC over the past year has sparked creativity across the board—from our Oni team to the creators shaping these sharp narratives," noted Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn. "It's rewarding to revive these engaging cautionary stories with top talent in the field. Our summer releases keep that momentum going strong."

Dive deeper into previews of Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment in the gallery below:

EC Comics Summer of Fear Preview Images

Summer of Fear launches with Blood Type #1 hitting shelves in June 2025.

For more timeless comic visuals, explore our selections of the greatest superhero comic covers ever created.