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

Crime SuspenStories #22, published in 1954, is often cited as the most infamous and iconic horror comic ever released. 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 unmistakable. This comic played a significant role in fueling the anti-comics backlash of the 1950s, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and the downfall of EC Comics.

Fortunately, EC Comics has made a comeback as a new imprint under Oni Press. In a fitting tribute, the latest release from EC Comics honors Johnny Craig's controversial cover art. IGN is proud to exclusively reveal artist Jay Stephens' cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, which is part of an ongoing series celebrating classic EC tributes. You can see it below:

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

For comparison, here's 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'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 Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino's Blood Type, as well as J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood's Cruel Universe 2.

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. After surpassing our own high expectations with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and Cruel Kingdom last year, we're pushing ourselves to be bolder, bigger – and bloodier! – as EC enters its second year of revival."

Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn added, "Working on EC for the past year has been incredibly inspiring for everyone involved – from the Oni team to our partners crafting these compact worlds at every stage of production. It's a real pleasure to continue bringing these engaging morality tales to life with the best storytellers in the industry. This summer's lineup of comics is no exception."

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