Nothing ever stays dead in a horror comic, even if it takes seventy years!
Oni Press will be bringing EC Comics back to the living in a brand-new publishing partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. two all-new series titles (Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe) beginning in the summer of 2024.
“As my father said, ‘Only in the bounds of good taste!’ and I’m so excited to exhibit EC’s good taste with Oni Press, who have distinguished themselves with both an award-winning library of comics and graphic novels and a passionate understanding of EC’s singular role in shaping comics history,” said Cathy Gaines Mifsud, President of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.
Corey Mifsud, Executive Director of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. said “EC Comics is no stranger to a good comeback story! We’re thrilled to make this return with Oni Press and usher the classic EC sensibilities into the modern world. It’s always been our dream to one day bring the fearless creative spirit of EC to a new generation. Working hand-in-hand with Oni’s award-winning team and a sensational cast of creators, it’s a pleasure to – at long last – shepherd EC into the 21st century with all-new series and stories.”
Oni Press’ Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn will oversee the curated line of EC titles (which will include at least two series on a monthly basis from July 2024 onward in the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and more ) which will feature contributions from top industry talent such as Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, Rodney Barnes, Corinna Bechko, Cullen Bunn, Christopher Cantwell, Cecil Castellucci, Chris Condon, Joshua Hale Fialkov, J. Holtham, Jeff Jensen, Matt Kindt, Sean Lewis, Stephanie Phillips, Jay Stephens, Zac Thompson, Ben H. Winters, Kano, Peter Krause, Leomacs, Malachi Ward, and Dustin Weaver.
Hanh said “Seventy years ago, EC Comics redefined what comics could be with shocking, confrontational and brilliantly crafted stories that challenged the existential issues at the center of American life – censorship, racism, sexism, nuclear proliferation, and more. Today, those battles continue in alarming and pernicious new ways. What better time to resurrect the undying spirit of EC Comics – one of the most entertaining, subversive, and influential publishers of all time – with an all-star cast of storytellers to examine today’s society through the lens that William Gaines and his legendary collaborators have left us.”
Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson understands the significance of the agreement with Gaines Agent Inc., and said “There are few things more sacred to the canon of comic book history – and global pop culture – than EC Comics. The company’s audaciously inspired sensibilities have continuously echoed through nearly all facets of entertainment – like pieces of shrapnel embedded in American imagination. It’s both a huge honor and immense responsibility to be entrusted to work alongside the Gaines family in inhabiting EC’s indomitable spirit for a new generation. At a moment when we find ourselves confronting the same reactionary forces – injustice, inequality, and of course, censorship – that EC challenged head-on, we intend to write a new and powerful chapter that honors and expands one of the most important legacies the comic book medium has ever produced.”
Both issues will not be reprinted (according to Oni Press) so get your orders in early!
Look for Epitaphs from the Abyss #1 in July and Cruel Universe #1 in August and check out the first covers by Lee Bermejo and Greg Smallwood below.
Stay tuned to Conskipper for more information about the return of EC Comics.
Wow, I am a big comic book buff and nothing was ever better than the EC Comics line. They had the best artists and writers. Let’s face it who was better than Wallywood and Al Williamson.. I still have in my kitchen one of Al Williamson’s, best pages of art from EC with the dinosaurs and everything. Totally awesome. I’m never selling that.. it’s about time EC will live on forever.