The infamous horror comics giant returns in Summer 2024. Legendary EC Comics Reborn Under Oni Press Imprint
Once a comic book industry powerhouse, EC Comics is making a comeback nearly 70 years after its demise, now revived as an imprint of Oni Press.
In an official partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc., Oni Press has become the exclusive home of the EC Comics brand. The revitalized line will be spearheaded by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn, in collaboration with Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, administrators of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.
Kicking off the revival are two eagerly anticipated titles: Epitaphs From the Abyss (debuting in July 2024) and Cruel Universe (set for release in August 2024). IGN offers an exclusive sneak peek at the cover art for Cruel Universe #1, featuring artwork by Greg Smallwood. See the stunning cover below:
Established in 1944 by M.C. Gaines, EC Comics originally bore the name “Educational Comics” before undergoing a transformation spearheaded by Gaines’ son, William. Rebranded as “Entertaining Comics,” EC emerged as a trailblazer in an era dominated by a decline in superhero comics’ popularity. Diving into genres like horror, science fiction, and fantasy, EC delivered groundbreaking titles such as Weird Science, Tales From the Crypt, and Mad Magazine, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
However, EC Comics faced a tumultuous downfall amidst the anti-comics hysteria of the 1950s. The era witnessed a moral panic surrounding comic book content, leading to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority and ultimately forcing EC to shutter its operations in 1956.
Now, in 2024, EC Comics stages its official return to comic stands. Spearheaded by Oni Press, the revival begins with the release of two eagerly awaited titles: Epitaphs From the Abyss and Cruel Universe. Oni pledges to publish at least two EC Comics titles monthly, showcasing a diverse array of creators.
- Jason Aaron (Thor, Southern Bastards)
- Brian Azzarello (Batman: Damned, 100 Bullets)
- Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia)
- Corinna Bechko (Invisible Republic)
- Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun)
- Christopher Cantwell (Briar)
- Cecil Castellucci (Shade the Changing Girl)
- Chris Condon (That Texas Blood)
- Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Bunker)
- J. Holtham (AMC’s The Handmaid’s Tale)
- Jeff Jensen (HBO’s Watchmen, Green River Killer)
- Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT)
- Sean Lewis (King Spawn)
- Stephanie Phillips (Grim)
- Jay Stephens (Dwellings)
- Zac Thompson (Cemetery Kids Don’t Die)
- Ben H. Winters (CBS’ Tracker)
- Kano (Gotham Central, Immortal Iron Fist)
- Peter Krause (Irredeemable)
- Leomacs (Rogues)
- Malachi Ward (Black Hammer: The End)
- Dustin Weaver (Avengers, Paklis)
“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 in a statement.
“Seventy years ago, EC Comics redefined what comics could be with shocking, confrontational and brilliantly crafted stories that challenged the existential issues at the centre of American life – censorship, racism, sexism, nuclear proliferation, and more. Today, those battles continue in alarming and pernicious new ways,” said Hahn. “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.”
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