Legendary comic book publisher EC Comics is officially back as an imprint of Oni Press.
In a press release, Oni Press announced Epitaphs From the Abyss and Cruel Universe — the first EC Comics series published in nearly 70 years. They will launch this July and August, respectively. Oni explains that its curated line of EC titles “will include at least two series on a monthly basis from July 2024 onward in the genres of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and more.”
These series will feature “contributions from a rotating cast of high-profile comics talents” — including such writers and artists 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, Dustin Weaver, and more. Rian Hughes does design work on the comics, while the likes of Lee Bermejo, Greg Smallwood, and J.H. Williams III provide cover art. Epitaphs From the Abyss #1 features a cover by Bermejo, while Cruel Universe #1 features a cover by Smallwood. Check those out below:
EC is ‘back with a vengeance’
Oni Press president/publisher Hunter Gorinson and editor-in-chief Sierra Hahn will oversee the new EC Comics publishing program alongside Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud — the daughter and grandson of late EC Comics publisher William Gaines.
“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,” Cathy Gaines Mifsud 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,” Corey Mifsud added. “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.”
“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,” Hahn said. “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.”
What is EC Comics?
M.C. “Max” Gaines — William’s father — founded EC Comics as “Educational Comics” in 1944. Max died in 1947, with William taking over and rebranding the company as “Entertaining Comics.” Known for their progressive themes, the publisher’s comics proved to be prophetic of the Civil Rights Movement and 1960s counterculture.
EC Comics was a massive success during its heyday, outpacing Marvel (then known as Timely Comics/Atlas Comics), DC (then known as National Comics Publications), and Archie Comics in terms of sales. In 1954, however, the anti-comics moral panic that swept America brought things to a screeching halt. The pro-censorship movement resulted in the formation of the Comics Code Authority, which — in turn — resulted in EC publications being pulled from stands. The company ultimately ceased publishing comics altogether in 1956.
“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,” Gorinson said. “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.”
