The 1954 Crime SuspenStories #22 remains one of the most notorious horror comics ever published. Its unforgettable cover—a man brandishing an ax while holding his wife’s severed head—sparked a fierce anti-comics movement in the 1950s, led to the Comics Code Authority’s creation, and ultimately caused the downfall of EC Comics.

EC Comics has risen again as a new imprint under Oni Press, and its latest release honors Johnny Craig’s controversial cover art. IGN exclusively unveils artist Jay Stephens’ cover for Catacomb of Torment #1, a continuation of EC’s classic tribute series. See it below:

For reference, here’s Johnny Craig’s original Crime SuspenStories #22 cover:

Catacomb of Torment is part of EC’s “Summer of Fear” anthology lineup, featuring stories by John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Dan McDaid, Matt Kindt, David Lapham, and Tonči Zonjić. Other titles include Corinna Bechko and Andrea Sorrentino’s Blood Type and J. Holtham, Kano, Ann Nocenti, David Rubín, and Greg Smallwood’s Cruel Universe 2.

“Our EC Comics line has become the top-selling series in Oni’s nearly 30-year history, and it’s a thrilling project to develop,” said Oni Press President and Publisher Hunter Gorinson. “After surpassing our ambitious goals with Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and Cruel Kingdom last year, we’re pushing boundaries with bolder, bloodier stories as EC marks its second year of revival.”

“Crafting EC Comics over the past year has been a deeply inspiring journey for everyone involved, from Oni’s team to our creative partners shaping these gripping tales,” said Oni Press Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn. “Bringing these morality-driven stories to life with top-tier talent is a true privilege, and this summer’s lineup is no exception.”

Explore Blood Type and Catacomb of Torment in the slideshow gallery below:

EC Comics' Summer of Fear Preview Gallery

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

For more iconic comic art, discover our selections for the greatest superhero comic book covers of all time.