As a huge fan of comic anthologies, I’m unwrapping pure joy this holiday season with Oni Press’s Shiver SuspenStories #1. Released under the EC Comics label, this stocking-stuffer of a one-shot delivers all the horror and weirdness you expect from the Oni Press EC Comics revolution — with a dash of holiday cheer bleeding through your teeth!
This Christmas miracle features six tales from some of the best creators in comics. Although the horror hosts aren’t present to start this tale as they do in Epitaphs from the Abyss, they do appear in a great double-page splash by Dustin Weaver, which closes out the anthology. It’s an anthology that will make you linger like a warm cup of cocoa… laced with terror.
Here’s the breakdown of this holiday feast of fear:
“Checking it Twice” by Hunter Gorinson and Valeria Burzo
We start in Winterhaven, a small town aglow with Christmas lights and festive spirit—until the ominous twist sets in. A clever Santa Claus is Coming to Town nightmare. This tale is a yuletide gut punch that’ll make you think twice about staying up late to catch jolly old St. Nick. It’s an ominous, clever opening that comes back later in the anthology.
I saw mommy stabbing Santa Claus.
Credit: Oni Press
“The Last Ornament” by Jason Aaron and Kano
This story mixes Eastern European folklore with the bittersweetness of a mother overlooked by her grown children. Told through the perspective of a magical ornament from Prague, it’s a tale of a life well-lived but with a heartbreaking holiday twist.
Aaron does a good job capturing the hopelessness of the old woman and, by reversing holiday cheer into children who resent their mother, captures the heart of Christmas. It’s a clever and fun tale with a bloody good climax.
Kano once again dazzles (go check out Cruel Universe #1) with heartwarming flashbacks to the old lady as a child. We get to live her life through the eyes of the ornament, and it’s tragic, but also a life fully lived.
“Ghost in the Machine” by Ben H. Winters and Peter Krause
This is A Christmas Carol with a time-traveling sci-fi spin! A clever little story, it features an egomaniac scientist who is met by his future self, and wants him to stop obsessing about science and have a family. There’s a slightly comical nature to the tale, with a nice message and tragic results.
“Red as Any Blood” by Jay Stephens and David Lapham
The anthology really lights up like a Christmas tree with this action-packed, twist-filled story. This tale has one of the best surprise twists I’ve read all year. It opens with a woman stealing something from the mall and is chased by mall security. Things go from bad, to worse, to shockingly disturbed. It’s a nice infusion of action in the anthology, and Lapham’s art brings a wholesomeness that makes the eventual chaos all the more disturbing.
“Curse of the Magi” by George Northy and Caitlin Yarsky
This tale weaves magic, mystery, and murder into a plot worthy of Dickens, if Dickens had a taste for bloody revenge and spells. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, right up to its snow-dusted and sinister conclusion. The story goes from good to great when the main characters take control of their situation. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers!
Classic Bonus: “Two of a Kind” by Johnny Craig (1952)
This ghost of Christmas comics past gets a beautiful color restoration from Dan Jackson. It’s a soap opera screamfest that feels as timeless as terrifying. Why doesn’t Oni Press include more classics in their anthologies? This holiday treasure proves it’s worth the effort.
Shiver SuspenStories #1 is a merry little massacre, combining nostalgic EC Comics vibes with fresh takes that are perfect for horror lovers. Whether you’re cozy by the fire or hiding from Krampus in the shadows, this anthology is a must-read.
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