The anthology format is alive and well in the comics industry these days between DC, Marvel, and indies. A new condendor rises up in just a few short weeks with Cruel Universe. The famous, weird, and horrifying EC Comics are back with new comics thanks to Oni Press, starting with Epitaths from the Abyss on July 24th and Cruel Universe on August 7th. With an advance copy in hand I can safely say the sci-fi side of EC Comics is in great hands with four incredible stories.
The first story is a cross between Gladiator and Shawshank Redemption. The latter may not be obvious until you read the final page of the tale. Matt Kindt and Kano craft “The Champion,” a tale of hopelessness as a gladiator enters a ring to kill or die. The fighter is penned in with aliens and dinosaurs as they wait to enter a ring and do violence on each other. Cheering on our various intergalactic peoples, some of which trade holograms of their favorite fighters.
The captions in this tale are absorbing, and the art is detailed and well-framed. To say Kano pulls your eye in the right direction is an understatement. I dare you to read this and not gasp by the end.
Next up is “Solo Shift” by Corinna Bechko and Caitlin Yarsky. This tale has a man in deep space all alone investigating an anomaly. Partly horror, Bechko, and Yarsky draw you into his singular focus and then pull the rug out. It’s a good tale you could easily see on the Twilight Zone.
Oni Press
Yarsky’s art has a calming vibe that makes outer space almost seem safe and quaint. You’ll certainly feel a connection with the main character, who seems kind and empathetic. That only enhances the ending.
“Drink Up” by Chris Condon and Jonathan Case features a super-rich man attempting to live forever. He seeks an unnatural way to achieve that, and in true Tales from the Crypt fashion, just deserts are served. This tale utilizes sound effects to perfection. Case makes you loathe this guy- we’ve seen this type before- and you might even be cheering by the end.
The final tale is titled “Priceless” by Ben H. Winters and Artyom Topilin. To say this sci-fi story has a wickedly original premise is an understatement. One might liken the concept to Severance, but I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers. The very premise is quite compelling, but you won’t know what hits you till the very end.
Topilin’s art is good, with creative ways of drawing you in on the main character, and then making him seem isolated and alone.
Twists, turns, and tantalizing sci-fi storytelling await you in Cruel Universe. The first issue comes out swinging and doesn’t let up for all four of its well-drawn and told stories.
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