A new horror anthology is entering comic shops to strike fear into your heart this week, and it’s new EC Comic Epitaphs from the Abyss #1! 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. Featuring four stories, there’s plenty to be disturbed by in this new horror anthology, some of which even take modern elements and twist the knife!
Epitaphs from the Abyss #1 opens with a full-page spread drawn by Dustin Weaver featuring one of the new horror hosts, the Grave-Digger. He introduces readers to each tale, giving us a bit of color and following the tradition of horror hosts like the Crypt Keeper and the Creep. It’s a great way to open the book, but unfortunately, he only pops up once more, making it feel a little underused.
The first tale is “Killer Spec” by J. Holtham and Jorge Fornes. It follows a writer who has writer’s block, but his internal monologue suggests his overinflated ego can’t admit that’s what’s going on. He thinks he’s the greatest, that is until he looks at a new piece of writing. Holtham makes you believe this guy is a bit unhinged, and when he takes things further, you’ll believe it. The captions are well-written and draw you in.
The story turns dark with shocking visuals and great blood splatter. The measured pacing works well, thanks to Fornes’ ability to pack so much into a single panel. I didn’t love how it ends, but it’s so twisted you’ll find enjoyment regardless.
Oni Press
Next up is “Senator, Senator,” by Chris Condon and Peter Krause. The story involves a politician who was once pro-choice and seems to have flipped a switch and gone the other direction. A tale hinging on a twist, it’s a dark idea that politicians may not have the free will we hope they did. It’s a shorter tale, that’s a little heavy on the setup and quick to end.
Krause draws an unnerving character with sunglasses who almost has a David Lynch vibe. Never trust someone who wears sunglasses inside!
“Family Values” by Stephanie Phillips and Phil Hester is the next story, and it’s excellent. From the overall premise to the twisted position of a father, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. Hester draws the heck out of this, integrating a ticking clock that’s crucial to the story. Phillips works magic with the banter between the family members. It’s life or death, but even the daughter is correcting the mother at this time. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers!
Closing out the collection is “US vs. US” by Brian Azzarello and Vlad Legostaev. Mutated people are chasing a couple, and they are truly grotesque. Colors by Brittany Peer works well with Legostaev’s art to make you root for the people…until they speak. Azzarello throws a curveball that’ll have you laughing.
Blood, gore, and the unease rising in your belly are all in Epitaphs from the Abyss. Like any anthology, some stories hit better than others, with one out of the four ending up being a must-read and the other three coming in close second as entertaining in their own right.
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