A Grand Finale: Oni-Lion Forge’s Epitaphs from the Abyss #12 Review
The final nail is hammered into the coffin with the series finale of Epitaphs from the Abyss. This concluding issue marks a triumphant end to the modern revival of the classic EC Comics spirit. For months, readers have been treated to tales of terror and suspense, and this last installment is no exception. Our comprehensive Epitaphs from the Abyss #12 review explores how this issue sends the series off with a chilling bang, delivering three distinct stories of horror. We have delved into these pages to bring you a look at what makes this a must-read for any horror fan. This series has consistently delivered high-quality horror, becoming a staple for those looking at new comics.
A Spoiler-Free Look Inside Epitaphs from the Abyss #12
This finale is a masterclass in anthology horror, weaving together three unique narratives that resonate with the classic EC formula of suspense, irony, and dreadful twists. Each story stands on its own, yet together they form a cohesive and deeply unsettling farewell. The issue opens, as always, with our ghoulish host, the Grave-digger1, setting the stage for the hair-raising tales to come. The publisher, Oni-Lion Forge, has perfectly captured the tone of the original comics while allowing modern creators to spread their terrifying wings.
The Stories That Await
“Stilled the Waves”
The first story, “Stilled the Waves,” plunges the reader into a tale of grief and obsession. It follows a young boy, Marcus, who witnesses a traumatic event at an aquarium involving a great white shark named Aruna2222. This incident irrevocably changes him, forging a strange, silent connection to the fearsome predator3. The narrative, told from his sister’s perspective, explores how this single, horrifying moment warps his childhood and his relationship with his family. The story is a slow burn, building a palpable sense of dread as Marcus’s fascination with the shark grows into something far more sinister4. The tale examines trauma not as a single event, but as a seed that can grow into a dark, all-consuming force within a person5.
“Help Less”
Next, “Help Less” throws us into a stark, post-apocalyptic world. A mother and her young daughter navigate a desolate landscape, scavenging for food and evading danger6666. The world is harsh, defined by events like “the continent fires” and the “Public Works Slaughter”7. Their struggle for survival takes a desperate turn when they encounter armed groups controlling vital resources like water8. The story quickly establishes a grim reality where the most dangerous monsters are not supernatural, but human. When they are turned away from a settlement for carrying “contraband” in the form of books 9, the mother’s fierce determination to protect her child and her ideals leads her to join a resistance, hoping to fight for a better future in a world that seems to have none10101010.
“She Needs Help”
The final story, “She Needs Help,” is a chilling exploration of a mother’s pathological obsession. From the moment her daughter, Keyah, is born, the mother is convinced the child is gravely ill, despite every doctor insisting the baby is in perfect health111111111111111111. This tale is a masterwork of psychological horror, depicting Munchausen syndrome by proxy in a deeply disturbing light. The mother drags her daughter from one doctor to another, her desperation and delusion escalating with each clean bill of health12121212. The true horror lies not in a monster or a ghost, but in the terrifying reality of a parent’s love twisting into a destructive, suffocating force. The story builds to an inevitable, tragic conclusion that is both shocking and heartbreakingly predictable, leaving the reader with a profound sense of unease13. It’s a fantastic addition to a collection of great comic book covers.
The Masterminds of the Macabre
An anthology is only as strong as its creators, and Oni-Lion Forge assembled a stellar team for this finale.
- Writers: Michael W. Conrad (“Stilled the Waves”), Matt Kindt (“Help Less”), and Tyler Crook (“She Needs Help”) each bring a unique voice to their respective tales. Conrad’s story is an emotional, slow-burn horror. Kindt delivers a gritty, all-too-real dystopian nightmare. Crook provides a terrifyingly intimate look at psychological collapse.
- Artists: The artwork is just as varied and impactful. Alison Sampson’s art in “Stilled the Waves” uses fluid, almost dreamlike panels to convey the story’s aquatic themes and psychological depth. Klaus Janson’s work on “Help Less” is gritty and raw, perfectly capturing the desolation of a broken world. Tyler Crook, pulling double duty as writer and artist, uses a clean, expressive style in “She Needs Help” that makes the emotional horror all the more potent. The entire package is a testament to the talent involved, something Comic Book Addicts readers will appreciate.
- Cover Artists: With covers by industry titans like Lee Bermejo (Cover A) and Tom Fowler (Cover B), the issue grabs you before you even read the first page14. The variant covers, including a Homage variant by Albert Monteys, add another layer of collectibility and artistic interpretation15.
The Final Epitaph
Epitaphs from the Abyss #12 is a powerful conclusion to a series that has successfully honored the legacy of EC Comics. It delivers on its promise of terror and tension, offering three distinct yet equally horrifying stories that will stick with you long after you’ve finished reading. The creative teams have poured immense talent into these pages, resulting in a comic that is both a fitting tribute and a stellar example of modern horror. While we are sad to see this series end, the final pages tease a new title, Catacomb of Torment, ensuring that the scares will continue16. This is more than just a comic; it’s an experience that fans of the genre should not miss. It’s a great example of the quality content you can find on sites like The Comic Book Addicts.
What were your thoughts on the finale? Head over to our Twitter page and let us know which story horrified you the most!
