The legendary seal of EC Comics is back! For decades, its blend of horror, suspense, and shocking twist endings has been the gold standard. Now, Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group carries the torch, ushering in a new era of fear with CATACOMB OF TORMENT #1. This new ongoing monthly anthology resurrects the classic format, complete with a brand-new, ghoulish host: The Tormentor. This debut issue asks if the new tales can live up to the undying EC tradition. As long-time fans of everything horror, we at Comic Book Addicts have been eagerly awaiting this release, and we are thrilled to dive in. The book brings together a stellar lineup of master storytellers who are clearly passionate about the genre, promising a truly terrifying experience for all who dare to open its pages.
A Spoiler-Free Look Inside CATACOMB OF TORMENT #1
Emerging from the ashes of Epitaphs from the Abyss, this 40-page first issue delivers three new tales of terror and one restored classic, each designed to get under your skin in the best way possible. The Tormentor, our new horror host with a “morbid interest in human anatomy,” guides us through these blisteringly brutal fables. We get a fantastic variety of stories, ensuring that there’s a flavor of fear for every reader Browse the latest new comics. The creative teams waste no time reminding us why EC’s formula of poetic justice and grim consequences is so timeless and effective.
“What’s the Deal with Voodoo?”
The anthology kicks off with a story that feels incredibly modern. Writer John Arcudi and artist Patrick Piazzalunga introduce us to Ralph Lesser, an aging comedian whose act is painfully out of touch. When his tired, offensive jokes about Voodoo and other cultures bomb on a college campus, he’s confronted by two students, Lenny and Rain, who take issue with his “bigotry-free space” violations. The confrontation quickly escalates from a backstage argument to a tragic accident, forcing the students to cover up their involvement. Arcudi expertly builds a narrative around performative activism and cancel culture, but this is an EC comic, so you know a simple accident is never the end of the story. The tale twists into a genuinely tense psychological horror story, proving that some jokes can be deadly serious.
“Quintana Roo”
Next, Marguerite Bennett and Dan McDaid take us on a vacation from hell in “Quintana Roo.” The story follows a group of privileged American tourists at a Mexican resort. Despite warnings from the staff, they venture into the jungle, armed with selfie sticks and a profound sense of entitlement. Their dialogue is a cringe-worthy collection of microaggressions and ignorance, as they complain about the locals and claim the land will soon be theirs anyway. Bennett’s script smartly uses one character, Diana, as the voice of reason, questioning their colonialist attitudes. However, as she points out, the land itself may have a stronger claim than any of them. The story quickly becomes a powerful and gruesome eco-horror fable where the earth itself rises to deliver a bloody reckoning. The message is clear: you are a guest here, and the land always gets its due.
“Garden Variety”
The third tale, “Garden Variety,” from the minds of Matt Kindt and David Lapham, is a chilling exploration of obsession. We meet a gourmet chef who believes taste is relative and that he can control it by cultivating his own unique ingredients. His specialty is mushrooms, and his “work of art” involves creating controlled environments to produce fungi with very specific taste profiles. He creates patches labeled “Young,” “Smoker,” “Vegan,” and “Obese”. The chef’s narration reveals a man who sees himself as a god, manipulating biology to achieve the perfect flavor. When he gets a new idea for a “barrel-aged whiskey” flavor, he goes to extreme, horrifying lengths to procure the perfect “soil”. This story is a slow-burn descent into madness with a truly unsettling payoff that will make you think twice about what’s on your plate. It’s a fantastic example of the psychological terror that made EC famous, showcasing how a twisted mind can be the most frightening monster of all. It’s a highlight for comic book addicts who love a good psychological thriller.
Classic Reprint: “Halloween”
As an added bonus, the issue includes a beautifully restored version of the classic story “Halloween” from Shock SuspenStories #2 (1952). Written by William M. Gaines & Al Feldstein with art by the legendary Graham Ingels, this tale is EC at its finest. It follows Ann Dennis, a new matron at the rundown Briarwood Orphan Asylum who is horrified by the cruel, penny-pinching Master Critchit and the awful conditions the children endure. When Mr. Critchit refuses to even buy a single pumpkin for the orphans to celebrate Halloween, Ann discovers he’s been stealing from their state allotment funds all along. The story culminates in one of the most infamous and satisfyingly gruesome twist endings in comic book history. Seeing the incredible comic book covers and interior art restored to its original gory glory is worth the price of admission alone.
Creators and Credits
- Publisher: Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group, LLC
- Writers: John Arcudi, Marguerite Bennett, Matt Kindt, William M. Gaines, Al Feldstein
- Artists: Patrick Piazzalunga, Dan McDaid, David Lapham, Graham Ingels
- Colorists: Alessandro Santoro, Michelle Madsen, Nick Filardi, Michael Atiyeh (Restoration)
- Letterers: Richard Starkings and Comicraft’s Tyler Smith
- Cover Artists: Jorge Fornés (Cover A & Gold Foil), Tom Fowler (Cover B & B&W Variant), Jay Stephens (EC Homage Variant), Patricia Martín (Archive Edition), Dustin Weaver (Horror Host Variant)
Final Thoughts
CATACOMB OF TORMENT #1 is a bloody, brilliant, and brutal return to form. Oni-Lion Forge and the incredible teams of creators have successfully resurrected the spirit of EC Comics for a modern audience while honoring its legacy. The stories are sharp, the art is fantastic, and the twists are as satisfyingly grim as ever. This is not just a comic; it’s an experience. It’s a declaration that true horror never dies.
What did you think of the return of EC Comics? Let us know your thoughts on this first issue! Head over to our Twitter Page and join the conversation.
CATACOMB OF TORMENT #1 goes on sale on July 16th, 2025.
