Oni Press has found resounding success in the resurrection of EC Horror, leading to new anthologies and series that hope to further the legacy of the legendary William Gaines and his groundbreaking work. As they gear up for their Summer of Fear, the publisher is ready to share an exclusive look at one of the stories that’ll be featured in their new anthology comic Catacomb of Torment #1. It’s called “Garden Variety” and it’s written by Matt Kindt, illustrated by David Lapham, and colored by Nick Filardi.
Catacomb of Torment will feature a new sadistic host, cut from the same cloth as the previous ones, called The Tormentor. This one seems like he can get a bit too excited when it comes to human anatomy. To be fair, though, which of these ghastly EC hosts doesn’t look like they’d be willing to carve out a little play time here and there with the odd dismembered limb. I’d imagine it’s a requirement to qualify as an EC Horror host.
Aren’t horror anthologies the perfect summer companions? As reading lists and book influencers try to get you started on five-book romantasy series, a good shot of terror can make you feel the need to add some darkness to that summer sunshine. Maybe even motivate a complete horror takeover of the season. Catacomb of Torment aims to do precisely that.
The press release for the new series follows below, along with the preview pages and the all the nasty covers that’ll be haunting the stands once issue #1 releases on July 16th (FOC: 6/23/2025). Enjoy.
BEHOLD: A BLOODY NEW ONGOING SERIES IS BORN! Out of the ashes of EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS, we usher THE TORMENTOR—a new horror host with an unhealthy interest in human anatomy—into the shadow-strewn halls of EC Comics history for our next monthly horror anthology! Hold onto your head (if it’s still attached)…because no one escapes THE CATACOMB OF TORMENT!
Master storytellers John Arcudi (B.P.R.D.) & Patrick Piazzalungo (Those Not Afraid), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR) & David Lapham (Stray Bullets), and Marguerite Bennett (Batwoman) & Dan McDaid (Shazam!) each take turns manning the rack and turning the red-hot irons for three all-new and blisteringly brutal tales of mayhem and malice in the undying EC tradition!
Plus, as an added bonus: A surprise classic from the EC vaults, painstakingly remastered and newly restored to its original coloring.The critics are already saying, “This is literal torture” and “Please make it stop!” Pick up this fearful 40-PAGE FIRST ISSUE—and the Tormentor might just consider letting them go!
The staggering horrors and masterful carriage of these covers from Jorge Fornés (Rorschach, Danger Street), Tom Fowler (MAD Magazine, Refrigerator Full of Heads), Patricia Martín (G.I. Joe), Jay Stephens (Dwellings), and Dustin Weaver (Avengers, Paklis) are certain to keep you up all night! Oni Press continues to conjure the legacy of the infamous EC Comics–welcome a new era of angst when CATACOMBS OF TORMENT #1 renders shops limb from limb on July 16th!
EC CATACOMB OF TORMENT #1
WRITTEN BY JOHN ARCUDI, MARGUERITE BENNETT & MATT KINDT
ART BY DAVID LAPHAM, DAN McDAID & PATRICK PIAZZALUNGA
COVER A BY JORGE FORNÉS
COVER B BY TOM FOWLER
FOIL VARIANT ($8.99) BY JORGE FORNÉS
EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS
B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY TOM FOWLER
ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTIN
HORROR HOST VARIANT (1:100) BY DUSTIN WEAVER
BLANK SKETCH VARIANT AVAILABLE
