EC Comics Revived with New Line at Oni Press

In the 1940s and ‘50s, EC Comics produced horror, science fiction, war, and crime fiction comics that were as good as they were controversial. At a time when comics were still predominately family-friendly and aimed at kids, EC’s books pushed the boundaries of what was considered appropriate and instigated the creation of the Comics Code Authority. Now, EC is back with the first new series in nearly seven decades.

Oni Press has entered into a publishing partnership with Williams M. Gaines Agent, Inc. on a new line of EC comics. It kicks off in the summer of 2024 with Epitaphs from the Abyss #1 in July and Cruel Universe #1 in August. The EC publishing program will be overseen by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor in Chief Sierra Hahn, in partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. administrators Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, Gaines’ daughter and grandson.

“As my father said, ‘Only in the bounds of good taste!’ and I’m so excited to exhibit EC’s good taste with Oni Press, who have distinguished themselves with both an award-winning library of comics and graphic novels and a passionate understanding of EC’s singular role in shaping comics history,” Cathy Gaines Mifsud said.

“EC Comics is no stranger to a good comeback story! We’re thrilled to make this return with Oni Press and usher the classic EC sensibilities into the modern world,” Corey Mifsud said. “It’s always been our dream to one day bring the fearless creative spirit of EC to a new generation. Working hand-in-hand with Oni’s award-winning team and a sensational cast of creators, it’s a pleasure to – at long last – shepherd EC into the 21st century with all-new series and stories.”

Oni’s EC line will include at least two series on a monthly basis in horror, science fiction, fantasy, and other genres. The books will feature the work of well known writers like Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, Rodney Barnes, Corinna Bechko, Cullen Bunn, Christopher Cantwell, Cecil Castellucci, Chris Condon, Joshua Hale Fialkov, J.Holtham, Jeff Jensen, Matt Kindt, Sean Lewis, Stephanie Phillips, Jay Stephens, Zac Thompson, and Ben H. Winters; artists like Kano, Peter Krause, Leomacs, Malachi Ward, Dustin Weaver, and others; designer Rian Hughes; and cover artists Lee Bermejo, Greg Smallwood, and J.H. Williams III.

“Seventy years ago, EC Comics redefined what comics could be with shocking, confrontational and brilliantly crafted stories that challenged the existential issues at the center of American life – censorship, racism, sexism, nuclear proliferation, and more. Today, those battles continue in alarming and pernicious new ways,” Hahn said. “What better time to resurrect the undying spirit of EC Comics – one of the most entertaining, subversive, and influential publishers of all time – with an all-star cast of storytellers to examine today’s society through the lens that William Gaines and his legendary collaborators have left us.”

“There are few things more sacred to the canon of comic book history – and global pop culture – than EC Comics. The company’s audaciously inspired sensibilities have continuously echoed through nearly all facets of entertainment – like pieces of shrapnel embedded in American imagination,” Gorinson said. “It’s both a huge honor and immense responsibility to be entrusted to work alongside the Gaines family in inhabiting EC’s indomitable spirit for a new generation. At a moment when we find ourselves confronting the same reactionary forces – injustice, inequality, and of course, censorship – that EC challenged head-on, we intend to write a new and powerful chapter that honors and expands one of the most important legacies the comic book medium has ever produced.”