The EC Archives: Weird Science Volume 3

by Al Feldstein, William Gaines, Wallace Wood (Illustrator)

Long before “one giant leap for Mankind,” EC Comics speculated on the wonder—and horror—posed by space travel.

The EC Weird Science volume 3 features the zenith of these explorations by comics pioneers Al Feldstein, William Gaines, Wally Wood, Jack Kamen, Joe Orlando and more. This value-priced softcover volume collects Weird Science issues #13–#18 with remastered digital color based on Marie Severin’s original tones. Includes the adaptations of two Ray Bradbury tales, “The Long Years” and “Mars is Heaven.” Foreword by Jerry Weist, comic art historian and author of the Hugo Award-nominated Ray An Illustrated Life .

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Albert Bernard Feldstein was an American writer, editor, and artist, best known for his work at EC Comics and, from 1956 to 1985, as the editor of the satirical magazine Mad. After retiring from Mad, Feldstein concentrated on American paintings of Western wildlife.

Reviews

[Eddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Old Science Fiction

It makes for a good read. Stories from the past when we guessed at the future. Very fun to read.

[Paul Sutter]

Take another trip in the EC ARCHIVES time machine, courtesy of Dark Horse for another fun romp into the EC Universe. No matter how many of these reproductions that are printed, one could never tire of them. Comic lovers will be more than in their glory, when they read the entire reproductions of Weird Science issues 13 through 18. Some of the most noted artists regularly drew for EC and in this edition, there is the work of such talents as Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Jack Kamen and others. What makes this book all the more noteworthy, are the science-fiction stories that seemed decades ahead of their time, exploring ideas and fantasies that didn’t come into being until many years later. The book begins with A Weighty Decision, where a rocket ship is destined for the moon. Three men are to go there, but they must adhere to strict weight restrictions, and must lose weight to do so. Even a pound of two over limit, could prove disastrous. The rocket ship blasts off, and soon it is apparent the ship is using too much fuel. Much to their shock, they find the female lover of one of the men has stowed away on board, to be close to her man. But it is their downfall, as they realize they can never return from the moon with four people. The woman agrees to stay there.
Another great tale Miscalculation, has a man creating the perfect harem with ingredients he sent for. He makes mistakes with each women, creating them with flaws, but does not realize the ingredients are leaking to the tub downstairs, and the man in the apartment below, now has the perfect woman that this man wanted.
There are a couple of tales in the book adapted by works from science-fiction master Ray Bradbury, adding even more fuel to the fires of great comics fiction. No matter which story you turn to, you will find a tale that is worth reading more than once. Other standouts are: The People’s Choice, The Martians, Inside Story, Given The Heir, Down To Earth and others. This is a must-add to your comic collection, reprinting over twenty of EC Comics most sought after tales.

[chrstphre campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Stories ….

… But there were several curious bits, such as how many things in The year 2146 would be just like things in 1954 ! The artists didn’t envision all The little things changing ( ? )
& The astronauts could often have avoided trouble if they just examined their situation a little first off, instead of just running around in their underwear !
Someone should rewrite all of these comics so that they “make sense” ( ? )

[Mrspacekphs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but stretched thin.

[Joe Nobles · Rating 5 out of 5]

EC's for me

The old EC Comics are amazing! Brought into the Digital Age via KINDLE by Amazon. The colors and brilliance of the drawings are so true to print. The stories are brilliant and always thought-provoking! Just like film noir, it is an experience like no other when reading these.