EC Epitaphs from the Abyss #1

by Brian Azzarello, Phil Hester (artist), Peter Krause (artist)

THE MOST NOTORIOUS NAME IN TERROR IS BACK—WITH A VENGEANCE! From the publisher that drove Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, Haunt of Fear, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC COMICS returns . . . with its first ALL-NEW series in nearly 70 years! In our first extra-sized, 40-page dose of fear, witness shocking tales of torment and tension in the immortal EC tradition—as wrenched from the grave by the vile intentions of acclaimed writers Brian Azzarello ( Damned, 100 Bullets), Chris Condon (That Texas Blood, Night People), J. Holtham (FX's The Handmaid's Tale), and Stephanie Phillips (Harley Quinn, Grim) and realized into bloody reality by all-slaughter artists Jorge Fornes (Rorschach, Danger Street), Phil Hester (Family Tree), Peter Krause (Irredeemable), and more! What the Comics Code Authority couldn't kill has only made it stronger . . . EC COMICS LIVES AGAIN IN EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS!

Genres: Horror, Comics, Graphic Novels, Comix

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2024

About the author

Brian Azzarello (born in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American comic book writer. He came to prominence with 100 Bullets, published by DC Comics' mature-audience imprint Vertigo. He and Argentine artist Eduardo Risso, with whom Azzarello first worked on Jonny Double, won the 2001 Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story for 100 Bullets #15–18: "Hang Up on the Hang Low".

Azzarello has written for Batman ("Broken City", art by Risso; "Batman/Deathblow: After the Fire", art by Lee Bermejo, Tim Bradstreet, & Mick Gray) and Superman ("For Tomorrow", art by Jim Lee).

In 2005, Azzarello began a new creator-owned series, the western Loveless, with artist Marcelo Frusin.

As of 2007, Azzarello is married to fellow comic-book writer and illustrator Jill Thompson.

information taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Az...

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better (if not best) graphic novel horror anthology series currently out there, "Epitaphs from the Abyss" is a phenomenal re-vamping of the old EC Comics. In this first issue, a disparate variety of topics---from partisan politics, conservative family values, and anti-vaxxers---are tackled with plenty of humor and a lot of vicious bloodletting. (In case you have to be told: this series is NOT for kids...)

Don't read this series, btw, if you are a Trump supporter or a Republican without a sense of humor.

[Adrian · Rating 1 out of 5]

A disappointing start of this EC revival: this issue is more focused on modern politics than on the sought after sense of dread and horror that EC comics are known and loved for... Unpleasant sterile artwork with weak storytelling that feels like yesterday's news the moment you close it. The only enjoyable thing about this first issue is the cover art ... If the quality of the writing doesn't improve soon I would say, skip this series ...

[Colin Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely nails the vibe of old-school EC, right down to the lettering and the style of the caption boxes, but I’m not sure about the project. The epilogue letter from the Oni president stakes out that this series imagines what EC would look like today if they never got shutdown by the comics code decades ago. But we now have plenty of indie comics that push the envelope in so many ways, so is this necessary or nostalgic? At the very least, Oni is bringing together some top-tier creators to tell fun short stories.

[LittleBookLoves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artistry of the cover is great. I wish the artwork within each story was to this level too, but I also understand why it wasn't and it's fine. The stories themselves were so-so. I imagine back in the late 80s or early 90s these stories would have been captivating, but they weren't that interesting. I have mixed thoughts about the political horror story, because I understand the angle they were going for, but this story just like the others felt a bit rushed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection. The stories are pretty short but also surprisingly timely. I'm not sure reading this a year ago would have had quite the same impact for me...but reading it now I think the stories just hit a little different/better. I do think some of the endings were pretty abrupt...where I liked what the story was doing but maybe it was a bit rushed and could have used a teeny bit more fleshing out. But that's a pretty minor critique. This was fun and I'm excited to read more.

[Garth · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ Not the best start.

[Mr. Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gnarly, but not gnarly enough. (Love me some Phil Hester artwork, tho!)

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first and third stories, "Killer Spec" and "Family Values", were the definite highlights of this first issue and well worth a read. The other two were unfortunately too political and preachy. "Senator, Senator" was still okay, but "Us vs Us" was downright bad. I don't even disagree with the politics presented, but it's just eye roll inducing to see it crammed into everything nowadays at the expense of tone and storytelling. I'm still interested in reading future issues, but hopefully there's less politics from here on out.

[Rick Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oni Press revives EC with Epitaphs from the Abyss, a horror comic anthology meant to tug on the nostalgia heartstring some readership may have for the once great line of genre fiction comics. Given that the retro or antiquated feel is what contemporary readers enjoy from EC comics, I was apprehensive of a modern revival since it wouldn't scratch the same itch that Tales from the Crypt, The Haunt of Fear, or The Vault of Horror did for me.

Contained in this first issue are four stories: "Killer Spec" by J. Holtham & Jorge Fornés, "Senator, Senator" by Chris Condon & Peter Krause, "Family Values" by Stephanie Phillips & Phil Hester and "US. vs. US" by Brian Azzarello & Vlad Legostaev. "Family Values" is the standout piece here, even if it is a painfully average horror comic but is bolstered by Hester's unique artwork. The remaining stories are fairly pedestrian affairs that feature highly sanitized or clean artwork aligned with modern sensibilities. Perhaps it is a little much to expect rough black-and-white artwork in a contemporary publication, but if the goal is to attract readership of classic EC lines, then this is a major misfire. If the goal is just a horror anthology, why not just make your own thing?

[Dion Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection and will read it again soon.

I ended up reading the first 4 volumes, and I plan on getting the rest.

Growing up in a small rural area, I didn’t have access to or even know about the original Tales from the Crypt comic books, but I did grow up with the Tales from the Crypt TV show, and the Creepshow movies, which I both love.

The stories have that same touch of ghoulish humour and twisted justice.
The Artwork is fantastic and fit the stories perfectly.

If you liked the original comics or the Tales from the Crypt TV show, you will love this.

[Alex Fyffe · Rating 2 out of 5]

EC Comics was revived recently by Oni Press, and today they released their first new horror comics title since the Comics Code Authority nonsense of the 1950s, Epitaphs from the Abyss #1. BOOM! Studios also released a brand new horror anthology comic today called Hello Darkness. I picked up both, and I have to say, BOOM! out-EC'd EC. By a wide margin.

You would think for a first issue, EC would go all out with really strong stories with powerful art. But something went seriously wrong somewhere. The cover looks great, but the stories jumped back and forth from okay to bad. The best of the four stories, "Killer Spec" and "Family Values," were just all right, and the worst, "Senator, Senator" and "Us vs. Us," were painfully preachy and, frankly, stupid. Hello Darkness, on the other hand, pushed some boundaries, went to weird and unsettling places, had some humorous commentary, and even ended with a really well-written first part of a longer narrative (by Garth Ennis) that had a compelling cliffhanger. And I was so disappointed that the people behind the EC reboot would flub it so badly and be beaten by a competitor on the same day of their debut. How embarrassing.

The ending note in Hello Darkness also has a paragraph that reads as a direct criticism of the EC comic that I had just read: "This comic book isn't trying to revive or bring back something for the sake of nostalgia. Its aim is to breathe new life and catalyze the next evolution of this timeless format that has excited and entertained readers for generations. Each issue is curated with an immense amount of thought and passion because that's what this format needs and it's what readers deserve."

So goodbye, EC; hello Darkness, my new friend.

To be fair, I will give EC another chance. They have their science fiction comic, Cruel Universe, debuting next month, so I'll give that one a spin, and I'll probably try Epitaphs from the Abyss #2 in September to see if the quality goes up. But if it doesn't, I might have to drop it, as much as I'd love to support the return of such an iconic name. Nostalgia alone is not enough.

[D.K. Hundt · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.0 Stars

EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS Vol. 1 – 4 Graphic Novel – Dark Horror

The Artwork Throughout Is Amazing!


‘In our seminal first collection of Epitaphs From the Abyss, witness shocking tales of torment and tension in the immortal EC tradition—as wrenched from the grave by the vile intentions of acclaimed writers…’

The Following Stories Are My Favorites:


‘Killer Spec’ – HAHAHA—Love The Ending!

Writer: J. Holtham
Artist: Jorge Fornés
Colorist: Dan Jackson

’Senator, Senator’ – Creepy! Side Note: You Can’t Help But Wonder

Writer: Chris Condon
Artist: Peter Krause
Colorist: Michelle Madsen

‘Family Values’ - Dark And Creepy!

Writer: Stephanie Phillips
Artist: Phil Hester
Inker: Travis Hymel
Colorist: Marissa Louise

‘Us VS.Us’ – I Like The Ending

Writer: Brian Azzarello
Artist: Vlad Legostaev
Colorist: Brittany Peer

‘Gray Green Memories’ - My Heart!

Writer and Artist: Tyler Crook
Colorist: Michelle Madsen

‘Sounds & Haptics’

Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Jorge Fornés
Colorist: Michelle Madsen

‘A Hand In It’ - I Love The Ending!

Writer: Jay Stephens
Artist: Leomacs
Colorist: Iñaki Azpiazu

‘Blood Type’ – Love The Ending!

Writer: Corinna Bechko
Artist: Jonathan Case

‘A Crossroads Repetition’– That Was Good!

Writer: Chris Condon
Artist: Charlie Adlard

‘Dead From Exposure’ – Whoa, Love The Ending!

Writer: Jay Stephens
Artist: David Lapham
Colorist: Nick Filardi

‘The Perfect Pearl’ – That Ending—My Heart!

Writer: Amy Roy
Artist: Claire Roe
Colorist: Brittany Peer

‘Under The Influence’ – Love This One!

Writer: J. Holtham
Artist: Leomacs
Colorist: Iñaki Azpiazu

Thank you, NetGalley and Oni-Lion Forge Publishing, LLC. (An Entertaining Comic), for providing me with an eBook of EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS at the request of an honest review.

Scheduled For Release: May 6, 2025 (Subject To Change)

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oni Press has resurrected the EC comics brand from the 50's and 60's, the horror comics that were at the heart of the formation of the Comics Code when people started protesting in the US that these comics were corrupting the youth of America. Some of those comics seem tame by todays standard but they still have something about them that appeal. This new edition tries to recapture that appeal but with a modern take on the stories.
This is the first issue and out of the gate and although they are not quite there, yet but these 4 tales are a good start. Us vs Us is the best story in the book, a modern take with 'A Hills Have Eye's' feel to it. Killer Spec is a good but predictable tale.
All in all, a solid start. Also looking forward to the new SciFi horror series 'Cruel Universe' in August.

[No_One · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first two stories the most, and by the time they got interesting, they were over.

My problem with this is the anthology format. I wanted to spend time with those first two stories longer, felt they definitely could have gone longer, been developed more. I understand the nature of this series and what it is based on, but still can’t help but feel that way.

Tbh, the Brian Azzarello story was one I was most looking forward to but it was…not good.

Won’t continue following the series solely because I’m not a fan of the anthology format.

[Tom Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This revival of EC Comics is a project with its heart in the right place, but doesn't quite bolt from the starting gate. I wasn't so much expecting a carbon copy of the old ECs, rather a modern take in the spirit of the tight, moody morality tales that often played out in those 50's books. The art on these stories is solid, but the tales themselves feel a little rushed, as though creators used to a more decompressed style are forcing themselves into a smaller space, resulting in stories ranging from feeling rushed to incomplete. Additionally, there's an edge missing here. It's not bad, but there are clearly going to be some growing pains as creators feel for the best way to present their ideas in 6-8 pages.

[Jordan Whitlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back EC COMICS!! I didn't expect them to match the originals in quality (and they didn't) but I thoroughly enjoyed this comic and am so happy to have an EC comic to read again. Looking forward to more issues in this series. The artwork was fantastic. The first story, KILLER SPEC, was EC through and through, and would have fit right in with the original comics. FAMILY VALUES was also a lot of fun. Keep them coming, EC!

[Christian · Rating 1 out of 5]

One story talks about abortion and critiques pro-life stance, and proposes that the right torture people to agree with them. Another investigates if guns are dangerous per se of if they get dangerous because of the user, and a third creates a story around vaxxers and non-vaxxers. I kid you not.

For any of us that thought this was about horror can lay that thought to rest real quick. This is yet another collection of shallow writers, writing about what they love the most - politics

[Bibliophileverse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horror has always been my favorite genre and if it is a graphic novel then I know I cannot resist it. This book has some wonderful illustrations that are totally mesmerizing. Some of the stories are also terrifying. Some of them are also satirical and give us a message. The authors have really done a great job. I am planning to read all the other volumes in the coming month. Although, the stories need to be more hair raising to make it a horror graphic novel. I would like to give it 4 stars.

[JustOneMorePage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an Arc of this comic. I really liked this collection of short stories. Each story being so different from the next and the art was amazing. I enjoyed the different twists and turns, though I will say some stories were a bit hit or miss. Due to the length of certain stories, it kind of made some of the endings a bit underwhelming. I am looking forward to seeing how this series will grow.

[Matteo Calvano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ec Epitaphs from the Abyss would try to be a re-launch of one of the most famous horror comic magazines of all time, calling illustrious figures of the scene as protagonists of the first stories. It is a shame that, despite an overall good artistic quality, the whole project seems more like a graphic version of Black Mirror than a true collection of scary, creepy and horror stories!

Thanks for the free copy received on NetGalleys, in exchange for an honest review!

[Air · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first experience with this and it was good. I feel like maybe the hype I heard in the past wouldn't qualify for this just because while I enjoyed parts there's some that stuck me in a eh way. It's hard to describe. This was interesting but definitely in the '80s 90's interesting way and nothing truly scary or frightening.

[slashyrogue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been pushing off reading this for a few months and I finally did and wow it was so bad. I’m gonna read the next one just to see if it’s a little better, but this is actually worse than the Creepshow revival comics and I never what are they expected anything to be as bad as those lol.

Skip it.

[Nick LeBlanc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really dig Cruel Universe either. But much like that, there are a couple good stories and some inconsistent art. Kind of a disappointing start from two properties which could really smash it right now.

[Eric Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just So-so

The stories are short and a bit lacking in substance. The artwork is nothing like what EC made its name on – rather typical to fairly sloppy. We’ll see where it goes in future issues, but I’ll hold off until they’re able to capture something more unique.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Catching some of the EC vibe this wasn’t exactly the best start. My favorite was Family Values. I’m be sticking it out anyway…. It’s not like an original vault of horror hit every one out of the park…. But it was often pretty close.

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not your grandpa’s EC comics. I know I’m in the minority but I liked the first and second stories the best especially the Senator one. Unfortunately the endings didn’t make much sense. It’s like they got tired of drawing it.

[Alberto · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐

[Michael Fitzpatrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a good start.

I’ve read every original EC title. The great art was a big part of their success. Perhaps it’s best to let the dead stay buried.

[Alain del Risco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my top five comic series for 2024!!! Glad EC is back.

[John Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nah.