EC Cruel Universe #1

by Corinna Sara Bechko, Sierra Hahn (Editor), Kano (artist)

Compelled to OBLIVION, driven to ENTROPY, all life in our cosmos can only end in one COMPLETE ANNIHILATION! For the first time in 70 years, the limitless fury of EC Comics rages back to life to shred the very fabric of the universe itself—and wrench bizarre tales of time and space into our dimensional plane!

Our guides across this double-sized, 40-page introduction to a cosmic maelstrom of strange extraterrestrial entities, malevolent scientists, and terrifying technological catastrophes? Learn to fear the void with the irradiated imaginations of Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko (Invisible Republic, The Space Between), rising star Chris Condon (That Texas Blood), Eisner Award nominee Matt Kindt (BRZRKR, Mind MGMT), and Edgar Award winner Ben H. Winters (The Last Policeman) as they collide with the wondrously destructive visions of artists Jonathan Case (Green River Killer), Kano (Immortal Iron Fist), Artyom Topilin (I Hate This Place), and Caitlin Yarsky (Black Reborn)!

The unpredictable return of EC Comics continues here with the quantum comics event of the millennium! Galaxies will collapse. Space-time will be distorted. And your very will to exist, too, shall be broken . . . Just it's all in the name of SCIENCE!

Genres: Comics, Science Fiction, Horror, Comic Book, Comix

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2024

About the author

Corinna Bechko has been writing comics since her horror graphic novel Heathentown was published by Image/Shadowline in 2009. Since then she worked for Marvel, DC, Boom!, Image, and Dark Horse, among others, on titles such as Planet of the Apes, Star Wars: Legacy, Savage Hulk, Aliens/Vampirella, Invisible Republic, and Green Lantern: Earth One. She was recently short-listed for the Aeon Award for her prose short Sooterkin. She is a zoologist by training.

Reviews

[Nick LeBlanc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inconsistent art and storytelling. The latter I can get over. But not having the amazing hand-drawn art from the EC classics really hurts this series. It’s there in some aspects with the first story being the strongest with a classic face slap of a twist. But after that it’s a hard nose dive. The 2nd story is obvious, the third ends far too quickly, and the last has a good concept and decent execution but still feels underdeveloped. I look forward to checking out Epitaphs from the Abyss (I have a more hopeful feeling about that one). Improve the art consistency and the storytelling could be forgiven.

[Rockito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid book although nothing groundbreaking. Far from the best comic book anthology.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the stronger first issue for the two new EC lines. All the stories here were solid with several really scratching that old-school sci-fi itch, even if some were fairly predictable. If this is an indication of the quality of future issues of Cruel Universe and Epitaphs from the Abyss, I will happily pick them up.

[Colvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite story by far was "The Champion.". I loved the artwork and the switch-up in narration that occurred. Very well done storytelling and use of art to convey an awesome idea about intraspecies virtual conquest amongst trafficking victims. Nice.

I personally didn't adore the art style for "Solo Shift" nearly as much except for the panels with the dark hole and during the time travel. Eerie and interesting story premise. Rememberable.

"Drink Up" was my least favorite story in the issue. I actually enjoyed the artwork quite a bit, but the story is one I have heard so many times in so many different genres using so many different voices/spins. It just didn't really do much for me.

My second favorite story in this issue was "Priceless.". The story and the artwork were top tier. I personally just enjoy the style in "The Champion" a bit more, but the more artistic and unique aspect of this piece is noteworthy. The writing style made me want a bit more, though, because of how good it was. The ending was very EC comics-esque with its witty and stinging final blow.

I am impressed with this issue personally as a massive vintage horror and sci-fi comics fan.

If the two middle stories were replaced, I would give this a higher score. It is a 3.5/5, so 4 stars for me.

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelled to OBLIVION, driven to ENTROPY, all life in our cosmos can only end in one place: COMPLETE ANNIHILATION! For the first time in 70 years, the limitless fury of EC Comics rages back to life to shred the very fabric of the universe itself—and wrench bizarre tales of time and space into our dimensional plane!
Oh this was like returning to my childhood!  I loved EC comics and read all the varieties. I adored the horror versions but the sci-fi issues were such a different type of horror that I adored them as well.
As every story is fascinating, they each have some sort of moral for humans to learn. 
The art is exactly like it was when I read EC in the late 70's, colorful, clear, and so realistic. Each tale was reminiscent of an episode of "The Twilight Zone". And yes, that is a good thing.

Highly recommended  Expected Publishing date; July 1, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Rick Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alongside Epitaphs from the Abyss, the EC revival from Oni Press also includes Cruel Universe, an anthology of sci-fi stories. This first issue includes:
- "The Champion" by Matt Kindt & Kano
- "Solo Shift" by Corinna Bechko & Caitlin Yarsky
- "Drink Up" by Chris Condon & Jonathan Case
- "Priceless" by Ben H. Winters & Artyom Toplin

Marginally better than the first issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss, with the first and last stories being fairly solid fare. Toplin's artwork in "Priceless" remains the most memorable of the lot, with most of the rest featuring fairly bland (though effective enough, I suppose) artwork.

[Colin Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with the horror-themed companion anthology, Cruel Universe is a cool thing but ultimately underwhelming - as any reboot of EC likely would be. Even still, there are some good stories from good creators. I was especially thrilled to see Artyom Topilin back at work after the amazing I Hate This Place got canned. I hope he gets back on an ongoing title soon!

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first and final tales of this book really make it worth it. However, there are some filler stories near the center of this book. Will reread at a later time and reassess. Definitely will come back for issue 2.

[Fuckface · Rating 5 out of 5]

great stories n solid art

I really enjoyed reading this comic. I wish there was a few more stories regardless, enjoyable. I definitely will be buying the next one. Definitely recommended for some good “ twilight zone" entertainment.

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first story. Heart breaking story and beautiful art.
Second story was good but fairly obvious.
Don't remember the third one.
Fourth one had a good ending. Were there three or four stories actually?

[Mouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love anthologies, but this one is mediocre at best. Just some really bad short stories in this, they end so abruptly and unfortunately they don’t really leave you wanting more, they just fall flat…
Decent art though.

[Femme Power Comix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cruel Universe is the second series of the new EC comics range from Oni Press. In this case it takes the horror genre into science fiction. There are some good stories in here and they have tried hard to do the twist in the tale endings. Not the perfect start to the range but a good start, will continue with these to see where they go.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthologies! ... not bad. Big twists in every story but not as wordy as the original series.
I'll probably keep reading til it's cancelled.

[Jordan Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed these 4 TALES and really looking forward to reading future issues. Artwork was impressive and the stores were very much in the EC- vein. A lot of fun!

[Alex Fyffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Ximena]

some stories better than others. got misty eyed on that first one I won’t lie 🥲

[باسم الخشن · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only good story is the first one and only cause the ending
The rest is painfully predictable its just lazy writing
I have the 2nd issue and I’m not looking forward to reading it

[Kay ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great artwork the stories were okay. Nothing too memorable.

[Javier Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me declaró fan de EC

[alejandro galvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool short stories

Pretty cool anthologies in the style of Tales from the Crypt. I enjoyed this read a lot. Very fun and creative. I will be picking up the 2nd issue for sure.

[Kristin]

Not for me. Cruel endings for the stories.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really fun comic collection of sci fi stories. It's like the many sci fi short story collections I've read or browsed, full of short ideas and plots with intriguing ideas at their core.

[Haruka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad read. The story is so simple but interesting!

[Caben Mckendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun way to showcase multiple great Sci-fi “black-mirror-esque” stories. I loved it and I can’t wait for more

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A couple of pretty good short stories. Matt Kindts one, in particular, was brilliant. I had so low hopes for this after reading the total mess of a comic that is ECs other new anthology #1 (Epitaphs…). It was filled with really bad, political stories.

This was the opposite, with actual attempts at good short sci-fi horror stories. I really hope these creators contribute to upcoming issues. I’ll happily continue reading this as long as it keeps delivering similar experiences. Also, after reading Matt Kindts Ether vol 1 and now this, I’ll follow and make sure to check out anything else he does