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EC Cruel Kingdom #1-4
EC Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1
WHERE ONCE A CRUEL UNIVERSE BECKONED . . . NOW A CRUEL KINGDOM SHALL REIGN! Oni Press is proud to unveil a spellbinding new chapter in the distinguished lineage of EC history! Enter Cruel Kingdom—EC’s first-ever dark-fantasy anthology conjuring tales of MAGIC, MYTH, and MURDER from forbidden realms long before our own! Behold the bloody and barbarous age of wizards, knights, and dragons as reimagined in the immutable EC manner as master scribes Christopher Cantwell (Out of Alcatraz), Chris Condon (Ultimate Wolverine), Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Greg Pak (World War Hulk), Ben H. Winters (Benjamin), and more couple their forces with iron-wrought artists Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), PJ Holden (Judge Dredd), Kano (Gotham Central), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Leomacs (Benjamin), John McCrea (Hitman), Andrea Mutti (Rebels), and more to forge a terrifying new vision of death, life, and adventure “once upon a time.” From the twisted minds that spawned Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe, steel thyself for EC’s first rite of fatal fantasy and skullduggerous sorcery in one cursed tome of comic book enchantment! Collects Cruel Kingdom #1–4.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 16, 2025
Such a cool combination of horror, fantasy, and scifi in this graphic novel anthology! I had a blast reading this one and hope there’s another in the works. Favourite story had to “The Feast of King Arthur”, but it was hard to pick, they were all unique.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and illustrators, and Oni Press for a copy!
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors and illustrators, and Oni Press for a copy!
September 21, 2025
Note: I read the individual issues.
This series was basically horror stories set in the fantasy genre. It was on the same level of the recent EC comics revivals, it's just the theme here was a little more specific.
This series was basically horror stories set in the fantasy genre. It was on the same level of the recent EC comics revivals, it's just the theme here was a little more specific.
December 3, 2025
ARC
I'd like to thank One Press and NetGalley for the chance to give "EC Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1" an early read in return for an honest review.
This isn't my first dive into an EC collection, but after finishing this, I know it won't be my last. Nearly every story fit perfectly into the dark fantasy universe that they were building here, offering up some breathtaking imagery, alongside some truly gruesome. There are a couple of story that just aren't as strong as the rest, mainly those featured in the final volume, but altogether, this is a surprisingly cohesive body of work. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy, since I know it will look so much better than the digital copy that I ended up reading. There's something magical about reading these EC stories, and this one does a great job at crafting an altogether cohesive universe to tell these stories in.
Be sure to check out "EC Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1" when it is published on January 13, 2026!
I'd like to thank One Press and NetGalley for the chance to give "EC Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1" an early read in return for an honest review.
This isn't my first dive into an EC collection, but after finishing this, I know it won't be my last. Nearly every story fit perfectly into the dark fantasy universe that they were building here, offering up some breathtaking imagery, alongside some truly gruesome. There are a couple of story that just aren't as strong as the rest, mainly those featured in the final volume, but altogether, this is a surprisingly cohesive body of work. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy, since I know it will look so much better than the digital copy that I ended up reading. There's something magical about reading these EC stories, and this one does a great job at crafting an altogether cohesive universe to tell these stories in.
Be sure to check out "EC Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1" when it is published on January 13, 2026!
Review of advance copy
If there is one way this suffers, it's that the stories could always use more time. There is such a vast variety on the spectrum of fantasy and horror that made this an absolute blast to read.
November 27, 2025
Bit of a different pick up for me and a bit of a different review structure for me. This graphic novel is separated into an anthology of short stories each with different teams behind them, so I’m going to give each a mini review and then my overall thoughts at the end.
Blood of the Robo King
Stunning - especially the last panel. The work of Leomacs and Iñaki Azpiazu together creates incredibly evocative of the medieval robot war. The last panel especially gives such a stunning and evocative tableau. The short story by Greg Pak was succinct, dark and fit with the theme of the volume.
Friendly Visitors
Following two legally distinct hobbits who are visited by a humanoid alien species who ‘come in peace’ to remove ‘dangerous magic to the world’ and are foiled by the elderly Mistress Stormeye. Art by Kano and story by Al Ewing (a historical favourite of mine from my more active comic reading days) - incredibly themeatic and succinct in its anti-colonisation theme.
Death and Pickaxes
Dark reimagining of Snow White with a murderous dwarf. Dark with some of the panels being incredibly evocative of the darkness in the mines and the brightness of the forest. I found it a little weaker but still a solid entry. Written by Chris Condon and art by Charlie Adlard.
The Demon’s Face
A mix of a Eowyn style twist and Arthurian legend, the story seems more like a set up than a full short story. I loved the work of colourist, Michael Atiyeh, in this, their style gave the art by Andrea Mutti a very watercolour like effect that complimented the story by Ben H. Winters well.
A Rare Immunity
A strong entry in here. I loved the art style by PJ Holden (artist) and Michelle Madsen (colourist) - especially the opening panel which really evoked the nature of the story. I liked that the armour reminded me of Warhammer to some extent. The story by Chris Condon is a not unusual one for dark fantasy but was added to heavily by the format.
Hammer of Witches
I really enjoyed this one! As with The Demon’s Face, I loved the work of the colourist, Michael Atiyeh, in adding to the art with a painting style to the art of Andrea Mutti. This story I found to be one of the stronger of the anthology, by Steve Niles, and the ending really packed a punch for me.
The Seat of Power
Also really enjoyed this one. It reminded more of classic 80s and 90s comics from the structure of panels and the art style of David Lapham and colour work of Nick Filardi. The story by Cameron Chittock is a strong one, again not unexpected in dark fantasy but I really liked it and would love to see more of this concept and story.
Just Desserts
Again, another one in a row I loved. This one really surprised me, the story by Matt Bors is less grandeous than the previous entries in the series, focusing on the cooks of the court. The art by Valeria Burzo teams well with the colourist Iñaki Azpiazu - I particularly loved the use of shade throughout. I love that this story was motivated by something that ended up relatively trivial, despite the actions causing such pain.
The Feast of King Arthur
Very dark and actually was unexpected for me! I loved the full page panels making up the start and end of this. Art by Kano was more traditional in style along. Enjoyed this story by Christopher Cantwell a lot.
Heart of Ice
I loved the cooler tones within this one. Violent and dark as always, following the story of a mercenary after her saber tooth tiger and as with all of them packed a punch. I loved the art as I have throughout by the team of Andrea Mutti and Michael Atiyeh and this article setting worked well to showcase a different side to their style together.
Headmistress
Following a group of warriors training with the titular headmistress, this entry is very hack and slash-y which allows the work of PJ Holden & John McCrea to shine, with colour work from Michelle Madsen. I particularly enjoyed the extra dark twist in this one, story by Greg Pak.
What You Wish For
Another fairy tale retelling, this time Cinderella. Honestly I expected a few more than we had but I appreciate the restraint. I really enjoyed how this version comes out darker than even the original Brothers Grimm with a wording trick similar to any fae deal. One of my favourites from writer J. Holtham, artist Caitlin Yarsky and colour work by Francesco Seğala and Sabrina Del Grosso. I especially loved the art teams work on the final full page panel, it was disturbing and angelic in a particular way I enjoyed.
Ye Shall Be Healed
Creepy entry with a very claustrophobic feeling to the art style by Brian Level and colour work by Lee Loughridge. This particular entry felt much more small scale in this story by Ben H. Winters but still very much playing to the demonic elements included from his other entry in this volume.
Overall, I loved this. I love darker fantasy and anthology style short story comics are something I have always gravitated towards - especially at events like Thought Bubble where I would grab small indie anthologies like this. I would recommend anyone looking to branch out from the mainstream of comics to pick this up!
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for this digital ARC edition, my above review is my own honest thoughts.
Blood of the Robo King
Stunning - especially the last panel. The work of Leomacs and Iñaki Azpiazu together creates incredibly evocative of the medieval robot war. The last panel especially gives such a stunning and evocative tableau. The short story by Greg Pak was succinct, dark and fit with the theme of the volume.
Friendly Visitors
Following two legally distinct hobbits who are visited by a humanoid alien species who ‘come in peace’ to remove ‘dangerous magic to the world’ and are foiled by the elderly Mistress Stormeye. Art by Kano and story by Al Ewing (a historical favourite of mine from my more active comic reading days) - incredibly themeatic and succinct in its anti-colonisation theme.
Death and Pickaxes
Dark reimagining of Snow White with a murderous dwarf. Dark with some of the panels being incredibly evocative of the darkness in the mines and the brightness of the forest. I found it a little weaker but still a solid entry. Written by Chris Condon and art by Charlie Adlard.
The Demon’s Face
A mix of a Eowyn style twist and Arthurian legend, the story seems more like a set up than a full short story. I loved the work of colourist, Michael Atiyeh, in this, their style gave the art by Andrea Mutti a very watercolour like effect that complimented the story by Ben H. Winters well.
A Rare Immunity
A strong entry in here. I loved the art style by PJ Holden (artist) and Michelle Madsen (colourist) - especially the opening panel which really evoked the nature of the story. I liked that the armour reminded me of Warhammer to some extent. The story by Chris Condon is a not unusual one for dark fantasy but was added to heavily by the format.
Hammer of Witches
I really enjoyed this one! As with The Demon’s Face, I loved the work of the colourist, Michael Atiyeh, in adding to the art with a painting style to the art of Andrea Mutti. This story I found to be one of the stronger of the anthology, by Steve Niles, and the ending really packed a punch for me.
The Seat of Power
Also really enjoyed this one. It reminded more of classic 80s and 90s comics from the structure of panels and the art style of David Lapham and colour work of Nick Filardi. The story by Cameron Chittock is a strong one, again not unexpected in dark fantasy but I really liked it and would love to see more of this concept and story.
Just Desserts
Again, another one in a row I loved. This one really surprised me, the story by Matt Bors is less grandeous than the previous entries in the series, focusing on the cooks of the court. The art by Valeria Burzo teams well with the colourist Iñaki Azpiazu - I particularly loved the use of shade throughout. I love that this story was motivated by something that ended up relatively trivial, despite the actions causing such pain.
The Feast of King Arthur
Very dark and actually was unexpected for me! I loved the full page panels making up the start and end of this. Art by Kano was more traditional in style along. Enjoyed this story by Christopher Cantwell a lot.
Heart of Ice
I loved the cooler tones within this one. Violent and dark as always, following the story of a mercenary after her saber tooth tiger and as with all of them packed a punch. I loved the art as I have throughout by the team of Andrea Mutti and Michael Atiyeh and this article setting worked well to showcase a different side to their style together.
Headmistress
Following a group of warriors training with the titular headmistress, this entry is very hack and slash-y which allows the work of PJ Holden & John McCrea to shine, with colour work from Michelle Madsen. I particularly enjoyed the extra dark twist in this one, story by Greg Pak.
What You Wish For
Another fairy tale retelling, this time Cinderella. Honestly I expected a few more than we had but I appreciate the restraint. I really enjoyed how this version comes out darker than even the original Brothers Grimm with a wording trick similar to any fae deal. One of my favourites from writer J. Holtham, artist Caitlin Yarsky and colour work by Francesco Seğala and Sabrina Del Grosso. I especially loved the art teams work on the final full page panel, it was disturbing and angelic in a particular way I enjoyed.
Ye Shall Be Healed
Creepy entry with a very claustrophobic feeling to the art style by Brian Level and colour work by Lee Loughridge. This particular entry felt much more small scale in this story by Ben H. Winters but still very much playing to the demonic elements included from his other entry in this volume.
Overall, I loved this. I love darker fantasy and anthology style short story comics are something I have always gravitated towards - especially at events like Thought Bubble where I would grab small indie anthologies like this. I would recommend anyone looking to branch out from the mainstream of comics to pick this up!
Thank you NetGalley and Oni Press for this digital ARC edition, my above review is my own honest thoughts.
Read
November 19, 2025Early on, I thought this was doing a much better job than Oni's other EC revival anthologies. Perhaps it was because, while plenty of people have been inspired by the spirit of pre-Code horror comics, and Future Shocks mean I'll never want for short SF strips with a nasty twist, doing something similar with fantasy is fresher ground? Obviously it also helped that the opening issue brought the big guns (or big swords, I guess): Greg Pak and Leomacs with a fable of the loopholes the ideologically pure will contort themselves through to ensure they can tell themselves their hands are clean; Al Ewing and Kano bringing interstellar imperialism to what for legal reasons is definitely not the Shire (but clearly is); Chris Condon and Charlie Adlard showing how broad the remit can be by telling us about the eighth dwarf, left out of most tellings for reasons which soon become apparent.
Alas, it's downhill at an alarming rate after that. Too many entries rely on the most puerile and basic of reimagining strategies: 'what if King Arthur, right...was a git? Aaaah.' Truly, the originality wows me. I had to check the last story of #3 and the first of #4 weren't meant to be the same protagonist, so similar do they look, and this was particularly dispiriting when the latter was Pak again, with the dream team of PJ Holden and John McCrea on art. Even the fairytale reworkings pall, with a Cinderella riff fit to make the ghost of Angela Carter wish she'd just left well enough alone. There's still the odd glimmer, but not enough to make me reconsider my existing sentiment that this whole imprint needs to up its game.
(Netgalley ARC)
Alas, it's downhill at an alarming rate after that. Too many entries rely on the most puerile and basic of reimagining strategies: 'what if King Arthur, right...was a git? Aaaah.' Truly, the originality wows me. I had to check the last story of #3 and the first of #4 weren't meant to be the same protagonist, so similar do they look, and this was particularly dispiriting when the latter was Pak again, with the dream team of PJ Holden and John McCrea on art. Even the fairytale reworkings pall, with a Cinderella riff fit to make the ghost of Angela Carter wish she'd just left well enough alone. There's still the odd glimmer, but not enough to make me reconsider my existing sentiment that this whole imprint needs to up its game.
(Netgalley ARC)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An anthology of dark and bloody fantasy stories mimicking the infamous old EC Comics line. The stories hope to shock with gore and twist endings but mostly veer toward the predictable or silly.
Snow White, Cinderella, and King Arthur show up, but most of the stories are about more generic and unnamed royalty, knights, and peasants.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contains material originally published in single magazine form as EC Cruel Kingdom #1-4.
Contents:
• Blood of the Robo King / Greg Pak, writer; Leomacs, illustrator
• Friendly Visitors / Al Ewing, writer; Kano, illustrator
• Death and Pickaxes / Chris Condon, writer; Charlie Adlard, illustrator
• The Demon's Face / Ben H. Winters, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• A Rare Immunity / Chris Condon, writer; PJ Holden, illustrator
• Hammer of Witches / Steve Niles, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• The Seat of Power / Cameron Chittock, writer; David Lapham, illustrator
• Just Desserts / Matt Bors, writer; Valeria Burzo, illustrator
• The Feast of King Arthur / Christopher Cantwell, writer; Kano, illustrator
• Heart of Ice / Corrina Bechko, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• Headmistress / Greg Pak, writer; PJ Holden and John McCrea, illustrators
• What You Wish For / J. Holtham, writer; Caitlin Yarsky, illustrator
• Ye Shall Be Healed / Ben H. Winters, writer; Brian Level, illustrator
• Cover Gallery / Liam Sharp, Adam Pollina, Tom Fowler, Cary Nord, Gabriel Rodriguez, Jay Stephens, and Albert Monteys, illustrators
Snow White, Cinderella, and King Arthur show up, but most of the stories are about more generic and unnamed royalty, knights, and peasants.
Disclosure: I received access to a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
FOR REFERENCE:
Contains material originally published in single magazine form as EC Cruel Kingdom #1-4.
Contents:
• Blood of the Robo King / Greg Pak, writer; Leomacs, illustrator
• Friendly Visitors / Al Ewing, writer; Kano, illustrator
• Death and Pickaxes / Chris Condon, writer; Charlie Adlard, illustrator
• The Demon's Face / Ben H. Winters, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• A Rare Immunity / Chris Condon, writer; PJ Holden, illustrator
• Hammer of Witches / Steve Niles, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• The Seat of Power / Cameron Chittock, writer; David Lapham, illustrator
• Just Desserts / Matt Bors, writer; Valeria Burzo, illustrator
• The Feast of King Arthur / Christopher Cantwell, writer; Kano, illustrator
• Heart of Ice / Corrina Bechko, writer; Andrea Mutti, illustrator
• Headmistress / Greg Pak, writer; PJ Holden and John McCrea, illustrators
• What You Wish For / J. Holtham, writer; Caitlin Yarsky, illustrator
• Ye Shall Be Healed / Ben H. Winters, writer; Brian Level, illustrator
• Cover Gallery / Liam Sharp, Adam Pollina, Tom Fowler, Cary Nord, Gabriel Rodriguez, Jay Stephens, and Albert Monteys, illustrators
November 20, 2025
EC Comics seems to have made a comeback recently and I’m here for it. EC Comics are now with Omni Press and have released some new titles available in monthly issues or graphic novel collections. I collected all of ‘Epitaphs From the Abyss” which was EC Comics return to horror in the style of the old Tales from the Crypt. I did not collect their second run titled Cruel Universe which was a homage to the Sci-Fi comics from back in the day. When I saw this mash up of fantasy and Sci-Fi come available on NetGalley I was so excited to be approved for an advanced reading copy for a review. Thank you so much to Omni Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this.
Cruel Kingdom Vol 1 is the collection of issues 1-4. There are a total of 13 stories in this collection that range from abuse of technology, alien invasion, a twist on classic tales, and plenty of witches and knights to please any reader. Check out the titles:
I liked this collection and some of my favorites are the twists on classic tales. Death and Pickaxes is a twist on Snow White, The Demons Face is like the sword and the Stone and What you wish for is a Cinderella tale. I also really enjoyed Blood of the Robo King, and Heart of Ice.
I love EC comics. The artists they have writing and drawing are incredibly talented. I have yet to find a story that is not well scripted or drawn. This was a great read and if you like fantasy and a little Sci-Fi this collection is for you. 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 Check it out when it is released on January 13, 2026.
Cruel Kingdom Vol 1 is the collection of issues 1-4. There are a total of 13 stories in this collection that range from abuse of technology, alien invasion, a twist on classic tales, and plenty of witches and knights to please any reader. Check out the titles:
I liked this collection and some of my favorites are the twists on classic tales. Death and Pickaxes is a twist on Snow White, The Demons Face is like the sword and the Stone and What you wish for is a Cinderella tale. I also really enjoyed Blood of the Robo King, and Heart of Ice.
I love EC comics. The artists they have writing and drawing are incredibly talented. I have yet to find a story that is not well scripted or drawn. This was a great read and if you like fantasy and a little Sci-Fi this collection is for you. 🥃🥃🥃🥃🥃 Check it out when it is released on January 13, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the advanced copy.
I've gotten to read all three releases that Oni has put out this year for EC Comics - Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and now this one. I think I liked this one the best, with its mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. It was basically right up my alley.
Each story is just a couple of pages and the quality varies but overall it's a good time. I enjoyed Hammer of the Witches best though, it had a great twist that, while I saw it coming, was still fun, and gave Slewfoot and The Witcher vibes. Right after that was another strong one called The Seat of Power about what it means to be the King (lol). Both of these I'd read longer stories for.
Art-wise, everything was solid as well. I didn't really have any favorites but liked it all, though the first story, Blood of the Robo King, had some really great dynamic panels. The coloring across all the stories was excellent. I think my favorite was, again, Hammer of the Witches, followed by Headmistress.
Overall a stronger collection than they've previously put out - though I'd happily keep reading whatever is done. I love an anthology, even when I wish some stories were longer lol
I've gotten to read all three releases that Oni has put out this year for EC Comics - Epitaphs From the Abyss, Cruel Universe, and now this one. I think I liked this one the best, with its mix of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. It was basically right up my alley.
Each story is just a couple of pages and the quality varies but overall it's a good time. I enjoyed Hammer of the Witches best though, it had a great twist that, while I saw it coming, was still fun, and gave Slewfoot and The Witcher vibes. Right after that was another strong one called The Seat of Power about what it means to be the King (lol). Both of these I'd read longer stories for.
Art-wise, everything was solid as well. I didn't really have any favorites but liked it all, though the first story, Blood of the Robo King, had some really great dynamic panels. The coloring across all the stories was excellent. I think my favorite was, again, Hammer of the Witches, followed by Headmistress.
Overall a stronger collection than they've previously put out - though I'd happily keep reading whatever is done. I love an anthology, even when I wish some stories were longer lol
January 21, 2026
WHERE ONCE A CRUEL UNIVERSE BECKONED . . . NOW A CRUEL KINGDOM SHALL REIGN! Oni Press is proud to unveil a spellbinding new chapter in the distinguished lineage of EC history! Enter Cruel Kingdom—EC's first-ever dark-fantasy anthology conjuring tales of MAGIC, MYTH, and MURDER from forbidden realms long before our own!
This so fits into the EC legacy that I remember as a child. I enjoy that it is more sci-fi heavy than fantasy as I think it would have been back in the 70's. The art work is stunning, and drew me in like the style of Conan and Red Sonya. I loved that style then and still appreciate it now when I think of fantasy comics. It is as cruel and brutal as the title suggest just as the other EC comics live up to their categories.
Very happy with this series as I wasnthe previous 2.
Highly recommended. Published Jan 13, 2026
Thanks to @netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
This so fits into the EC legacy that I remember as a child. I enjoy that it is more sci-fi heavy than fantasy as I think it would have been back in the 70's. The art work is stunning, and drew me in like the style of Conan and Red Sonya. I loved that style then and still appreciate it now when I think of fantasy comics. It is as cruel and brutal as the title suggest just as the other EC comics live up to their categories.
Very happy with this series as I wasnthe previous 2.
Highly recommended. Published Jan 13, 2026
Thanks to @netgalley and Oni Press for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
November 30, 2025
Cruel Kingdom Vol. 1 feels like EC Comics stepping back into the horror game with confidence. It has that classic EC vibe; dark, twisted, and a little mean, but updated with sharper storytelling and modern art. The anthology format works really well here, because every story hits you with a different flavor of horror and fantasy, but they all share this brutal, fairy-tale-gone-wrong atmosphere.
Some stories landed harder than others, but when it hits, it really hits. The artwork is gorgeous in a grim way, and the writing doesn’t hold back. What I liked most is that it feels like EC honoring their roots without trying to copy the old books beat-for-beat. It’s fresh, but you can still feel that classic DNA under the surface. Overall, it’s a strong start to a new era for EC, and I’m excited to see where more volumes go..
Some stories landed harder than others, but when it hits, it really hits. The artwork is gorgeous in a grim way, and the writing doesn’t hold back. What I liked most is that it feels like EC honoring their roots without trying to copy the old books beat-for-beat. It’s fresh, but you can still feel that classic DNA under the surface. Overall, it’s a strong start to a new era for EC, and I’m excited to see where more volumes go..
November 26, 2025
I enjoyed this quite a bit! It definitely felt very Creepshow/Tales from the Crypt, so it's doing the EC comics thing very well. The only real issue is that the stories are just wildly short. I know that's kind of the point, but there are quite a few times where it felt excessive. Like, the story barely had time to actually be a story short. The ones that were good were really good, though, and I liked it a lot as a whole and had a good time reading it. I think if they maybe cut each issue by a couple of stories and let them breathe more, it would work better. Maybe even have each issue be it's own story instead of having so many in all at once. I'm still looking forward to the next volume quite a bit and feel like it's only uphill from here. Thanks for the ARC!
November 6, 2025
Cruel Kingdom is a fantastical & gory great graphic novel you NEED TO READ!
Cruel Kingdom is a blood-soaked blast of dark fantasy that feels like EC Comics got drunk on sword and sorcery and decided to throw a haunted dinner party. Corinna Bechko delivers twisted tales full of magic, murder, and myth, all wrapped in gorgeously grim art that makes every panel feel like a cursed relic. It’s got cannibal kings, creepy feasts, and just enough moral rot to make you squirm, in the best way. If you love your horror with a medieval edge and a wink of wicked humor, this anthology is absolutely your jam.
Cruel Kingdom is a blood-soaked blast of dark fantasy that feels like EC Comics got drunk on sword and sorcery and decided to throw a haunted dinner party. Corinna Bechko delivers twisted tales full of magic, murder, and myth, all wrapped in gorgeously grim art that makes every panel feel like a cursed relic. It’s got cannibal kings, creepy feasts, and just enough moral rot to make you squirm, in the best way. If you love your horror with a medieval edge and a wink of wicked humor, this anthology is absolutely your jam.
November 5, 2025
I shouldn’t have laughed as hard as I did at some of these stories. Whew. I feel better getting that off my chest.
This graphic novel is a collection of stories by different writers and artists. Each one has a sick and twisted adventure for us to enjoy. The dwarf one and the King Arthur one were two of my favorites, although the ending scene of the King Arthur one was disturbing.
The artwork is great; the stories are entertaining. This isn’t for kids, but worth reading for adults.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
This graphic novel is a collection of stories by different writers and artists. Each one has a sick and twisted adventure for us to enjoy. The dwarf one and the King Arthur one were two of my favorites, although the ending scene of the King Arthur one was disturbing.
The artwork is great; the stories are entertaining. This isn’t for kids, but worth reading for adults.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.
November 5, 2025
As a fan of horror and fantasy, this comic collection was right up my alley. With a diverse selection of art and storytelling, this offers up a bite sized story for just about every taste. While some of them have predictable twists, others surprised me with where they went and how they got there. Some of them are extremely gory, others only with implied gore. From fairy tales to futuristic invaders, robots, King Arthur, and cooks, there’s a lot of variety.
I don’t know, I just thought it was a fun, quick read. Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
I don’t know, I just thought it was a fun, quick read. Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A collection of fantasy stories with very dark twists, it's bloody and brilliant, and left me wanting more. That said, a couple of stories may have gone a little too hard for the shock and awe, to the point I kind of regret reading them. But it was really just 2 or 3 out of the entire book, with the rest being really good.
I also really appreciate the fact that most of the stories went for the full-on classic fantasy art style that you don't often find in comics anymore.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the twisted fantasy read!
I also really appreciate the fact that most of the stories went for the full-on classic fantasy art style that you don't often find in comics anymore.
Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Oni Press for the twisted fantasy read!
November 7, 2025
EC Comics doing what they do best. An outstanding collection of bleak, dark fantasy vignettes. Brilliantly pulpy art and writing -- very easy to gobble the whole thing up. Puts one in the mind of Tales from the Crypt, Black Mirror, and Aeon Flux. This is what we need more of nowadays: comics that'll cause another panic!
December 8, 2025
Cruel Kingdom is a wonderful collection of fantasy with horror and even some sci-fi touches. The stories are varied and with a title like Cruel Kingdom you know it’ll deliver on the brutal side of fantasy. The art ties with the writing so well too, making these stories deliver on all aspects.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This Comic is awesome, I loved the stories and the amazing artwork.
I picked up this anthology after reading Epitaphs from the Abyss series (the Horror equivalent) and Cruel Universe series (the Si-Fi equivalent) and loved them both.
I have to say, EC are nailing it at the moment, everything I have read from them has been outstanding.
I picked up this anthology after reading Epitaphs from the Abyss series (the Horror equivalent) and Cruel Universe series (the Si-Fi equivalent) and loved them both.
I have to say, EC are nailing it at the moment, everything I have read from them has been outstanding.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a great read. I have always enjoy reading EC universe since it has many stories in a book. This one is amazing!! I like the combination of elements in the story. The art is amazing. The colours are so vibrant. It a great read!!! I love this!!!
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this chance given to read this book in advanced~
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Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this chance given to read this book in advanced~
November 18, 2025
Note: I was given access to read this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As an anthology, there are lots of good short stories. It's sort of like a medieval black mirror and has a similar hit rate but doesn't reach those heights in the storytelling.
As an anthology, there are lots of good short stories. It's sort of like a medieval black mirror and has a similar hit rate but doesn't reach those heights in the storytelling.
November 22, 2025
Received as an ARC from Netgalley:
This was another great volume from the new EC line. A mixture of grimdark fantasy with sci-fi elements. These stories are all told in a quick but satisfying way, maintaining the twist/punch that EC was always known for.
Great batch of ideas and artwork.
This was another great volume from the new EC line. A mixture of grimdark fantasy with sci-fi elements. These stories are all told in a quick but satisfying way, maintaining the twist/punch that EC was always known for.
Great batch of ideas and artwork.
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