What do you think?
Rate this book
The EC Archives: Shock Suspenstories Volume 2
The classic EC series, presented as a deluxe-size trade paperback!
This high-quality trade reprints the issues #7–#12 of the pulp-comic classic Shock SuspenStories ! Featuring 24 stories by the all-star artistic talents of Al Feldstein, Jack Kamen, Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, and Wally Wood.
This high-quality trade reprints the issues #7–#12 of the pulp-comic classic Shock SuspenStories ! Featuring 24 stories by the all-star artistic talents of Al Feldstein, Jack Kamen, Jack Davis, Joe Orlando, Al Williamson, and Wally Wood.
- GenresComicsGraphic Novels
216 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
12 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 27, 2023
Great collection of these 1950s issues. Some of the greats honed their skill at EC and these stories show that talent. Nice read. Recommended
Read
December 27, 2022Dark Horse comics continues to amaze and impress with these reproductions of the best of EC comics, and their long line of must-read titles. It is important to bring these classic comics to new readers and older readers, showing the inventive nature of EC.
Yes at the time they were most controversial, as they fought for their share of the burgeoning comics market. There were so many competing titles on the shelves, as each company fought for the bigger share of the market. EC definitely caught the attention of readers, and as we all know the ire of many members of the public. Many recall the psychologist Dr. Fred Wertham, who had a one man crusade, or rather a one-man vendetta against horror and crime comics. It led to a Senate subcommittee investigation, that what Wertham was saying was true, and that the comics led to juvenile crime and generally anti-social behavior in those impressionable youth, who read the comics.
It was more mass hysteria more than logic, and eventually companies like EC had to discontinue titles or be forced out of business.
SHOCK SUSPENSTORIES does have graphic matter, but definitely toned-down from earlier titles from EC. The 24 stories reproduced here are shocking and scary, but most of all an entertaining read.
The usual subjects are presented, mainly along the lines of cheating spouses who are given their just desserts in the form of death or humiliation. There is the classic scheming here, and sometimes the bad guys do win, but for the most part justice prevails. There are two stories adapted from Ray Bradbury stories. The most interesting one is The October Game, where it is Halloween time and there is something very odd going on in the basement to entertain neighborhood children. A shock ending make the story work so well.
Carrion Death is another gruesome gem, with a man in the desert killing a police officer handcuffed to him, with no way to get out of the cuffs. He carries the dead officer with him into the desert, soon finding the vultures overhead are hungry, feasting on the officer first and then the killer. There are so many standouts in the book, that if you are not familiar with EC comics, get on the bandwagon. Those who are familiar, know they will get a quality book to enjoy again and again. Thanks to Dark Horse for keeping the legacy of EC strong.
Yes at the time they were most controversial, as they fought for their share of the burgeoning comics market. There were so many competing titles on the shelves, as each company fought for the bigger share of the market. EC definitely caught the attention of readers, and as we all know the ire of many members of the public. Many recall the psychologist Dr. Fred Wertham, who had a one man crusade, or rather a one-man vendetta against horror and crime comics. It led to a Senate subcommittee investigation, that what Wertham was saying was true, and that the comics led to juvenile crime and generally anti-social behavior in those impressionable youth, who read the comics.
It was more mass hysteria more than logic, and eventually companies like EC had to discontinue titles or be forced out of business.
SHOCK SUSPENSTORIES does have graphic matter, but definitely toned-down from earlier titles from EC. The 24 stories reproduced here are shocking and scary, but most of all an entertaining read.
The usual subjects are presented, mainly along the lines of cheating spouses who are given their just desserts in the form of death or humiliation. There is the classic scheming here, and sometimes the bad guys do win, but for the most part justice prevails. There are two stories adapted from Ray Bradbury stories. The most interesting one is The October Game, where it is Halloween time and there is something very odd going on in the basement to entertain neighborhood children. A shock ending make the story work so well.
Carrion Death is another gruesome gem, with a man in the desert killing a police officer handcuffed to him, with no way to get out of the cuffs. He carries the dead officer with him into the desert, soon finding the vultures overhead are hungry, feasting on the officer first and then the killer. There are so many standouts in the book, that if you are not familiar with EC comics, get on the bandwagon. Those who are familiar, know they will get a quality book to enjoy again and again. Thanks to Dark Horse for keeping the legacy of EC strong.
January 12, 2024
These comics are a real treasure. Mature and even confrontational stories for their time dealing with crime, horror, sci-fi, and even social issues. One could find them a bit dated, but to me it’s part of the charme.
July 24, 2024
By far, the best entries are the political ones that deal with prejudice, corruption, and injustice. However, fans of Ray Bradbury can also enjoy a couple of his darker stories being illustrated here. "The October Game" is especially chilling on the page.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews