The EC Archives: Shock SuspenStories, Vol. 2

The EC Archives

by Al Feldstein (Editor), Dean Kamen (Foreword)

This second beautiful hardcover volume of Shock SuspenStories reprints issues #7-12, featuring 24 stories in all by an all-star line-up that includes Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, Reed Crandall, Al Williamson, Jack Kamen, George Evans, John Severin, Bill Elder, Jack Davis, Johnny Craig, and Marie Severin.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Horror, Thriller, Graphic Novels Comics, Classics, Suspense

212 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2007

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

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its always a joy to me to read one of these EC collected editions. I never cease to be amazed at the level of art and story in these classic comics. Good writing and surprise ends make the beautiful art all the more enjoyable. Recommended

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you ever wondered why EC took so much heat over its comic books in the mid-50s, you don't have to go any further than this volume of Shock Suspenstories. The stories are more gruesome than anything that's been shown on primetime TV over the decades since then. Some of these stories are way over the top. I just can't imagine young kids reading these.

[Jammin Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love these EC Archive graphic novels. I missed them when they were initially released, so reading them now is a treat. There were some really scary stories in this edition, as well as some funny circumstances. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Edelweiss Books for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brutal Shock SuspenStories line may be my favorite among the classic EC Comics roster.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still my favorite of the EC line, Shock SuspenStories is just incredible.

In this volume, we see a returned soldier berate his parents and their town for refusing to bury his deceased comrade (who was black) in the family plot in their predominantly white rural town. A boy and his parents relate the tale of his growing up through their own perspectives, and how it lead to the boy in the electric chair. A man suspects his wife of cheating with his best friend, and schemes their murder only to find out that they were really hiding a surprise anniversary/"you're gonna be a daddy" party.

And those are just a few of the great tales included. Wood, Kamen, Reed Crandall and more contribute gorgeous, gorgeous art.

[Rex Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Issues 7 through 12 of the classic series from the 1950s. This is one of the titles that set off the infamous congressional hearings on comic books which eventually led to the establishment of the Comics Code Authority which destroyed EC comics. Just looking at the covers shows why people were worried. They are pretty brutal.

The stories are some of the best EC put out at this time. There are a few horror and science fiction tales that slip through, but most are stories of regular people becoming involved in extraordinary situations. Drug use, murder, baby snatching, jealously, adultery, and war wounds riddle their way through the book. The usual collection of stellar EC artists are here. Jack Davis, Wally Wood, Joe Orlando, and so on. Issue 12 has the best stories in the collection.

[EC Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody turns in a couple real winners here. Kamen has "Beauty and the Beach", with his ladies on full display, and Bradbury's "October Game", maybe Kamen's most atmospheric story. Wood gives us "Came the Dawn" and "So Shall Ye Reap", both powerful and tragic. Reed Crandall arrives with "Carrion Death" (the cover story for this archive) and the dramatic "The Kidnapper". Orlando lands a camp classic with "The Monkey", Al Williamson shows up with the cute and funny "The Arrival", Evans scores with "Sleep No More", and "The Tryst" has one of Johnny Craig's best drawn ladies getting setup for an unhappy end. Good stuff.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories were good, but maybe not as good as the previous volume. Even more moralizing in these issues than before. Don't do drugs!

[Annie Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those no good cheatin’ wives. Those no good jealous husbands.

[Ruz El · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly good. Each story, regardless of genre makes your mind explode! How the hell they got away with stories putting the responsibilities of childrens actions on the parents, heroin addiction and racism I don't know! Oh... wait, that's right, they didn't get away with it.

The story telling alone is worth 5 stars, add another 5 for the amazing art work. Look at a Marvel comic published a few years after this and be embarrassed for North American comics.

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Collection of short sci-fi, crime, and horror stories. Some of these deal with social issues that needed to be addressed in the era, but most are simple crime tales with twist endings that aren't very memorable.

[Erynn Aiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this volume even more than the first. The caketaker being the two adaptations of Ray Bradbury shorts.

[Sagnik Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

superb..fantastic reproduction! While some stories are creepy and to some extent weid,you will like them overall,considering the period these were created!!

[Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume featured many great stories such as the Carrion Death and The Sacrifice. The Ray Bradbury adaptation of October Game was simply marvellous, so dark for a 50s comic book!