EC Comics Makes Their Triumphant Return In Partnership With Oni Comics
by Tony Thornley
EC Comics is one of the most famous and influential publishers in comics history, despite having not published in decades. Now in partnership with Oni Comics, they’re making their comeback with some of the biggest names in comics in tow.
After nearly seventy years out of publication, EC Comics returns in July with two new titles in a new publishing line from Oni Comics. This exciting initiative is spearheaded by Oni President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and EIC Sierra Hahn, alongside Cathy Gaines Mifsud and Corey Mifsud, the daughter and grandson of legendary EC Publisher William M. Gaines and administrators of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.
“As my father said, ‘Only in the bounds of good taste!’ and I’m so excited to exhibit EC’s good taste with Oni Press, who have distinguished themselves with both an award-winning library of comics and graphic novels and a passionate understanding of EC’s singular role in shaping comics history,” said Cathy Gaines Mifsud.
“EC Comics is no stranger to a good comeback story! We’re thrilled to make this return with Oni Press and usher the classic EC sensibilities into the modern world,” said Corey Mifsud. “It’s always been our dream to one day bring the fearless creative spirit of EC to a new generation. Working hand-in-hand with Oni’s award-winning team and a sensational cast of creators, it’s a pleasure to – at long last – shepherd EC into the 21st century with all-new series and stories.”
The new line launches in July with Epitaphs From The Abyss #1, following in August by Cruel Universe #1. Both anthology titles will be edited by Hahn, with two titles a month moving forward. The titles will feature an incredible line-up of rotating creators featuring comics superstars such as Jason Aaron, Brian Azzarello, Cullen Bunn, Corrina Bechko, Matt Kindt, Peter Krause, Dustin Weaver and many, many more, with covers from Lee Bermejo, Greg Smallwood, JH Williams III and more to be revealed soon.
“Seventy years ago, EC Comics redefined what comics could be with shocking, confrontational and brilliantly crafted stories that challenged the existential issues at the center of American life – censorship, racism, sexism, nuclear proliferation, and more. Today, those battles continue in alarming and pernicious new ways,” said Hahn. “What better time to resurrect the undying spirit of EC Comics – one of the most entertaining, subversive, and influential publishers of all time – with an all-star cast of storytellers to examine today’s society through the lens that William Gaines and his legendary collaborators have left us.”
“There are few things more sacred to the canon of comic book history – and global pop culture – than EC Comics. The company’s audaciously inspired sensibilities have continuously echoed through nearly all facets of entertainment – like pieces of shrapnel embedded in American imagination,” said Gorinson. “It’s both a huge honor and immense responsibility to be entrusted to work alongside the Gaines family in inhabiting EC’s indomitable spirit for a new generation. At a moment when we find ourselves confronting the same reactionary forces – injustice, inequality, and of course, censorship – that EC challenged head-on, we intend to write a new and powerful chapter that honors and expands one of the most important legacies the comic book medium has ever produced.”
Watch for more news about EC Comics — including details about Epitaphs From The Abyss and Cruel Universe — very soon.
