EC Comics are back from the grave and we have comic book publisher Oni Press to thank for it. Based in Portland, Oregon, Oni Press was founded in 1997 and is known for avoiding superhero titles. They have published a long list of comics since then, including SCOTT PILGRIM, RICK AND MORTY, BLAIR WITCH CHRONICLES, CLERKS, THE DAMNED and JAY & SILENT BOB. Now they have acquired a license for EC Comics direct from Bill Gaines' estate agency and have launched their first title, EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS with hot sales right off the press.
Here's the 411 from their website:
Seventy years after the creation of the Comics Code Authority irrevocably changed the course of comics history, the most infamous, notorious and controversial comic publisher of all time is set to return from the grave in summer 2024…Oni Press – the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic fiction for more than 25 years – is proud to announce a brand-new publishing partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. that will see the full-fledged return of EC Comics to comic shop and bookstore shelves worldwide with a slate of all-new series beginning in the summer of 2024.Beginning with EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1 in July and CRUEL UNIVERSE #1 in August – the first official EC Comics series produced in nearly seven decades – Oni’s ambitious EC Comics publishing program will be overseen by Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson and Editor-in-Chief Sierra Hahn in partnership with 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, President of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.“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, Executive Director of William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. “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.”
Read the full story HERE.
Sounds like a worthy enterprise. Those are fascinating covers. But it's not for me. I'm currently gathering up those black and white tomes form Fantagraphics featuring that original EC artwork. Love the format.
ReplyDeleteI managed to get a peek at one of the stories. I'm not overly impressed. Are those books from Fantagraphics or IDW?
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