Oni Press has been reviving the famous horror brand EC Comics for a few months now, releasing two terrifying anthologies – Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe – both of which explore the darker side of genre fiction, telling stories that are told “with a wanton disregard for moral standards or common decency,” according to Oni’s press release. We’re glad to hear that!
The September issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss #3 features three stories from an all-star cast of writers. We have an exclusive preview of the issue below, specifically a new story titled “A Crossroads Repetition” by “The Enfield Gang Massacre” writer Chris Condon and “The Walking Dead” artist Charlie Adlard, whose iconic style perfectly illustrates this haunting tale exploring the myth of blues musician Robert Johnson who meets the devil at a crossroads. Check them out in the gallery below…
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“One of the greatest tales of tragedy in American culture comes not from an EC comic but from the Delta Blues,” said Chris Condon, who spoke exclusively to Newsarama about the new story. “Why did blues musician Robert Johnson die at 27; the first inducted into the entertainment industry’s most exclusive club? Was it due to a fateful crossroads encounter with a particularly diabolical person whose offer was too good to refuse? Well, comic genius Charlie Adlard and I took a long look at this classic idea, turned it into an EC story and, thanks to Charlie’s deft handling of the material, came up with something almost lyrical in execution – a description you don’t often hear in EC stories. But make no mistake – our story ‘A Crossroads Repetition’ still contains that patented EC gut punch that we know, love, and look forward to in every issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe.”
The issue’s menacing main cover is by artist Lee Bermejo, with variants by Jay Stephens and Tom Fowler.
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Condon and Adlard aren’t the only writers on this issue, of course, which also includes two other stories, one by Hugo Award nominee Corinna Bechko and Eisner Award-winning artist Jonathan Case, the other by demonic duo Jay Stephens and Leomacs.
Epitaphs from the Abyss No. 3 will be published on September 18th by Oni Press.
Oni Press President Hunter Gorinson reveals more about the return of EC Comics.
