EC Comics
In 1949, EC Comics, also known as Entertaining Comics, began a new series of publications under the direction of Bill Gaines, who succeeded his late father Max. This series included horror-themed titles such as Tales from the Crypt, The Vault of Horror, and The Haunt of Fear. These publications took delight in a macabre exuberance, often concluding with grimly ironic twists for the protagonists of the stories. The covers of these titles often followed suit and despite the grim stories being told, the EC Horror line was quite popular with readers. Especially YOUNG readers. This proved to be a problem for parents and those critics who worried about the possible effect such stories had on young minds.
The End of EC’s Horror Line
The scrutiny of comic books, especially those by Dr. Fredric Wertham, escalated following the release of his book “Seduction of the Innocent” in 1954. This publication, coupled with a highly publicized Congressional hearing on juvenile delinquency, portrayed comic books, and specifically the EC line, in a very negative light. The situation led to publishers opting for self-censorship through the formation of the Comics Code Authority. However, Gaines chose not to participate in the Association, and on September 14, 1954, EC discontinued its horror line of comics.
EC Lives Again
In February 2024, Oni Press announced the revival of the EC brand, licensed by the Gaines family, beginning with the horror series ‘Epitaphs from the Abyss.’ This series, as well as future ones, will showcase the talents of a diverse group of writers and artists, perpetuating the legacy of the original series famed for its notable creators who contributed to the EC Horror line. Such names include Johnny Craig, Reed Crandall, Jack Davis, Will Elder, George Evans, Frank Frazetta, Graham Ingels, Jack Kamen, Bernard Krigstein, Joe Orlando, John Severin, Al Williamson, Basil Wolverton, and Wally Wood.
For ‘Epitaphs from the Abyss,’ we had the pleasure of talking to three of the many talented creators that will be involved in this exciting new revival. We spoke to writer J Holtham for Monday’s interview and Corinna Bechko (Avatar: Adapt or Die, Green Lantern: Earth One) on Tuesday. For today’s final segment, we will be speaking to talented writer Chris Condon (That Texas Blood, Night People). As always, we started with Chris’s beginnings:
Writer Chris Condon Beginnings
GVN: Thank you so much for a little bit of your time, Chris. Before we get into the exciting return of EC, let’s touch on a bit of your background. When did you take an interest in writing and whose work inspired you to pursue that career?
CC: Thanks so much for having me, it’s a thrill to chat EC’s return at Oni Press with you. I’ve always been writing to some extent. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t. The difference between then and now is that I get paid to do it. In terms of influences, there have been many. Jim Thompson, Cormac McCarthy, Michael Chabon, Alan Moore, Darwyn Cooke, Denny O’Neil, the Coens, just to name a few. Another huge influence on me and my work has been EC Comics—and I’m not just saying that because of what we’re here to talk about. Just look at the Christmas issues of That Texas Blood or my one-shot Hell is a Squared Circle. Those are essentially EC-style stories for a reason!
Adapting for New Audiences
GVN: You have experience in adapting a story for new audiences. Your series “NIGHT PEOPLE” based on the prose of Barry Gifford is proof of that. Is there a challenge that you embrace when it comes to working on or adapting an established product? In addition, how often does that lead to growth in your writing?
CC: I think that it’s always going to be a challenge to take someone else’s work and transport it to a new medium, while also trying to infuse at least a modicum of your voice into it. I think you want to make sure that it’s true to the source, whether it’s adapting Barry Gifford or writing an all-new EC story. You want to get the vibe right because it’s a ‘brand’ in a way. Adapting a story definitely helps you grow as a writer because, if you’re like me, it’s a tool you’ve not used before. I had never adapted anybody else’s material before “Night People” so it was a challenge that I’m glad I took on. I learned as I went and I’m very proud of the result.
Joining the EC Team
GVN: Your latest project is for the rebirth of EC Comics and their horror line, published by Oni Press. How did you get connected to this project and were you intimidated by the prospect? Before the Comics Code shut them down, EC and Tales from the Crypt, Vault of Horror, and Haunt of Fear (among others) were the poster children for pushing the envelope for horror. (This is the same question I asked some of your creative brethren on this project. I am interested in how each of you approached the challenge).
CC: I am so excited to be a part of the resurrection of EC Comics. EC Comics has been an enormous part of the comics industry, as you’ve noted, even though they haven’t published a new story since 1956. Hunter Gorinson, the president and publisher of Oni Press, had told me that he was trying to get the rights to relaunch EC back when we first started chatting about Night People and I told him then and there I wanted to be a part of it. I can’t say I was intimidated, though I’m aware of the great responsibility with taking on a cultural touchstone like EC—I’m just excited. I hope that excitement is apparent in the stories I’ve decided to tell with my collaborators, which I think capture the horrifying spirit of the original EC stories while also feeling unique and current.
Creator Collaborators
GVN: You are taking two bites of the EC apple. Teaming up with talented writers Brian Azzarello, J. Holtham and Stephanie Phillips for a story in Issue 1 and with Corinna Bechko and Jay Stephens in Issue 3. How was it decided who would team together? And as a follow-up, have you had the opportunity to work with any of these talents before?
CC: The stellar lineup of writers and artists is something special. Those decisions came from Oni Press and Sierra Hahn, of course, though I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this great relaunch. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some fantastic artists on these new EC titles, including Peter Krause in Epitaphs from the Abyss issue one, Jonathan Case in Cruel Universe issue one, and the brilliant Charlie Adlard in Epitaphs issue three.
Resurrecting EC from the Grave
GVN: Thanks again for your time and attention, Chris. Before we close, please remind our readers about this excellent project and any others you have coming up.
CC: This relaunch of EC Comics from Oni Press with all-new titles like Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe promises shocks, thrills, and excitement. This is a resurrection—EC Comics rises from the grave to tell new tales of terror in the 21st century. If that isn’t exciting, then I don’t know what is. I’m working hard on my next EC stories, which you can look for across the entire line of EC Comics from Oni Press.
The first Issue of Oni Press ‘EC’s Epitaphs from the Abyss‘ comes out today. Be sure to check this out and get a feel for what started all this. You can find it at your local comic shops and where all great comics are sold. Welcome Back, EC. You were missed. Thanks Oni Press!
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
