GVN Talking Comics Interview: Writer J. Holtham For Oni Press ‘Epitaphs From The Abyss’

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. Starting today with one of the talented writers behind Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, J. Holtham.

J. Holtham

GVN: Thank you so much for a little bit of your time J. 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?

J.H: I’ve been writing in one form or another since I was 8, and basically never wanted
to do anything else. My mother was a poet and a librarian, so I grew up around
books, writing and writers. I made my way through fiction, terrible teenage poetry
into theatre and screenwriting. Comics have always been a part of my life, so all
of this has been a real dream come true.

GVN: Does your approach to writing differ between television and comics, or do you have a
consistent way of developing your story regardless of the medium?

J.H: My initial approach really doesn’t differ, depending on medium. At the base, it’s
all the same stuff: character, motivation, action and theme. The biggest difference
between screenwriting and comics is how I think about them. In comics, I think in
slices of time, moments of action. That kind of visual storytelling can be tricky,
but that’s the fun, right?

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).

J.H: When Hunter and Sierra approached me about contributing, I was over the moon thrilled. I’d popped up on their radar, pitching original science fiction stories. Of course, I jumped at the chance to be a part of reviving one of the most influential lines in comic book history. Honestly, I found it liberating. I could really let my horror freak flag fly. It’s a lot to live up to, but I think we did pretty well. The most intimidating part was knowing that William Gaines’ family were reading the stories. Getting that seal of approval means the world to me.

GVN: You are teaming up with talented writers Brian Azzarello, Chris Condon, & Stephanie Phillips for your story in Issue 1 along with art by Jorge Fornes, Phil Hester, Peter Krause & Vlad Legostaev. Could you give our readers a hint about what the story will be about, and have you collaborated with such a diverse group before?

J.H: I’m still a relative noob in the world of comics, so having my work alongside some of the biggest, best names in the business, people I’ve read and admired is an unbelievable thrill. And having Jorge Fornés draw my first story? My brain pretty much exploded. My first story is about the kind of writer so many of us know and absolutely love to hate. A bloody valentine to struggling writers everywhere…

LA Revenge of Comics and Pinball Launch Party

GVN: Thank you for a bit of your time, J. We are looking forward to the launch of Oni Press’s rebirth of EC and Epitaph from the Abyss. And speaking of launches… for those of you in the Los Angeles area.

Join LA’s Revenge of Comics and Pinball on Tuesday 7/23 from 9pm to 11pm for an EPIC evening to celebrate the relaunch of EC COMICS!! We are SO thrilled to partner up with @eccomics and @onipress for a spooky little soirée that’s going to go SO HARD! Dawn your spookiest July outfit and meet us out back for comics, food, tattoos, and spooky wares!!

**Signings with @jholtham @benhwintersauthor @corinnabechko
**Food by @veganhooligansla
**Spooky Tats by @johnny_vampotna
**Haunting wares from @velvetapparition
**Horrific Merch from @disperse_homemedia
and MORE!!

RSVP at the link in bio and we’ll SEE YOU SOON!! #eccomics #revengeof

Revenge of Comics and Pinball – Los Angeles, California (3420 Eagle Rock BVLD, Glassel Park)

We’ll continue Tuesday with the celebration of the return of EC with our next EC’s Epitaph from the Abyss interview: talented writer Corinna Bechko. See you then.