GVN Exclusive: Oni Press Reveals Covers & Talent For Cruel Universe 2 #3 And Catacomb of Torment #4

When Oni Press announced its exciting partnership with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc., signaling the full-fledged return of EC Comics to comic shop and bookstore shelves worldwide, fans were excited. Since then, the EC Line of horror comics has exceeded expectations with thrilling stories by some of the industry’s best talent. This continues this August as Oni Press brings EC’s Cruel Universe 2, Issue 3, and EC’s Catacomb of Torment, Issue 4 to stands.

Now, thanks to the generosity of Oni Press and EC, we are pleased to share these exclusive cover reveals and the talents involved for these newest entries in the EC line of horror.

Two astronauts in distress are surrounded by alien tentacles on a hostile planet, with one astronaut screaming and holding a fractured helmet containing a swirling, orb-like object. — COVER A BY LEE BERMEJO

A bearded man flees in a forest at night as a UFO with a mechanical arm hovers above; comic-style cover text reads "CRUEL UNIVERSE. — COVER B BY GREG SMALLWOOD

A vintage-style comic book cover titled "CRUEL UNIVERSE" shows astronauts in a spaceship, with one holding a glowing weapon and others reacting in shock or distress. — EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY ALBERT MONTEYS

A man runs in fear through a forest as a flying saucer with mechanical arms hovers behind him; the comic book cover reads "Cruel Universe. — B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY GREG SMALLWOOD

A stone arch with hieroglyphs stands in a desert landscape; a rocket and distant mountains are visible, with "Cruel Universe" comic book cover text in the center. — ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY MALACHI WARD

EC CRUEL UNIVERSE 2 #3 (OF 12)

WRITTEN BY CECIL CASTELLUCCI, SARAH GAILEY, & RIAN HUGHES

ART BY KANO, ANNA READMAN, & CLAIRE ROE

COVER A BY LEE BERMEJO

COVER B BY GREG SMALLWOOD

EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY ALBERT MONTEYS

B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY GREG SMALLWOOD

ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY MALACHI WARD

ON SALE OCTOBER 1st, 2025 | $4.99 | 32 PAGES | FC

A man and woman embrace on a beach at sunset while monstrous creatures emerge from the water behind them; comic book cover titled "Catacomb of Torment. — COVER A BY DUSTIN WEAVER

A florist with a bloodstained apron and flowers stands in a shop, facing customers, with a body partially hidden among plants in the foreground. — COVER B BY REIKO MURAKAMI

Comic book cover titled "Catacomb of Torment" shows a shocked woman and a frightened boy as a green hand reaches through a doorway, with dramatic text and retro horror styling. — EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS

A woman holding flowers stands in front of three ghostly figures in a catacomb, with skulls and plants around. The scene is depicted in black and white as a vintage horror comic cover. — B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY REIKO MURAKAMI

Comic book cover featuring various red and white illustrated surgical tools, a skull, skeleton hands, and text for "Catacomb Torment Volume 1, Archive Edition. — ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTÍN

EC CATACOMB OF TORMENT #4

WRITTEN BY JOHN ARCUDI, PATRICIA A. JACKSON, & AMY ROY

ART BY SHAWN MARTINBROUGH, FABIANA MASCOLO, & McMANUS

COVER A BY DUSTIN WEAVER

COVER B BY REIKO MURAKAMI

EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS

B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY REIKO MURAKAMI

ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTÍN

ON SALE OCTOBER 15th, 2025 | $4.99 | 32 PAGES | FC

CRUEL UNIVERSE 2 #3 hits stands on October 1st. Soon followed by the brutally barbaric CATACOMB OF TORMENT #4 on October 15th. Just in time for the approaching Halloween Season. What says Halloween more than the spooky delights of Oni Press and EC!