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| COVER A BY MARK BUCKINGHAM |
Life can be tough to navigate. At times, everyone needs a helping hand. In the three stories in this new issue, people who struggle in life receive instruction, support, and encouragement. It may not always be okay. Still, if they make the right decisions, they might just survive their difficulties. (Or not!)
Here's all the info from Oni Press:
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Thanks to Oni Press for sharing this preview with us.
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COVER A BY MARK BUCKINGHAM |
There are always more comics I want to review than I can find time for. So I tend to be careful when committing to issues with multiple stories. (I'm terrible at summarizing. I have to discuss each one!) Still, I find my mind keeps pulling me back to EC CATACOMB OF TORMENT #2. The stories still call to me. Hopefully, I can make the time to share my thoughts with you on that issue!
Here's the info on the upcoming issue:
First Look: EC Comics' Catacomb of Torment #3 Reveals That The Worst Terrors Come From Your Own Mind!
This September, “Intrusive Thoughts” by Writer Joanne Starer And Artist Christopher Mitten Will Have You Questioning Your Own Brain!
EC CATACOMB OF TORMENT #3
WRITTEN BY J. HOLTHAM, JOANNE STARER, & RYAN HADDOCK
ART BY VALERIA BURZO, SAMI KIVELÄ, & CHRISTOPHER MITTEN
COVER A BY MARK BUCKINGHAM
COVER B BY BJÖRN BARENDS
EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS
B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY BJÖRN BARENDS
ARCHIVE EDITION VARIANT (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTÍN
ON SALE SEPTEMBER 17th, 2025 | $4.99 | 32 PGS. | FC
IOC: 7/26/2025
FOC: 9/17/2025
THERE’S NOTHING TO FEAR EXCEPT YOUR OWN THOUGHTS! Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, and William M. Gaines Agent, Inc. are proud to reveal a first look at the story "Intrusive Thoughts” by Joanne Starer (Fire and Ice) and Christopher Mitten (Detective Comics) from EC COMICS' CATACOMB OF TORMENT #3, which goes on sale on September 17th. WHEN WE SAY IT’S TIME TO “FEAST YOUR EYES” UPON A NEW CHAPTER OF EC COMICS’ BLOODY NEW HORROR SERIES, WE MEAN IT—LITERALLY! (Wait, you only brought two eyeballs? Not very polite!)
Breathe deep and realize: Yes, this is really happening as adamantly anti-anesthesia writers Ryan Haddock (The Brothers Flick), J. Holtham (Hulu’s A Handmaid’s Tale), and Joanne Starer (Fire & Ice) join our brutally beloved host, the Tormentor, to visit violently, vivid vivisections upon our agonizing artists Valeria Burzo (EC’s Epitaphs from the Abyss), Sami Kivelä (Abbott), and Christopher Mitten (Hellboy & The B.P.R.D.)! Hurry, these tales of fear and frightful persecution are fresher than the bludgeoned corpses in your quiet neighbor’s basement! Don’t keep the Tormentor waiting!
Tearing through your very soul on September 17th, CATACOMB OF TORMENT #3 contains horrifying covers by Mark Buckingham (Fantastic Four), Björn Barends (Ghost Rider), Jay Stephens (Dwellings), and Patricia Martín (Blood Type)!
Now, let's take a look inside:
Here are more cover options:
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COVER B BY BJÖRN BARENDS |
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EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY JAY STEPHENS |
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B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY BJÖRN BARENDS |
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ARCHIVE EDITION VARIANT (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTÍN |
About Oni Press
Founded in 1997, Oni Press has a 25-year history as one of the industry’s most respected and acclaimed publishers of award-winning comic books and graphic novels with titles including Bryan Lee O'Malley's Scott Pilgrim, K. O’Neill’s Tea Dragon Society, Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt's The Sixth Gun, Maia Kobabe's Gender Queer, Ezra Clayton Daniels' Upgrade Soul, Brenna Thummler’s Sheets trilogy, and many hundreds more. In 2019, Oni Press merged with Lion Forge Comics – the Eisner Award-winning independent comic book publisher founded by Academy Award-winning producer and entrepreneur David Steward II – to create one of the largest, independent libraries of comics content anywhere in media. The Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group now exists as a publishing subsidiary of Steward’s diversified global media company, Polarity.
The Oni-Lion Forge Publishing Group publishes more than 60 original and licensed graphic novels annually, in addition to an extensive list of periodical comics.
About EC Comics
As the birthplace of TALES FROM THE CRYPT, MAD MAGAZINE, WEIRD SCIENCE, and more of the most influential and celebrated comic series ever published, EC Comics has cemented itself as one of the central nerves of American pop culture with a legacy that spans more than seven decades. From 1944 to 1956, EC – established as "Educational Comics" by founder M.C. Gaines and later rebranded "Entertaining Comics" under the leadership of Publisher & Editor William M. Gaines – led a creative renaissance for the comics industry that, for the first time, elevated the once-derided comics medium into the echelons of English literature and high art. Heralded as "one of the great explosions of vox-pop literature" by Time Magazine and "fiercely honest, politically adversarial, [and] visually masterful" by The Comics Journal, EC's line of comics books - which collectively sold more than 10 million copies annually at their peak – entertained and informed in equal measure, using brilliantly crafted tales of horror, science fiction, satire, and battlefield conflict to critique and subvert America's dark impulses toward violence, racism, inequity, environmental destruction, and war.
Forcibly shuttered by the Comics Code Authority – a pro-censorship group specifically tasked with eradicating EC's illuminating influence from the American comic book industry – in 1956, EC's unique brand of subversive storytelling lived on through the continued success of MAD Magazine, which would fuel American counterculture through the death of Publisher William M. Gaines in 1992. EC's titles and stories have been adapted in a number of media – including the long-running HBO's long-running TALES FROM THE CRYPT franchise of television series and feature films – and continue to be celebrated by multiple generations of comic creators, filmmakers, comedians, and musicians as a seminal influence.
Today, EC Comics' canon of classic stories can continuously be found in print through new editions at Dark Horse Comics, TASCHEN, Fantagraphics, and IDW Publishing. In 2024, EC announced a new partnership with multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher Oni Press to produce the first all-new EC Comics titles in nearly 70 years.
Thanks to Oni Press for sharing this preview with us.
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Hendry Prasetya
Colorist: Matt Herms
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke; Björn Barends; Mona Finden; Goñi Montes; Mateus Manhanini; John Giang
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Price: $4.99
Release Date: May 26, 2024
Billy Cranston can't sleep. Dark Specter's infection hasn't reached him yet, but it's only a matter of time. Soon, the shield protecting Earth will fail. Can he find a way to defend Earth and repel the corruption that has swept through the Morphin Grid? Or will he go crazy from lack of sleep? Let’s leap into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121 and find out!
Story
Grace Sterling died, but her influence lives on. She haunts Billy’s rare hours of sleep and stays beside him as he works. He still admires her, even if others don't. This morning is no different. She accompanies him as he meets Dr Kendall Morgan and the Phantom Ranger. The two wrack their brains for ways to prevent the shield protecting Earth from failing. Their latest proposals hold no more promise than all the rest. Truisms like "We'll get through this" are comforting. Yet the Solar Rangers foiled their most promising proposal by severing access to the Void. No one considers curing the Morphin Grid anymore. Their best ideas can protect Earth for a few more days. But eventually, the infection corrupting all other areas of the Grid will break through the shield and overtake Earth.
Billy isn’t usually so pessimistic. Dr Morgan sees how stress and insomnia affect Billy in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121. She suggests he take a break and clear his mind. Aisha cleansed Rocky and Adam, so Billy visits them. Dark Specter's infection is gone, but they're reeling from feelings of violation and haunted by what they did under his influence. Perhaps someone like Tommy, who also fell victim to Dark Specter and found his way back to them, can help. But Billy can't understand what they went through.
Everyone else casts the battle with Dark Specter's infection as good combating evil. Their history teaches them that good must triumph. Yet Death waits at Earth’s door, and no one can prevent it from opening. So Billy visits Kiya. The discredited ranger regards him from behind the energy bars of her cell. “You’re coming to me?” her expression says. “You must be desperate.” Billy wasn’t ready to contemplate her radical approach to curing the Morphin Grid when she unplugged one of the Power Eggs. But in Melissa Flores’ story, Billy has tried every conceivable remedy to heal the infection. Billy asks her to run her reasoning by him again. In Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121, Billy is finally willing to listen to the woman who killed Lord Drakkon and tried to blow up the Morphin Grid.
Thank goodness Billy's not infected by Dark Specter's infection!
Art
An inset panel magnifies the bedside clock as Billy turns off the alarm. His untamed hair and drawn expression suggest rapid aging. The cracked eggs project sparks instead of a pillar of light before the damaged arch. Rocky throws up a hand at Billy. Panic etched into his features, his muscles poised to run away. Kiya's arms uncross and fall to her sides as she speaks. Billy's takeaways from their conversation dot a double-page spread showing a villain's efforts to become a god.
Matt Herms lavishes a loaded palette on Hendry Prasetya’s art in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121. Grace Stirling appears in red. Even her white slacks hint at red. Red energy bars protect Billy from Kiya's influence. Yet her story leads Billy to Jason, who exercises in a red tank top. Grace’s red ghost counsels Billy as he sits on a black iron bench. The brownish-yellow air obscures the distant green trees while Billy gazes at the sky. The pink and green aurora are beautiful, even amid the foul haze. Yet they remind Billy that the shield protecting Earth is weakening and destined to fail. Think, Billy! What does the color red signify?
Black and red uppercase lettering inhabits white dialogue balloons, while Billy’s thoughts appear in blue narrative boxes. Ed Dukeshire’s letter size, line spacing, and contrast between print and backgrounds make Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121 easy to read. The surging electricity he provokes may shatter readers' perception of Billy in Melissa Flores’ story. Thanks to Boom! Studios for providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
Driven by insomnia and desperation, Billy Cranston takes a leaf out of Dr Gregory House’s book, stops listening to his friends' treatment options, and contemplates a dangerous cure for Dark Specter’s infection in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #121.
Rating 9.6/10
For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Simona Di Gianfelice & Marco Renna
Colorist: Raúl Angulo & Jose Enrique Fernández
Letterer: Ed Dukeshire
Cover Artist: Taurin Clarke; Björn Barends; Goñi Montes; Michael Walsh; Mateus Manhanini; John Giang; Mark Spears; Madison Goyette
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 24, 2024
Kiya tried to steal a Power Egg, but Dr. Kendall Morgan and Billy prevented her escape. Will Kiya's actions weaken the shield protecting Earth from Dark Specter? Let’s leap into Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #119 and find out!
Story
While Matthew and Aisha train on Promethea, and Trini and Zach battle thralls on the Moon, Kim and Tommy catch up in Angel Grove. Tommy is thankful he escaped Dark Specter and can be with Kim again. Yet, all three couples lean on each other for support.
Billy shares their exhaustion. He and Kendall have worked round the clock to protect Earth from Dark Specter. But their shield wouldn’t last forever, and Kiya’s actions have shortened its life.
Kiya shares her plans for the Power Egg in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #119. While all the Rangers wonder if they can defeat Dark Specter, Kiya’s solution seems extreme. But every idea helps. Soon, Billy and Kendall suggest an alternative solution. But whether it succeeds or fails, one Ranger must sacrifice for the good of all.
There’s a lot to like in Melissa Flores’ story. Despite the odds stacked against them, neither Zordon nor the other Rangers pressure the affected party to make this sacrifice. After the losses they’ve taken, Ranger Slayer reminds them that they are stronger together than apart. Most intriguing is Rita Repulsa’s seeming change of heart. Did Lord Zedd’s disappointment cause it? Or did Dark Specter's attack fundamentally change her?
Art
Simona Di Gianfelice and Marco Renna bring electrifying action to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #119 as Billy and Kendall take down Kiya, Trini and Zach battle thralls, and the Rangers defend the Master Arch. Gianfelice and Renna breathe drama into an intertwined three-part dialogue, Trini's conversation with Kiya, and a midbattle act of faith. Rita's henchmen try to help her escape Bandora Palace. The way Rita hangs her head amid her isolation and her expression when she looks up reveals a loss of hope that is painful to behold.
Raúl Angulo & Jose Enrique Fernández bring appealing colors and variances in lighting to this issue. The lighting streams up from the ground beneath the moon palace as Lord Zedd walks away carrying Rita's staff. A galaxy of stars surrounds Rita in her isolation. Dappled sunlight brings a cheery glow to Angel Grove Park, artificial overhead lighting cools colors on Promethea, and the illumination in Kiya’s cell comes from the energy beams that bar her exit.
Black uppercase lettering inhabits white dialogue balloons and colored narrative boxes. Ed Dukeshire’s letter size, line spacing, and contrast between print and backgrounds make Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #119 easy to read. Colorful dialogue and sound effects amp up Billy and Kendall’s battle with Kiya and Dark Specter’s assault on the Master Arch. Yet Dukeshire leaves you heartbroken with the glowing white letters To Be Continued.
Thanks to Boom! Studios for providing a copy for review.
Final Thoughts
Hope battles with despair as the shield protecting Earth weakens before Dark Specter’s invasive infection. Radical plans forge new alliances among heroes and villains, and Rita Repulsa has a change of heart in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #119.
Rating 9.8/10
For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
Writer: Saladin Ahmed
Artist & Colorist: Juan Ferreyra
Letterers: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Juan Ferreyra, Björn Barends; Chris Allen & Guru-Efx
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $3.99
Release Date: November 15, 2023
Peter Parker lost his spider powers. No one recognized him. A text message directed him to board a train. But when Peter couldn't produce a ticket, the conductor opted for a pound of flesh instead. Without his healing abilities, can Peter withstand the conductor's attack? Let's thwip into Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #2 and find out!
Story
While fleeing the mad conductor, Peter befriends a young girl. She suggests a means of escape. He follows her lead but chooses not to follow her example. Hearing the conductor again, he flees into another car. Shocked by what he finds there, he suddenly realizes the conductor has caught up with him. Peter embraces attack as the best form of defense and escapes the conductor. A timely stop allows him to disembark, where more horrors and discoveries await.
Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #2 lacks the usual quips or character interaction that celebrates friendship and empowerment. Horrific events propel Peter Parker into flight mode. While not out of proportion, Peter's attack on the conductor seems like something he'd never do if he had his spider powers. It’s not Snowpiercer, but the issue boasts more graphic violence than your usual Spidey title. The final act evoked The Cell, which I saw in the theater and never watched again!
Saladin Ahmed's story feels more like a nightmare than a reality. As Spider-Man, Peter built humor into an impressive armory. He constantly deploys it to defuse tension and distract criminals. I wonder why Peter didn’t try using it on the conductor. Is Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #2 a Spider-Man book? I don’t know. I can tell you that the horror feels more restrained than the latter portion of the first issue, and the story is better for it.
Art
Juan Ferreyra focuses on facial features. While steeping backgrounds in gray, he imbues people with realistic skin tones, highlighting, and shading. All this enhances the feeling of dread and helps you identify with Peter amid these nightmare events. Juan proves adept at portraying action, especially on the train. After Peter leaves it, Ferreyra streaks panels with rain. Ferreyra adds a dash of Hansel And Gretel to these scenes while seasoning the final act with classic Haunted House imagery. Art and coloring combine to make Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #2 a compelling read, made all the more immersive by Joe Caramagna’s black uppercase letters in white balloons and boxes. Oh, and did I mention Caramagna's eerie and vicious sound effects?
Final Thoughts
Dan Slott’s recent series freed Peter from Spider-Man duties, which allowed him to devote more time to his family and career. By stripping away his spider powers and identity, Saladin Ahmed frees Peter from any responsibility to himself and others. Yet even while fighting for his life in Spine-Tingling Spider-Man #2, Peter grasps opportunities to help others.
Rating 9.2/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
