EC and Oni Press‘s partnership is kicking things off with a cruel bang. Oni Press has announced the first-ever dark fantasy anthology for EC called Cruel Kingdom. The first volume introduces “the bloody and barbarous age of wizards, knights, and dragons.”
Cruel Kingdom boasts the writing talents of Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk), Chris Condon (Green Arrow), and Greg Pak (Darth Vader) whose stories will come alive through the artistic prowess of Kano (Cruel Universe), Leomacs (Rogues) and Charlie Adlard (Epitaphs from the Abyss).
The covers for Cruel Kingdom can be seen below. Adam Pollina illustrated Cover A which is also available as Gold Foil and as the Black and White Artist Edition Variant. Liam Sharp illustrated Cover B which is available on Silver Foil. Jay Stephens illustrated the Homage Variant (1:10). Rian Hughes illustrated the Archive Edition Variant (1:50) while Tom Fowler and Nick Filardi illustrated the Library Variant (1:100). A blank sketch cover is also available.
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After EC Comics shutdown by Comics Code Authority in 1956, the publisher’s past works have lived on in other homes such as Dark Horse Comics and IDW Publishing. Recently, EC Comics announced a new partnership with Oni Press to produce new EC Comics titles–the first in 70 years. Oni Press has previously announced the horror anthologies of Cruel Universe and Epitaphs from the Abyss.
The dark fantasy anthology will be EC Comics first dip in the dark fantasy pool and is part of Oni Press and EC Comics’ plan to touch on genres that were only touched on in its original library.
“For the first time, we’re elated to present all-new tales of the age of knights and dragons that positively pulsate with the same joyously deranged EC energy that has fueled Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe into becoming two of biggest hit series anywhere in comics today,” said Oni Press President & Publisher Hunter Gorinson. Gorinson promised this wouldn’t be the only surprise from EC Comics in the year ahead.
Cruel Kingdom #1 is priced at $4.99. Volume 1, the first of four, releases on January 8, 2025.
Source: Oni Press
English (US) · 