[Comic Book Review] 'The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror' Vol. 1 HC from Dark Horse Comics

[Comic Book Review] ‘The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror’ Vol. 1 HC from Dark Horse Comics

Joshua Winchester

January 3, 2018

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PopCultHQ received an advance review copy of the ‘The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror‘ Vol. 1 HC from Dark Horse Comics.

Here’s PopCultHQ’s Spoiler-Free Review of…

The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror Volume 1 HC

Writers: Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, Gardner Fox, William Gaine, Richard Connell

Artists: Johnny Craig, Harry Harrison, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman, Graham Ingels, Jack Kamen

Cover Artist: Johnny Craig

Genre: Horror
Publication Date: February 14, 2018
Format: FC, 216 pages; HC, 8 3/16” x 11”
SRP: $49.99
Ages: 14+

The terrifying opening of the Vault of Horror! This ghastly grimoire collects issues #12-#17 of the classic horror series, including unforgettable stories from the all-star artistic lineup of Al Feldstein, Johnny Craig, Bill Gaines, Harry Harrison, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman, Graham Ingels, and Jack Kamen.

* Featuring a foreword by legendary horror writer R.L. Stine.

”The (EC) material was ahead of its time and just too sophisticated for the market as it existed.” –Mark Evanier

PopCultHQ’s Comic Book Review:
The EC Archives: The Vault of Horror, Vol. 1 HC

Writing:

This is as fine a collection of horror stories as one can find. Each of these men, Craig, Feldstein, Gaines, Fox, etc. were all kings of horror at EC during the 1950s. Every comic contained within the book shines with disturbing brilliance. Fans of EC’s works will love the different writing styles each of these gentlemen utilized to produce comic books that were nothing short of pure murder and mayhem decades ago.

Art:

For horror comics lovers and EC aficionado’s, the book is a grab bag of art. Every page is chock full of blood and fright and stuff that is absolute gore. And serving up this feast of fright are some of the greatest artists of the time. Johnny Craig, Harry Harrison, Wally Wood and Harvey Kurtzman are a few of the fine fellows that did the art collected in the hardcover, making this a must buy for fans of their works.

PopCultHQ’s overall assessment:

During the 1950’s, EC Comics was the king of the fright and horror comics genre. For everyone that loves old school comics and real shocking content, the contents of this hardcover collection are just right. It’s 216 pages of non-stop, wall-to-wall death, murder, and all kinds of scary material. In short, it’s a scream a page and worth every penny.