Dustin Weaver Reveals the Tormentor’s Twisted Origin in CATACOMB OF TORMENT #11

Something wicked is crawling out of the crypt—and Comic Crusaders readers are getting the first whiff of the horror.

The legendary horror legacy of EC Comics is digging deeper into the darkness as Oni Press unleashes CATACOMB OF TORMENT #11, a blood-soaked issue that finally reveals the twisted origin of one of EC’s newest hosts of horror: The Tormentor. The terrifying truth arrives May 20, and the mastermind pulling back the curtain is none other than superstar creator Dustin Weaver (Avengers, Infinity).

For the first time ever, the sinister mistress of misery takes center stage. The Tormentor—EC’s very own Mistress of Malice—is stepping out of the shadows of the catacombs to share her gruesome hopes, horrific dreams, and the brutal birth of the persona that delights in every scream. If you’ve been enjoying the new era of EC Comics under Oni Press, this issue is the one where the scalpel finally cuts deep into the mystery.

And trust us… the results are deliciously disturbing.

Weaver, who designed and co-created EC’s new trio of terror alongside The Grave-Digger and The Grim Inquisitor, both writes and illustrates the story, giving readers the definitive and grotesque backstory of the Tormentor. It’s a fitting reveal from a creator who understands exactly what makes EC horror tick: equal parts shock, storytelling, and wickedly clever dark humor.

The origin of EC’s horror hosts has always been sacred ground for fans. Decades ago, the legendary Crypt-Keeper had his origins revealed in Tales from the Crypt #33 with the classic story “Lower Berth,” by Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein, and Jack Davis. Not long after, the Old Witch received her own creepy introduction in The Haunt of Fear #14. Now, in a delicious continuation of that bone-chilling tradition, The Tormentor joins the ranks with a horrifying origin that modern EC fans will be talking about for a long time.

As Dustin Weaver explains:

“You can’t kill the human desire to tell and enjoy horror stories. The Tormentor, as a horror host, revels in this hallmark of humanity. In the end, it’s a storyteller, and will always be a storyteller, who’ll have the last laugh.”

But that’s not the only nightmare lurking inside CATACOMB OF TORMENT #11.

This devilish issue also delivers two additional terror tales straight from the depths of the catacombs. “Type M for Murder” comes from writer Matt Bors (Toxic Avenger) with art by Fabiana Mascolo (Catwoman), while “Every Cut a Lie” slices its way into readers’ nightmares courtesy of writer Liam Johnson (Armitage) and artist Arjuna Susini (Lamentation).

And because EC Comics knows horror fans love a killer cover, this issue also arrives with a stunning lineup of variant artwork from Dustin Weaver, Jorge Fornés (Batman), Shawn McManus (Fables), and Patricia Martín (Murder Drones).

If you’re a fan of classic EC Comics, modern horror storytelling, or just love seeing twisted mythology unfold in the most gruesome ways possible, CATACOMB OF TORMENT #11 is shaping up to be one of the most devilish chapters yet in the revival of this legendary horror brand.

So mark your calendar and keep the lights on—because when this issue hits comic shops on May 20, the Tormentor’s horrifying past will finally crawl into the light.

And something tells us she’s been waiting a very long time to tell her story.

WRITTEN BY DUSTIN WEAVER, MATT BORS & LIAM JOHNSON
ART BY DUSTIN WEAVER, FABIANA MASCOLO & ARJUNA SUSINI
COVER A BY DUSTIN WEAVER
COVER B BY JORGE FORNÉS
EC HOMAGE VARIANT (1:10) BY SHAWN McMANUS
B&W ARTIST EDITION VARIANT (1:20) BY DUSTIN WEAVER
ARCHIVE EDITION (1:50) BY PATRICIA MARTÍN
ON SALE MAY 20th, 2026 | $4.99 | 32 PGS. | FC

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!