“Tales from the Crypt,” “The Vault of Horror,” and “The Haunt of Fear” and more…..
EC Comics was one of the most influential comic book publishers of the 1940s and 1950s, known for its horror, crime, and science fiction comics. The publisher was home to some of the greatest comic book stories ever told, and it has left a lasting legacy in the industry. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 stories ever published by EC Comics, I’ll be highlighting the issue number, title particular stand out story and the creative team behind it. Check them out below:
“The Vault of Horror” #29 “Tainted” (1954) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Jack Davis. This story is about a brilliant scientist who stumbled upon a groundbreaking discovery. With relentless determination and insatiable curiosity, this prodigious individual found a method to prolong the existence of human beings. However, this newfound knowledge came with a sinister catch that would send shivers down anyone’s spine. Its price, oh dear reader, was an appalling sacrifice that no one could have fathomed.
“Tales from the Crypt” #35 “Wish You Were Here” (1953) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Graham Ingels. This captivating story revolves around a bunch of companions. These friends stumbled upon an enigmatic skull and, filled with curiosity, decided to make a wish upon it. Little did they know that their wishes would be fulfilled in ways that would send shivers down their spines and chill them to the bone.
“Crime SuspenStories” #22 “Judgment Day” (1953) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Jack Davis. This is the story about a person who holds racist beliefs and is taken to court to face trial for the crimes committed as a result of these beliefs. However, an interesting twist unfolds when it is revealed that the jury in the courtroom is composed entirely of individuals who have personally suffered from the accused person’s discriminatory actions.
“Weird Science” #16 “The Rocket Man” (1952) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Wally Wood. This story tells the tale of a scientist who builds a rocket to escape Earth’s gravity, only to discover that the universe is a far more dangerous place than he ever imagined.
“The Haunt of Fear” #15 “The Thing in the Pool” (1952) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Graham Ingels. This story is about a man who finds an unknown creature residing in his pool in the backyard. The events that follow are filled with fear and horror as the consequences of this discovery unfold.
“Two-Fisted Tales” #30 “Combat” (1954) – Written by Harvey Kurtzman and illustrated by Jack Davis. Once upon a time, there was a brave soldier who found himself face-to-face with the grim realities of war, forcing him to grapple with both the unimaginable terrors he encountered on the battlefield and the complex questions of right and wrong that invaded his conscience. This narrative delves deep into the soldier’s soul-searching journey as he navigates the treacherous landscapes of conflict, shedding light on the profound and thought-provoking intersections of duty, humanity, and personal ethics.
“Vault of Horror” #32 “Foul Play” (1954) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Wally Wood. This story tells the tale of a baseball player who makes a deal with the devil for success on the field, but at a terrible cost.
“Weird Fantasy” #18 “The Man Who Was Death” (1952) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Joe Orlando. In this intriguing narrative, we follow the journey of a man who, initially signing up as an executioner for the state, experiences a disturbing transformation. As he carries out his morbid duties, he discovers a twisted delight in his work, ultimately leading him to adopt the role of a vigilante.
“Tales from the Crypt” #38 “Lower Berth” (1953) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Graham Ingels. This story revolves around a man who purchases a lower berth on a train. Little did he know that this seemingly normal journey would take a chilling turn when he uncovers a horrifying secret about the person sharing his sleeping space.
“Crime SuspenStories” #24 “The Guilty” (1953) – Written by Al Feldstein and illustrated by Jack Davis. This story follows the journey of a man who is wrongly blamed for a crime he did not commit. As time runs out, he faces the challenge of proving his innocence.
All of these stories, which were originally printed by EC Comics, are unquestionably some of the most unforgettable and influential ones. They act as proof of the incredible skills of the writers, artists, and editors who were connected to the publisher. Even in the present day, these stories are enthusiastically read and valued by fans, making a strong and lasting impression on the comic book industry.
Author Profile
- 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!
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