The EC Archives Series

Though Marvel and DC comics are the most recognizable comic publishers, in the long run EC comics may end up being the most influential. Formed in 1944 as Educational Comics, a subsidiary of DC, EC was initially unsuccessful until the unfortunate death of its founder and comic legend Max Gaines. Relaunched as Entertainment Comics by Gaines' son William, EC found its voice in horror, suspense, science fiction, fantasy, and crime comics, and was responsible for influencing generation after generation of comic readers. Recently, EC has started the EC Archives series collecting all there most recognizable titles, including Tales from the Crypt, Weird Science, and ShockSuspense stories, and releasing them in chronological order. The most recent edition "Two-Fisted Tales" was just released this week. Let me tell you, these collections are absolutely awesome.

EC comics represent a mastery of the comic book art form in the same manner that Little Nemo or Krazy Kat are renowned newspaper strips. However, due to their controversial content, EC received a harsh backlash in the 50's and folded into the humor magazine Mad. But for those interested in fully appreciating the history of comics, EC is an essential stepping stone.

The EC archive series is finally making it possible to recognize EC's groundbreaking work. Each collection of the archives series has the first six issues of it's individual series, plus a unique introduction from celebrities such as George Lucas or Steven Spielberg who were directly influenced by the company.

For more info on the EC Archives series here is an interesting interview with Russ Cochran, the man responsible for overseeing their releases.

-Jon