The EC Archives – Vault of Horror Volume 1

Tales from the Crypt Volume 3

Gemstone Publishing

Web: http://www.gemstonepub.com

The history of EC Comics is a fascinating one. It originally began as Educational Comics and was founded by Max Gaines, former editor of the comic book company All-American Publications. It merged with DC Comics in 1944 with the plan to market comics about science, history and the Bible to schools and churches! After his accidental death in 1949, his son William began to refocus the company, it moved away from traditional comic book fare such as westerns and romance and focused in on Science Fiction and Horror. Throughout the 1950’s EC produced an amazing array of high quality and innovative product and indeed many still consider this period to be the golden age of comic books both in terms of style and creative content.

EC however, began to run into problems with censorship. As had happened with cinema earlier, conservative elements were manipulated by politicians looking for a band wagon to use for electioneering and soon a furore exploded over comic book content. In 1954 this was exasperated by the publication of “The Seduction of the Innocent” by Dr.Frederic Wertham, this was an inflammatory and ill researched book by a narrow and puritan psychiatrist who pinned all the ills of the Fifties on the effect of comic books. (Much akin to later crusades against violent films and computer games). Wertham’s work was controversial and biased but feed into the general fear of the changes which were slowly taking place within Fifties society and indeed led to the revolution of the Sixties. This fear was so extreme that comics books were an easy target and the hysteria even led to a full congressional investigation and lots of talk about enforcing censorship.

The comic book industry reacted with fear and paranoia and rather than battle against such an infringement of the freedom of the press buckled under pressure and developed their censorship code and an authority to enforce it (The Comic Code Authority). Since the major community fear was about Science Fiction, Horror and Crime comics this authority and its code literally destroyed the science fiction and horror comic book industry overnight. EC battled on for a short time, but in the end focused on its surviving publication, MAD magazine and even it had some problems.

The EC Comics from the early Fifties such as Vault of Horror and Tales of the Crypt were superb examples of comic book storytelling. They were artistically superb, had compelling plots and were exceptional publications in every possible way. They triggered such a response from the general populace because they were, in so many ways, ahead of their times in the subjects they covered and the way they presented a story.

These comics have, of course, now become rare collector’s items and Gemstone Publishing have done us all a great service by reprinting the series in quite superb editions. For example, Vault of Horror Volume 1 reprints the first six complete issues (24 stories) of the series in full colour with significant historical notes. While Tales from the Crypt Volume 3 includes Issues #13-18 are reprinted with 24 stories written and illustrated by the likes of Bill Gaines, Al Feldstein, Jack Davis, Jack Kamen, Graham Ingels, Al Williamson, Joe Orlando and George Evans.

These books are of the highest quality, they are superb hard-covers which have been printed to the highest standard. The comics are reprinted the same size as the original editions and the historical notes are significant and relevant, putting the comics in context. While there has been some controversy over the use of colour (I can hear the purists complaining) I find the colouring of these comics brings them to life and helps them communicate for a new generation. The colours are clear, nicely used and appropriate, they certainly do not detract from the authenticity of these reprints, indeed I think they add to the unique quality of these publications.

These are superb volumes, beautifully produced, lovingly commentated and a very reasonable price. They will make a superb addition to any comic book lover’s library.