Jolting Tales of Tension: Oni Press Resurrects Classic Horror Anthems in Catacomb of Torment #12

Lock your doors, crawl space curators and lovers of vintage comic book dread! If you think modern horror anthologies lack the biting social satire, gruesome irony, and shocking twists that defined the golden age of illustrated terror, it is time to face the ghouls. Master independent publisher Oni Press—in beautiful collaboration with William M. Gaines Agent, Inc.—is delivering a masterclass in classic anthology formatting, and Catacomb of Torment #12 stands out as a gory triumph of storytelling.

Landing on comic shop shelves this June 2026, this 32-page, full-color anthology is an absolute essential for back-issue collectors and new readers alike. Under the magnificent guidance of editor Allyson Gronowitz, associate editor Jung Hu Lee, and group editor Sierra Hahn, this book acts as a gorgeous bridge between traditional shock-value terror and modern, stylized comic book narrative depth. It proves that when it comes to delivering jaw-dropping tales of tension, the legendary EC spirit is thriving in the modern era.

The Host’s Gallery: Three Biting Fables of Terror

True to the timeless traditions of the original format, Catacomb of Torment #12 introduces three distinct, self-contained fables introduced by a sinister lineup of horror hosts: The Grim Inquisitor, The Tormentor, and The Grave-Digger. Each creative team brings a completely unique flavor to the book, blending societal anxiety with gruesome, beautifully executed consequences.

1. “Ghosted” — The Horrors of Modern Dating

The issue kicks off with “Ghosted,” written by Alex Segura with art by Fabiana Mascolo. The story centers on Sergio Mendoza, a dapper, incredibly arrogant senior tech executive who treats the Manhattan dating scene like a consequence-free game. Relying on corporate funds and tech-driven platforms to fuel his vanity, Sergio makes a habit of suddenly going completely silent on the women who fall for him.

Despite warnings from his colleague Gloria that karma is a very real force, Sergio continues his narcissistic behavior until he crosses paths with the mysterious, striking Nina. The narrative turns into a psychological trap as Sergio finds his company data compromised and his funds shut down, leading to a chilling confrontation outside a restaurant where a past victim’s ghost exacts an unforgettable, throat-ripping revenge. Mascolo’s art handles the transition from high-society nightlife to bloody supernatural retribution flawlessly.

2. “A Real Taste For It” — Systemic Cruelty Meets the Bayou

Next up is “A Real Taste For It,” written by J. Holtham with striking, energetic art by David Rubín. Set within the humid fences of the Wetland Detention Center, the story takes a sharp, unforgiving look at human cruelty and xenophobia. A corrupt, cigar-chomping Sheriff and his depraved deputies profit heavily off federal funding while treating detainees like subhuman cattle, routinely throwing vocal advocates into the surrounding alligator-infested swamps for “protected custody.”

The tension reaches a boiling point when the insatiable bayou predators turn their attention away from the prisoners and set their sights directly on the abusive guards. Rubín’s visceral, hyper-expressive line work captures the absolute chaos of the swamp uprising, providing a deeply satisfying, blood-soaked layout where the true monsters of the facility face a poetic, flesh-tearing reckoning.

3. “Dead Dance Moms” — The Toxic World of Youth Competitions

The anthology closes with “Dead Dance Moms,” a pitch-black satire co-written by the legendary Stray Bullets creative partners Maria Lapham and David Lapham, with interior art by David Lapham, colors by Matt Herms, and lettering by Richard Starkings and Tyler Smith. The story follows Marjorie, an intensely bitter, failed child star who channels her thwarted ambitions directly into her young daughter, Pinkie, on the competitive youth dance circuit.

Frustrated by the dominance of a rival clique led by Holly McMickle, Marjorie executes an intricate scheme of psychological manipulation, text message sabotage, and vehicular homicide to eliminate the competition. Her plans go up in flames—literally—when she leaks gas into a post-funeral gathering, only for her victims to return as brain-eating, heavily made-up suburban zombies. Lapham’s gritty, classic indie style perfectly emphasizes the grotesque comedy of dance culture.

The Ultimate Collector’s Variant Blueprint

For dedicated comic book collectors and variant hunters, Oni Press has assembled an incredible lineup of premium cover configurations that make issue #12 an immediate buy for your short-boxes. If you want to see how this stacks up against earlier milestones in this landmark run, look back at our Catacomb of Torment #10 retrospective analysis.

The full retail deployment includes five highly distinct cover options:

• Cover A by Oliver Dominguez: The primary retail cover, establishing a stunning atmospheric tone for the launch.
• Cover B by Tom Fowler: An incredible alternative open-order cover choice featuring a terrifyingly detailed composition.
• EC Homage Variant by Shawn McManus: A beautiful nod to classic layout traditions featuring the iconic trio of horror hosts framing the main art.
• B&W Artist Edition Variant by Tom Fowler: A spectacular ink-only showcase, stripping away colors to highlight raw, intricate line details.
• Archive Edition Variant by Patricia Martin: A highly stylized, graphic masterpiece showcasing a clean, bold red-and-white layout of surgical tools and human teeth against a stark black backdrop.

Final Verdict: An Essential Horror Landmark

Review Score: 9.7/10

Catacomb of Torment #12 is a masterfully paced, beautifully illustrated horror anthology that honors its publishing roots while remaining intensely relevant to modern cultural anxieties. From the layout design by Rian Hughes to the unforgettable character designs by Dustin Weaver, every single page oozes artistic intent. Secure your preferred variants at your local comic shop this week for $4.99 before they vanish into the dark vaults of history!

📢 Join the Conversation Which of the three tales left the biggest impression on you tonight? Are you siding with the supernatural retribution of “Ghosted,” or did the twisted humor of “Dead Dance Moms” steal the spotlight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below, and share your favorite variant pulls with our community!

Follow our community for more updates:

• Instagram: Follow us @comicbookaddicts
• Tumblr: Read more on our Tumblr
• Pinterest: Check out our boards
• Facebook: Join the group