"Top-Shelf Anti-War Graphic Novels": A Roundup of Historically Significant Comics Opposing War
Hellacious Collector's Item: EC Comics' Two-Fisted Tales and The Haunt of Fear Redux
Saddle up, comedy enthusiasts! Get ready to delve into the gritty world of Two-Fisted Tales, one of the most groundbreaking and infamous comics series to emerge from the darkly imaginative vaults of EC Comics. These aging yet priceless tomes, unleashed post-World War II, fed the voracious appetites of adventurous youths with tales of monstrosities, soldiers, extraterrestrials, and yes, even anti-heroes. As the censors of the era quivered in disapproval, EC's comics found themselves increasingly under fire, resulting in a self-inflicted, crippling dosage of censorship that sent ripples through the industry for decades.
Diábolo dared to revive some of EC's most notable gems, including Tales from the Crypt, Weird Science, Shock SuspenStories, The Haunt of Fear, and our current star of the hour: Two-Fisted Tales. What sets Two-Fisted Tales apart is its striking contrast between its military adventure comic aesthetic and the genuine anti-war messages it conveyed. Think of it as a literary Gamble and Huff number, cloaked in camouflage and stuffed with heart-wrenching tales that delve into the cruelty and heartlessness of war.
The inaugural volume of Two-Fisted Tales contains the first six issues, published between November 1950 and October 1951. These pioneering stories span across time and geography, from the twilight of the Roman Empire to modern-day Korea, braving the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century, World War II, and medieval France. Think of it as a history lesson with a helping of bitter, red-blooded violence.
Lorenzo Pascual, the savvy editor of Diábolo, gleefully shared his excitement about the release of these EC classics. "The Korean War was raging, and the anti-war sentiments in these tales were palpable," he enthused. "Not just about the war at hand, but about any bloody conflict that has ever graced our lives. They were not afraid to depict the enemies' pain, even humanizing them – something seldom seen in any medium."
EC's comics boldly criticized blind patriotism, going so far as to question the true meaning of 'The Patriot Act,' much like the McCarthy-era Witch Hunts themselves. One such story, already unleashed in the Shock SuspenStories collection, shines a spotlight on the madness that consumed the United States during those tumultuous times.
These tales criticized the irrationality of war, the senseless murder of innocents, and the sad reality that these sordid stories continue to resonate today due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and beyond.
Artistic Masterpieces Born of War
These EC Comics aren't just celebrated for their provocative and emotional stories but also for the legendary artists who brought these tales to life. Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Graham Ingels, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Bernard Krigstein, John Severin, Bill Elder, and many more counting stars – these names are comic royalty.
And let us not forget the man responsible for planting the seeds of EC’s anti-war anthology, Harvey Kurtzman. Kurtzman's fingerprints are all over Two-Fisted Tales, where he served as cover-boy and script-master for the initial issues, eventually creating the iconic Mad magazine in 1952, forever changing the face of humor.
This volume is bound by a poignant prologue penned by comic titan Stephen A. Geppi, Founder and CEO of Diamond Comic Distributors, who eloquently emphasizes the artistic importance of these works beyond their historical significance.
This Ain't Your Daddy's Horror Comics
Let's not forget that EC Comics is forever enshrined in horror folklore, with Tales from the Crypt, The Haunt of Fear, and The Vault of Horror being the most distinctive of its stable of terror tales. In addition to releases already available, The Haunt of Fear promises to complete the horror trinity, defining an era of comic book horror that remains unsurpassed to this day.
In its third volume, The Haunt of Fashion introduces issues #13-18, initially published between May 1952 and April 1953. Not only does this volume boast one of the collection's most memorable covers, courtesy of the inimitable Graham Ingels, but it also served as a launchpad for some of the most iconic tales of terror ever spun.
Each issue features a ghostly host presenting us with stories that span six to eight pages, and it's the shocking, unexpected endings that truly stand out. And the tales that these mythical authors have spun are enough to make your own spine shiver, with Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman, Graham Ingels, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Bernard Krigstein, and many more, weaving their dark genius before tucking you into bed.
This volume is anchored by the original mail sections, vintage advertisements, and insightful articles about the great artists behind the comics. And a prologue by the talented Cullen Bunn promises to delight horror enthusiasts, embracing the comics with gusto: "I adore all kinds of horrifying tales, but the ones that manage to be both scary and hilarious are my absolute favorites."
Two essential volumes that no horror and comics fan can afford to miss from their collection. The translation for both volumes is masterfully handled by the brilliant Santiago García.
Immerse yourself in the diverse realms of Diábolo, where the pages of books inspired by EC Comics await. From the fashion-and-beauty of The Haunt of Fashion to the lifestyle choices involved in preparing delicious food-and-drink, there's something for everyone. For those who crave adventure, travel to unknown lands through the pages of EC's comics. Finally, for the entertainment-seekers, learn about the legends behind the iconic anti-heroes in fiction, and engage in engaging debates about the ethical questions raised by the stories.
