In EC SHELLSHOCK #1, Oni Press and a team of creators bring the war back to the rack with a massive, oversized tribute.

There's a reason the name EC Comics carries a specific weight when it comes to stories about conflict. Long before the horror anthologies took over the racks, these were the war comics that didn't just show the battlefield; they showed the human cost behind the uniform. Oni Press is pulling that legacy back into the light with a debut that feels less like a revival and more like a reckoning.

Julio Anta sets the tone as the lead writer, sharing the page with artist Tom Fowler, who brings a gritty texture that suits the subject matter perfectly. They're joined by a squad of creators who know how to pull punches and deliver impact, including John Arcudi, Benito Cereno, and Michael W. Conrad. The art team reads like a who's-who of comics craft, with David Lapham, Albert Monteys, and Shawn Martinbrough each laying down their share of the action. The stories here don't shy away from the reality of the front; they explore the fear, the camaraderie, and the inevitable price paid by those who carry the rifle.

What makes this issue stand out is how it bridges the gap between eras. It includes a classic story restored with care, letting you see the original storytelling style in a crisp new light alongside fresh tales. Lee Bermejo's cover art frames the whole package with that distinctive, painterly intensity that draws you right to the front line. If you appreciate war comics that focus on the characters and the cost rather than just the action, you're going to want this one.

Lee Bermejo's cover is the anchor here, and it's the one you'll be reaching for first. If you appreciate his work, you'll recognize that painterly style that turns a cover into something you want to keep. Just a warm heads-up: these debut covers have a way of vanishing, so if you spot a variant on the rack, it's likely not going to stay long.