The following is an interview with Hugo- and Eisner-nominated New York Times best-selling author Corinna Bechko (The Space Between, Green Lantern: Earth One) regarding the upcoming return of the immortal EC Comics with Epitaphs from the Abyss through Oni Press. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Bechko about her approach to her story with artist Jonathan Case within the upcoming series, the impact of EC Comics on her work as a creator, and more! In addition, readers won’t want to miss the launch party for Epitaphs from the Abyss at the LA-based comic book shop, Revenge Of Comics and Pinball! Stay tuned after the interview for details.
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: You are no stranger to writing for things that go “bump” in the night, having previously written for the Court of the Dead: The Chronicle of the Underworld companion. What enticed you to tackle the world of EC Comics, and what are you most excited for readers to experience with your upcoming story?
Corinna Bechko: I have to admit that I was literally whooping with joy when I received the invitation to pitch for the EC rebirth. I love writing horror, I love reading horror, and one of my favorite past projects was indeed Court of the Dead with Landry Walker. The horror community is one of the most generous and welcoming there is, so I just hope that my story brings horror fans some joy and maybe a wicked laugh. I know Jonathan Case’s art certainly will!
BD: What can you share with us about the impact of the original EC Comics on you as both a fan, as well as your work as an award-winning writer?
CSB: EC is famous for its twists but as a writer I’m also enthralled by how much impact (not to mention how much story) each tale can pack into just a few pages. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from studying the originals and seldom has learning been more fun.
BD: Has this project inspired any plans for future horror-related stories in your work?
CSB: Oh, absolutely! I like to think of short stories as seeds. Seeds can be nutritious in their own right, but they can also grow mighty trees. I harvested a lot of seeds while working on my EC pitches. Hopefully, some of them can be planted before too long.
*LAUNCH PARTY DETAILS: Celebrate the release of Epitaphs from the Abyss #1, the first comic to be printed under the EC banner in almost 70 years, with a night of frightful festivities including vengeful vegan eats from VEGAN HOOLIGANS, gothic designs from VELVET APPARITION and DISPERSE HOME MEDIA, and tattoos from spooky specialist JOHNNY VAMPOTNA.
It’s free to enter with RSVP! Revenge Of and Oni’s night of EC related revelry will take place Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 9 – 11 p.m./PT at Revenge Of Comics and Pinball in Los Angeles, California (3420 Eagle Rock Blvd., Glassel Park).
Joining the party are three of the knock-out creators behind the debut issue of EC’s second coming. Writers J. Holtham (Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale), Ben H. Winter (The Last Policeman, CBS’s Tracker), and Corinna Bechko (Avatar: Adapt or Die, Green Lantern: Earth One) will be doing signings throughout the night!
