What do dolphin hunters, museum trustees, and a little girl clutching her teddy bear have in common? Plenty—if you enjoy monster stories! And that’s exactly what you’ll find in Cruel Universe 2 #6, part of the new the anthology series from Oni Press.

Patterned after the classic horror tales of EC Comics — the very stories that stirred controversy in the 1950s and ultimately led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority — this latest issue delivers three suspenseful, unsettling tales worthy of comics’ pre-code days, or at the very least a thrilling episode of The Twilight Zone.

The first story, written by Maria Ingrande Mora and illustrated by Fabiana Mascolo, centers on dolphin hunters who fail to pay attention to what is surrounding them. The second, by writer Corinna Bechko and artist Kelly Williams, takes place in a Halloween museum exhibit featuring spiders—and something far more disturbing lurking just out of sight. The final tale, written by Greg Pak and illustrated by Sebastien Cabrol, follows a young girl whose encounter with what appears to be a hostile alien takes an unexpected turn.

All three stories are sharply written and vividly illustrated. Each works on its own, delivering real moments of surprise and unease, while remaining thematically connected. Together, they showcase a range as unique as the subjects they explore.

Cruel Universe 2 #6 is perfect for readers who enjoy horror with a twist. It’s an entertaining throwback to a bygone era, capturing the spirit of classic anthology comics while still feeling fresh and inventive. Fans of short, sharp stories that linger long after the final page will find plenty to appreciate here.

3 out of 4 stars

Creative Team: Greg Pak (writer), Maria Ingrande Mora (writer), Corinna Bechko (writer), Kelly Williams (artist), Sabastain Cabrol (artist), Fabiana Mascolo (artist)
Publisher: Oni Press
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