The History of EC Comics

Attention EC Fan-Addicts! Dive into the captivating history of the world’s most infamous comics. In 1947, Bill Gaines became the head of EC Comics, a company initiated by his iconic father M. C. Gaines, who played a pivotal role in shaping the comic book industry during his time at All-American Comics, introducing characters like Wonder Woman and Green Lantern. Under Bill Gaines' leadership and with the collaboration of influential figures such as Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, and Wally Wood, the comic book landscape was transformed through groundbreaking titles like Tales from the Crypt, Crime SuspenStories, Weird Science, and MAD. EC Comics became renowned for its graphic horror and crime stories that often delivered sharp, ironic twists. They were also pioneers in developing authentic war narratives, real science fiction, and stories that tackled controversial themes like racism, bigotry, vigilantism, drug addiction, police corruption, and anti-Semitism. Despite their success, EC faced backlash from 1950s moral arbiters, who blamed the intense content for promoting juvenile delinquency. Following an extensive inquiry into horror and crime comics, EC Comics ceased to exist. Now, TASCHEN offers an exhaustive account of this legendary company's story, crafted by EC expert Grant Geissman. Even the most devoted EC fans will discover new insights, thanks to the Gaines family archives, which include over 100 previously unpublished rarities. Many cover images are sourced from the esteemed Gaines File Copies, known as the best surviving examples of EC Comics. Featuring over 1,000 illustrations capturing the rarest and most notorious covers, interior pages, photographs, and original artworks, plus some of the most iconic tales ever sold for a dime, this comprehensive EC Comics collection is essential for comic book aficionados and pop culture scholars alike.