The History of 'Tales from the Crypt' and EC Comics Horror Part III

Introduction

The third part of the history of "Tales from the Crypt" explores the significant contributors to EC Comics and the ultimate downfall of the horror genre in comics due to rising public scrutiny and censorship.

Johnny Craig

Johnny Craig joined EC Comics in 1947, contributing to western and crime titles before becoming a prominent artist for "The Vault of Horror," "The Haunt of Fear," and "Tales from the Crypt." Known for his clean, uncluttered style, Craig's work focused on anticipation and dread rather than explicit gore. His artwork was pivotal during the 1954 Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency hearings, which debated the influence of violent comics on youth.

Jack Davis

Jack Davis, another key figure, started drawing comics at 12 and joined EC Comics in the 1950s. His exaggerated, expressionistic style became a hallmark of the horror line. Davis updated the appearance of the Crypt Keeper and illustrated numerous covers, contributing significantly to the genre's popularity.

Marie Severin

Marie Severin, the colorist for EC Comics, played a crucial role in toning down explicit content by using colors to shield gruesome details. Known as the “conscience of EC,” Severin ensured the stories remained impactful without overtly disturbing visuals.

The End of an Era

In 1954, Fredric Wertham’s book "Seduction of the Innocent" sparked a moral panic about the influence of comic books on youth. This led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, which imposed strict guidelines on comic content. EC Comics’ horror titles, unable to comply with these restrictions, ceased production.

The Comics Code Authority

The Comics Code mandated that stories end with good triumphing over evil and prohibited excessive violence, sexual content, and the words "horror" or "terror" in titles. This effectively ended the production of EC's horror comics, including "Tales from the Crypt."

The Legacy of Horror

Despite its decline, "Tales from the Crypt" remains a significant cultural artifact. The series was revived through various adaptations, including a British movie in 1972 and an HBO TV series in 1989. These adaptations ensured that the legacy of EC Comics' horror titles continued to influence popular culture.

Conclusion

The history of "Tales from the Crypt" and EC Comics highlights the creative genius and daring spirit of its contributors. Despite facing significant challenges and controversies, EC Comics left an enduring impact on the horror genre and comic book history.

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