Q&A: J. Holtham Discusses Joining the Revival of EC Comics with New Story “Killer Spec,” Featured in EPITAPHS FROM THE ABYSS #1

Nearly 70 years since the release of its last new issue, EC Comics has been resurrected by Oni Press with the publication of Epitaphs from the Abyss #1, which will soon be followed by the August 7th release of Cruel Universe #1. To celebrate the scary good news, Oni Press has teamed up with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund for the annual CBLDF San Diego Welcome Party at the Westgate Hotel tonight at 8:00pm, followed by the “EC Comics Lives Again at Oni Press!” San Diego Comic-Con panel this Friday at 5:00pm in Room 23ABC.

Daily Dead is also celebrating the creepy occasion with a new Q&A feature with J. Holtham, whose story “Killer Spec” is featured in the historic first issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss, with amazing artwork by Jorge Fornes. Below, you can read the full Q&A with J. Holtham, and we also have additional details on the CBLDF San Diego Welcome Party and EC Comics SDCC panel, as well as cover art and preview pages from Epitaphs from the Abyss #1.

Thanks for taking the time to answer questions for us, and congratulations on your story in Epitaphs from the Abyss #1, which is kicking off Oni Press’ exciting resurrection of EC Comics. How did the opportunity to take part in this historic first issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss come about?

J. Holtham: I’m so unbelievably thrilled to be a part of this revival. When Hunter and Sierra from Oni Press approached me about contributing, I was over the moon. Being in the first issue is beyond my wildest dreams.

What can you tell us about your Epitaphs from the Abyss story “Killer Spec,” and what has it been like to see your prose paired with the awesome artwork by Jorge Fornes?

J. Holtham: My story is a little poison pen letter to those writers we all know and hate. I had a real blast taking some of the pretentious screenwriter jerks I’ve known down a peg or two. Getting to collaborate with Jorge just blew my mind. His work is so good, so rich, it really brought a whole new level to the work. Not to mention all of the blood…

Were you a fan of EC Comics before working on Epitaphs from the Abyss? Do you have any favorite memories of reading EC Comics?

J. Holtham: I’ve loved EC Comics for years. As a longtime horror head, I’ve seen the influence of EC on all of my favorite writers, directors and films. I’ve returned to the original stories for both inspiration and just enjoyment many, many times.

From Cloak & Dagger and Jessica Jones to Supergirl and The Handmaid’s Tale, you have an impressive résumé working in the world of television. How does writing for television compare to writing a comic book script, and do you have any plans to adapt “Killer Spec” for film or television?

Screenwriting and comic book writing have a ton of overlaps, as both are about visual storytelling as well as narrative. For comic book writing, I have to think in moments, in the slices of time, to make sure the action fits into a panel. It’s a different head, but I really love doing it. No plans to adapt “Killer Spec,” at least for the moment.

With the first issue of Epitaphs from the Abyss out now, what other projects do you have coming up that you can tease for our readers?

J. Holtham: I’m super-excited about my next comic book project: Motherf*cking Monsters, part of the Horizon Experiment coming from Image Comics. My good friend Pornsak Pichetshote has put together a real murderer’s row (pun intended) of writers to craft new stories featuring characters of color. My story is inspired by Sam Raimi and Edgar Wright. I think folks are really gonna dig it.

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EC Comics Lives Again at Oni Press!

Friday, July 26 | 5:00PM – 6:00 PM PT | Room: 23ABC

From the publisher that drove Tales From The Crypt, Weird Science, Mad Magazine, and many more into the depraved hearts of an unsuspecting world, the immortal EC Comics is back with a bold and bloody new line of comic book series, only at Oni Press! What the Comics Code Authority couldn’t kill has only made it stronger… Join us for a look ahead at EC’s no-holds-barred return in Epitaphs From The Abyss, Cruel Universe, and more series yet to be revealed with creators Jason Aaron (Thor), Corinna Bechko (Invisible Republic), J. Holtham (Night Thrasher), Klaus Janson (The Dark Knight Returns), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), Jay Stephens (Dwellings), and Ben H. Winters (CBS’ Tracker) alongside president & publisher Hunter Gorinson and editor-in-chief Sierra Hahn as they begin a new chapter for comics’ most infamous and influential publishing house!

Oni Press Presents

THE ANNUAL COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND (CBDLF) SAN DIEGO WELCOME PARTY

Celebrating the Return of EC Comics!

THURSDAY, JULY 25th, 8pm-MIDNIGHT

THE WESTGATE HOTEL

1055 Second Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

NO RSVP OR SDCC BADGE NECESSARY

$20 SUGGESTED DONATION

FREE GIFT BAGS FOR THE FIRST 100 GUESTS

Generously Provided by Co-Sponsors:

Oni Press

Certified Guaranty Company (CGC)

Kickstarter

The Nacelle Company

Mutant

Maestro Media