Sleigh Bells and Shivers: A Gory Holiday Treat

 

Shiver Suspenstories #1

Illustrated by: Johnny Craig

Cover art by: Darick Robertson

Written by: Various

Oni Press

2024

*Some spoilers..

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, TERROR COMES CALLING WITH 56 PAGES OF SHOCKING CHILLS FROM AN ALL-STAR CAST OF EC’S FINEST FIENDS! Just in time for Christmas, Oni Press and EC Comics are proud to present Shiver SuspenStories #1—the FIRST in an ALL-NEW series of extra-sized EC specials colliding tales of horror, science fiction, and powerfully potent suspense in one joyously wrapped, squarebound package that may or may not be leaking something strange under the Christmas tree . . . Featuring brand-new tales of merry dismemberment and yuletide destruction from writers Jason Aaron (Thor), Ben H. Winters (CBS’ Tracker), and more, with artists Kano (Gotham Central), Peter Krause (Irredeemable), and more—plus a newly remastered and authentically restored holiday classic from the EC vaults! Get ready to hear those SLAY BELLS RING—AIN’T IT SICKENING?!

Oni Press and EC Comics have delivered us a bloody present wrapped in spine-tingling storytelling: Shiver SuspenStories #1. With 56 pages packed with horror, sci-fi, and suspense, this special issue feels like a wickedly twisted gift left under the tree—possibly leaking something suspicious.

The lineup is stacked with top-tier creators like Jason Aaron (Thor), Ben H. Winters (Tracker), and more. Artists like Kano (Gotham Central) and Peter Krause (Irredeemable) bring the eerie tales to life with chilling precision. Even better, there’s a remastered EC holiday classic tucked at the end, like a sinister little surprise you didn’t see coming.

The stories vary in tone and style, giving something for every horror fan. Jason Aaron’s ornament-themed tale stood out as my personal favorite—darkly creative and perfectly twisted. It captured that perfect mix of festive and fearsome, leaving me both unsettled and entertained.

Not every story hit the mark for me. The Christmas-Carol-inspired sci-fi piece felt a bit off, like it was trying too hard to fit the holiday theme. But even that had moments of genuine creepiness, making it a worthwhile addition.

What really impressed me was the issue’s structure. The wraparound narrative tied everything together nicely, adding a fun, old-school horror anthology vibe. And the bonus reprint at the end was just the right amount of nostalgic terror.

If you’re into holiday horror with plenty of gore and dark humor, this is a no-brainer. EC’s reboot streak continues strong, making Shiver SuspenStories #1 a standout seasonal special. It’s gruesome, it’s festive, and it’s exactly what you need when you’re tired of sugar-sweet holiday cheer.

So, if you haven’t grabbed this yet, treat yourself—you might just find it’s the kind of holiday spirit you’ve been craving.

 

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