EC Comics has launched another anthology series just in time for the holiday season. More tales of horror are never a bad thing. So, grab a cup of egg nog and put another yule log on the fire, and prepare for some SuspenStories.

Shiver SuspenStories #1

Letters By Richard Starkings & Tyler Smith

Edited By Sarah Hahn & Matt Dryer – Published By EC Comics/Oni Press

***Minor Spoilers Possible***

Checking It Twice

Written By Hunter Gorinson – Art By Valeria Burzo – Colors By Michelle Madsen

A mother is reading her children a darker version of The Night Before Christmas. She tells her children that they must stay up so they can catch Santa in the act and defend their house. However, there is a darker plan at hand.

This tale bookends the issue. You get the first part at the beginning of the issue and the finale at the end. It is set up as all the stories are being told to the children on Christmas eve. This makes the book feel more epic and is a great tie in for everything to come. Add in the fact that the twist ending is a perfect end to the book, and you’ve got yourself a great beginning and end.

The Last Ornament

Written By Jason Aaron – Art By Kano

The first short story is about an older lady who loves Christmas and her ornaments that came from Prague. As the years grow on, she loves them more and the feeling is mutual. Unfortunately, she marries a terrible man and has a couple of terrible kids. The husband dies and as the lady gets older, her children oversee her. They don’t have the same love for her or her ornaments. But this misstep may cost them dearly.

This is a great tale of elder abuse with some great revenge built in. The mother being tormented makes you feel for her. By the time the grizzly conclusion comes you are routing for the bad people’s demise. Bonus points for the story being narrated by the ornament.

Ghost in the Machine

Written By Ben H. Winters – Art By Peter Krause – Colors By Michelle Madsen

This tale is a new age version of A Christmas Carol. Only in this version instead of 3 ghosts, it’s one man who has time traveled to the past to forewarn his past self of the dangers of inventing time travel. Unfortunately, every time our time traveler tells a past version of himself about the dangers, they don’t listen. But they probably should have.

This is a fresh take on a very familiar and legendary story. The setup is really good, and the addition of the time travel element really makes the story pop. The art is good and gives you an old time feel. The only issue with this story is that the ending is a bit underwhelming. Especially given how good the setup is.

Check Out My Review of Epitaphs from the Abyss #4

Red As Any Blood

Written By Jay Stephens – Art By David Lapham – Colors By Michael Atiyeh

A woman is caught stealing a silver bell from a local mall. Security chases her throughout the mall and the lady finally gets away. But in the process, she accidentally kills the security guard that was chasing her. After, she goes home to treat her sick son. But this is no average sickness, and the silver bell comes in handy.

This is kind of the opposite of the tale before it. The setup is kind of lackluster and most of the story focuses on a chase through a mall and parking lot. However, when we get to the climax it gets really good. The end twist to the story makes the whole tale worthwhile.

Curse of the Magi

Written By George Norty – Art By Caitlin Yarsky – Colors By Brittany Peer

The final short story tells the tale of a married couple that only wants a child of their own. Unfortunately, they are unable to have children. So, during Christmas time they both visit the same shop with the same wish to give the other the best gift. The price of this wish is trading their most valuable possession. Unbeknownst to the couple, the shop keeper is a witch who has nefarious intentions for the couple. Bad news for the witch, is she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

This is a great finale story for the first issue. The build up fires on all cylinders and the twist at the end is out of left field and satisfying. The art looks amazing and really immerses you in this world. Altogether, this story is the perfect storm.

Final Thoughts

Shiver SuspenStories #1 is a good first issue that delivers what it promises. The issue gets a bonus as there is also a reprint of a story called Two of a Kind from Vault of Horror #26 which was originally published in 1952 at the end of the issue. Overall, this is another horror anthology from Oni Press/EC Comics that delivers entertainment value, and you should give it a read.

Final Grade: 8/10

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