EC Cruel Kingdom #2

One might expect that a few quick flash fiction pieces might feel kind of light and flimsy under a pair of modern covers. The old EC horror and horror fantasy stories were always so totally overburdened with text that didnt always engage the art. Its nice to see things streamlined for contemporary audiences that still manage to feel quite intense even if they dont necessarily have a lot going on with respect to the intricacies of the plot. Sometimes you dont need complexity. Sometimes all you really need are a poisoning and a zombie and a crown with spikes driven into it. Fun stuff. Deliciously Dark. Read Full Review

Cruel Kingdom #2 uses the settings of war-torn kingdoms, superstitious villages, and a medieval kingdom ran like a macabre Civilization campaign to reveal truths about the dark side of human nature. As both a fantasy and horror fan, I'm looking forward to future installments and their miniature macabre worlds. Read Full Review

EC Cruel Kingdom #2 refines its fantasy-focused approach, delivering an entertaining anthology with creative twists, though inconsistent pacing in some stories prevents it from fully reaching its potential. Read Full Review

Cruel Kingdom #2 is ideal for readers who enjoy anthology-style storytelling with a macabre twist. While the writing falls short of greatness, the striking art and atmospheric coloring make it a visually compelling experience. If you're a fan of EC Comics' classic aesthetic or enjoy medieval fantasy with a dark edge, it's worth picking upbut temper your expectations. Read Full Review

DDJamesB

Feb 17, 2025

I liked this better than issue 1. I thought the stories were easier to digest and we'll drawn.