EC Library #21

Plot

Bernard Krigstein is widely hailed as a virtuoso of graphic invention and psychological acuity in comics. His earned his reputation at EC Comics, and this volume collects most of that work, including his two most highly regarded stories: “Master Race” and “The Flying Machine” (the latter is based on a gem by Ray Bradbury).

“Master Race” was a breakthrough story for Krigstein and EC in both subject matter — a former Nazi concentration camp officer realizes a former inmate has recognized him as they ride together in a New York City subway car — and Krigstein’s delineation, pacing, and depiction of time, motion, and rising tension.

Others include: “Slave Ship,” an unpublished science fiction tale that was only discovered in the decades following EC’s demise; “The Monster From The Fourth Dimension,” a rarely seen horror/science fiction shocker; and other Krigstein crime, horror, war, and science fiction stories from the full gamut of EC titles, including Tales From the Crypt, Crime SuspenStories, Shock SuspenStories, Aces High, and Incredible Science Fiction. Like every book in the Fantagraphics EC Artists’ Library, Master Race and Other Stories also features essays and notes by EC experts on these superbly crafted, classic masterpieces.