Cruel Universe is Oni Press's second offering in its EC Comics revival and is generally superior to the also-enjoyable Epitaphs from the Abyss. See my thoughts on the latter here.
The science-fiction part of the revival, Cruel Universe focuses on the same sort of O. Henry-esque storytelling used in the Weird Science and Weird Fantasy titles of yore. In other words, each entry hinges on a surprise ending.
The challenge is that an unexpected twist can't be unexpected when the reader expects it. Readers may not know exactly what form the twist will take, but they are hypervigilant in looking for it, sometimes to the detriment of other laudable parts of the story.
Because of this, every story in this anthology would arguably work better somewhere else, surrounded by other types of storytelling that don't necessarily telegraph that "EC twist."
The better stories here provide said twists but do so in a way that either still surprises or adds a secondary jolt that delights even if the larger one is more obvious. I don't want to identify these stories because that, in itself, is a spoiler.
Generally, the work here is more even than Epitaphs from the Abyss. Readers will find:
"The Champion" by Matt Kindt and Kano: Slaves are forced into interstellar gladiator competition in a story timed nicely to the Summer Olympics in Paris. Along the way, Kindt explores marketing, promotion, and celebrity.
"Solo Shift" by Corinna Bechko, Caitlin Yarsky, and Michael Atiyeh: An astronaut stationed near a black hole is dumped by his Earthbound girlfriend on the same day he discovers a second spaceship with a beautiful but dead female astronaut aboard. Shenanigans proliferate.
"Drink Up" by Chris Condon and Jonathan Case: A billionaire's search for immortality leads him to increasingly extreme situations, including an opportunity to find the mythical (?) Fountain of Youth. The billionaire's name, Edenspoil, might be too on the nose, but nobody expects happy resolutions, right?
"Priceless" by Ben H. Winters, Artyom Topilin, and Brittany Peer: A man is paid to experience the world for another geriatric billionaire (no relation to Mr. Edenspoil), but will the former's conscience get in the way of the job? This is my favorite entry of the issue.
Each story in this anthology is fun to read, and each tries in its own way to extend the legacy of EC Comics, which are—to be honest—stunning to look at but not always a revelation to read. A piece by editor Sierra Hahn demonstrates the requisite passion for the originals. Hahn also singles out the work of letterer Richard Starkings and Comicraft in replicating the typeface font (Leroy) that made the originals so distinctive.
My issue sports Cover A, a beautiful rendering by Greg Smallwood that perfectly captures the glory of ECs of the past.
Two issues in and I remain optimistic about Oni's efforts. The company attempts to stay true to the past even as it appeals to current tastes. At the least, this issue was worth $4.99. At the most, it makes readers ponder bigger topics, including the employer/employee dynamic and contemporary consumerism.
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