Just in time for Halloween, Marvel is unveiling its third annual Crypt of Shadows anthology horror one-shot, and this year, the eerie narrative is delivered by none other than Agatha Harkness. Indeed, it has been Agatha all along! Featuring legendary heroes like the Scarlet Witch, Vision, Namor, Blade, and Werewolf by Night, this year’s Crypt promises to both terrify and amaze its audience.
Initially launched in October 2022 and drawing inspiration from the 1950 EC Comics series Tales from the Crypt, Marvel’s reimagined annual Crypt of Shadows anthology provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the spooky, frightening, and monstrous dimensions of their stories and heroes.
This year’s Crypt of Shadows #1 is crafted by a thrilling ensemble of talented individuals, with writers such as Benjamin Percy, Steve Orlando, Jason Loo, and Chris Condon at the helm. The artistry is brought to life by Claire Roe, Raffaele Ienco, Carlos Magno, and Djibril Morissette, while the covers are magnificently illustrated by Leinil Francis Yu, Juan Ferreyra, and Martin Simmonds.
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Agatha Harkness Hosts This Year’s Terrifying Horror Anthology
As is typical with Agatha, she harbors hidden intentions behind her narration.
Agatha Harkness embodies many traits, but altruism is not one of them. Whenever Agatha is involved in a plot, it is a guarantee that she has a strategy for personal gain, and this year’s Crypt of Shadows is no exception. The previous year’s anthology was narrated by Victor Strange, Doctor Strange’s long-deceased brother, who managed to escape captivity within the tale, later returning to haunt his sibling in Blood Hunt. Whatever Agatha orchestrates during Crypt of Shadows will undoubtedly influence her role in the broader Marvel Universe, much like her leading part in this year’s Content of Chaos.
Prepare to be enchanted as Agatha Harkness leads you through the perils and enigmas that lie ahead! But be cautious—this witch always has a hidden agenda. Uncover Agatha’s true intentions in a captivating framing story by Steve Orlando, the current SCARLET WITCH (2024) writer, and artist Claire Roe.
The Curse of the Man-Thing extends from the swamp to the ocean, drawing him into conflict with Namor, the King of Atlantis! Witness their gruesome confrontation in a chilling tale by writer Benjamin Percy and artist Raffaele Ienco.
Kraven the MONSTER Hunter, the iconic Spider-Man villain, dares to target Jack Russell, also known as Werewolf By Night, but he bites off more than he can chew when Blade intervenes to aid his old ally! Discover who emerges victorious in this brutal battle, penned by Jason Loo and illustrated by Carlos Magno.
Joshua Jovan, the seasoned monster hunter from Marvel Studios’ Special Presentation Werewolf by Night, makes his comic book debut in a story by writer Chris Condon and artist Djibril Morissette. Jovan stumbles through the Last Door, encountering his most formidable quarry yet—the Scarlet Witch!
The dreadful curse of the Man-Thing, spreading terror like a contagion, remains a consistent feature of Marvel’s supernatural realm. This year’s Crypt anthology will showcase a fierce clash between Man-Thing and Namor. Set during Namor’s reign as King of Atlantis, the bloody narrative follows Man-Thing as he ventures from his swamp to wreak havoc on the sea. Perhaps most thrilling is the introduction of Joshua Jovan, a monster hunter who made his debut in the MCU’s Werewolf by Night special presentation. He enters the Marvel Comics canon by passing through the Scarlet Witch’s magical Last Door.
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For several years now, each fall, fans eagerly anticipate the latest Crypt of Shadows release, which has become one of Marvel’s most eagerly awaited annual anthologies. This surge in excitement is not surprising, given the significant increase in interest and attention toward the supernatural segment of the Marvel Universe over the past five years. From Curse of the Man-Thing and Blood Hunt to Marvel Zombies, Midnight Sons, and Moon Knight, the monstrous side of Marvel is now nearly as popular, if not more so, than its Cosmic counterpart.
Be sure to catch the 2024 Halloween anthology upon its release to experience Marvel’s spine-tingling, bone-chilling, adrenaline-pumping horror, as beloved characters like the Scarlet Witch and Namor are pushed to their limits.
Marvel Comics’ Crypt of Shadows #1 debuts on October 16th, 2024.
Source: Marvel Entertainment