Twisted Tales #1

Twisted Tales #1 was published in 1982 by Pacific Comics, emerging during a pivotal era for independent publishers who sought to challenge the dominance of the industry's largest houses. The series was designed as an anthology of horror and science fiction stories, intentionally evoking the aesthetic and narrative structure of classic pre-Code comic books like those produced by EC Comics in the 1950s. It represented a creative push for artistic autonomy, allowing creators to explore mature, genre-bending themes that were often restricted by the Comics Code Authority.

The issue was edited and largely curated by Bruce Jones, a versatile writer known for his contributions to the Warren Publishing magazines. Jones sought to assemble a roster of top-tier talent, including artists like Berni Wrightson and Richard Corben, to establish a high standard of visual storytelling. The series was well-regarded for its sophisticated production values and high-quality paper stock, which set it apart from typical newsstand offerings and garnered a dedicated following among collectors who appreciated the return to dark, atmospheric, and subversive storytelling.