William M. Gaines

William M. Gaines was born on March 1, 1922, in New York City. He is best known as the publisher and co-editor of EC Comics, the groundbreaking line that redefined horror, science fiction, and satire in the 1950s. After taking over the company from his father, Gaines shifted EC’s focus in 1950 toward more mature, artistically ambitious comics. Under his guidance, titles such as *Vault of Horror* and *Tales from the Crypt* became touchstones of the medium, blending visceral storytelling with sharp social commentary. He also launched *Mad* magazine, which he published for more than four decades, turning it into a cultural institution.

Gaines worked closely with a stable of gifted artists and writers, including Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, and Wally Wood, fostering an environment that prioritized creative freedom over commercial formulas. He co-created many of EC’s signature series and oversaw the adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s stories into comics, collected in works like *Home to Stay!* His influence extended well beyond his own era, as EC’s horror and science fiction titles later inspired generations of creators.

Gaines died on June 3, 1992. He was posthumously inducted into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame in 1997, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in comic book history.