On all accounts, the 1997 sci-fi horror film event Horizon was a critically and commercially certified flop. Despite the lack of initial stellar receptions, over the years the film has earned greater new appreciation for cult supporters and several scenes cut from the final version that ultimately tightened the original vision of the filmmakers. Sadly, much of the footage that was cut off has been lost, which has taken fans out of seeing the fully restored version. Thankfully, IDW Publishing has become a highly satisfying fan demand with the Parish’s creative team, artist Tristan Jones and the first official prequel to the film’s first official film, Dark Descent: Dark Descent: Dark Descent.
The five-part series, held before the film’s event, explores the ultimate fate of the horizon crew of the original event, which revealed what actually happened to Captain Killpack and the first crew.
Ahead of the deadline for pre-orders next week and the release of the first issue next month, Beat had the joy of interviewing via email writer Christian Ward, discussing a new level of exploration of the universe’s horror and why the original film still resonates for the audience.
Taimur Dar: The first obvious question is remember when you first saw the horizon of the event?
Christian Ward: I saw it at the weekend opening! I’m not just a sci-fi fan, I was a fan of Orbital, an electronic duo that collaborated with Michael Kamen. In fact, it was just as much their involvement as anything that puts my butt in the seat. I remember hearing a beat pounding their pulse as the film opened with a swirling black hole vortex as the credits pop out of the screen and pulled back into the gap in the hole. “This is going to be a roller coaster,” I thought to myself and I was right.
Taimur Dar: You are probably best known for your unique art style, but you are not used to writing cartoons. According to an interview I did with Beat a few years ago, I think I wrote the Machine Gun Wizard for another artist for the first time. I assume that this plan is always focused on writing event horizon: a dark descent. It was an incident and how did you join Tristan Jones and Pip Martin?
Christian Ward: I actually love writing for other artists. I’m right to say that Machine Gun Wizard is my first book as a writer. In that case, I handed the artist’s reins to Sami Kibera. Sami Kibera was able to sell a book about banning the Chicago environment in the 1930s, but it requires magic. This series required people who could be glued to the tangible ship’s tangible steel and iron corridors, as well as the fear of space. When I was discussing artists, I couldn’t think of anyone who could handle it better than Tristan Jones. As far as colours go, I didn’t want this to look like the other books on the stand. I knew Tristan’s realistic inkwork could handle more cutting-edge, modern colouring styles. When we invited PIP to do a test run on some of Tristan’s old alien pages, we knew we had found something really very special. PIP is new to the industry, but I think I’m destined to be a highly sought-after colorist.
Taimur Dar: Event When Horizon first released, it was a significant and commercial flop. Despite considerable borrowing from alien movies, the film’s influence can be seen in Dead Space video games and even Christopher Nolan’s star. Rather than being forgotten by the ambiguity of the 90s, do you think Event Horizon is still resonating with people in decades?
Christian Ward: I don’t think pun intended, it’s about singularity. It’s not like an alien, so it managed to keep resonating. There are no monsters stalking the hallways. There is no physical threat. It’s pure universe horror, and there aren’t many films that actually scratch a very specific itch. It is psychological and resists clear explanations. In other words, it feels like horror comes from something beyond our understanding. Add it to incredible production designs. Event Horizon looks different from the rest, both in the film and in fact the ship itself. A part of Gothic Cathedral and equivalent to industrialism in the 90s.
Taimur Dar: For me, the best fears cause the fear and anxiety that is present. Given the current state of the world, it is not short. While working on this project, have you led either your own personal life or the fears from the world at large?
Christian Ward: You can’t. All of my books are about something beyond the story itself. Batman: The Madness City was about how trauma is passed on. Blood stained teeth are both about the real threat of billionaires, but also a public medical hymn. You have to convey your personal life and fear to your character. Horror is often about dealing with real horror and winning it. In many ways, event horizon is a hope in hell. Very literal hell in our case.
Taimur Dar: I’m sure you know well, the event Horizon has won a cult for many years, mainly because of its original vision and never would. Are you thinking of this project as a way to correct it or create something that could be considered closest to the event horizon director’s cut, as the original footage was sadly lost and cannot be restored?
Christian Ward: Under Andre solidified what I wanted to do with my wealth. I wanted to write something that would change the way I watch the movie. It’s a delicate balance because you don’t want to betray the original intentions or introduce things that don’t fit into existing lore. It’s all about giving an additional, preferably rich context. Regarding the director’s cut and its infamous “blood orgy” scene, I can promise they won’t be disappointed.
Taimur Dar: Finally, can future projects bully fans?
Christian Ward: Event Horizon: Dark Gent, I write and draw a strange story doctor for the issue of Landmark #450. We have big plans and they all start with event horizon: Dark descent #1.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 arrives at the comic shop on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025.
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