The 1997 film event Horizon holds a special place in my heart. This will feature IDW, Event Horizon: Dark Decent, and a must-see first part miniseries. This film came out when I was too young to see it, but my friend and I were convinced that it was fun and light sci-fi. We knew what we were doing. When she was seated, she spent 10 minutes in the film, then immersed us in the horror. We won that day. Two children watched an R movie where adults were rated as unable to make their stomachs into their stomachs. It’s a high bar to reach, and Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 has all the trappings beyond the movie.
On August 20th, Event Horizon: Dark Decent #1 introduces readers to the crew of Event Horizon when the ship has not yet been tested. Ships built to jump vast distances in space by bending space and time have made great progress, but outside of science there is no way to know what the crew is passing through towards their destination. I’ve seen the movie and know it’s darkness, or hell itself. This concept is powerful and this prequel is prepared for a kind of fear we rarely get.
It’s an eclectic crew to prepare it for even more success. Writer Christian Ward first introduces us to the main character. It seems like a logical move, letting the earth escape when you have nothing. Escape something for this mission is a recurring theme among the crew, and Ward finds interesting ways to make each character’s motivation unique. As the ship jumps, each one can see the kind of fear they may encounter, raising expectations and firing out the imagination of the future.
The creative team does a good job of diving into this with ease even if you haven’t seen the movie event Horizon. Fear is sometimes teased by displaying the horrifying body horror. Think of it as a ghost.
Credit: IDW
Artist Tristan Jones has detailed styles suitable for spacecraft and character acting. His detailed style uses small lines on his face and clothes to almost craze the skin. This is a benefit for horror books where monsters may not be on every page. Jones’ art backs up the complete fear you feel for these characters, taking into account the uneasy nature of each crew’s backstory. All of the characters’ looks are deep and realistic, and add to their humanity. These are people who could become actors in still images. They are very realistic.
When it comes to space horror, the Pip Martin colours also add a lot. There is a lot of darkness on the ship, but the sickly greenery and strange teal help to create a sense of anxiety. Martin’s colours don’t go too far. In many panels, Martin makes harsh stripes of light that help add emphasis or cut into knife-like characters. It’s a decent trick.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 is the start of the first part, which celebrates cult classic films while creating its own unique space horror. It’s the kind of fear that you’ll start grabbing your chair and you won’t even notice until you’ve finished reading it. With an unforgettable atmosphere, ominously authentic characters, and fearing to remain static in the darkness, it is a must-see for horror fans and sci-fi thrill seekers.
“Event Horizon: Dark Descend” #1 is a grip, disturbed start
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 is the start of the first part, which celebrates cult classic films while creating its own unique space horror. It’s the kind of fear that you’ll start grabbing your chair and you won’t even notice until you’ve finished reading it. With an unforgettable atmosphere, ominously authentic characters, and fearing to remain static in the darkness, it is a must-see for horror fans and sci-fi thrill seekers.
Introducing powerful characters with rich and unique motivations
It effectively captures the creeping and psychological horror of the original film
Tristan Jones’ detailed and unsettling linework raises tension on every page
Pip Martin coloring adds air anxiety without overwhelming the art
It’s accessible to readers who are new to movies
Being familiar with Horizon films at the event will increase the impact, but not necessary
Some readers may find horror too late early
