Nearly 30 years after the cult classic Event Horizon was released, Eisner-winning writer Christian Ward and Tristan Jones return to its haunted universe. Event Horizon: Dark Descent explores what happened to the original crew, prior to the events of the feature film. This new chapter in Event Horizon is a must-read for those fans of the 1997 sci-fi horror.
The Event Horizon was a revolutionary spaceship designed for one mission: faster-than-light travel with a top secret and experimental gravity drive. But upon activating the device, the ship journeyed across the borders of hell itself. In a nightmarish realm of torments beyond imagining, Captain Kilpack and the first crew of the Event Horizon must resist all manner of demonic forces including Paimon, the eyeless King of Hell, and their own descents into madness and bloodlust, if they’ve any chance of escaping back to their own world.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent echoes the tone of the original film while also bringing a fresh perspective to the story of the ship and its doomed crew. Unlike the film, which kept us guessing for much of its runtime, Christian Ward wastes no time as he plunges us straight into the madness. Since we all know what premise, there is no need for the mystery. Instead, the story leans into the chaos early and expands the backstory in new ways. It’s a faster, more direct descent compared to the film’s slow-burn approach.
What I loved about the original film was its crew, a group of misfit scientists, soldiers, and technicians. Dark Descent captures that same feeling with a new and unique cast. Ward introduces each character with their own roles and personal flaws, perfect for the demonic entity Paimon’s influence. The character development is on point and sets up the crew in an interesting way, all while we wait for their eventual demise.
Tristan Jones’ artwork is graphic and deeply unsettling in such an amazing way. Jones mixes visceral horror, nudity, and violence which brings in facets of the original film, all while adding a touch of new perspective. The visuals are enhanced by the colors of Pip Martin and fantastic lettering by Alex Ray, pushing the intensity of every page even further.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent nails the disturbing feeling and psychological horror that made the original film become a cult classic. While familiarity with the 1997 feature will add to your overall experience, this series stands on its own as a dark, mature, and stunningly crafted cosmic horror tale, well worth the nearly 30-year wait. Plus, all the more reason to rewatch the classic film over again.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 hits local comic shops on August 20, 2025 from IDW Publishing.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 Preview
