For nearly 30 years, the chilling fate of the starship Event Horizon has haunted viewers. Director Paul W.S. Anderson and writer Philip Eisner’s 1997 film left an indelible mark on the science fiction horror genre, hinting at unspeakable dimensions of terror. Fans have long speculated about the ship’s initial voyage and the crew that vanished. Now, for the first time since the movie’s release, that terrifying void will be explored in a brand-new story.
IDW Publishing is set to take us back aboard the infamous vessel with Event Horizon: Dark Descent, an official prequel comic book series. This highly anticipated five-issue series promises to delve into the horrifying events that transpired before Captain Miller and his crew ever stepped foot onto the derelict ship. Prepare to uncover the secrets of the Event Horizon comic and the grim fate of its original inhabitants.
Inside the Event Horizon Dark Descent Comic Series
EVENT HORIZON: DARK DESCENT is designed to be fully accessible to new readers while providing essential backstory for long-time fans. It lifts the veil on what truly happened to Captain Kilpack and the initial crew during their journey through a nightmarish realm. The series will embrace the hard-R rating of the original film, promising a truly visceral and terrifying experience on the page. Demonic forces are unleashed, led by the malevolent Paimon, the eyeless King of Hell. They inflict agony and pure evil upon the unsuspecting crew in a gripping narrative of descent into madness and horror.
The creative team behind this chilling prequel is a formidable assembly of acclaimed comic book talent. Writing the series is the multiple Eisner Award-winner Christian Ward, known for his captivating work on titles like Batman: City of Madness. Providing the unsettling visuals is powerhouse sci-fi artist Tristan Jones, celebrated for his contributions to series like Aliens: Defiance. Rising star colorist Pip Martin (That Texas Blood) brings the horrific scenes to vivid, terrifying life. Overseeing the series as editor is Nicolas Niño.
Christian Ward expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a huge privilege to be handed the keys of such a beloved film, one I take very seriously and I have some extremely exciting things up my sleeve. Big gory swings will be happening. You’ll never see the film in the same light again.”
Artist Tristan Jones added, “I think what Christian’s laying out and adding to the lore is going to surprise people. It’s certainly given me a lot of gnarly, visceral stuff to chew on visually, which is always fun and knowing that this is being done directly in collaboration with the team behind the film certainly helps lock things in as something fans of the film will want to explore with us.”
Series Editor Nicolas Niño highlighted the film’s suitability for this expansion: “There are few films better suited for an expansion than Event Horizon. It’s a strong character-driven horror movie that hints at a whole other dimension we get to build upon. And build we shall.” He ominously concluded, “This is a creative team possessed by some dark and seductive muse guiding their hands through a story in which evil never loses. Strap in now — DARK DESCENT is only the beginning of the pandemonium…”
The horror genre continues to thrive in comics, offering unique opportunities for visual storytelling and psychological terror. Expanding beloved franchises like Event Horizon allows creators to explore new corners of established universes. If you enjoy diving into dark and unsettling narratives, or want to understand the origins of the film’s horror, this series is poised to deliver. You can explore the world of comics further by visiting Comic Book Addicts. This official prequel offers a canonical look at the events leading up to the film, providing answers fans have sought for decades.
EVENT HORIZON: DARK DESCENT #1, the first issue of the five-part series, is scheduled to go on sale on August 20, 2025. The final order cut-off date for retailers is July 14, 2025. Make sure to let your local comic shop know you want to reserve your copy before this deadline. The debut issue will feature a variety of covers, including the primary cover by Jeffrey Alan Love, and variant covers by Christian Ward, Martin Simmonds, and Joshua Hixson. A foil full art variant of Ward’s cover and a sketch cover will also be available for collectors.
This series is part of IDW DARK, the publisher’s spine-tingling horror imprint. IDW DARK brings together twisted blends of stories from blockbuster horror franchises like those from Paramount and original IDW creations. You can find out more about the publisher and their other offerings by visiting the official IDW Publishing website.
Finding your new fear has never been easier. No interdimensional travel is needed; just a quick trip to the comic shop locator can help you find a store near you that carries IDW titles.
Creative Team:
- Writer: Christian Ward
- Artist: Tristan Jones
- Colorist: Pip Martin
- Editor: Nicolas Niño
- Cover A: Jeffrey Alan Love
- Variant Covers: Christian Ward, Martin Simmonds, Joshua Hixson
Conclusion
EVENT HORIZON: DARK DESCENT promises to be a brutal and insightful look into the origins of the horror in the cult classic film. By exploring the fate of the first crew through the lens of acclaimed comic creators, IDW is set to deliver a prequel experience that both honors the source material and expands its terrifying mythology. If the thought of confronting Paimon and witnessing the ship’s initial descent into hell resonates with you, mark your calendars for August 2025. What do you think of this long-awaited Event Horizon comic prequel? Will you be adding it to your pull list? Join the conversation and discuss your thoughts on our Twitter page!
