The legendary sci-fi horror film Event Horizon, which still haunts audiences nearly 30 years after its release, is getting a new life—not on the big screen, but in the form of a five-issue comic book series. The film, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson and starring Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne, initially failed to make a big splash at the box office when it was released in 1997. However, over time, it has grown into a cult classic, known for its haunting portrayal of space travel gone horribly wrong. The premise? Interstellar travel through a black hole leads directly to Hell.
While fans have long speculated about a potential sequel or extended director’s cut, it turns out that Event Horizon‘s dark legacy is being explored in a completely different medium: comics. IDW Publishing, known for their work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sonic, and Godzilla, will release Event Horizon: Dark Descent, a prequel to the original film. Set to dive into the origins of the ill-fated spaceship, this series promises to deliver everything fans love about the movie—gore, sci-fi thrills, and plenty of psychological horror.
The Dark Descent: What to Expect
The prequel, Event Horizon: Dark Descent, will delve into the creation and ill-fated journey of the Event Horizon, the first ship capable of bending space-time—with catastrophic consequences. Christian Ward, the Eisner Award-winning writer and artist known for Batman: City of Madness, has been given the task of bringing this haunting tale to life. Alongside him is Tristan Jones, a sci-fi comic book specialist, and colorist Pip Martin, who will provide the visual elements to enhance the chilling narrative.
Christian Ward has expressed his excitement about the project, promising that the series will explore the dark themes of the original film in ways fans may not have expected. In a statement, Ward revealed, “It’s a huge privilege to be entrusted with such a cult film. I have some very exciting ideas in store, and there will be bloody scenes that will make you look at the movie in an entirely different way.”
For fans eager to explore the mythology behind Event Horizon, this comic series will give a much-needed expansion of the story. Jones has also highlighted that the series will offer an immersive and visceral experience, adding layers to the narrative that were only hinted at in the film. The fact that the production team has worked closely with the filmmakers ensures that the comic will stay true to the eerie atmosphere that made the original so unforgettable.
Event Horizon Lives on in a New Format
The release of Event Horizon: Dark Descent is part of a larger effort by IDW’s IDW Dark label, which focuses on adapting Paramount film licenses into comic book formats. Their previous adaptations include A Quiet Place, Smile, Sleepy Hollow, and 30 Days of Night. The first of the five volumes in the Event Horizon prequel series will be available on August 20, 2025, and will mark a new era for fans who have longed for more of the chilling world that Event Horizon introduced to the sci-fi horror genre.
This prequel, set to explore the darker corners of the Event Horizon universe, brings a new way to experience the terror and mystery of this iconic film. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the movie or just someone who loves a good space thriller, the upcoming comics promise to offer an unforgettable dive into one of the most terrifying stories ever told.