As a prequel to the video game of the same name, Image Comics’ DEAD SPACE may be “just” a tie-in, but the good news is it could exist on its own. Writer Antony Johnston and illustrator Ben Templesmith examine an outer-space mining colony that uncovers a twisting monument that many of their crew members believe represents a “marker” as prophesied by the cult-like Church of Unitology.
Not everyone shares that belief, but no matter: The thing was bound to cause problems anyway: mass suicides, viral growth in the ship, unexplained attacks and, finally, a horde of undead creatures ready to paint the walls blood red.
I love ghost ship stories, and DEAD SPACE brings a new level to the subgenre with the religious element. As with 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, Templesmith’s deliberately messy style works well in this arena, especially when the shit really hits the fan, and the panels look like they’re moving. This hardcover collects the entirety of the six-issue miniseries, plus includes concept art from the game. I’m not too interested in playing it, but I do recommend renting the not-at-all-bad DEAD SPACE: DOWNFALL animated movie. —Rod Lott
Related posts:
- Debatable Space
- Different Kinds of Dead and Other Tales
- Space Vulture
- The Colour out of Space: Tales of Cosmic Horror
- Dead Sea
