Based on Steve Niles’ history with horror stories it’s a safe bet you will feel creeped out at the very least when reading his tales. In this latest story set in space, a crew encounters something alien. As you might expect things are going to go south very quickly and this latest chapter showcases that.
So what’s it about?
Read our exclusive preview.
Why does this matter?
Nat Jones has used a sketchy style that gives an unnerving feel to the story. Niles meanwhile, has slowly unveiled what it is we should be very afraid of. This is a horror story that will get under your skin.
Read our reviews of issue #1 and #2.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Stay calm.
This is the penultimate issue in the series so buckle up, because things are about to get weird. This issue opens with our characters fleeing a very weird scene where a giant door alien door stands, a robot drone went missing, and a mysterious woman was retrieved. It’s a situation where most people would peace out and not look back. Niles adds tension with an attack of sorts on the s--t that leaves the characters shaken. It’s clear Niles should be writing movies because the guy has a handle on the human element even in the most fantastical situations. These characters are unaware of what is happening–even if the reader isn’t–and it’s horrifying to think what they must be going through.
Jones continues to show less is more with his work. There’s a simplicity that is angelic and calming yet the events are definitely worth worrying about. The main villain is creepy in an unemotional way that may make you feel awkward. The use of tentacles is quite good here and it delivers on an unnerving feel.
That’s not good.
It can’t be perfect can it?
If you’re under the impression this series is more of a vignette you should be okay with its pace. That said, it’s so slow I’m having trouble warranting the price tag. This is more like a 20 minute scene in a movie so far than a full feature. The gore starts to take effect this issue, but we’re at issue three of a four issue story and we should be further along than this! I still believe this story will be a chilling story collected, but in single issues, it’s dragging.
Making matters worse, the book has been sold as a horror with a Species-like a female villain and so far we’ve barely seen a thing from her. This story feels very much like it could fill a 100 issue arc, but so far it’s just too slow.
Is it good?
A good issue that brings the story to a bloody place. Read this if you want to feel a bit of a chill from the horror. It is slow though, and might annoy many.
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