DF Interview: Christian Ward celebrates a cult-classic horror film in the comic book prequel ‘Event Horizon: Dark Descent’

By Byron Brewer

Event Horizon: Dark Descent is the first expansion of the titular horror film since it was released in theaters by Paramount Pictures in 1997. Taking place before the events of the movie and completely accessible to new readers, this is the unbelievable story of the final fate of the original Event Horizon crew. What really happened to Captain Kilpack and the first crew as their ship journeyed across a nightmarish realm of torments beyond imagining? Abandon all hope as demonic forces – led by Paimon, the eyeless King of Hell – unleash agony and pure evil upon the crew in a gripping story.

The terrifying cinematic universe was originally created by director Paul W.S. Anderson and writer Philip Eisner, and now an innovative crew of acclaimed comic book creators – multiple Eisner Award-winner Christian Ward (Batman: City of Madness), sci-fi artist Tristan Jones (Aliens: Defiance), and colorist Pip Martin (That Texas Blood) – proudly bring us the official prequel to the unforgettable film that has haunted fans for decades.

Here’s what scribe Christian Ward told me in our interview.

Byron Brewer: Christian, the coming of Event Horizon: Dark Descent demands an explanation for why there would be a comic book prequel attached to a 28-year-old film. What is the genesis of this project?

Christian Ward: We're living through a period of great nostalgia. When it's tough, we look back on what we perceive as better times. We're seeing lots of properties being brought back successfully as comics: Transformers, Thundercats, Terminator, all the 'T's! What's interesting about Event Horizon is for years its fan base has been actually asking for more from that universe. And the lore of Event Horizon is tantalizing. It's the perfect world to think of wider stories for and that's definitely something I've done on and off since seeing the film opening night in ‘97.

After learning from my pal, editor Heather Antos, that IDW had acquired the license for the film, I lobbied hard to be the one to write it. Then editor Nic Nino reached out and asked me to pitch what MY take would be. That night I watched film again and the specific untold story stared me in the face and I knew even more I had to be the one to tell it. I pitched IDW not just what this prequel would be but also the wider story. They greenlit it, Paramount greenlit it and, even better, Philip Eisner (the film's screenwriter) greenlit it and off we launched!

Byron: Since this book is a prequel to the film, that works well for both dedicated fans of the film AND readers who may be new to this story. Can you tell us what if anything readers may need to know from the classic movie before they embark on enjoying this prequel limited series?

Christian Ward: It's written in such a way that new readers can go in completely cold. I really love the idea that there might be some readers who will go into this without seeing the film, either because they are fans of mine or Tristan's or just cosmic horror in general and then watch the film AFTER reading the comic. As far as for people familiar with the film, it was watching Andor that really unlocked what this comic could be. A prequel that would offer a context that enriches and even changes your view of a story you think you know. A story take would add to the movie rather than contradict. But I'm also using the fact that readers know how this is ending to my advantage. Weaponizing it even. And of course by having a wholly new set of characters, you're able to explore their own dramas even as the story hurtles towards its conclusion. Despite this being a prequel, there are plenty of shocks in store.

Byron: Can you give us an overview, a spoiler-free summation as to what readers will discover in the five-issue comics series?

Christian Ward: So many horror stories are just a reworking of Red Riding Hood. Taking a shortcut through the woods and encountering the wolf. Here that shortcut is through the fabric of space itself and what they find is far scarier than a wolf. Dread, horror beyond our understanding, and gore with a capital G.

Byron: Who (or what) is Paimon? What does he have to do with the first crew of the original Event Horizon, what does he have to do with their fate?

Christian Ward: The film is often described as being Hellraiser in space. I wanted to lean into that, so Paimon is our Pinhead. Cosmic horror, unlike sci-fi horror, is rooted in feeling older than man. I wanted the chaos realm to feel ancient.

To help with that, I explored medieval interpretations of hell and demons. I looked at Dante's Inferno, the nine circles of hell, the Divine Comedy, etc. On poring through old demonology, I came across Paimon (and of course the same demon is also used in Hereditary) and, due to what he's known for, he was perfect to fold into our story.

Byron: Talk about the awesome art of Tristan Jones.

Christian Ward: Tristan draws the characters, the architecture of ships and gore with the same gut wrenching realism that each page is soaked with dream. No one draws horror in space better than Tristan Jones.

Dynamic Forces would like to thank Christian Ward for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1 from IDW Publishing is slated to be on sale August 20!

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