Reprinted from CBG #1643, here is my review of the video game-related comic book, Dead Space #1.
Published by Image, Dead Space is a six-issue series that acts as a prequel to Electronic Arts’ survival horror video game of the same name, which will be released in the fall for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The first issue sets the dark, brutal stage as a deep space mining colony unexpectedly uncovers a huge, totemic artifact. Various members of the outpost claim that the mysterious object is a “marker” holding great significance to the fringe religion of Unitology.
The art is by Ben “30 Days of Night” Templesmith, whose nightmarish renderings make the outpost seem bleak and forlorn, even though it has a relatively large population, along with many of the luxuries of home, including a coffee bar, a Tai food restaurant, and a toy store. The character interaction is a little hard to follow at times (Templesmith is better at enhancing the mood than telling Antony Johnston’s nuts-and-bolts story), but the overall effect is one of mystery, desperation, and impending doom.
Although it lacks labeling, the gruesome cover practically screams “recommended for mature readers.”
2.5 (out of 4) stars.
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