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Callisto
A detective’s investigation into disappearances reveals a hidden cult, a growing body count, and a dark, otherworldly force beneath the surface of the space colony in this original graphic novel.
Callisto is Jupiter's second largest moon and home to one of humanity's industrial and mining settlements, a hotspot of commerce, culture, and religion. But with capital comes carnage. In her investigation of mysterious disappearances and whispers of a secret cult, Detective Becca Ramos suddenly finds herself in the middle of a web of murders and discovers there is more to this world hidden beneath the surface. But where does it all lead? An original graphic novel that effortlessly weaves religion, colonization, and the cosmos together, CALLISTO is nothing short of stellar.
Callisto is Jupiter's second largest moon and home to one of humanity's industrial and mining settlements, a hotspot of commerce, culture, and religion. But with capital comes carnage. In her investigation of mysterious disappearances and whispers of a secret cult, Detective Becca Ramos suddenly finds herself in the middle of a web of murders and discovers there is more to this world hidden beneath the surface. But where does it all lead? An original graphic novel that effortlessly weaves religion, colonization, and the cosmos together, CALLISTO is nothing short of stellar.
180 pages, Hardcover
Published October 6, 2026
About the author
Steve Niles
842 books483 followersSTEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.
Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 11, 2026
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for the DRC of this graphic novel. I really enjoyed the story, and binged read it!
October 20, 2026
A generic thriller for some reason set on one of the moons of Jupiter even though it could have took place on Earth. It hems and haws before veering into WTF? territory at the end. It's a terrible ending. I don't know that Mutti is the best artist to work on a book with more than a few characters. They all look the same and I had problems keeping track of who was who unless they had some distinctive facial hair.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Yeah, this book was written by an American man, all right.
Why do I say American? The graphic novel starts off quick and furious, and it draws you in quite quickly. Soon however, we get a good big lore drop: the first settlers of this moon were religious pilgrims, departing from earth to leave its sinfulness behind. Right on cue, the male protagonist - an atheist from the year 2800 who has never been on Earth- remarks: "Ah, just like America.". How would he know? No idea. That's where I feared it'd be a rough go.
I don't usually include the whole plot in a review. But just to warn you, here I think it's justified and even needed, because it's the plot itself that warrants this rating. It is confusing, full of holes, and none of the storylines get a satisfactory ending. And that's before it really goes off rails.
Our first villain is a lowly surveyor with a capitalist hyper company, who rises suspiciously fast to the top after finding a religious pilgrim artefact. People around him, however, keep ending up dead. Once he's taken care of, his murderous work is continued by a strange religious revival cult. And finally, there's a twist villain. Our protagonists are a male and female detective who just happened to be in an affair together. Throughout the Graphic Novel, her life continues to go south: her ex husband, several colleagues, and all her witnesses all die in horrific and strange circumstances. These circumstances remain unexplained for the full novel, by the way. All we see at some point is a devil shaped shadow. On the other hand, his life is going up, his awful boss dies in a car accident, he gets the promotion he was waiting for and enough money to buy a house and luxury goods. Isn't that suspicious?
OK, then the art. The art is beautiful and very atmospheric. The moon Callisto is properly dystopian, gritty and dirty. However, the art is also very inconsistent. Characters are hard to recognise, their faces sometimes changing from 1 page and panel to the next. In fact, I noticed that very often I depended on dialog clues to figure out what character I was looking at. I don't rightly understand the significance of the cover, beyond vaguely resembling religious imagery. Its art style is very different from the rest of the comic.
In the final section the story really jumps the shark. The female cop somehow figures out her partner is the killer. During that confrontation she is forced to shoot him, but not before he reveals that she's pregnant with his child. There's also devil figures in the scene, somehow. After this scene, she wakes up in a hospital with a full pregnant belly. How long has she been there? Only 3 days since the previous scene, apparently. According to the doctor, she is about to give birth. A light flickers, a child is born, and all the doctors and nurses in the hospital are dead and gruesomely murdered. Our protagonist is alone, flat-bellied, and able to quickly walk. In a dark shadow we see a demonish shape. End of story.
I have to admit, when I was summarising the plot of this novel to my partner, the final part was almost too uncomfortable to tell her. I can't in good conscience give this more than 1 star. Well, at least it was a fast read.
Despite all this, I'm genuinely grateful to the publisher and to netgalley for the ARC.
Why do I say American? The graphic novel starts off quick and furious, and it draws you in quite quickly. Soon however, we get a good big lore drop: the first settlers of this moon were religious pilgrims, departing from earth to leave its sinfulness behind. Right on cue, the male protagonist - an atheist from the year 2800 who has never been on Earth- remarks: "Ah, just like America.". How would he know? No idea. That's where I feared it'd be a rough go.
I don't usually include the whole plot in a review. But just to warn you, here I think it's justified and even needed, because it's the plot itself that warrants this rating. It is confusing, full of holes, and none of the storylines get a satisfactory ending. And that's before it really goes off rails.
Our first villain is a lowly surveyor with a capitalist hyper company, who rises suspiciously fast to the top after finding a religious pilgrim artefact. People around him, however, keep ending up dead. Once he's taken care of, his murderous work is continued by a strange religious revival cult. And finally, there's a twist villain. Our protagonists are a male and female detective who just happened to be in an affair together. Throughout the Graphic Novel, her life continues to go south: her ex husband, several colleagues, and all her witnesses all die in horrific and strange circumstances. These circumstances remain unexplained for the full novel, by the way. All we see at some point is a devil shaped shadow. On the other hand, his life is going up, his awful boss dies in a car accident, he gets the promotion he was waiting for and enough money to buy a house and luxury goods. Isn't that suspicious?
OK, then the art. The art is beautiful and very atmospheric. The moon Callisto is properly dystopian, gritty and dirty. However, the art is also very inconsistent. Characters are hard to recognise, their faces sometimes changing from 1 page and panel to the next. In fact, I noticed that very often I depended on dialog clues to figure out what character I was looking at. I don't rightly understand the significance of the cover, beyond vaguely resembling religious imagery. Its art style is very different from the rest of the comic.
In the final section the story really jumps the shark. The female cop somehow figures out her partner is the killer. During that confrontation she is forced to shoot him, but not before he reveals that she's pregnant with his child. There's also devil figures in the scene, somehow. After this scene, she wakes up in a hospital with a full pregnant belly. How long has she been there? Only 3 days since the previous scene, apparently. According to the doctor, she is about to give birth. A light flickers, a child is born, and all the doctors and nurses in the hospital are dead and gruesomely murdered. Our protagonist is alone, flat-bellied, and able to quickly walk. In a dark shadow we see a demonish shape. End of story.
I have to admit, when I was summarising the plot of this novel to my partner, the final part was almost too uncomfortable to tell her. I can't in good conscience give this more than 1 star. Well, at least it was a fast read.
Despite all this, I'm genuinely grateful to the publisher and to netgalley for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't need every thread in a mystery to be fully buttoned up, but I need some of them to be, and that didn't happen here. On top of that, there was nothing particularly interesting happening with either the art or the characters. Why was our main character in an unsanctioned relationship? We don't know. Why were the original religious pilgrims The Lost Colony, but also an active secret society? We don't know. How did the Captain get replaced in less than 6 hours? We don't know. What in the world happened at the end? We don't know. But we did get multiple sex scenes 🤷🏻♀️.
There were some hints that this could have been an interesting story, but everything about it felt incredibly rushed and unfinished.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC, even if I ultimately did not like this book.
There were some hints that this could have been an interesting story, but everything about it felt incredibly rushed and unfinished.
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC, even if I ultimately did not like this book.
October 6, 2026
Steve Niles’ Callisto is a gripping science fiction mystery that blends frontier survival, noir investigation, and unsettling horror into a compelling graphic novel.
Set in the year 2525, the story unfolds on Callisto, Jupiter’s second-largest moon, first discovered in 1610 and renowned for having the most heavily cratered surface in our solar system. For over a century, Callisto has been humanity’s industrial treasure trove, a world rich in minerals where generations of settlers have built lives around mining and commerce. The story begins when Aaron Santoro and a friend are driving across the bleak mining landscape beyond the industrial towers. In a remote clearing, they discover an ancient pilgrim ship that has lain untouched for nearly one hundred years. The pilgrims, who once journeyed from Earth carrying silver, gold, and hope for a new beginning, have long since vanished into history. Among the eerie relics is something Santoro has never seen before, a printed book bearing the pilgrims’ distinctive cross. After reporting what appears to be an accident, the discovery seems destined to become another footnote in Callisto’s history. However, one year later, in Elm City, the moon’s largest settlement, Detective Becca Ramos gives Rusty a lift as they search for Santoro, now wanted for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, they recover the mysterious pilgrim book alongside Santoro’s belongings and discover Dave Hollis imprisoned in a cage. Each new clue points back to Santoro, yet everyone connected to him is either dead or has disappeared, transforming the investigation into an increasingly sinister puzzle.
Steve Niles masterfully constructs a mystery in which every revelation deepens the intrigue instead of providing easy answers. Aaron Santoro serves as the enigmatic center of the narrative, shifting from an ordinary surveyor to the focal point of an investigation that raises more questions than it answers. Becca and Rusty become determined investigators whose persistence drives the story forward, while Dave Hollis’ shocking discovery adds urgency and emotional weight. The novel explores themes of greed, isolation, faith, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth, suggesting that some discoveries are far more dangerous than the fortunes they promise. Callisto itself becomes more than a backdrop; its desolate mining colonies, abandoned relics, and endless craters create an atmosphere of loneliness and unease that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery. Niles balances science fiction with supernatural overtones, allowing suspense to build steadily without sacrificing character development or emotional investment.
Andrea Mutti’s artwork is exceptional, capturing both the immense scale of the moon’s harsh landscape and the intimate moments of fear and uncertainty experienced by the characters. The expressive illustrations lend cinematic intensity to every page, while Lee Loughridge’s color palette reinforces the cold, industrial environment through muted tones punctuated by moments of striking visual contrast. Marshall Dillon’s lettering deserves equal praise, guiding the reader effortlessly through dialogue, narration, and tense action sequences while enhancing the story’s rhythm. Together, the creative team crafts a visually immersive experience that perfectly complements Niles’ measured pacing. Although the mystery deliberately withholds many answers until later in the narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets creates sustained tension that encourages readers to continue turning pages.
Quill says: Callisto is a haunting and beautifully crafted science fiction thriller that successfully combines space exploration, detective fiction, and horror into a richly atmospheric reading experience. Readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, eerie science fiction, and mysteries where every discovery uncovers an even darker secret will find Callisto an engrossing and rewarding graphic novel well worth exploring.
Set in the year 2525, the story unfolds on Callisto, Jupiter’s second-largest moon, first discovered in 1610 and renowned for having the most heavily cratered surface in our solar system. For over a century, Callisto has been humanity’s industrial treasure trove, a world rich in minerals where generations of settlers have built lives around mining and commerce. The story begins when Aaron Santoro and a friend are driving across the bleak mining landscape beyond the industrial towers. In a remote clearing, they discover an ancient pilgrim ship that has lain untouched for nearly one hundred years. The pilgrims, who once journeyed from Earth carrying silver, gold, and hope for a new beginning, have long since vanished into history. Among the eerie relics is something Santoro has never seen before, a printed book bearing the pilgrims’ distinctive cross. After reporting what appears to be an accident, the discovery seems destined to become another footnote in Callisto’s history. However, one year later, in Elm City, the moon’s largest settlement, Detective Becca Ramos gives Rusty a lift as they search for Santoro, now wanted for kidnapping. As the investigation unfolds, they recover the mysterious pilgrim book alongside Santoro’s belongings and discover Dave Hollis imprisoned in a cage. Each new clue points back to Santoro, yet everyone connected to him is either dead or has disappeared, transforming the investigation into an increasingly sinister puzzle.
Steve Niles masterfully constructs a mystery in which every revelation deepens the intrigue instead of providing easy answers. Aaron Santoro serves as the enigmatic center of the narrative, shifting from an ordinary surveyor to the focal point of an investigation that raises more questions than it answers. Becca and Rusty become determined investigators whose persistence drives the story forward, while Dave Hollis’ shocking discovery adds urgency and emotional weight. The novel explores themes of greed, isolation, faith, and humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth, suggesting that some discoveries are far more dangerous than the fortunes they promise. Callisto itself becomes more than a backdrop; its desolate mining colonies, abandoned relics, and endless craters create an atmosphere of loneliness and unease that perfectly complements the unfolding mystery. Niles balances science fiction with supernatural overtones, allowing suspense to build steadily without sacrificing character development or emotional investment.
Andrea Mutti’s artwork is exceptional, capturing both the immense scale of the moon’s harsh landscape and the intimate moments of fear and uncertainty experienced by the characters. The expressive illustrations lend cinematic intensity to every page, while Lee Loughridge’s color palette reinforces the cold, industrial environment through muted tones punctuated by moments of striking visual contrast. Marshall Dillon’s lettering deserves equal praise, guiding the reader effortlessly through dialogue, narration, and tense action sequences while enhancing the story’s rhythm. Together, the creative team crafts a visually immersive experience that perfectly complements Niles’ measured pacing. Although the mystery deliberately withholds many answers until later in the narrative, the gradual unveiling of secrets creates sustained tension that encourages readers to continue turning pages.
Quill says: Callisto is a haunting and beautifully crafted science fiction thriller that successfully combines space exploration, detective fiction, and horror into a richly atmospheric reading experience. Readers who appreciate slow-burning suspense, eerie science fiction, and mysteries where every discovery uncovers an even darker secret will find Callisto an engrossing and rewarding graphic novel well worth exploring.
September 23, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the ARC!
The premise of Callisto sounds cool - a religious cult and real demons clash with the gritty sci-fi reality of the moon colony of Callisto several hundred years in the future - but the plot really didn't hold up. The bones of an interesting story are in here somewhere, but they're let down by terrible execution.
The plot moves waaaay too fast for every thread to be properly explained or expanded upon; this felt like the story of at least three volumes packed into one. And it really randomly jumped the shark at the end with a 'twist' that came out of absolutely nowhere and gave the narrative absolutely nothing. Also, the two main characters are terrible at their jobs - they keep fucking up situations, like not fully exploring a crime scene, not properly bagging the most crucial piece of evidence, or barging into a religious cult ritual so that the suspect has time to kill a dude. And we never get any actual answers for what's going on - the plot just flies from one thing to the next at breakneck speed, randomly killing off another person every other page until it gets to the nonsensical ending.
My real bugbear throughout the entire comic though was the dialogue. It was so flaccid and uninspiring, always saying things in the most simple and basic way, taking absolutely no joy in the language. Every line was said in the most boring manner possible, making actually reading this comic a huge chore.
Art-wise, the character art is ugly and unappealing, and more frustratingly, the faces of various characters are drawn inconsistently, meaning even the main characters often look different from scene to scene. And I can't lie, the cover itself is a real dud, in a completely different and uncomplimentary art style to the actual art in the comic. On the up side, though, the landscape and building art is absolutely beautiful; there were a few pages with just landscapes and buildings in them that I stopped for a whole minute to admire, and some really interesting limited palettes were used for some pages. The art definitely conveyed the gritty realism of the setting and gave a nice sense of atmosphere.
While Callisto has a promising premise and truly beautiful art when it comes to depicting landscapes and architecture, everything else is pretty terrible. The plot is incoherent, the characters look ugly and act stupid, and the dialogue bored me to tears. Overall, a waste of time.
The premise of Callisto sounds cool - a religious cult and real demons clash with the gritty sci-fi reality of the moon colony of Callisto several hundred years in the future - but the plot really didn't hold up. The bones of an interesting story are in here somewhere, but they're let down by terrible execution.
The plot moves waaaay too fast for every thread to be properly explained or expanded upon; this felt like the story of at least three volumes packed into one. And it really randomly jumped the shark at the end with a 'twist' that came out of absolutely nowhere and gave the narrative absolutely nothing. Also, the two main characters are terrible at their jobs - they keep fucking up situations, like not fully exploring a crime scene, not properly bagging the most crucial piece of evidence, or barging into a religious cult ritual so that the suspect has time to kill a dude. And we never get any actual answers for what's going on - the plot just flies from one thing to the next at breakneck speed, randomly killing off another person every other page until it gets to the nonsensical ending.
My real bugbear throughout the entire comic though was the dialogue. It was so flaccid and uninspiring, always saying things in the most simple and basic way, taking absolutely no joy in the language. Every line was said in the most boring manner possible, making actually reading this comic a huge chore.
Art-wise, the character art is ugly and unappealing, and more frustratingly, the faces of various characters are drawn inconsistently, meaning even the main characters often look different from scene to scene. And I can't lie, the cover itself is a real dud, in a completely different and uncomplimentary art style to the actual art in the comic. On the up side, though, the landscape and building art is absolutely beautiful; there were a few pages with just landscapes and buildings in them that I stopped for a whole minute to admire, and some really interesting limited palettes were used for some pages. The art definitely conveyed the gritty realism of the setting and gave a nice sense of atmosphere.
While Callisto has a promising premise and truly beautiful art when it comes to depicting landscapes and architecture, everything else is pretty terrible. The plot is incoherent, the characters look ugly and act stupid, and the dialogue bored me to tears. Overall, a waste of time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I did enjoy reading Callisto. While I don't think it quite reached its full potential, it was still a pretty engaging read with an interesting premise, and some fantastic illustrations. The main characters were interesting enough, though I found myself wishing they had been explored in greater depth. The side characters mostly felt like plot devices, and several of them were thrown away as quickly as they appeared. I also felt the lore had promise, and could have benefitted from a little more development, as well. I couldn't help feeling as though this story would have benefited from being told over two volumes, giving both the characters and the lore a bigger opportunity to shine.
The artwork was the highlight of the book, in my opinion. The illustrations of Callisto, itself, and the city were fantastic, with detailed scenery that really brought the setting to life. The lighting, composition, and use of color were all top-notch. The characters' faces weren't always consistent, and there were a few moments where I had to stop and figure out who was speaking if there weren't any dialogue hints.
Sci-fi and horror are a combination I typically enjoy, which is what I was expecting this story to be, but it's more of a sci-fi noir/drama. While there are elements of mystery and suspense, I didn't feel the conclusion tied everything together or offered enough insight into why the events unfolded the way they did.
The story is divided into a few distinct segments, beginning with the discovery of a religious artifact, then following two police officers as they investigate the strange events surrounding it. The final section felt a bit more loosely connected to what came before, eventually leading to an ending that felt pretty abrupt. It honestly left me wondering whether there was supposed to be a second volume, as it seemed like there was more story left to tell.
Even so, Callisto was still an interesting read with excellent visual style, an intriguing sci-fi setting, and lots of potential. I just wish it had slowed down a bit and spent more time developing its characters, lore, and conclusion. If this ends up getting a sequel, I'd definitely be interested in seeing this story fleshed out a little more. Thanks to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the ARC.
The artwork was the highlight of the book, in my opinion. The illustrations of Callisto, itself, and the city were fantastic, with detailed scenery that really brought the setting to life. The lighting, composition, and use of color were all top-notch. The characters' faces weren't always consistent, and there were a few moments where I had to stop and figure out who was speaking if there weren't any dialogue hints.
Sci-fi and horror are a combination I typically enjoy, which is what I was expecting this story to be, but it's more of a sci-fi noir/drama. While there are elements of mystery and suspense, I didn't feel the conclusion tied everything together or offered enough insight into why the events unfolded the way they did.
The story is divided into a few distinct segments, beginning with the discovery of a religious artifact, then following two police officers as they investigate the strange events surrounding it. The final section felt a bit more loosely connected to what came before, eventually leading to an ending that felt pretty abrupt. It honestly left me wondering whether there was supposed to be a second volume, as it seemed like there was more story left to tell.
Even so, Callisto was still an interesting read with excellent visual style, an intriguing sci-fi setting, and lots of potential. I just wish it had slowed down a bit and spent more time developing its characters, lore, and conclusion. If this ends up getting a sequel, I'd definitely be interested in seeing this story fleshed out a little more. Thanks to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the ARC copy of Callisto. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.
In a not so far future, Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons, has become home to humanity and its industry and mining tendencies, with all types of commerce, cultures mingling and...religion. And, like it or not, humanity brings rules and crimes, and someone to investigate them. Enter, detective Rebecca Ramos, who, alongside her partner, go investigate the death of some rich guy and find themselves tangle in a web of murders and sacrifices, toying with superior forces and a hidden layer to their world.
Right to the point: I didn't like this one...but it had some good parts, and intention, and it was promising, but it didn't deliver what I was expecting, so, unfortunately, I can't say I enjoyed it much. I'll keep it brief and vague to avoid spoilers:
While it sounded promising and it started with a bang, throwing us into the thick of it in now time, it all soon deflated, the plot branched too much and most of the seeds weren't properly picked up at the end to make it satisfactory. Also, the ending was confusing as hell, abrupt and (for lack of better words) open, and not even in a well-written way. Like, that's it? And, sure, there are endings like that, confusing, meant To Be like THAT, but they are supported by the story, which isn't the case with Callisto.
As for the art...sometimes it was as confusing as the story, and inconsistent: I had to do a double take once when they referred to a character as our lovely detective Rebecca because it was nothing like she'd been drawn so far... And that's not the only example.
Yet, I have to say, that Callisto does have a redeeming quality and that's Rebecca herself. I loved her character, I was rooting for her all along and I was glad to see her survive that poorly constructed plot. The world was kinda interested too, even if not much explored beyond what was strictly needed.
Would I recommend this one? Probably not, but if someone's looking for a sci-fi graphic novel combining religion, technology and crime in an industrial colonized moon, with a typical police thriller plot with a bit of a twist, and think Callisto is it, or if what I said made you wanted to read it...go for it. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm sure it will find its readership.
In a not so far future, Callisto, one of Jupiter's moons, has become home to humanity and its industry and mining tendencies, with all types of commerce, cultures mingling and...religion. And, like it or not, humanity brings rules and crimes, and someone to investigate them. Enter, detective Rebecca Ramos, who, alongside her partner, go investigate the death of some rich guy and find themselves tangle in a web of murders and sacrifices, toying with superior forces and a hidden layer to their world.
Right to the point: I didn't like this one...but it had some good parts, and intention, and it was promising, but it didn't deliver what I was expecting, so, unfortunately, I can't say I enjoyed it much. I'll keep it brief and vague to avoid spoilers:
While it sounded promising and it started with a bang, throwing us into the thick of it in now time, it all soon deflated, the plot branched too much and most of the seeds weren't properly picked up at the end to make it satisfactory. Also, the ending was confusing as hell, abrupt and (for lack of better words) open, and not even in a well-written way. Like, that's it? And, sure, there are endings like that, confusing, meant To Be like THAT, but they are supported by the story, which isn't the case with Callisto.
As for the art...sometimes it was as confusing as the story, and inconsistent: I had to do a double take once when they referred to a character as our lovely detective Rebecca because it was nothing like she'd been drawn so far... And that's not the only example.
Yet, I have to say, that Callisto does have a redeeming quality and that's Rebecca herself. I loved her character, I was rooting for her all along and I was glad to see her survive that poorly constructed plot. The world was kinda interested too, even if not much explored beyond what was strictly needed.
Would I recommend this one? Probably not, but if someone's looking for a sci-fi graphic novel combining religion, technology and crime in an industrial colonized moon, with a typical police thriller plot with a bit of a twist, and think Callisto is it, or if what I said made you wanted to read it...go for it. It wasn't my cup of tea, but I'm sure it will find its readership.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Callisto is definitely outside my range of comics/graphic novel knowledge, but what I can say about it is that it captures a tense, dark atmosphere from start to finish.
Unfortunately, due to the issues I have with the confusing jump cuts, the dialogue, and parts of the illustrations, I can't say I have the desire to seek out additional work by these individuals. Callisto was a quick read because I was equal parts stuck in suspense and confused. It started off strong with a really suspenseful, spooky premise. However, quickly a reader will note that the dialogue ends up carrying the story more than the illustrations. It's a bit over-written, in my opinion.
As for the art style, it does a great job of making you feel unsettled. However, I did struggle understanding scenes at times because the faces were either all too similar or not consistent enough to the point that I would be confused as to who was in the scene.
Overall, it's a creepy, dark, quick read. Definitely for fans of sci-fi. I think if you like reading the novellas of Meg Smitherman I could see this being a work you would enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Lab Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, due to the issues I have with the confusing jump cuts, the dialogue, and parts of the illustrations, I can't say I have the desire to seek out additional work by these individuals. Callisto was a quick read because I was equal parts stuck in suspense and confused. It started off strong with a really suspenseful, spooky premise. However, quickly a reader will note that the dialogue ends up carrying the story more than the illustrations. It's a bit over-written, in my opinion.
As for the art style, it does a great job of making you feel unsettled. However, I did struggle understanding scenes at times because the faces were either all too similar or not consistent enough to the point that I would be confused as to who was in the scene.
Overall, it's a creepy, dark, quick read. Definitely for fans of sci-fi. I think if you like reading the novellas of Meg Smitherman I could see this being a work you would enjoy.
Thank you to Netgalley and The Lab Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchanged for an honest review.
Callisto by Steve Niles, Andrea Mutti , and Lee Loughridge was an interesting read. The story is set in futuristic Callisto, Jupiter’s second largest moon, and is reminiscent of sci-fi movies or shows such as Cow Boy Bebop! The art style was amazing and bought the world building and setting to life. The themes of religion, corruption, and power were depicted really well. I found the plot to be very immersive and the suspense built on as the story progressed. I also liked the creative use of color coding for certain parts of the dialogues, which made it easy to distinguish who was saying what. Although, the premise is great and the concept is executed pretty well, I felt the story was rushed and didn’t tie up some of the plot points. And I was also a little confused by the ending of the story. Overall, this is a quick read and I would definitely recommend this for people who enjoy sci-fi, noir, or horror. Note: Please look at trigger warnings before going into the story.
3.5 stars
Callisto by Steve Niles, Andrea Mutti , and Lee Loughridge was an interesting read. The story is set in futuristic Callisto, Jupiter’s second largest moon, and is reminiscent of sci-fi movies or shows such as Cow Boy Bebop! The art style was amazing and bought the world building and setting to life. The themes of religion, corruption, and power were depicted really well. I found the plot to be very immersive and the suspense built on as the story progressed. I also liked the creative use of color coding for certain parts of the dialogues, which made it easy to distinguish who was saying what. Although, the premise is great and the concept is executed pretty well, I felt the story was rushed and didn’t tie up some of the plot points. And I was also a little confused by the ending of the story. Overall, this is a quick read and I would definitely recommend this for people who enjoy sci-fi, noir, or horror. Note: Please look at trigger warnings before going into the story.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a science fiction detective story short on the science, heavy on the mysticism and murder. The plot is straightforward, the characters follow expected archetypes, and it has a solid story for the most part. The ending is where I think the story falls apart, a bit. It's very rushed, with our main character being given convenient information about what's going on, and then it's over in a few more pages.
Honestly, it feels like three books: The first, where a pair of men find a derelict and ancient ship crashed onto their planet, filled with dead bodies and the promise of treasure; the second, a detective novel about a cult and mysterious deaths; and the third, and final, a horror story. While they're connected with a logical path, I just found it to be ... a little lackluster.
I would have preferred more leaning into the horror aspect, or more into the science fiction. I feel like there wasn't enough of either, for me. That said, it's a solid book, just not one that calls to me, personally. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Honestly, it feels like three books: The first, where a pair of men find a derelict and ancient ship crashed onto their planet, filled with dead bodies and the promise of treasure; the second, a detective novel about a cult and mysterious deaths; and the third, and final, a horror story. While they're connected with a logical path, I just found it to be ... a little lackluster.
I would have preferred more leaning into the horror aspect, or more into the science fiction. I feel like there wasn't enough of either, for me. That said, it's a solid book, just not one that calls to me, personally. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Strange, provocative, and horrific. Callisto pulls you into a bloody, religious, cult mystery.
If you love campy horror stories mixed with sci-fi mystery, this is a read for you. The grit of futuristic space is well defined in this book.
The art is dark, alluring, and ephemeral, and is a great style for the story. The character models could have used more individuality, as it was hard to tell who was who in certain scenes.
The story features a protagonist that is a combination of The Final Girl and The Monstrous Feminine tropes. Detective Becca Ramos is a willful woman, but I think that she lacks more development. While she is the protagonist, the story seems to feature her lovers and the first villain more than her.
The claim that Callisto addresses colonization is a bit of a stretch. While colonization is a part of the plot, it is more of a fact of the setting, rather than a theme. The setting having colonization in it does not make for a colonization story.
Strange, provocative, and horrific. Callisto pulls you into a bloody, religious, cult mystery.
If you love campy horror stories mixed with sci-fi mystery, this is a read for you. The grit of futuristic space is well defined in this book.
The art is dark, alluring, and ephemeral, and is a great style for the story. The character models could have used more individuality, as it was hard to tell who was who in certain scenes.
The story features a protagonist that is a combination of The Final Girl and The Monstrous Feminine tropes. Detective Becca Ramos is a willful woman, but I think that she lacks more development. While she is the protagonist, the story seems to feature her lovers and the first villain more than her.
The claim that Callisto addresses colonization is a bit of a stretch. While colonization is a part of the plot, it is more of a fact of the setting, rather than a theme. The setting having colonization in it does not make for a colonization story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my review.
While this graphic novel is outside of my normal reading medium, I’m glad I took a chance on it!
Callisto is a horror graphic novel that builds suspense and tension with every page. Becca is a detective who finds herself embroiled in a religious cult and the horrors around them.
Becca is a great character for this story. A hard ass, take no BS, and follow no rules kind of girl. It is annoying to see a story that critiques capitalism and success have a police character that so blatantly abuses her position, but I’ll let it go for genre sake.
The story is well executed, but the ends comes way too quickly. There was so much ground for more exploration into the lore and story.
At the last page, I literally yelled because I couldn’t believe it was over. After realizing that I was at the end, I was convinced that this was the first in a series. Nope. I think there’s a way to do an ending like this, but I think we needed more detail into this cult and the story for the ending to really hit.
While this graphic novel is outside of my normal reading medium, I’m glad I took a chance on it!
Callisto is a horror graphic novel that builds suspense and tension with every page. Becca is a detective who finds herself embroiled in a religious cult and the horrors around them.
Becca is a great character for this story. A hard ass, take no BS, and follow no rules kind of girl. It is annoying to see a story that critiques capitalism and success have a police character that so blatantly abuses her position, but I’ll let it go for genre sake.
The story is well executed, but the ends comes way too quickly. There was so much ground for more exploration into the lore and story.
At the last page, I literally yelled because I couldn’t believe it was over. After realizing that I was at the end, I was convinced that this was the first in a series. Nope. I think there’s a way to do an ending like this, but I think we needed more detail into this cult and the story for the ending to really hit.
October 9, 2026
While investigating some mysterious disappearances Detective Becca Ramos finds herself drawn into a dark underworld she never knew existed. With rumours of secret cults and an expanding body count, will she uncover the truth in time?
Steve Niles excels at getting under your skin, and making whatever the characters are going through very relatable, and this comic is no exception. His skill is not only in tapping into your fears, but in making you care about the characters. In only a few short pages Becca becomes much more than just a detective, and we see her strength in how focused she is on the case, despite what is happening in her personal life. Nile’s storytelling is supported by a great art team, with Andrea Mutti providing wonderful landscapes and backdrops, with fantastic attention to detail, and really turning up the dial on the action and gore. Lee Loughridge is one of the best colourists working in comics at the moment and provides dark, gritty colours perfect for the story.
A great story for horror and science-fiction fans.
Steve Niles excels at getting under your skin, and making whatever the characters are going through very relatable, and this comic is no exception. His skill is not only in tapping into your fears, but in making you care about the characters. In only a few short pages Becca becomes much more than just a detective, and we see her strength in how focused she is on the case, despite what is happening in her personal life. Nile’s storytelling is supported by a great art team, with Andrea Mutti providing wonderful landscapes and backdrops, with fantastic attention to detail, and really turning up the dial on the action and gore. Lee Loughridge is one of the best colourists working in comics at the moment and provides dark, gritty colours perfect for the story.
A great story for horror and science-fiction fans.
October 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and The Lab Press for providing me with an ARC of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
I picked up Calisto because I was curious about the story, wanted to see what it had to offer, and highly enjoy space stories.
Ultimately, I had a mixed experience with this one, where I found myself drifting in and out of keeping interest in the plot.
The artwork is always an important part of any graphic novel for me, and I always enjoy seeing how the illustrations help tell a story in ways that words alone sometimes can't. The overall experience was decent—even if I didn't connect with everything as much as I wanted to—but I did still have fun with it.
I think this is one of those reads where your enjoyment will depend entirely on what you're looking for in a graphic novel. While it didn't completely win me over, I can appreciate that other readers might connect with it more strongly and enjoy it much more.
I'm glad I gave it a chance, and I appreciate The Lab Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
I picked up Calisto because I was curious about the story, wanted to see what it had to offer, and highly enjoy space stories.
Ultimately, I had a mixed experience with this one, where I found myself drifting in and out of keeping interest in the plot.
The artwork is always an important part of any graphic novel for me, and I always enjoy seeing how the illustrations help tell a story in ways that words alone sometimes can't. The overall experience was decent—even if I didn't connect with everything as much as I wanted to—but I did still have fun with it.
I think this is one of those reads where your enjoyment will depend entirely on what you're looking for in a graphic novel. While it didn't completely win me over, I can appreciate that other readers might connect with it more strongly and enjoy it much more.
I'm glad I gave it a chance, and I appreciate The Lab Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Despite me not being a fan of horror stories, I found this to be a very engaging read that I was able to finish in one sitting. It follows Detective Becca Ramos who lives on a colony that resides on one of Jupiter’s moons. As a science fiction reader, I enjoyed the level of world building that went into developing this setting. The artwork is gorgeous and perfectly captures the setting and the expressions of the characters. There is also a strong mystery element to this story as Becca slowly uncovers secrets surrounding a religious cult that appears to be the center of several murders. Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of horror and science fiction. I genuinely believe that there is room for a potential sequel, as the author has established such an intriguing setting that could be further explored.
Despite me not being a fan of horror stories, I found this to be a very engaging read that I was able to finish in one sitting. It follows Detective Becca Ramos who lives on a colony that resides on one of Jupiter’s moons. As a science fiction reader, I enjoyed the level of world building that went into developing this setting. The artwork is gorgeous and perfectly captures the setting and the expressions of the characters. There is also a strong mystery element to this story as Becca slowly uncovers secrets surrounding a religious cult that appears to be the center of several murders. Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of horror and science fiction. I genuinely believe that there is room for a potential sequel, as the author has established such an intriguing setting that could be further explored.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Callisto is the second largest moon of Jupiter and in the future of the comic it's a minining colony with massive wealthy disparity. A seemingly chance discovery of an old Pilgrim ship leads to a murder mystery that only gets more bloody and strange.
I love me some sci-fi and things like The Expanse show how well detective noir and Sci-fi can blend, but I am left a little confused as to why this was so focused on Callisto and why, aside from the great aesthetics, this story is being told in this setting. I have a feeling further volumes will explore this further, but I didn't really feel the setting added anything to the narrative.
A promising cover and conceit with some pretty great art, unfortunately let down by some mediocre writing, which really is a shame as the way this volume ended would have had me itching for the next issue if I hadn't got a case of the dreaded glaze and skim about two thirds of the way through.
Callisto is the second largest moon of Jupiter and in the future of the comic it's a minining colony with massive wealthy disparity. A seemingly chance discovery of an old Pilgrim ship leads to a murder mystery that only gets more bloody and strange.
I love me some sci-fi and things like The Expanse show how well detective noir and Sci-fi can blend, but I am left a little confused as to why this was so focused on Callisto and why, aside from the great aesthetics, this story is being told in this setting. I have a feeling further volumes will explore this further, but I didn't really feel the setting added anything to the narrative.
A promising cover and conceit with some pretty great art, unfortunately let down by some mediocre writing, which really is a shame as the way this volume ended would have had me itching for the next issue if I hadn't got a case of the dreaded glaze and skim about two thirds of the way through.
Review of advance copy
The sort of thriller that I set aside easily at bedtime and forgot to come back to for a couple of days.
It's a horror-tinged police procedural that -- for no particular reason it seems -- is set on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter, in the far future. Take out a few pages in the opening chapter, and the rest of this could probably be drawn to be any generic city in the U.S. with minimal changes to the words of the script.
Characters we don't know or care about die in Elm City (on Callisto, remember!) while a couple of grumbly detectives try to figure out the how and why of it all with little success, often distracted by their own personal relationship. At a certain point, the story just seems to give up the ghost and takes a left turn into an abrupt ending that is supposed to be ominous but just left me shaking my head with a disgusted chuckle.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
It's a horror-tinged police procedural that -- for no particular reason it seems -- is set on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter, in the far future. Take out a few pages in the opening chapter, and the rest of this could probably be drawn to be any generic city in the U.S. with minimal changes to the words of the script.
Characters we don't know or care about die in Elm City (on Callisto, remember!) while a couple of grumbly detectives try to figure out the how and why of it all with little success, often distracted by their own personal relationship. At a certain point, the story just seems to give up the ghost and takes a left turn into an abrupt ending that is supposed to be ominous but just left me shaking my head with a disgusted chuckle.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.
August 30, 2026
This story, for the majority of it, was a fairly satisfying mystery. It happens on the Jupiter's moon, Callisto, where in the far future it became a large mining settlement turned industrial city. A pair of cops get put onto a case where several missing people are tied to one man; everyone who interacts with him ends up dead in one way or another. The mystery was interesting in seeing how each element was connected with another, though some parts were slightly obvious. My biggest qualm is the weird-ass ending. I don't want to spoil, but I did have a massive "What the fuck was that?" moment with it. Honestly, the ending soured the entire story for me, which is saying a lot. Either way, I enjoyed gritty aspects of the art, it was a nice mix of cyberpunk and cassette futurism in style.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a good comic even if you'll find predictable eventually. The flow of the story is good, you'll enjoy the ride but as far as it will amaze and surprise you, far from it. The first two chapters are interesting setting up the whole plot. I wish that the author has invested more on the lore of the book, a bit of world building to shape up the story itself. It pretty much a detective horror story and less of a sci-fi. The sci fi part is that it took place on a moon Callisto and that it. The artwork is a bit disappointing. The facial expressions of the characters in specific moments like deaths are a bit off. Anatomy of the the characters are weird. Enjoyable read but nothing extraordinary about this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
I really loved the art style and colours. They work well with the setting and I would love to read more comics with that style.
The story was great for the most part, a bit quick-paced, but enjoyable. But the ending went in a way different direction than I expected, and I'm not sure if I like that. It made me a bit uncomfortable, and I probably wouldn't have picked up the comic if I knew it's going to have a situation like that. Don't get me wrong, I loved how tense the plot was; how scary the cult seemed, how dytopian the world was. It's just that the ending kind of throws it all out.
Up until the last part, I thought about buying a physical edition of this comic, but with how it ended, I don't think I'm going to ever read it again.
I really loved the art style and colours. They work well with the setting and I would love to read more comics with that style.
The story was great for the most part, a bit quick-paced, but enjoyable. But the ending went in a way different direction than I expected, and I'm not sure if I like that. It made me a bit uncomfortable, and I probably wouldn't have picked up the comic if I knew it's going to have a situation like that. Don't get me wrong, I loved how tense the plot was; how scary the cult seemed, how dytopian the world was. It's just that the ending kind of throws it all out.
Up until the last part, I thought about buying a physical edition of this comic, but with how it ended, I don't think I'm going to ever read it again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark and intriguing quick read, Callisto blends elements of religion, sci-fi and horror all into one. A quick read that I devoured in one sitting. I liked the art style, as it felt like it fit the story really well. It was brutal and gory, everything I could want from a horror graphic novel. I really enjoyed the mystery behind the book and its connection with religion. The only things I wish were different would be for us as the reader to learn more about the lore of the book. The world building was incredible, I’m usually not that into sci-fi but I really liked how unique the setting was and it worked extremely well with the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got this book for free as an Advanced Reader Copy through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
First, I liked the story. I'm not much for horror, and this frightened me, but not so horribly that I couldn't continue reading.
I thought the twist was quite good and I only predicted it just before the main character figured it out, which felt like a win.
I liked the illustrations---they captured the mood very well. However, I think that some of the faces are a *bit* too similar which can result in some confusion about who is who.
The premise was also interesting to me because of the religious aspect, but I wish there had been more worldbuilding on what the Pilgrim religion actually is, because I'd be interested in that aspect of it.
I liked the climax of the book as well - full of tension.
First, I liked the story. I'm not much for horror, and this frightened me, but not so horribly that I couldn't continue reading.
I thought the twist was quite good and I only predicted it just before the main character figured it out, which felt like a win.
I liked the illustrations---they captured the mood very well. However, I think that some of the faces are a *bit* too similar which can result in some confusion about who is who.
The premise was also interesting to me because of the religious aspect, but I wish there had been more worldbuilding on what the Pilgrim religion actually is, because I'd be interested in that aspect of it.
I liked the climax of the book as well - full of tension.
October 12, 2026
It was okay. I always feel like I am reading Graphic Novels wrong cause I read them so quick, like should I be appreciating the art more? I got this one on NetGalley a while back and I figured now was as good a time as any to check it out. The pacing felt a little off, it has sorta harsh jumps from scene to scene, and it doesn’t really explain much. It leaves on a cliffhanger, to the point that I thought it was going to be the first volume in a series of comics, but it does seem to be a standalone story. The art is interesting, and there is a lot of potential to branch out in this world, but it left me wanting more in a dissatisfying way.
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August 3, 2026Thank you to The Lab Press and NetGalley for sending me a free copy of this e-comic for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Welp, this comic is how I discovered that supernatural horror really isn’t my thing.
This is a dark, science fiction setting that reminded me a lot of Blade Runner and Alien. The art and setting are both compelling, but the darkness and graphic violence of the plot settled uncomfortably for me.
I’m going to forgo a star rating on the comic since the genre and I are so at odds that I can’t give a good faith review.
Welp, this comic is how I discovered that supernatural horror really isn’t my thing.
This is a dark, science fiction setting that reminded me a lot of Blade Runner and Alien. The art and setting are both compelling, but the darkness and graphic violence of the plot settled uncomfortably for me.
I’m going to forgo a star rating on the comic since the genre and I are so at odds that I can’t give a good faith review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read 30 Days of Night by this author so I knew I had to give this one a try. The artwork by Andrea Mutti and Lee Loughridge amazing again and the concept of a murder investigation on a moon with a cult? Sounds right up my alley. I enjoyed parts of this. The characters were complex and messy, and the concept of the story was great. Unfortunately it didn't fully hit for me. The ending was weird and a bit out of left field for me. Also a little confusing. But overall it's an enjoyable read if you like a bit of sci fi and crime mixed together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc. I'm glad I'm not the only arc reader who had issues with this. The story started out cool, space detectives investigating a murder on the moon of Callisto. Then the story got muddled up. I'm not interested in characters who are cheaters. The artwork is unimpressive. This book is not for anyone who doesn't want gore and nudity. I wanted to like this book, but it was disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Callisto, by Steve Niles, is a graphic novel with sci-fi, horror and crime/mystery elements. This was a very enjoyable read; great drawings and interesting storyline. Also, quite an unexpected ending that makes me wonder if there'll be more issues of the story. I'd recommend it to all lovers of the genre.
Callisto, by Steve Niles, is a graphic novel with sci-fi, horror and crime/mystery elements. This was a very enjoyable read; great drawings and interesting storyline. Also, quite an unexpected ending that makes me wonder if there'll be more issues of the story. I'd recommend it to all lovers of the genre.
October 12, 2026
Just my own opinion. Interesting premise for this graphic novel, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me unfortunately.
I’m not a huge fan of the style of art work, but the artwork itself was well done. The biggest issue I had with it was the time line, I couldn’t tell how much time had pasted unless someone said.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the chance to read this graphic novel.
I’m not a huge fan of the style of art work, but the artwork itself was well done. The biggest issue I had with it was the time line, I couldn’t tell how much time had pasted unless someone said.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Lab Press for the chance to read this graphic novel.
Review of advance copy
I received this ARC from BookSirens. Thank you.
I enjoyed the story and the illustrations. The story has an interesting mix of tropes (good cops, bad cops, and devil worship). I wish the setting of a moon of Jupiter had played more into the story. I hope this is just the first in a series because the ending was abrupt and unclear.
I enjoyed the story and the illustrations. The story has an interesting mix of tropes (good cops, bad cops, and devil worship). I wish the setting of a moon of Jupiter had played more into the story. I hope this is just the first in a series because the ending was abrupt and unclear.
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