From the creator of CHEW—a horrifying vision of space! Captain Rigg is prepared to test his new ship and crew by flying them straight into the heart of demon-infested space. One small problem: he didn’t brief them beforehand…
I'm still very intrigued by the world, but i really need more from the characters. Mostly captain Rigg. He just seems to act like an asshole and act smart about it, which isn't too charming. The action and worldbuilding really carry this issue, which is action packed. I could keep reading this series just for the concept alone!
Very intrigued..the art is so simplistic but it somehow doesnt bother me. Cool horror elements I just need more from the main characters. Only 2 issues in but Im pretty confident it will build well.
Captain puts the crew to test in another tight and super interesting way point in the wider story arc. Strong writing , on point art, trek vibes, what’s not to like !
After finishing the first issue, I honestly didn't know what to expect anymore. Outer Darkness had already proven that it wasn't interested in following the traditional science-fiction formula. Instead of simply exploring distant planets and meeting alien civilizations, it introduced a universe where demons, curses, hauntings, exorcisms, and religious rituals coexist with advanced spacecraft, artificial intelligence, and interstellar travel. It was weird, creepy, confusing at times, and completely unhinged in the best possible way. That bizarre combination of science fiction and supernatural horror was enough to hook me, so I was excited to continue reading and see where Captain Joshua Rigg and his newly assembled crew would go next. With Rigg officially taking command of the Charon after the events of the previous issue, the real journey toward the mysterious Outer Darkness finally begins, and I was more than ready to dive deeper into this strange universe.
The cover of Issue #2 immediately sets the tone for what lies ahead. Unlike the previous cover, which emphasized the looming horrors awaiting the crew, this one places Captain Rigg at the center, seated confidently while surrounded by glowing holographic displays containing personnel records and information about his officers. It almost resembles a military command center, giving the impression that every decision now rests on his shoulders. However, what truly dominates the artwork are the grotesque flesh-like hands reaching toward him from behind. Their elongated fingers, jagged claws, swollen red pustules, and crackling crimson energy make them look as though they belong to creatures from a nightmare rather than ordinary aliens. The color palette is another standout element. The transition from deep blues into vivid reds creates an atmosphere of constant danger, almost as if the Charon is already being consumed by the horrors lurking beyond known space. The cover perfectly communicates that Rigg may now be captain, but he is already surrounded by threats from every direction. Once again, Afu Chan's artwork deserves praise because every detail contributes to the eerie atmosphere while remaining visually striking.
The story begins shortly after Joshua Jerome Rigg officially assumes command of the Charon, the Galactic Service's fastest and most heavily armed advanced retrieval vessel. The issue wastes no time establishing the crew's first official mission. Rigg gathers his senior officers for a classified briefing regarding a search-and-rescue operation deep within the Outer Darkness, one of the most dangerous and mysterious regions in the galaxy. Humanity has long known that supernatural forces inhabit these unexplored reaches of space, making every expedition extraordinarily dangerous. The mission itself appears straightforward on paper: retrieve a high-priority VIP. However, almost immediately it becomes clear that nothing aboard the Charon will ever be simple.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the revelation that even Captain Rigg doesn't know who they are supposed to rescue. That surprised me because I naturally assumed the commanding officer would have access to every classified detail regarding the operation. Instead, Ship Administrator Soreena Prakash has been entrusted with that information under strict orders not to reveal it unless absolutely necessary. I actually found myself agreeing with Rigg during this conversation. While I completely understand why classified information exists, asking an entire crew to risk their lives without explaining who or what they are risking those lives for feels incredibly unfair. If the Galactic Service expects these people to venture into one of the deadliest regions in existence, then I believe they deserve to know the truth behind their mission. Prakash's visible discomfort throughout the discussion was understandable because she was caught between following regulations and respecting her captain's concerns. You could almost feel the pressure weighing on her, knowing that revealing confidential information could result in severe consequences from Galactic Service.
The issue also spends more time introducing the Charon's incredibly diverse senior staff, which I appreciated because there were already so many new faces introduced in the previous issue. Every officer has a distinct role that blends futuristic technology with supernatural expertise, making the ship feel unlike anything I've seen in other science-fiction comics. One particularly amusing scene involves the ship's Oracle, known as the Crone, arriving at the briefing alongside her familiar—a cat. Rigg immediately insists that the animal remain in her quarters instead of attending the meeting. I couldn't help but laugh during this exchange because it was such an unexpectedly ordinary disagreement in the middle of a universe filled with demons and haunted stars. Personally, I wanted the Crone to keep her familiar beside her. I mean, what's the harm in letting a cat attend a briefing? Still, the scene also highlights Rigg's professionalism. Now that he's captain, he clearly intends to maintain discipline aboard his ship regardless of how unusual some traditions may be. It honestly made me smile because he was taking his new position incredibly seriously.
As the story continues, it becomes increasingly obvious that there are a lot of important characters to keep track of. I actually had to stop reading for a moment just to list everyone because I knew I'd end up forgetting names otherwise. Captain Joshua Rigg leads the ship with Agwe serving as his trusted advisor. Alastor Satalis acts as the first officer, while Baxter commands the infantry. Malachi Reno serves as the chief exorcist, Willits is the lead mathematician, Soreena Prakash manages the ship's administration, Malona Hydzer joins the crew as an ensign despite her criminal background, Zaphus functions as the chief mortician, Elox navigates the vessel, the Crone serves as the ship's oracle with her loyal feline familiar, Sato appears among the crew, and Gallu remains the living God-Engine powering the Charon itself. Even the enemy receives a proper introduction through the Dryx. It certainly feels like a massive ensemble cast, but each role contributes to the comic's unique world-building.
One thing I continue to admire about Rigg is that he absolutely refuses to command the way everyone expects him to. He consistently challenges traditions and established procedures, often making decisions that frustrate everyone around him. Whether those decisions are wise is another matter entirely, but they certainly make him an unpredictable protagonist. Instead of reviewing emergency preparedness reports and conducting routine security drills prepared by First Officer Satalis, Rigg dismisses the entire concept. He believes that drills cannot accurately measure a person's abilities because everyone behaves differently when their lives are actually on the line. His philosophy is simple: people only reveal who they truly are during genuine life-or-death situations.
I understood what Rigg was trying to accomplish, but I immediately had a bad feeling the moment he explained his reasoning. There is a massive difference between believing in practical experience and intentionally placing an entire crew in unnecessary danger. Unfortunately, Rigg chooses the latter.
Without informing any of his officers, Rigg secretly pilots the Charon directly into the Damalu System, one of the most dangerous locations in known space. The system contains a massive blue giant star possessed by an Abaddonian demi-Satan, transforming the entire region into a supernatural death trap. The moment the senior officers realize where they are, panic spreads throughout the bridge. Everyone immediately scrambles to battle stations as alarms echo across the ship. I honestly loved how quickly the comic shifted from a calm briefing to absolute chaos. There was almost no warning before the action exploded across every page.
Agwe later describes Rigg as "a special breed of asshole," and honestly...I couldn't disagree. Rigg is intelligent, capable, fearless, and surprisingly compassionate when it comes to protecting lives, but he is also unbelievably stubborn. He constantly makes reckless decisions without consulting anyone, expecting everyone else to simply trust him afterward. If I were part of this crew, I honestly don't think I would enjoy serving under him. At the same time, however, I would probably trust him to keep everyone alive because despite all his questionable decisions, he genuinely cares about his crew's survival. It's a strange contradiction that makes him such an interesting protagonist.
Once the Charon reaches the possessed star, the battle truly begins. Waves of grotesque Blood Demons attack the ship, and they are every bit as horrifying as I expected. Their bodies resemble masses of exposed flesh twisted into monstrous forms, making them look more like living nightmares than intelligent creatures. Afu Chan's artwork absolutely shines during these sequences because every demon is disturbingly detailed without becoming visually confusing. The body horror throughout this issue is genuinely unsettling, and I found myself appreciating how committed the series is to blending horror with science fiction.
One of my favorite characters during this battle was Chief Exorcist Malachi Reno. Watching him pull out an ancient-looking book, recite mystical incantations, and cast glowing magical seals with his hands was simply awesome. Rather than relying solely on futuristic firearms, Reno uses banishment rituals to repel supernatural entities, reinforcing the comic's fascinating concept that religion and magic have become essential military tools. I later learned that banishing rituals traditionally involve removing negative spiritual entities or unwanted supernatural influences from a location, which makes Reno's role even more interesting. Out of everyone aboard the Charon, I honestly think becoming an exorcist would be my dream job. It perfectly combines mystery, spirituality, and action, making it one of the coolest occupations introduced so far.
The possessed blue giant itself was another unforgettable visual. I loved how the face emerging from the star reminded me of a Chinese guardian lion, except twisted into something terrifying. It constantly watches the Charon as though judging every movement the crew makes. The sheer scale of the entity reminds readers that humanity is insignificant compared to the cosmic horrors inhabiting the Outer Darkness.
As if Rigg hadn't already angered enough people, he then orders Navigator Elox to fly directly toward the possessed star. At that moment I completely understood why First Officer Satalis looked ready to lose his mind. I was practically yelling at the pages myself because it genuinely seemed like Rigg had finally crossed the line. Thankfully, Satalis immediately orders Elox to swerve away before the Charon is destroyed. The entire bridge crew looked exhausted and furious, and honestly, I couldn't blame them one bit.
After the battle finally concludes, I found myself waiting for the inevitable confrontation. There was simply no way the senior staff would quietly accept everything that had happened. Rigg had intentionally endangered every single person aboard the ship simply to observe how they performed under pressure. When he casually congratulated everyone by saying, "Good work," I couldn't stop laughing because it was such an unbelievably inappropriate thing to say after nearly getting everyone killed. The timing was so absurd that it became unintentionally hilarious.
The person who finally snapped wasn't Satalis but Infantry Commander Baxter. Watching her punch Rigg square in the face felt completely deserved. I honestly applauded that moment because someone needed to hold him accountable for his recklessness. What surprised me, however, was Rigg's reaction. Instead of becoming defensive or pulling rank, he calmly admitted that he deserved it. He openly acknowledged that his actions had been reckless and accepted responsibility without making excuses. That moment added another layer to his character. Rigg isn't arrogant enough to believe he's always right. He simply believes that extraordinary risks are sometimes necessary, even if everyone hates him for making those decisions.
At this point, I also completely understood why both Prakash and Alastor seemed exhausted with Rigg's behavior. They're trying to operate a professional military vessel while their captain constantly disregards regulations, ignores procedures, and surprises everyone with dangerous decisions. If either of them decided to report him directly to Admiral Siddarth, I honestly wouldn't blame them because Rigg has certainly given them enough reasons.
The final conversation between Agwe and Rigg also left me with mixed feelings. Agwe casually suggests that Alastor may no longer be necessary for the mission, implying that eliminating him could solve future disagreements. The fact that Rigg doesn't immediately reject the idea genuinely shocked me. I couldn't help but think, "These two really are partners in crime." They're difficult to classify as heroes or villains because so many of their decisions exist in morally gray territory. Every chapter seems to present another questionable choice that somehow produces positive results despite being completely reckless. It's honestly fascinating because I never know whether to cheer for them or criticize them.
Overall, Outer Darkness Issue #2 significantly expands the universe established in the first installment while continuing to build suspense for the larger story. Instead of focusing solely on introducing the setting, this issue allows readers to better understand the Charon, its crew, and the complex relationships forming among its officers. I especially enjoyed seeing how seamlessly supernatural elements such as exorcisms, banishment rituals, demonic invasions, and possessed celestial bodies are integrated into a futuristic science-fiction setting. Rather than feeling like two genres awkwardly stitched together, horror and science fiction complement each other perfectly, creating one of the most original fictional universes I've encountered in comics.
More importantly, this issue convinced me that Captain Joshua Rigg is one of the most complicated protagonists I've read in quite some time. He is reckless, frustrating, stubborn, and often impossible to defend, yet he is also compassionate, intelligent, and genuinely committed to ensuring his crew survives the impossible. His leadership constantly divides opinions, both among his officers and within myself as a reader. There were moments when I wanted to support him and others when I wanted someone else to knock some sense into him. That unpredictability makes him incredibly compelling.
By the time I reached the final page, I found myself just as excited as I had been after finishing the first issue. There are still countless unanswered questions surrounding the mysterious VIP, the true purpose of the expedition, the dangers lurking deeper within the Outer Darkness, and the complicated relationships developing among the crew. If the series continues balancing imaginative world-building, intense supernatural action, dark humor, and morally complex characters this well, then I can already tell that this voyage aboard the Charon is only going to become stranger, deadlier, and even more unforgettable.
This is easily one of my favourite titles coming out right now. Merge Star Trek with horror with DnD and WINNNNNNN!!! Layman sets up a beautiful way to show all the characters and what they can do in this second issue. I thought the first would be hard to top, and boy am I lucky to be wrong. The plot direction is fresh. Chan's art works wonders for this story (the creepy floaty ghost that interrupts their meeting is super freaky) and there's still so many characters we don't fully know yet. I like that aspect of this space-crew adventure, as everyone is alienated from one another, even as they serve together. I feel that's a lot more realistic to ye olde ship sailing days, and something we took for granted on shows like Star Trek. On Star Trek, there's a family. Everyone's buddies. Here, we don't have that luxury and space is a lot scarier. It adds to the tension and the horror in ways I hadn't even considered until now.
And Chan writes about wanting to see this cinema-style. Me too. First, you get the successful comic (and this team is RIGHT ON TRACK), then you get the movie deals. Please know, I'll be first in line for tickets.
After the first issue, I wasn't sure what to think of this Serenity meets Event Horizon type mashup. I thought the demons in the first issue kinda looked like parodies almost of what space demon would look like at least in my mind. And the story in the debut while showing promise wasn't an absolute knockout. But having now read the first six issues, this series is quickly becoming one of my faves and it all started rolling in this second issue. I got the art style--which is fantastic--and the intertwining of traditional intergalactic action with a fresh twist of the paranormal clicked into gear. If you think fighting evil in outer space with all types of blood and guts and F-bombs flying everywhere probably isn't for you,then go find a different sandbox to play in. Sissy.
The story needs to show me more than it is to keep me motivated to read it. I love the Star Trek/Ghostbusters crossover, but if this book keeps making me hate Captain Riggs I won’t be able to enjoy it.
Even better than #1! I loved the set up for this issue, and how it clearly lays out the personality and temperament of so many of the crew members. The Captain is certainly a complex character, and I'm looking forward to seeing how he will push his crew, and how his crew will push back.