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Outer Darkness #9
Outer Darkness #9
The haunted knife causes anybody who touches it to go on a murderous stab-rampage. Do NOT touch the haunted knife.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2019
About the author
John Layman
830 books598 followersJohn Steele Layman is an American comic book writer and letterer. Layman is most known for writing Chew, published by Image Comics.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 29, 2026
After the shocking revelations in the previous issue surrounding both Hydzek and Magdalena's hidden secrets, I immediately went into this issue wondering whether those revelations would remain buried or finally explode at the worst possible moment. Outer Darkness has consistently excelled at planting story threads that linger beneath the surface before erupting into full-blown disasters, so I expected this issue to continue building those conflicts. Instead, it delivers something completely different. Rather than focusing entirely on the lingering mysteries aboard the USS Charon, Issue #9 throws the crew into another horrifying supernatural investigation while continuing to quietly escalate the political tension simmering within the ship. It feels like a classic haunted-house story transplanted into deep space, but with the unique blend of science fiction, horror, fantasy, and dark comedy that has made this series stand out since its very first issue.
The cover instantly caught my attention because of how different it feels from the previous installments. Instead of featuring a monstrous creature or a dramatic character confrontation, the artwork depicts the USS Charon speeding through the darkness of space while several ancient-looking weapons float ominously around it. At first glance, the weapons almost appear decorative, but there is something deeply unsettling about them. Their old, worn appearance contrasts beautifully against the futuristic setting, creating an eerie image that immediately suggests these aren't ordinary relics. Even before opening the comic, I had the feeling these weapons symbolized an ancient evil waiting to awaken, and after finishing the issue, I realized just how cleverly the cover foreshadowed the events inside. Every blade surrounding the Charon represents a looming threat, and by the end of the issue, those weapons become some of the most terrifying objects introduced in the series so far.
The story opens with one of the most disturbing sequences in Outer Darkness to date. Three weeks earlier aboard the Galactic Service Science Vessel Ouroboros, a peaceful botanical research mission is underway. The lush greenhouse, filled with strange alien vegetation, initially gives the impression that this ship is dedicated to scientific discovery rather than warfare. Researchers carefully study rapidly growing alien vines while going about their routine, creating a false sense of security. That peaceful atmosphere disappears in an instant.
Without warning, one of the scientists, Jensen, quietly picks up a pair of enormous gardening shears and calmly walks toward a fellow researcher. There is no hesitation or emotional outburst. He simply plunges the shears straight through the man's throat before anyone has time to react. The suddenness of the attack is horrifying because it arrives without any dramatic buildup. Before panic can even spread throughout the room, Jensen swings the shears again and brutally decapitates another scientist. Blood sprays across the greenhouse as chaos erupts, instantly transforming what had been a place of scientific curiosity into a slaughterhouse.
The violence only escalates from there. As Jensen leaves the greenhouse carrying his blood-covered shears, he encounters another crew member who has also descended into madness. This second individual has already murdered someone with an axe, splitting open another scientist's skull with shocking brutality. The comic doesn't shy away from showing the horrific aftermath. Bodies pile across the ship, blood stains every corridor, and every page reinforces the feeling that something unimaginably evil has taken hold of the Ouroboros. What makes the sequence even creepier is that the infected crew members all share identical symptoms. Their eyes have turned completely black while blood continuously pours from both their eyes and mouths. They resemble people possessed by demons rather than victims of a conventional disease, immediately establishing that this mystery will involve supernatural forces rather than scientific explanations.
After this terrifying introduction, the narrative shifts back to the USS Charon, where a completely different kind of danger is unfolding. Deep within the ship, Sato and Alastor continue their disturbing torture session. At first glance, it appears to be another brutal interrogation, but the scene quickly becomes stranger than expected. Rather than resisting the pain, Alastor almost seems to enjoy it, encouraging Sato to continue cutting him. The interaction feels incredibly bizarre, almost disturbingly intimate in certain moments, making me laugh uncomfortably because it carries an oddly kinky energy despite taking place in what is essentially a torture chamber. It is one of those moments where Outer Darkness balances horror with dark humor in a way that somehow works without ruining the tension.
During their conversation, Alastor reveals more about his loyalty while Sato questions who he truly serves. Their discussion eventually shifts toward the subject that has been quietly growing throughout the series: the assassination of Captain Joshua Rigg. The mutiny that has been simmering beneath the surface is no longer simply whispered speculation. It has evolved into a genuine conspiracy with members of the crew openly discussing how and when they can finally eliminate their captain.
The arrival of the Crone adds another fascinating layer to this subplot. Alongside her mysterious cat, she witnesses much of the conversation without interrupting until the perfect moment. What immediately stood out to me was that she already seemed fully aware of the assassination plot. Rather than condemning it, she casually suggests an even better strategy for getting rid of Rigg. That moment completely changed how I viewed her character. The Crone has always been mysterious, but seeing her quietly manipulate events while pretending to remain uninvolved makes her even more dangerous. She isn't simply observing the future—she appears willing to influence it whenever it benefits her.
One detail I appreciated was how the ancient weapons from the cover begin subtly appearing throughout the issue. At first they seem insignificant, but every time one appears, there is an uncomfortable feeling that something terrible is about to happen. It reinforces the symbolism established by the cover art and constantly reminds the reader that these relics are more than simple archaeological artifacts.
The following day, Captain Rigg receives a distress signal concerning the missing Galactic Service Science Vessel Ouroboros. Communication with the vessel has completely ceased, and when the Charon finally locates it drifting silently through space, their sensors detect no surviving life signs aboard. Even before boarding begins, the atmosphere becomes incredibly tense because everyone already expects the worst. Despite the obvious danger, Galactic Service protocol demands an investigation, forcing Rigg and his crew to enter what appears to be an abandoned ghost ship.
Before the boarding party departs, Rigg asks the Crone whether she has foreseen anything regarding the mysterious vessel. Her response immediately caught my attention because it feels dishonest. She claims to have seen nothing significant despite clearly hiding information. Her attempt at deception isn't especially convincing, making it obvious that she knows far more than she is willing to admit. Whether she is protecting herself, manipulating Rigg, or deliberately allowing events to unfold remains uncertain, but her lie adds another layer of suspense before the investigation even begins.
Originally, Alastor is assigned to explore the Ouroboros, but something aboard the ship specifically captures the interest of both Rigg and Agwe. They insist on accompanying the mission personally because they believe an old friend of theirs is waiting aboard. That brief line immediately made me curious. It suggests that the investigation is no longer simply about recovering a missing vessel—it has become deeply personal for both men.
Once they step inside the Ouroboros, they are greeted by one of the most haunting environments in the series. Corpses litter every hallway, blood covers the walls, and the silence throughout the ship is almost suffocating. Instead of signs of an external attack, the evidence clearly shows that the scientists murdered one another. Ancient weapons lie scattered among the bodies, each one appearing strangely untouched despite the massacre surrounding them. The visual storytelling here is phenomenal because every panel slowly pieces together the horrifying sequence of events without relying entirely on dialogue. Simply walking through the abandoned vessel tells its own story.
The emotional impact becomes even stronger when Rigg and Agwe finally discover the friend they had hoped to find alive. Unfortunately, he has become yet another victim of the massacre, having met his tragic end weeks earlier alongside the rest of the crew. Their expressions communicate genuine grief despite the chaotic circumstances surrounding them, reminding readers that even hardened veterans like Rigg are still capable of mourning those they have lost.
As the investigation continues, the true nature of the massacre finally becomes clear. The ancient blades scattered throughout the ship are haunted by a powerful malignant murder spirit. Anyone who touches one of these cursed weapons immediately falls under its influence, becoming consumed by an overwhelming desire to kill. Even worse, anyone wounded by one of these cursed blades also becomes infected, ensuring that the cycle of violence spreads endlessly until no one remains alive. Suddenly, every strange event from the opening sequence makes perfect sense. Jensen and the other scientists were never simply driven insane—they became unwilling servants of an ancient supernatural force that weaponized them against their own crewmates.
I absolutely loved this revelation because it transforms what initially appeared to be another possession story into something much more creative. The horror doesn't come from a single monster stalking the corridors but from cursed objects that continuously create new killers. It also raises countless questions. Who forged these weapons? What ancient civilization created them? What exactly is the murder spirit trapped inside each blade? The comic intentionally leaves these questions unanswered, making the cursed weapons feel even more ancient and mysterious.
Unfortunately, the danger doesn't end with the discovery. While Rigg and Agwe struggle to contain the outbreak, Alastor finally seizes the opportunity he has been waiting for. In one of the issue's most shocking moments, he repeatedly stabs Captain Rigg in the back with one of the cursed blades, attempting to assassinate him while the chaos distracts everyone else. Although I've often found myself frustrated with Rigg's arrogance and questionable leadership throughout the series, I genuinely found myself worried during this scene. His flaws make him a complicated protagonist, but seeing him betrayed from behind still feels devastating.
Thankfully, Agwe reacts immediately, knocking Alastor to the ground before he can finish the job. However, the damage has already been done. Since Rigg was stabbed by one of the haunted weapons, he begins showing signs that the murder spirit is taking hold of him as well. Recognizing what is happening, Rigg orders Agwe to knock him unconscious before he loses control completely. It is a surprisingly selfless moment that demonstrates Rigg's experience as a captain. He understands the threat well enough to sacrifice his own pride for the safety of everyone else.
Knowing they cannot safely contain the cursed weapons, the crew ultimately decides that the only solution is complete destruction. They bombard the Ouroboros, obliterating the entire vessel before another unsuspecting ship can discover it and suffer the same horrifying fate. It is a tragic ending because the scientific research vessel—and everyone aboard it—are erased forever, but it is also the only logical decision given the circumstances.
By the conclusion of the issue, Agwe explains that the blades are possessed by an ancient murderous spirit, finally giving everyone a clearer understanding of what happened aboard the Ouroboros. The surviving crew also realizes that Alastor deliberately used the crisis to make his move against Captain Rigg. Considering how close he came to succeeding, I honestly don't see Rigg ever trusting him again if he survives the consequences of his actions.
Overall, I thought Outer Darkness Issue #9 was another excellent installment that blends supernatural horror with political intrigue in a way that feels uniquely its own. While the overall plot is relatively straightforward compared to some of the series' larger mythology-heavy chapters, the execution is incredibly effective. The haunted weapons introduce one of the creepiest concepts the series has explored so far, the massacre aboard the Ouroboros delivers several genuinely unsettling moments, and the attempted assassination of Captain Rigg ensures that the internal conflict aboard the Charon continues to escalate alongside the external supernatural threats. More than anything, this issue serves as a reminder that evil doesn't always arrive in the form of monsters lurking in the darkness. Sometimes it hides within ordinary objects, quietly waiting for someone to pick them up. Once that evil is unleashed, the destruction spreads far faster than anyone realizes. With Rigg's life hanging by a thread, the mutiny becoming increasingly impossible to stop, and ancient supernatural forces continuing to haunt every corner of this universe, I finished this issue eager to see where the story would go next.
The cover instantly caught my attention because of how different it feels from the previous installments. Instead of featuring a monstrous creature or a dramatic character confrontation, the artwork depicts the USS Charon speeding through the darkness of space while several ancient-looking weapons float ominously around it. At first glance, the weapons almost appear decorative, but there is something deeply unsettling about them. Their old, worn appearance contrasts beautifully against the futuristic setting, creating an eerie image that immediately suggests these aren't ordinary relics. Even before opening the comic, I had the feeling these weapons symbolized an ancient evil waiting to awaken, and after finishing the issue, I realized just how cleverly the cover foreshadowed the events inside. Every blade surrounding the Charon represents a looming threat, and by the end of the issue, those weapons become some of the most terrifying objects introduced in the series so far.
The story opens with one of the most disturbing sequences in Outer Darkness to date. Three weeks earlier aboard the Galactic Service Science Vessel Ouroboros, a peaceful botanical research mission is underway. The lush greenhouse, filled with strange alien vegetation, initially gives the impression that this ship is dedicated to scientific discovery rather than warfare. Researchers carefully study rapidly growing alien vines while going about their routine, creating a false sense of security. That peaceful atmosphere disappears in an instant.
Without warning, one of the scientists, Jensen, quietly picks up a pair of enormous gardening shears and calmly walks toward a fellow researcher. There is no hesitation or emotional outburst. He simply plunges the shears straight through the man's throat before anyone has time to react. The suddenness of the attack is horrifying because it arrives without any dramatic buildup. Before panic can even spread throughout the room, Jensen swings the shears again and brutally decapitates another scientist. Blood sprays across the greenhouse as chaos erupts, instantly transforming what had been a place of scientific curiosity into a slaughterhouse.
The violence only escalates from there. As Jensen leaves the greenhouse carrying his blood-covered shears, he encounters another crew member who has also descended into madness. This second individual has already murdered someone with an axe, splitting open another scientist's skull with shocking brutality. The comic doesn't shy away from showing the horrific aftermath. Bodies pile across the ship, blood stains every corridor, and every page reinforces the feeling that something unimaginably evil has taken hold of the Ouroboros. What makes the sequence even creepier is that the infected crew members all share identical symptoms. Their eyes have turned completely black while blood continuously pours from both their eyes and mouths. They resemble people possessed by demons rather than victims of a conventional disease, immediately establishing that this mystery will involve supernatural forces rather than scientific explanations.
After this terrifying introduction, the narrative shifts back to the USS Charon, where a completely different kind of danger is unfolding. Deep within the ship, Sato and Alastor continue their disturbing torture session. At first glance, it appears to be another brutal interrogation, but the scene quickly becomes stranger than expected. Rather than resisting the pain, Alastor almost seems to enjoy it, encouraging Sato to continue cutting him. The interaction feels incredibly bizarre, almost disturbingly intimate in certain moments, making me laugh uncomfortably because it carries an oddly kinky energy despite taking place in what is essentially a torture chamber. It is one of those moments where Outer Darkness balances horror with dark humor in a way that somehow works without ruining the tension.
During their conversation, Alastor reveals more about his loyalty while Sato questions who he truly serves. Their discussion eventually shifts toward the subject that has been quietly growing throughout the series: the assassination of Captain Joshua Rigg. The mutiny that has been simmering beneath the surface is no longer simply whispered speculation. It has evolved into a genuine conspiracy with members of the crew openly discussing how and when they can finally eliminate their captain.
The arrival of the Crone adds another fascinating layer to this subplot. Alongside her mysterious cat, she witnesses much of the conversation without interrupting until the perfect moment. What immediately stood out to me was that she already seemed fully aware of the assassination plot. Rather than condemning it, she casually suggests an even better strategy for getting rid of Rigg. That moment completely changed how I viewed her character. The Crone has always been mysterious, but seeing her quietly manipulate events while pretending to remain uninvolved makes her even more dangerous. She isn't simply observing the future—she appears willing to influence it whenever it benefits her.
One detail I appreciated was how the ancient weapons from the cover begin subtly appearing throughout the issue. At first they seem insignificant, but every time one appears, there is an uncomfortable feeling that something terrible is about to happen. It reinforces the symbolism established by the cover art and constantly reminds the reader that these relics are more than simple archaeological artifacts.
The following day, Captain Rigg receives a distress signal concerning the missing Galactic Service Science Vessel Ouroboros. Communication with the vessel has completely ceased, and when the Charon finally locates it drifting silently through space, their sensors detect no surviving life signs aboard. Even before boarding begins, the atmosphere becomes incredibly tense because everyone already expects the worst. Despite the obvious danger, Galactic Service protocol demands an investigation, forcing Rigg and his crew to enter what appears to be an abandoned ghost ship.
Before the boarding party departs, Rigg asks the Crone whether she has foreseen anything regarding the mysterious vessel. Her response immediately caught my attention because it feels dishonest. She claims to have seen nothing significant despite clearly hiding information. Her attempt at deception isn't especially convincing, making it obvious that she knows far more than she is willing to admit. Whether she is protecting herself, manipulating Rigg, or deliberately allowing events to unfold remains uncertain, but her lie adds another layer of suspense before the investigation even begins.
Originally, Alastor is assigned to explore the Ouroboros, but something aboard the ship specifically captures the interest of both Rigg and Agwe. They insist on accompanying the mission personally because they believe an old friend of theirs is waiting aboard. That brief line immediately made me curious. It suggests that the investigation is no longer simply about recovering a missing vessel—it has become deeply personal for both men.
Once they step inside the Ouroboros, they are greeted by one of the most haunting environments in the series. Corpses litter every hallway, blood covers the walls, and the silence throughout the ship is almost suffocating. Instead of signs of an external attack, the evidence clearly shows that the scientists murdered one another. Ancient weapons lie scattered among the bodies, each one appearing strangely untouched despite the massacre surrounding them. The visual storytelling here is phenomenal because every panel slowly pieces together the horrifying sequence of events without relying entirely on dialogue. Simply walking through the abandoned vessel tells its own story.
The emotional impact becomes even stronger when Rigg and Agwe finally discover the friend they had hoped to find alive. Unfortunately, he has become yet another victim of the massacre, having met his tragic end weeks earlier alongside the rest of the crew. Their expressions communicate genuine grief despite the chaotic circumstances surrounding them, reminding readers that even hardened veterans like Rigg are still capable of mourning those they have lost.
As the investigation continues, the true nature of the massacre finally becomes clear. The ancient blades scattered throughout the ship are haunted by a powerful malignant murder spirit. Anyone who touches one of these cursed weapons immediately falls under its influence, becoming consumed by an overwhelming desire to kill. Even worse, anyone wounded by one of these cursed blades also becomes infected, ensuring that the cycle of violence spreads endlessly until no one remains alive. Suddenly, every strange event from the opening sequence makes perfect sense. Jensen and the other scientists were never simply driven insane—they became unwilling servants of an ancient supernatural force that weaponized them against their own crewmates.
I absolutely loved this revelation because it transforms what initially appeared to be another possession story into something much more creative. The horror doesn't come from a single monster stalking the corridors but from cursed objects that continuously create new killers. It also raises countless questions. Who forged these weapons? What ancient civilization created them? What exactly is the murder spirit trapped inside each blade? The comic intentionally leaves these questions unanswered, making the cursed weapons feel even more ancient and mysterious.
Unfortunately, the danger doesn't end with the discovery. While Rigg and Agwe struggle to contain the outbreak, Alastor finally seizes the opportunity he has been waiting for. In one of the issue's most shocking moments, he repeatedly stabs Captain Rigg in the back with one of the cursed blades, attempting to assassinate him while the chaos distracts everyone else. Although I've often found myself frustrated with Rigg's arrogance and questionable leadership throughout the series, I genuinely found myself worried during this scene. His flaws make him a complicated protagonist, but seeing him betrayed from behind still feels devastating.
Thankfully, Agwe reacts immediately, knocking Alastor to the ground before he can finish the job. However, the damage has already been done. Since Rigg was stabbed by one of the haunted weapons, he begins showing signs that the murder spirit is taking hold of him as well. Recognizing what is happening, Rigg orders Agwe to knock him unconscious before he loses control completely. It is a surprisingly selfless moment that demonstrates Rigg's experience as a captain. He understands the threat well enough to sacrifice his own pride for the safety of everyone else.
Knowing they cannot safely contain the cursed weapons, the crew ultimately decides that the only solution is complete destruction. They bombard the Ouroboros, obliterating the entire vessel before another unsuspecting ship can discover it and suffer the same horrifying fate. It is a tragic ending because the scientific research vessel—and everyone aboard it—are erased forever, but it is also the only logical decision given the circumstances.
By the conclusion of the issue, Agwe explains that the blades are possessed by an ancient murderous spirit, finally giving everyone a clearer understanding of what happened aboard the Ouroboros. The surviving crew also realizes that Alastor deliberately used the crisis to make his move against Captain Rigg. Considering how close he came to succeeding, I honestly don't see Rigg ever trusting him again if he survives the consequences of his actions.
Overall, I thought Outer Darkness Issue #9 was another excellent installment that blends supernatural horror with political intrigue in a way that feels uniquely its own. While the overall plot is relatively straightforward compared to some of the series' larger mythology-heavy chapters, the execution is incredibly effective. The haunted weapons introduce one of the creepiest concepts the series has explored so far, the massacre aboard the Ouroboros delivers several genuinely unsettling moments, and the attempted assassination of Captain Rigg ensures that the internal conflict aboard the Charon continues to escalate alongside the external supernatural threats. More than anything, this issue serves as a reminder that evil doesn't always arrive in the form of monsters lurking in the darkness. Sometimes it hides within ordinary objects, quietly waiting for someone to pick them up. Once that evil is unleashed, the destruction spreads far faster than anyone realizes. With Rigg's life hanging by a thread, the mutiny becoming increasingly impossible to stop, and ancient supernatural forces continuing to haunt every corner of this universe, I finished this issue eager to see where the story would go next.
January 18, 2026
Short comics.
I really like this series, but they need to make the comics a little longer because they are too short.
I really like this series, but they need to make the comics a little longer because they are too short.
May 31, 2026
2026 - 365 Days of Whatever Is On My Comic Book TBR
Day 151
Day 151
October 17, 2019
You ever wonder what it would be like to have a ship and have almost everyone in your crew out to kill you? Captain Rigg apparently never has, but he really is living it. Will Satalis make his move here? What's going to happen? Fighting demons in space has never been so treacherous of a territory.
November 3, 2019
While trying to find out what happened to the crew of a science station members of the crew are infected by a virus or entientityt turns them into killers. Maybe this is Satalis chance at the captain?
September 10, 2019
Afu Chan’s art and John Layman’s style are just so fun together. I’m glad I’m reading this again.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews