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Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos
A sci-fi graphic novel written and illustrated by S. Craig Zahler, the award-winning film director of Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete.
"What a fantastic read!" -Patton Oswalt
"Zahler continues to amaze me. I got goosebumps." - Justin Lin , director Fast Five and Star Trek Beyond
"S. Craig Zahler is certain to become one of the great imaginers of our time."- Clive Barker
"Mr. Zahler first started painting images with words. Then he used his words with a camera to thrill, intimidate, and scare. Now he has turned his attention to the medium of comics and I am now filled with intimidation, trepidation, and realized expectations. Yikes, what scary talent!" - Geof Darrow
"Unsettling ... equal parts internal and interstellar warfare. It's a bizarre work, and one unlike others genre readers are likely to come across." -Publishers Weekly
"I had the best time reading this graphic novel. I never knew where it was going or how." -Brian Michael Bendis
An alien spacecraft the size of a city materializes over the Pacific Ocean and the nations of the world jointly engage this enigmatic and incommunicative visitor with force. This battle results in large-scale destruction on both sides, but does not answer any of the questions that will haunt What are these utterly inhuman creatures? Where did they come from? Why did they choose to visit our planet? And—most importantly—are more forces on the way? For the bereaved billionaire Carlton Land, renowned biologist Aimee O'Donnell, and the brilliant, but blunt USAAF Chief Scientist Kenneth Yamazaki, these questions must be answered in order to safeguard the future of the human race.
Collects the original graphic novel published as an oversized hardcover with black and white art; this story is a haunting odyssey that you will not want to miss.
"What a fantastic read!" -Patton Oswalt
"Zahler continues to amaze me. I got goosebumps." - Justin Lin , director Fast Five and Star Trek Beyond
"S. Craig Zahler is certain to become one of the great imaginers of our time."- Clive Barker
"Mr. Zahler first started painting images with words. Then he used his words with a camera to thrill, intimidate, and scare. Now he has turned his attention to the medium of comics and I am now filled with intimidation, trepidation, and realized expectations. Yikes, what scary talent!" - Geof Darrow
"Unsettling ... equal parts internal and interstellar warfare. It's a bizarre work, and one unlike others genre readers are likely to come across." -Publishers Weekly
"I had the best time reading this graphic novel. I never knew where it was going or how." -Brian Michael Bendis
An alien spacecraft the size of a city materializes over the Pacific Ocean and the nations of the world jointly engage this enigmatic and incommunicative visitor with force. This battle results in large-scale destruction on both sides, but does not answer any of the questions that will haunt What are these utterly inhuman creatures? Where did they come from? Why did they choose to visit our planet? And—most importantly—are more forces on the way? For the bereaved billionaire Carlton Land, renowned biologist Aimee O'Donnell, and the brilliant, but blunt USAAF Chief Scientist Kenneth Yamazaki, these questions must be answered in order to safeguard the future of the human race.
Collects the original graphic novel published as an oversized hardcover with black and white art; this story is a haunting odyssey that you will not want to miss.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
3 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
S. Craig Zahler
27 books1,356 followers"S. Craig Zahler is certain to become one of the great imaginers of our time." ― Clive Barker
Novelist and cartoonist S. Craig Zahler is also the screenwriter, director, and musical co-composer for the movies, Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete. His second graphic novel Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos was released by Dark Horse Comics as an oversized hardback in December 2022. He wrote and illustrated this large-scale sci-fi work.
"What a fantastic read!" ― Patton Oswalt
"I had the best time reading this graphic novel. I never knew where it was going or how." ― Brian Michael Bendis
His debut graphic novel, Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus and his crime book The Slanted Gutter came out in 2021.
Praise for his other books:
"Whether writing westerns, science fiction, or crime, Zahler (Corpus Chrome, Inc., 2013) always manages to bring something new to the genre. [We fell] completely under Zahler’s spell... A bravura literary performance.” —Booklist, Starred Review
"Zahler tells a gripping story." ― Kirkus Review
"Five-plus stars to Hug Chickenpenny. Complex, well-drawn characterizations, compelling imagery and a well-ordered story..." ― Publishers Daily Reviews
"Zahler’s mean streets are bizarrely mean. But Mean Business is often mordantly funny, too—and not to be missed." Booklist, starred review
“CORPUS CHROME, INC describes one of the weirder post-singularity futures. The characters are very much alive. I was entertained throughout.” —Larry Niven, Hugo & Nebula award winning author
"Zahler's a fabulous story teller..." Kurt Russell, star of Escape from New York, Tombstone, and Stargate
My dark western Wraiths of the Broken Land is also available in trade paperback, hardback and ebook editions. Below is some praise from Joe R. Lansdale, Booklist, Jack Ketchum, and Ed Lee:
"If you’re looking for something similar to what you’ve read before, this ain’t it. If you want something comforting and predictable, this damn sure ain’t it. But if you want something with storytelling guts and a weird point of view, an unforgettable voice, then you want what I want, and that is this." –Joe R. Lansdale, author of The Bottoms, Mucho Mojo, and Savage Season
"It would be utterly insufficient to say that WRAITHS is the most diversified and expertly written western I’ve ever read." –Edward Lee, author of The Bighead and Gast.
"[C]ompulsively readable…. Fans of Zahler’s A Congregation of Jackals (2010) will be satisfied; think Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. [C]lever mayhem ... leads to a riveting climax." –Booklist
"WRAITHS always rings true, whether it's visiting the depths of despair, the fury of violence, or the fragile ties that bind us together for good or ill. It's a Western with heart and intelligence, always vivid, with characters you will detest or care about or both, powerfully written." –Jack Ketchum, author of Off Season and The Girl Next Door
Novelist and cartoonist S. Craig Zahler is also the screenwriter, director, and musical co-composer for the movies, Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete. His second graphic novel Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos was released by Dark Horse Comics as an oversized hardback in December 2022. He wrote and illustrated this large-scale sci-fi work.
"What a fantastic read!" ― Patton Oswalt
"I had the best time reading this graphic novel. I never knew where it was going or how." ― Brian Michael Bendis
His debut graphic novel, Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus and his crime book The Slanted Gutter came out in 2021.
Praise for his other books:
"Whether writing westerns, science fiction, or crime, Zahler (Corpus Chrome, Inc., 2013) always manages to bring something new to the genre. [We fell] completely under Zahler’s spell... A bravura literary performance.” —Booklist, Starred Review
"Zahler tells a gripping story." ― Kirkus Review
"Five-plus stars to Hug Chickenpenny. Complex, well-drawn characterizations, compelling imagery and a well-ordered story..." ― Publishers Daily Reviews
"Zahler’s mean streets are bizarrely mean. But Mean Business is often mordantly funny, too—and not to be missed." Booklist, starred review
“CORPUS CHROME, INC describes one of the weirder post-singularity futures. The characters are very much alive. I was entertained throughout.” —Larry Niven, Hugo & Nebula award winning author
"Zahler's a fabulous story teller..." Kurt Russell, star of Escape from New York, Tombstone, and Stargate
My dark western Wraiths of the Broken Land is also available in trade paperback, hardback and ebook editions. Below is some praise from Joe R. Lansdale, Booklist, Jack Ketchum, and Ed Lee:
"If you’re looking for something similar to what you’ve read before, this ain’t it. If you want something comforting and predictable, this damn sure ain’t it. But if you want something with storytelling guts and a weird point of view, an unforgettable voice, then you want what I want, and that is this." –Joe R. Lansdale, author of The Bottoms, Mucho Mojo, and Savage Season
"It would be utterly insufficient to say that WRAITHS is the most diversified and expertly written western I’ve ever read." –Edward Lee, author of The Bighead and Gast.
"[C]ompulsively readable…. Fans of Zahler’s A Congregation of Jackals (2010) will be satisfied; think Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained. [C]lever mayhem ... leads to a riveting climax." –Booklist
"WRAITHS always rings true, whether it's visiting the depths of despair, the fury of violence, or the fragile ties that bind us together for good or ill. It's a Western with heart and intelligence, always vivid, with characters you will detest or care about or both, powerfully written." –Jack Ketchum, author of Off Season and The Girl Next Door
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
May 3, 2023
I read this sporadically over a week between frequent bouts of intrusions of real life.
I read the last third of this book in one epic page-turning fit while waiting in my dentist’s parking lot for my turn in the luxurious leather and chrome dental chair.
This was a great Science-Fiction/Horror movie of a graphic novel. Imaginative concepts of an outside-of our -galaxy species, our encounters with them and then a mind blowing wrap-up that leaves you longing for a replay option.
I no longer read Science Fiction but did enjoy a lot of the now-classics of the post-Dangerous Visions & Cyberpunk genres in my teenage years. I enjoyed this enough to search out more recent SF offerings by the likes of S. Craig Zahler.
I read the last third of this book in one epic page-turning fit while waiting in my dentist’s parking lot for my turn in the luxurious leather and chrome dental chair.
This was a great Science-Fiction/Horror movie of a graphic novel. Imaginative concepts of an outside-of our -galaxy species, our encounters with them and then a mind blowing wrap-up that leaves you longing for a replay option.
I no longer read Science Fiction but did enjoy a lot of the now-classics of the post-Dangerous Visions & Cyberpunk genres in my teenage years. I enjoyed this enough to search out more recent SF offerings by the likes of S. Craig Zahler.
April 13, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this. It's very tongue in cheek, with over the top characters constantly saying and doing over the top things. I laughed a lot, and I don't laugh easily.
The story and characters are appropriately ridiculous, and the art matches the script well.
The only thing against the book is that it sort of fizzles out at the end, as if there was a set number of pages and oh dear we've run out of pages the end.
But I'd love to read more like this, in the voice of Jeff Goldblum sucking on a mint; yes, yeees, yeeeeees..
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
The story and characters are appropriately ridiculous, and the art matches the script well.
The only thing against the book is that it sort of fizzles out at the end, as if there was a set number of pages and oh dear we've run out of pages the end.
But I'd love to read more like this, in the voice of Jeff Goldblum sucking on a mint; yes, yeees, yeeeeees..
(Thanks to Dark Horse Books for providing me with a review copy through Edelweiss)
March 18, 2024
2024 #7: Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos by S. Craig Zahler
What fascinates me about this book is that the Alien Invasion isn't even the best thing about it. The destruction and the deaths are depicted for sure, but how the invasion motivates the plights and obsessions of the characters is more fascinating, shocking, and triumphantly human. In a genre where the main characters are more or less insignificant in the face of the invading force without their fighter jets and aircraft carriers, Zahler's characters rise above the occasion through the force of sheer will and dedication.
Let's talk about the writing. The journey of the tortured MC Carlton Land is a tour de force in writing relatable and complex characters. The way he acts and reacts is relatable and human, a truly fleshed-out character that betrays his comic depiction by Zahler. Also, as many reviewers have pointed out, the whole affair is very unpredictable; will our heroes' plans work or will they be the insignificant victims depicted in myriad Cosmic Horror stories?
I am not criticizing the art, especially when all I can do is badly draw stick figures. Maybe others will decry the lack of detail or criticize that it isn't Avatar Press-ish in the depiction of gruesome detail. Ok. But still, Zahler has developed his style and will no doubt continue to develop it in future comics.
What fascinates me about this book is that the Alien Invasion isn't even the best thing about it. The destruction and the deaths are depicted for sure, but how the invasion motivates the plights and obsessions of the characters is more fascinating, shocking, and triumphantly human. In a genre where the main characters are more or less insignificant in the face of the invading force without their fighter jets and aircraft carriers, Zahler's characters rise above the occasion through the force of sheer will and dedication.
Let's talk about the writing. The journey of the tortured MC Carlton Land is a tour de force in writing relatable and complex characters. The way he acts and reacts is relatable and human, a truly fleshed-out character that betrays his comic depiction by Zahler. Also, as many reviewers have pointed out, the whole affair is very unpredictable; will our heroes' plans work or will they be the insignificant victims depicted in myriad Cosmic Horror stories?
I am not criticizing the art, especially when all I can do is badly draw stick figures. Maybe others will decry the lack of detail or criticize that it isn't Avatar Press-ish in the depiction of gruesome detail. Ok. But still, Zahler has developed his style and will no doubt continue to develop it in future comics.
November 25, 2024
With Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos, S. Craig Zahler takes another stab at graphic novels, showcasing substantial growth since his first work in the medium. While Zahler's technical illustration skills have improved, the real achievement here lies in his command over page layout and composition. His strategic use of large panels and sparing but impactful splash pages imbue this sci-fi narrative with an epic scope, highlighting its grandeur. The simplicity of his pen-and-ink illustrations works well, lending the story a clarity that is often lacking in more complex and technically proficient cartooning, often inspired by the likes of Frank Quietly and Doug Mahnke.
In terms of writing, Zahler is in peak form, avoiding the pitfalls of predictable alien invasion tropes, and grounded just enough in real-world science to give it plausibility, without alienating readers who aren't looking for the esotericism of Isaac Asimov. Yet Zahler’s real strength lies in his characters, and here he delivers one of his most richly human and layered casts to date. The story’s Earth-bound first two-thirds are dedicated to developing a varied ensemble, each character’s life interconnected through Zahler’s deft plotting. These characters, deeply flawed yet sympathetic, are so compelling that even without the science fiction elements, the story would stand as an engrossing human drama.
Zahler’s dialogue also shows growth. While the stylized discourse of his films occasionally comes off like lines from a Donald Duck comic, here Zahler crafts dialogue that feels unique to each character yet remains believable. Where the cartoonish dialogue of his films could sometimes distract from the story (for example, the bank robbery scene in Dragged Across Concrete), the naturalism in Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos grounds the narrative in realism, enhancing the story's impact and believability.
Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos represents a quantum leap for Zahler, blending complex character work, scientific realism, and innovative visual storytelling. While his first graphic novel was an impressive horror outing in its own right, this new work is an excellent sci-fi adventure and human drama, that is highly recommended for anyone interested in seeing Zahler’s craft mature.
In terms of writing, Zahler is in peak form, avoiding the pitfalls of predictable alien invasion tropes, and grounded just enough in real-world science to give it plausibility, without alienating readers who aren't looking for the esotericism of Isaac Asimov. Yet Zahler’s real strength lies in his characters, and here he delivers one of his most richly human and layered casts to date. The story’s Earth-bound first two-thirds are dedicated to developing a varied ensemble, each character’s life interconnected through Zahler’s deft plotting. These characters, deeply flawed yet sympathetic, are so compelling that even without the science fiction elements, the story would stand as an engrossing human drama.
Zahler’s dialogue also shows growth. While the stylized discourse of his films occasionally comes off like lines from a Donald Duck comic, here Zahler crafts dialogue that feels unique to each character yet remains believable. Where the cartoonish dialogue of his films could sometimes distract from the story (for example, the bank robbery scene in Dragged Across Concrete), the naturalism in Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos grounds the narrative in realism, enhancing the story's impact and believability.
Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos represents a quantum leap for Zahler, blending complex character work, scientific realism, and innovative visual storytelling. While his first graphic novel was an impressive horror outing in its own right, this new work is an excellent sci-fi adventure and human drama, that is highly recommended for anyone interested in seeing Zahler’s craft mature.
December 7, 2022
A character focused sci-fi epic with cosmic horror tones, driven with snappy dialogue and unique art direction. A standout take on the alien invasion subgenre, full of laughs and gasps. 5/5
December 20, 2023
That book has character(s). Despite the pulpy plot (a sophisticated version of "Armageddon" with Cthulhu-like, indifferent alien species at its center) and cartoon (although not cartoonish) drawing style it worked great. All the characters were developed and written as "real" people, evolving along with the story. Had a more realistic style of drawing been chosen for this book, it would probably distract the reader from the plot, the horrific things that happen quite casually at places and wouldn't merit the characters, all of them gaining distinct characteristics (long jaws, elongated heads or hair) and tying them together with the cosmic anomalies that are the "antagonists" (?) here. A sequel would be most welcome, though the book stands great on its own. A science fiction adventure in the spirit of US sci-fi novels from the '50s and ''60s.
December 6, 2022
Delectable. So well-written, from beginning to end. Zahler's dark sense of humour is on full display. Also an interesting tale about redemption and our relationship with science. I've got my S. Craig Zahler hit until his next movie comes out.
February 18, 2023
So much fun- alien arrival, international conflicts, billionaire pain, aliens from ancient cosmos’s. This would be a great addition to a science fiction shelf- awesome character design and just humorous enough to feel real not cheesy.
August 14, 2023
Funny, outrageous, thought provoking—aka an S. Craig Zahler creation.
February 2, 2023
3.5/5
*I listen to Realmbuilder as I write this review*
I first learned about S. Craig Zahler in 2018 after watching Dragged Across Concrete. You see I'm a Mel Gibson fan and when I saw the trailer for the movie it was immediately in my watchlist. The movie ended and suddenly I found myself a Zahler fan and I instantly watched Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99. Wow, this guy can write characters and stories and as a writer/director myself (in Greece of all the places where art is a word without meaning anymore) his career is like a beacon of hope for me. I wanted so many years to read something of his and I always postponed it for some reason. Not anymore.
I thoroughly enjoyed Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos having and initial period of adjustment to the illustrations because they are not all that conventional. I found them kinda amateurish to be honest but you get used to them quickly and in the end it's part of the charm of the book. However, my main problem was the constant changes of locations in Parts 1 and 2 and the pacing. It was like every five panels or something to be "Location Bla-Bla where Dr. So and So" etc. and it annoyed me. But as with the illustrations you get used to the rhythm, but it doesn't mean I liked it. What I liked is that at the first two parts you have a redemption story camouflaged as an alien invasion and in the third part an intriguing Star Trek episode. That I liked very much even though I found the ending sudden and cliffhanger-ish. The characters were likable (particularly Land) and for me the humor of the book always worked.
I wouldn't say "go read it immediately", but I would say "go watch his movies first and then read it."
*I listen to Realmbuilder as I write this review*
I first learned about S. Craig Zahler in 2018 after watching Dragged Across Concrete. You see I'm a Mel Gibson fan and when I saw the trailer for the movie it was immediately in my watchlist. The movie ended and suddenly I found myself a Zahler fan and I instantly watched Bone Tomahawk and Brawl in Cell Block 99. Wow, this guy can write characters and stories and as a writer/director myself (in Greece of all the places where art is a word without meaning anymore) his career is like a beacon of hope for me. I wanted so many years to read something of his and I always postponed it for some reason. Not anymore.
I thoroughly enjoyed Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos having and initial period of adjustment to the illustrations because they are not all that conventional. I found them kinda amateurish to be honest but you get used to them quickly and in the end it's part of the charm of the book. However, my main problem was the constant changes of locations in Parts 1 and 2 and the pacing. It was like every five panels or something to be "Location Bla-Bla where Dr. So and So" etc. and it annoyed me. But as with the illustrations you get used to the rhythm, but it doesn't mean I liked it. What I liked is that at the first two parts you have a redemption story camouflaged as an alien invasion and in the third part an intriguing Star Trek episode. That I liked very much even though I found the ending sudden and cliffhanger-ish. The characters were likable (particularly Land) and for me the humor of the book always worked.
I wouldn't say "go read it immediately", but I would say "go watch his movies first and then read it."
December 13, 2022
I was an instant fan of S. Craig Zahler after seeing his debt film, something that I found so searing and remarkable that I spent weeks showing it to anyone who’d watch. I gained further respect for him as I discovered his prolific, insightful reviews of works from mediums ranging from film to board games. But this was the first time I got to truly follow him to the page, and, perhaps paradoxically, it was as surprising as I had expected. Featuring delightful elements from his films such as dry wit, shocking violence, and acid cynicism that stands aside an affection for man’s capacity for sacrifice and loyalty, Zahler produces a riveting graphic novel that’s certain to please fans of his filmography.
The surprise comes in how it’s, and please forgive what’s doubtlessly a limited frame of reference, somewhat like his talents were put to use forging a synthesis of Independence Day and Interstellar. Zahler might cringe at the suggestion, but it’s intended wholly as a compliment, as it reveals that his talents as a storyteller run even deeper than his already muscular cinematic work has thus far suggested.
I won’t say much more, as I enjoyed a minimal knowledge of what lied within before starting my read. But, rest assured, this is rewarding, suspenseful, and moving sci-fi epic from one of today’s few essential artists.
The surprise comes in how it’s, and please forgive what’s doubtlessly a limited frame of reference, somewhat like his talents were put to use forging a synthesis of Independence Day and Interstellar. Zahler might cringe at the suggestion, but it’s intended wholly as a compliment, as it reveals that his talents as a storyteller run even deeper than his already muscular cinematic work has thus far suggested.
I won’t say much more, as I enjoyed a minimal knowledge of what lied within before starting my read. But, rest assured, this is rewarding, suspenseful, and moving sci-fi epic from one of today’s few essential artists.
December 12, 2022
S. Craig ZAHLER does it again with this graphic novel.
This is a book with a great chracterization of its protagonists through dialogues and situations. As always, there are violent outbursts - After all there is an alien invasion and a prison drama within these pages- but mostly there is a higher story that is inspiring.
It's hard-science sci-fi but don't get scared. Zahler explains in simple words the scientific concepts driving the plot.
The only element a bit clunky is that billionaire Lang is a bit of a Bruce Wayne. Money seems to buy a lot of thing. Still even if a bit cringy, this is not totally bad as it brings also ambiguity and a form of redemptive subplot to the story.
This is imho a future cult classic. Go read it!
This is a book with a great chracterization of its protagonists through dialogues and situations. As always, there are violent outbursts - After all there is an alien invasion and a prison drama within these pages- but mostly there is a higher story that is inspiring.
It's hard-science sci-fi but don't get scared. Zahler explains in simple words the scientific concepts driving the plot.
The only element a bit clunky is that billionaire Lang is a bit of a Bruce Wayne. Money seems to buy a lot of thing. Still even if a bit cringy, this is not totally bad as it brings also ambiguity and a form of redemptive subplot to the story.
This is imho a future cult classic. Go read it!
January 29, 2023
I like Zahler's stuff, and especially his ideas. I don't know that I love his drawings, and some of his dialogue reads like, well, the kind of dialogue you get in comics when you bring a prose writer into the game.
That said, this sort of reads like a pretty good Star Trek episode, and looking at it that way makes it seem, I don't know, it's easy to overlook the flaws and see it for what it is: a pretty decent story with some interesting quirks.
And I like the idea of someone doing shit like this themselves, absolutely NO need to bend or change anything for anyone else. It's gotta be a relief from working in movies, which seems like the opposite situation.
It's imperfect, and I think the imperfection gives this one the feel of a truly independent project with something to say and something to ponder.
All that said, I am generally on the "let's blow up the aliens" side of things.
SPACE aliens, okay? Little green men. Not like dudes who live in Mexico. I'm not a fan of blowing up those guys (though I would perhaps have a grudging respect for anyone who posed it, at least they're being honest instead of trying to hide what they'd really like to do behind a giant stupid wall or whatever, and then we could just all be like, "Alright, well, that's crazy, moving on.")
These "blow up the aliens" guys are in every movie. Usually it's a military guy, or a couple military guys, who are also assholes and jerks at the same time. They're ALWAYS wrong in the movies, but sometimes I think we should see it from their perspective.
WE are watching a movie about aliens, and we don't really know what the aliens are doing there. So we, of course, know that treating the aliens as hostile is potentially a mistake, depending on the kind of movie. Is it a movie with explosions where a dog jumps out of the way of a fireball? Then the aliens are hostile. Is it a movie where careful, academic exploration of alien culture and ways of life is conducted? The aliens are not hostile. Does the alien befriend a child? I'm 50/50 on that between E.T. and Psycho Goreman, two movies with that premise that go two VERY different ways.
But, if we look at it from the perspective of the characters in a movie, they are NOT in a movie (as far as they know) and so only have the actions of the aliens to go on.
ET, for example, was a movie where I always felt like the adults were being total assholes. But as I've aged, I don't think it's totally unreasonable to be concerned about your kids hanging out with a alien. If conquistadors and explorers brought horrible diseases that decimated native populations in America, it seems VERY possible that ET could bring something similar, no? At the very least, seems very possible that ET would be heavily irradiated after traveling through deep space.
I end up on the "blow up the aliens" side because, well, I usually end up preferring those movies. ET is good as fuck, but Mac and Me and the others are garbage. And, yes, Independence Day is also kinda garbage, but it's the kind of garbage I can get into.
That said, this sort of reads like a pretty good Star Trek episode, and looking at it that way makes it seem, I don't know, it's easy to overlook the flaws and see it for what it is: a pretty decent story with some interesting quirks.
And I like the idea of someone doing shit like this themselves, absolutely NO need to bend or change anything for anyone else. It's gotta be a relief from working in movies, which seems like the opposite situation.
It's imperfect, and I think the imperfection gives this one the feel of a truly independent project with something to say and something to ponder.
All that said, I am generally on the "let's blow up the aliens" side of things.
SPACE aliens, okay? Little green men. Not like dudes who live in Mexico. I'm not a fan of blowing up those guys (though I would perhaps have a grudging respect for anyone who posed it, at least they're being honest instead of trying to hide what they'd really like to do behind a giant stupid wall or whatever, and then we could just all be like, "Alright, well, that's crazy, moving on.")
These "blow up the aliens" guys are in every movie. Usually it's a military guy, or a couple military guys, who are also assholes and jerks at the same time. They're ALWAYS wrong in the movies, but sometimes I think we should see it from their perspective.
WE are watching a movie about aliens, and we don't really know what the aliens are doing there. So we, of course, know that treating the aliens as hostile is potentially a mistake, depending on the kind of movie. Is it a movie with explosions where a dog jumps out of the way of a fireball? Then the aliens are hostile. Is it a movie where careful, academic exploration of alien culture and ways of life is conducted? The aliens are not hostile. Does the alien befriend a child? I'm 50/50 on that between E.T. and Psycho Goreman, two movies with that premise that go two VERY different ways.
But, if we look at it from the perspective of the characters in a movie, they are NOT in a movie (as far as they know) and so only have the actions of the aliens to go on.
ET, for example, was a movie where I always felt like the adults were being total assholes. But as I've aged, I don't think it's totally unreasonable to be concerned about your kids hanging out with a alien. If conquistadors and explorers brought horrible diseases that decimated native populations in America, it seems VERY possible that ET could bring something similar, no? At the very least, seems very possible that ET would be heavily irradiated after traveling through deep space.
I end up on the "blow up the aliens" side because, well, I usually end up preferring those movies. ET is good as fuck, but Mac and Me and the others are garbage. And, yes, Independence Day is also kinda garbage, but it's the kind of garbage I can get into.
October 16, 2023
Really not sure what to make of this. Having watched Zahler's film Bone Tomahawk and read about his other works, this graphic novel was not what I expected. Zahler is known for explosive violence and edgy, exploitative sensibilities, but I didn't see much of that here. There is some violence, but its cartoony, and for the most part, the story feels earnest. The plot mainly follows a billionaire who loses his wife in an alien invasion. After his loss, he becomes hedonistic and kills a family while driving drunk. From jail, he uses his unlimited money to start a research group that will do what the government won't--research the aliens and their craft which was destroyed by the U.S. and China. From there, he slowly redeems himself by acting selflessly and eventually helping the alien organelles in a space war. The plotting is relentless and brisk, with constant talking heads and frequent jumps in time. The art is simple, but effective.
Zahler consciously chose the most unlikeable protagonists you could have today--a selfish billionaire who inherited all his money from his parents--and turns him into the hero. He has said in interviews that he wants the readers to have a complicated relationship with this character, but it feels like he wants you to forgive this man, since everybody else in the story does. I guess there is also a message in here about government bureaucracy and how private enterprise is better for addressing certain issues. I don't agree, but ok...
Overall, I can't help but feel Zahler is pulling a prank on me. With all the characters and the constant dialogue, I never really felt anything for these people. It all feels fake and surface level, like these characters are parodies of characters from a disaster movie like Independence Day. Is this earnest or is it mocking earnest stories? Is it about a diverse group of people coming together and accomplishing something great, or is it a parody of corny movies that are overly idealistic? Is Zahler playing 3D chess or is this supposed to be taken at face value?
I have no idea. Ultimately, I think Zahler is fascinating and I am intrigued, but confused and not very satisfied by the experience. There were some funny moments and he gets points for originality, but I wouldn't highly recommend this to anyone.
Zahler consciously chose the most unlikeable protagonists you could have today--a selfish billionaire who inherited all his money from his parents--and turns him into the hero. He has said in interviews that he wants the readers to have a complicated relationship with this character, but it feels like he wants you to forgive this man, since everybody else in the story does. I guess there is also a message in here about government bureaucracy and how private enterprise is better for addressing certain issues. I don't agree, but ok...
Overall, I can't help but feel Zahler is pulling a prank on me. With all the characters and the constant dialogue, I never really felt anything for these people. It all feels fake and surface level, like these characters are parodies of characters from a disaster movie like Independence Day. Is this earnest or is it mocking earnest stories? Is it about a diverse group of people coming together and accomplishing something great, or is it a parody of corny movies that are overly idealistic? Is Zahler playing 3D chess or is this supposed to be taken at face value?
I have no idea. Ultimately, I think Zahler is fascinating and I am intrigued, but confused and not very satisfied by the experience. There were some funny moments and he gets points for originality, but I wouldn't highly recommend this to anyone.
December 2, 2022
Really wasn't expecting this book to be hard sci-fi space opera meets political thriller with some prison drama sprinkled in. The story begins with a lot of moving pieces, but the biggest two would be the grieving billionaire Carlton Land who seeks purpose with his wealth and the idealistic but blunt USAAF Chief Scientist Kenneth Yamakazi who unsuccessfully attempts to push scientific agenda over imperialism. The storytelling is brisk and exceptionally paced, the characters are all well realized and empathetic, and the sci-fi concepts are very clearly described without relying on much heavy exposition. I was already impressed with Zahler's transition from storytelling mediums such as films & novels to writing comics, where the latter involves a different perspective on pacing. The ending is a tad abrupt, but it does feel like an overall rewarding journey.
While Zahler's cartooning was already quite confident and sharp in his debut graphic novel, Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus, there is something even more impressive about his work on this book which he churned out in a year and yet is double the page count. But given the ambition of the concepts described in this book, I do wish there were some grander artistic choices used to depict certain scenes. Overall though, I really enjoyed the artwork - it's simple in style but incredibly effective and surprisingly evocative when it needs to be.
If you can't tell yet, I really liked this book. Zahler's handle on pacing, dialogue and characterization is masterful and his cartooning continues to impress. I find that when newcomers to the medium start out they tend to go for more mainstream appeal, but I'm glad that he chose to go for something much more idiosyncratic and nonconformist in style and tone.
While Zahler's cartooning was already quite confident and sharp in his debut graphic novel, Forbidden Surgeries of the Hideous Dr. Divinus, there is something even more impressive about his work on this book which he churned out in a year and yet is double the page count. But given the ambition of the concepts described in this book, I do wish there were some grander artistic choices used to depict certain scenes. Overall though, I really enjoyed the artwork - it's simple in style but incredibly effective and surprisingly evocative when it needs to be.
If you can't tell yet, I really liked this book. Zahler's handle on pacing, dialogue and characterization is masterful and his cartooning continues to impress. I find that when newcomers to the medium start out they tend to go for more mainstream appeal, but I'm glad that he chose to go for something much more idiosyncratic and nonconformist in style and tone.
August 9, 2023
S Craig Zahler, a comic book artist and filmmaker and musician and novelist, who I only knew from his filmmaking, drew and wrote this sci-fi graphic novel last year. I never knew he did anything other than films (Bone Tomahawk, Brawl In Cell Block 99, and Dragged Across Concrete - in which he also wrote the diegetic music) but when I saw Hoopla recommended this to me, I had to check it out.
How was Organisms From An Ancient Cosmos?
To its credit, it's somewhat of a heady read - at least for a graphic novel. It's very science driven (how accurate or plausible is it? I don't know; ask someone smarter than me) so admittedly I wasn't able to comprehend EVERYTHING that was happening or why, but it was cool to see Zahler tackle something that wasn't crime-driven like his films. I still woulda enjoyed it more without the Marvel jokey-jokes and an art style I personally didn't find fitting but also there are satirical elements that come out of nowhere that feel way out of place. So it's kinda a mess tonally.
Still, it was a quick read and I was invested enough to see how it would all end - and that's something. It's got me interested in his other graphic novel as well as his novels.
How was Organisms From An Ancient Cosmos?
To its credit, it's somewhat of a heady read - at least for a graphic novel. It's very science driven (how accurate or plausible is it? I don't know; ask someone smarter than me) so admittedly I wasn't able to comprehend EVERYTHING that was happening or why, but it was cool to see Zahler tackle something that wasn't crime-driven like his films. I still woulda enjoyed it more without the Marvel jokey-jokes and an art style I personally didn't find fitting but also there are satirical elements that come out of nowhere that feel way out of place. So it's kinda a mess tonally.
Still, it was a quick read and I was invested enough to see how it would all end - and that's something. It's got me interested in his other graphic novel as well as his novels.
March 29, 2024
I like S. Craig Zahler. He is both a writer, a director and a graphic storyteller as indicated by this novel which is basically an adult comic book. An interesting spin on story telling. Not my personal choice but it took him months to prepare. His writing is dark and his movies are intense. Bone Tomahawk, Brawl in Cell Block 99 and Dragged across Concrete will attest to this. You get a lot when you decide to venture into his world. The book I just finished reading is out there. Space invasion and such. It obviously is not for everyone, so I would caution anyone jumping at it. His novels and movies are another matter.
July 20, 2024
I loved Zahler's The Slanted Gutter so I figured I'd give his comic a try. I'm not the comic sort as I've always liked words over pictures but figured why not. Unfortunately I think this was a weak effort from Zahler. Weak story with weak characters. There's just not enough great ideas here. Theres some here and there like carousel theory (if thats from Zahlers mind, I really don't know) and the main characters random prison visit, but overall I found it forgettable and mostly uninteresting. It wasn't weird enough or gory enough which is surprising because Zahler seems to usually get pretty crazy with his stories.
March 22, 2023
Ok. Massive review dump incoming.
I enjoyed this one. Its a fun little pulpy scifi jaunt. A rich dude finds himself on the wrong end of an extraterrestrial event and seeks REVENGE! Its pure pulp. All the cliche characters/events are there, from the badass veteran soldier, the scientists horny for each other's brains, even a rock bottom spent in Las Vegas. Its great. The humor is on point, the alien designs are unique and the story is delightfully entertaining.
I enjoyed this one. Its a fun little pulpy scifi jaunt. A rich dude finds himself on the wrong end of an extraterrestrial event and seeks REVENGE! Its pure pulp. All the cliche characters/events are there, from the badass veteran soldier, the scientists horny for each other's brains, even a rock bottom spent in Las Vegas. Its great. The humor is on point, the alien designs are unique and the story is delightfully entertaining.
Read
June 30, 2023S. Craig Zahler's crime fiction (both literary and cinematic) feels so specifically curated to my own personal tastes that it's almost as if it was created with me in mind. While his graphic novels don't resonate with me on that same level, I've greatly enjoyed them, and Organisms from an Ancient Cosmos' brand of black comedy very much works for me.
A really fun read with a surprising amount of heart.
A really fun read with a surprising amount of heart.
December 5, 2023
Frankó Zahler cucc. Rajzstílusa is stimmel, könnyen olvasható, pont illik a sztorihoz.
January 8, 2024
I didn’t know S Craig Zahler wrote/drew graphic novels. I dig his movies and had read the Mean Business on North Ganson Street previously.
I enjoyed this book. The art wasn’t the best. But it wasn’t terrible. The dialogue was a little silly and simple but I was quickly drawn into the story.
Honestly kind of reminded me of an off brand Benjamin Marra without the over the top humor and ridiculousness
I enjoyed this book. The art wasn’t the best. But it wasn’t terrible. The dialogue was a little silly and simple but I was quickly drawn into the story.
Honestly kind of reminded me of an off brand Benjamin Marra without the over the top humor and ridiculousness
July 6, 2024
Unique and highly entertaining. Zahler's characteristic hyper violence comes across comedic in this medium and the different parts shift in tone from Mars Attacks! to Dr. Strangelove to Contact and then to Star Trek, but it never is predictable or derivative. The ending was not as satisfying as I hoped it would be, and there were times when I was unsure whether some of the camp or comedy was intentional or not, but I enjoyed this a lot.
Read
January 31, 2025Tremendously enjoyable and a deep, hard page-turner. Read it in three short sittings in one day. A great sci-fi epic about a "real world alien invasion", with good characters and some real world touches that added an unusual veneer of believability. The dialog was snappy and the art is quite stylized (some will say crude), but it only enhances the gritty and lifelike feel of the whole. If I had any quibbles, it was with the ending, felt maybe a little too pat.
January 12, 2023
3.5
Odd but engaging little comic from the bloke who gave us some of the darkest westerns known to humankind. The story is quite grim for the most part, but the artwork is sort of adorably amateurish. Almost as if the author's doing the storyboards for some future movie? Anyway, the result is engaging for the most part but quite a departure thematically and stylistically.
Odd but engaging little comic from the bloke who gave us some of the darkest westerns known to humankind. The story is quite grim for the most part, but the artwork is sort of adorably amateurish. Almost as if the author's doing the storyboards for some future movie? Anyway, the result is engaging for the most part but quite a departure thematically and stylistically.
May 18, 2023
Zahler loves writing about flawed characters and then making us care about them. I normally stay away from sci-fi but made an exception here as I knew there would be a dash of horror added. What surprised me was the humour . I'd have liked to seen how a cinema audience would've reacted to some scenes as it outstrips Independence Day
July 14, 2023
I did enjoy this, and there's a lot of strong writing in here, but I still think Zahler is in his early form of comic creation. The art is passable, compositions mostly work and there's a good flow when it works. Sometimes it feels a little too rushed.
I still plan on reading everything Zahler puts out because he's got a fascinating mind.
I still plan on reading everything Zahler puts out because he's got a fascinating mind.
January 29, 2024
This second graphic novel by Zahler shows growth in artwork and plotting from his first. This is a science fiction story about a visitor from far out in space that appears to be attacking our world. The novel then shows a cadre of scientists traveling into deep space to make contact. I enjoyed this immensely.
Read
June 9, 2024s. craig zahler is one of my favorite working sicko filmmakers and i’ve been meaning to get into his novels, graphic and otherwise, for a while now. very different tone from his movies lmao but i definitely see the through-lines. seemed like it was building up to a bigger ending but i honestly care very little about that. good time.
August 30, 2024
Plowed through this in one day. Been a big fan of both Zahler’s writing and his filmmaking, and am equally impressed with this graphic novel. The artwork is simple but effective, the writing engaging (save for some cringey bits of dialogue), and the story is certainly page-turning. I do wish the ending was a bit more cerebral, like the opening half, but overall this was a breezy yet heady read.
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