Into The Unbeing: Part One #3 [Advance Review]
Dark Horse Comics has steadily carved out a niche in the comic book world for stories that challenge the norm, and Into the Unbeing is no exception. Written by Zac Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman, this series has been a journey into the strange and unsettling, a mix of psychological horror and sci-fi that lingers in your mind long after you turn the last page.
Picking up from the catastrophic cave-in of the previous issue, Thompson throws his characters deeper into the abyss—both literally and metaphorically. Abby, Selva, and Zara are now completely trapped within the colossal alien structure they've been exploring, a nightmarish blend of organic and inorganic that defies comprehension. The issue is light on plot progression, but that's hardly a drawback. Instead, the focus shifts to the fraught relationships among the crew, as they grapple with their dire circumstances and their growing realization that escape may not be an option.
Thompson's script delves into the psyche of each character, laying bare their vulnerabilities and the cracks in their resolve. The dialogue is terse, laced with underlying tension as patience wears thin and fear begins to gnaw at the edges of their sanity. The alien environment they navigate is hostile and incomprehensible, but it becomes clear that the real danger lies within—within their minds, within their relationships. This is where Into the Unbeing truly excels, making the reader question what they would do in the face of such isolation and despair. Thompson's ability to craft these intense, character-driven moments is what makes this series stand out in a crowded market.
Complementing this psychological tension is Hayden Sherman's art, which is nothing short of mesmerizing. Sherman's style is distinctive, a surreal blend of sharp lines and bold, contrasting colors that feels as alien as the world the characters inhabit. The art in this issue is a masterclass in creating atmosphere. The environments are textured and intricate, full of strange patterns that seem to pulse with life, making the reader feel as if they are just as trapped as the characters. The characters themselves are drawn with angular, almost jagged features, which amplifies the sense of unease permeating the story.
One of the most striking aspects of Sherman's work is how it conveys emotion. Through the use of lighting, shadows, and the characters' body language, he brings to life the fear and tension that Thompson's script hints at. The panel layouts are dynamic and creative, guiding the reader through the story in a way that feels natural yet disorienting—perfectly fitting for a narrative that thrives on the bizarre and the unknown.
That said, Sherman's heavy stylization can occasionally obscure finer details, making it a bit challenging to follow subtler narrative elements. But this also adds to the comic's surreal, almost dream-like quality. It’s a trade-off that works in the series' favor, contributing to its unique, otherworldly atmosphere.
Into the Unbeing Part One - #3 is another strong entry in what is shaping up to be a deeply underrated series. Thompson and Sherman have crafted a story that is as much about the horrors of the mind as it is about the strange and the alien. It’s a slow burn, but one that rewards patience with rich, character-driven drama.
