Southern Cross #1 (2015) launches a haunting, sci-fi mystery from Image Comics, blending cosmic horror with industrial grit and noir-styled storytelling. Created by Becky Cloonan (writer) and Andy Belanger (artist), this debut issue sets the tone for a dark, character-driven space saga full of atmosphere, paranoia, and buried secrets.

Set aboard the Southern Cross, a massive cargo ship making a journey to Titan, Saturn's largest moon, the story follows Alex Braith, a troubled, no-nonsense protagonist with a criminal past and a personal mission: to uncover the truth behind her estranged sister’s mysterious death aboard the same vessel. Posing as a passenger under the guise of retrieving her sister’s remains, Alex quickly finds herself caught in a claustrophobic, hostile environment—surrounded by strange crew members, cryptic warnings, and a creeping sense of dread.

Becky Cloonan’s writing excels in building suspense. Alex is a grounded, cynical lead with layers of emotional baggage, making her both relatable and unpredictable. The dialogue is sharp and restrained, matching the tone of a classic noir set in deep space. Cloonan lays the groundwork for a larger mystery, dropping hints about corporate exploitation, psychological trauma, and the unknown horrors lurking at the edges of human expansion.

Andy Belanger’s artwork is dense, gritty, and perfectly suited to the story’s industrial sci-fi aesthetic. The interiors of the Southern Cross are detailed and oppressive, filled with narrow hallways, flickering lights, and machinery that hums with menace. Belanger creates an unsettling tone visually, capturing the isolation and tension of a long-haul space voyage where nothing—and no one—can be trusted. Lee Loughridge’s muted colour palette reinforces the eerie, confined feeling of the ship and the psychological tone of the narrative.

Southern Cross #1 is ideal for fans of Alien, Event Horizon, or Blade Runner—readers who appreciate horror-laced sci-fi with strong female leads, slow-burning tension, and layered world-building. It’s the beginning of a gripping descent into madness and mystery, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through space and the shadows of the human mind.

Each copy is securely bagged in an acid-free sleeve with a rigid backing board, maintaining condition for collectors. It will be shipped in a reinforced cardboard mailer to prevent bends or damage during transit. Expect fast UK dispatch and professionally secure packaging, perfect for those building a collection of sci-fi thrillers and Image Comics gems.

Southern Cross #1 (2015) is an eerie, compelling opener to a cerebral space horror series—driven by character, shrouded in mystery, and beautifully bleak.