11 Years On, This Near-Perfect Sci-Fi Comic Has Only Got Better With Age

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Science fiction has long been a vital part of the comic book world, actually predating the rise of superheroes. It eventually became central to superhero comics and remains a key component of the industry today. As independent comics gained popularity, readers began to enjoy unique sci-fi stories, and Image Comics—a leading indie publisher—became known for titles like Saga, Low, and East of West in the 21st century. During the 2010s, Image attracted many well-known writers who often focused on creating their own science fiction worlds.

One of the most talented comic book writers, Grant Morrison, began focusing on independent projects in the 2010s, including what many consider a landmark science fiction comic. In 2015, Morrison collaborated with Chris Burnham, their artist from the Batman Incorporated series, to create Nameless. Morrison is known for creating thought-provoking work, and this six-issue series pushes those boundaries even further. Nameless is a complex and brilliant story that deserves wider recognition.

Nameless Used Gnostic Christianity as the Roots for Perfect Cosmic Horror

While there are many great science fiction comics, Nameless stands out. The story starts with a seemingly straightforward premise: a detective specializing in the occult, called Nameless, is tasked with saving Earth from a mysterious cosmic threat. However, as the crew gets closer to the object, things become incredibly strange. The comic takes an unexpected turn, and the ending feels very different from the beginning, revealing that things aren’t what they seem. It features a major twist that makes the story both challenging and ultimately satisfying.

Grant Morrison is a practicing chaos magician with extensive knowledge of the occult, which heavily influenced their work. Their acclaimed 1990s comic, The Invisibles, brilliantly showcased this, and Nameless follows a similar path. In the afterword to the collected edition, Morrison discusses combining Lovecraftian cosmic horror with a specific form of Christianity called Gnostic Christianity. This belief system posits that “God” isn’t benevolent, but rather a potentially evil force attempting to control creation. Essentially, Morrison explores the idea of a monstrous God, and Nameless is their exploration of that concept.

What I love most about Nameless is how it constantly surprises you. You might anticipate a certain outcome, but when things unfold as expected, it reveals a far more intricate reality than you could have predicted. The book initially feels like a familiar story, but it cleverly uses that familiarity to deliver something completely unique. It’s a novel that truly stays with you, and you won’t fully grasp its layers until you read the afterword, where Morrison explains her intentions and the deeper meaning behind the narrative.

Even with strong writing, this story truly comes alive through Burnham’s artwork. The book features some intensely disturbing moments, especially when God dismantles Nameless and the crew, and Burnham’s illustrations vividly capture the horror. He also excels at portraying the characters’ feelings and the overall mystery of the plot, something another artist might not have achieved. Morrison’s collaborative relationship with artists clearly benefits this book, as he expertly utilizes Burnham’s strengths to create a nearly flawless reading experience.

Cosmic Horror Doesn’t Get Better than Nameless

Published when Toni Morrison’s popularity had dipped somewhat, Nameless isn’t as widely read as some of her previous novels. It’s a challenging read, but Morrison and Burnham successfully blend cosmic horror in a unique and compelling way. The book is often shocking, both visually and conceptually, and this is actually what makes it so powerful. Despite its strengths, it hasn’t received the recognition it deserves.

Cosmic horror—stories that explore the terrifying vastness of the universe—has become increasingly popular, appearing in many excellent video games and even mainstream comics like The Immortal Hulk. While Nameless draws on familiar cosmic horror themes, it offers a unique take that sets it apart. It’s a truly original story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

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2026-01-05 20:10