One of the things I’ve tried to do this year is to constantly try new comic books of all kinds—from the Golden Age to now. Part of my thinking is that I was kind of tired of some comics that felt like they were stagnating and repeating things that had been done before. Part of it was to look beyond those comics that leave me frustrated and find fantastic new reads.
Something that I think often gets a bad rap is ComiXology, which used to be a fantastic place to discover comic books. That ship sailed, leaving a less-than-stellar impression with many fans, which also extends to ComiXology Originals. Launched in 2018, it’s a creator-centric publishing initiative designed to help creators reach a broader audience, and it’s seen significant growth since its inception. I recently reviewed Major Thomás, which was one of my favorite comics this year.
This time around, I want to talk about Edgeworld, A raw, genre-fusing sci-fi western that delivers exceptional storytelling and immersive world-building. Helmed by Chuck Austen—renowned for his work on X-Men and Superman—and brought to life by Patrick Olliffe (Spider-Girl, Hawkman), the series marks a striking and confident comeback for both creators.
On the frontier planet Pala, where law barely exists, Edgeworld chronicles the adventures of Magistrate Killian Jess—a battle-scarred former soldier now serving as a keeper of order—alongside his Palan partner Cheela. They traverse a treacherous world plagued by extraterrestrial threats, military forces, criminal syndicates, and the deep scars left by planetary warfare. Pala itself becomes a living entity within the narrative, overflowing with peril, deterioration, and a fragile thread of hope for salvation.
Edgeworld distinguishes itself through its bold fusion of storytelling traditions. The series seamlessly blends space opera grandeur with noir mystery elements and frontier western themes, all presented through striking, film-like visuals. Olliffe’s artwork brings Pala’s harsh environment to life through compelling character portrayals and kinetic battle scenes. At the same time, Lee Loughridge’s color palette creates a brooding, immersive atmosphere that amplifies the story’s emotional weight and dramatic intensity.
At its core, the series examines themes of justice, allegiance, and what it takes to endure in a corner of the universe the galaxy has left behind. Killian Jess defies the typical heroic mold—he’s a morally complex protagonist who delivers justice through a combination of determination and hard-won wisdom. The dynamic between him and Cheela provides emotional depth, anchoring the narrative in a believable alliance built on mutual respect and shared experience.
Although the story occasionally slows down for world-building exposition, this investment creates a multifaceted tale that satisfies thoughtful readers. The writing crackles with wit and sardonic humor, while the ensemble of secondary characters—from tavern keepers to underground dealers—enriches the setting without diluting the central narrative focus.
Ultimately, Edgeworld delivers a character-focused epic that evokes the camaraderie of Firefly, the unforgiving justice of Judge Dredd, and the frontier brutality of Deadwood. It’s essential reading for mature science fiction enthusiasts seeking narratives that explore moral complexity and emotional nuance, rather than offering simple answers.
Once again, ComiXology Originals lives up to its name with another fantastic comic book. For readers seeking a comic that balances intellectual depth with pulse-pounding excitement, Edgeworld justifies the journey to this distant corner of space.
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