Before the deep mysteries of the ocean claimed her destiny, Aspen Matthews was simply trying to find peace on the surface. Set aboard the luxury cruise ship Paradise, this prequel reveals the final calm moments of Aspen’s life before everything changed. Amid sun-soaked decks and carefree travelers, strange occurrences begin to stir—signals of a larger world waiting to reclaim her.

As Aspen navigates new relationships and unexplainable feelings of displacement, the story hints at the powerful aquatic legacy that lies dormant within her. The issue lays the emotional and narrative foundation for the Fathom saga, balancing human vulnerability with the supernatural call of the deep.

Beautifully illustrated with the signature style of Michael Turner’s world, this one-shot captures the moment before awakening—when paradise was still just paradise.