Alien vs. X-Men #1: AVX Begins

AVX is a four-issue limited series, meaning the room for complex storytelling is razor thin. No one really expects emotional beats from a crossover though, we’re here for the action! With the above said, there is action aplenty indeed in AVX’s first issue. In fact, the entire story revolves around it.

Warning: Limited spoilers for Alien vs. X-Men #1.

The issue opens in media res. As the X-Men aboard the blackbird make their way to an Orbis Stellaris ship. The story’s premise is set up in these first three pages very quickly. A host of Xenomorph eggs, a cast of curious X-Men, inevitable disaster. Essentially, It’s much more effective than a long, convoluted explanation of how these two universe came into contact. What limited story there is, is heavily focused on the event of Xenomorphs attacking the X-Men. There is practically no exposition in the entire issue saved for a bit later on used to set up the next three issues.

Finally, a “let’s clone Wolverine” story I can get behind. The concept of Wolverine being able to birth infinite Xenomorphs given his healing factor is utterly terrifying. It’s used well in the story by beefing up the alien attackers rather than using each mutant gift as a one-off boss fight.

AVX is a gruesome affair. For this first issue alone, Geraldo Borges and David Messina have put together some of the most twisted art seen in Marvel Comics in the past decade. While Borges handles most of the issue’s line art, Andrew Dalhouse adds their sordid colors to Borges’ already dark and gritty artwork. Every page turn is another scene in the battle taking place at the X-Mansion.

Dalhouse’s use of lighting is visceral. For such a darkly lit issue, it’s smart to use the likes of Cannonball’s aura or the slight Adamantium sheen of Wolverine’s claws as contrast in a scene. There are a handful of indulgent full-page spreads scattered through the issue that really sell the twists and turns rather than relying on constant last-panel baiting to keep things exciting.