WILLIAM GIBSON’S ALIEN 3 #1
Recap
Four years after the events of LV-426 and the Saluco is running on autopilot, limping it’s way home to Gateway. It's progress is interrupted by the Union of Progressive People, who board in order to claim salvage little knowing that a stowaway is on board with predictably devastating results, before two of them escape with Bishop.
The Sulaco finally arrives at Anchorpoint to be greeted by two Weyland Yutani representatives and a small biotech crew and it comes to light that the company based at Gateway sent the Sulaco into enemy territory on purpose. As the escapees of the UPP check Bishop’s databanks to retrieve info on the xeno Anchorpoint medics examine the body of their ally in the morgue and close by the sleepers awake.
Review
Well I already knew I’d like this version of the movie, I mean really, come on, what’s not to like? It’s got Newt and Hicks alive and so, of course it goes without saying. I did think I’d have some trouble reading it with my movie head on though and not just see it as another alternate Earth comic, much like the original comics, the second volume Aliens and it’s sequel Earth War. But right from the cover and the tech style credits I loved it and that is in no small part down to the stellar job of the artwork by Johnnie and Tamra and of course Nate Piekos, who’s lettering made for clean crisp reading with no ambiguity as to who was speaking, especially with the comm announcements. The colors are almost a character in themselves and show the cold stark emptiness of space to great effect as well as the bright lights of the medlab, switching to the dark we all know the creature loves and reminds me of the Aliens: Isolation game which was one of my favorite of the series. And thankfully the art isn’t as stylised as Sam Kieth, though it is true to the iconic imagery of the movies, with the Sulaco drifting through space joined by the UPP dropship, right down to the action packed awakening of Ripley and I’m sure it won’t be long until she steps up to her day job once more.
For more background on the first issue read John Jack’s preview review for more opinion and my own spotlight on the news way back in July (shameless plug)
Final Thoughts
Having once taken part in the Alien War Experience in the Trocadero Centre in London back in the 90’s, here I could almost once again feel that claustrophobia and adrenalin rush. Sadly as it was removed in ‘96 there is no chance of a return. So I always love an opportunity to revisit that memory and this is as close as I will ever get. Bravo gang.
William Gibson’s Alien 3 #1 In Space No One Can Hear You Repair History
- Writing - 8/108/10
- Storyline - 7/107/10
- Art - 8/108/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 8/108/10