WILLIAM GIBSON’S ALIEN 3 #4
Recap
Both the Rodina and Sulaco find themselves in a state of complete anarchy as the scientifically controlled environments are transformed by their own test subjects. After taking Ripley out of harms way Hicks, Spence and the surviving crew attempt to take matters into their own hands by destroying the Xenomorph embryos, but find that they may already be too late. As Fox tries to hinder any hope of escape or rescue from the charnel house, Walker dons the only weapon on board and the crew attempt to abandon station and destroy it. But when Halliday comes face to face with a xeno it’s clear that time is running out. Someone really should have warned her about going back for the fluffies.
Review
Absolutely love the spectacularly graphic cover and also the equally stunning variant cover by Tradd Moore. However the internal art has an occasional tenancy to come off a little rushed and sketchy here, not throughout, but at times. I don’t know if it a consequence of the art needing to match the action, or if Johnnie was simply under pressure to complete. The twin role of writer AND artist is surely a heavy burden to carry, but so far he has shown himself to be more than up to the task. The characterisation is just not as prevalent as before. But thankfully the action scenes are full of energy and descriptive enough. And Tamra Bonvillain also suits the fast paced trade up in mood, giving those in the lab a blood drenched, rude awakening. Especially when everyone witnesses the glory that is the perfect killing machine as the xeno is birthed from Welles and it dawns on Rosetti that he is in dire peril.
Final Thoughts
Anarchic, alarming adrenalin rush. The klaxon sounds. The shadows come alive. The breathing becomes labored. The heart rate quickens. The screaming begins. Pack up the damn cat and run. For all that is holy...RUN!!!
William Gibson’s Alien 3 #4: Let the Bodies Hit the Floor
- Writing - 10/1010/10
- Storyline - 10/1010/10
- Art - 7/107/10
- Color - 9/109/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10