Aliens vs AvengersSuch a crossover seemed inevitable after Disney took control of the Aliens Franchise and Marvel Comics. Although it sounds like Hollywood’s latest attempt to make a lame buck, avenger On paper, “What If..?” is anything but a popcorn movie.
Aliens vs. Avengers begins with two prophetic sentences. “It’s disappointing, isn’t it? Expecting something and getting something completely different instead.” Then the action begins not on Earth, but in the depths of space, where a group of Shi’ar scientists are conducting unethical experiments. They are interrupted by a team of Wakandans led by the Black Panther T’Challa and his son Azari. Unfortunately, they arrive too late to stop the Shi’ar from releasing the Xenomorphs on several rival worlds, including Earth.
The Inhumans and Atlanteans were the first to die from the Shi’ar attack. The mutants still living on Krakoa in this timeline leave the world that hates and fears them and head to a Martian colony, leaving only the Avengers to defend the only city left after decades of fighting. Their only hope lies in a plan hatched by Valeria Richards. But even if humanity can be saved, it may be too late for Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Jonathan Hickman is a master of this kind of bait-and-switch tactic. While the cover promises a story similar to last week’s Predator vs. Black Panther #1, Hickman’s story is more thoughtful. In addition to exploring the logistical deadliness of the Xenomorphs on Earth, Aliens vs. Avengers is a great character study of these heroes in their final days, desperately trying to secure something that will outlive them.
The art of Alien vs. Avengers rivals that of Alex Ross
The artistic works are of the same depth and quality. Esad Ribić’s work invites comparison with Alex Ross. Many pages seem to have been painted rather than sketched.
The dark mood of the story is further enhanced by Ive Svorcina’s muted color palettes. Most scenes are dimly lit, as if the entire world is in twilight. It’s a fitting visual analogy for the state of humanity and the Avengers.
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The only readers who will be disappointed by Aliens vs. Avengers are those who were hoping for lots of bloody battles. While there is plenty of action, this comic is far from mindless and has a depth that far exceeds its simple premise. Fans of the Aliens movies and the Avengers will certainly find something to enjoy here.
Degree: 5/5
“Aliens vs. Avengers #1” is now available in all comic shops.
