The creative superstar team that Secret Wars returns this week with Aliens against the Avengers. Everyone was waiting for this series when Marvel took over Fox and started printing Foreigner Comics. How could you not pit the deadliest creature to ever grace the screen against the greatest force of vengeance?
Aliens vs Avengers #1 is an extra-large opening issue with an extra-large price tag of $7.99, but it seems worth it. Right from the start, this series sets up a pretty big storyline involving Shiar scientists tinkering with a facehugger. Through their conversation, we learn that they have been experimenting on various alien races, including the Kree, but hot on their heels are the Wakandans, who want to stop their horrific interventions.
You are too late.
Fans of rules and hyper-detail in the plot will appreciate Hickman’s build-up to the attack on Earth. Multiple queens, multiple locations, and a determined plan to take out entire planets are detailed. This is not just an alien attack, but a military strike. It also makes it clear that this is far beyond a normal Foreigner History, because the attack is global and on such a scale, not even the greatest heroes on Earth can sustain the fight.
After a great space-focused opening, the issue opens to a world where most of our heroes are quite old. Bruce and Carol describe the state of the world in detail, and although there’s a lot of talking, Esad Ribic’s art is so painterly and beautiful that you hardly notice it.
Run!
Photo credit: Marvel
Admittedly, there’s a lot of setup here, and the story doesn’t really pick up until Valeria shows up, is chased by aliens, and narrowly escapes death. Thankfully, the setup in this issue is very tantalizing, right down to the role of the symbiote and a call to action on the final page that’s extremely dire.
Ribic’s art is impressive, with highlights including a fantastic Hulk vs. alien fight, all the space scenes, and a cool attack by a Wakandan on several aliens. The establishing shots around the globe are masterfully rendered, capturing Paris, Moscow, and more. Ribic also does a good job of capturing aged heroes, with Carol and Valeria looking particularly different but of course older.
For Foreigner Fans, you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of Marvel references, from the Shiar to the various remaining Avengers, but there is also a moment with an android. You just can’t Foreigner History without androids coughing up milky blood!
Aliens vs Avengers #1 is brilliant. It captures everything that causes fear, from Foreigner franchise while building a unique story with older Avengers and an extremely horrific cliffhanger. Aliens vs Avengers is an exciting, unforgettable epic.
‘Aliens vs. Avengers’ No. 1 is an exciting start
Aliens vs Avengers #1
Aliens vs. Avengers #1 is fantastic. It captures everything terrifying about the Alien franchise while developing a unique story with older Avengers and a very terrifying cliffhanger. Aliens vs. Avengers is a thrilling, memorably crafted epic.
Sets many rules and an alien threat that has been militarized
Ribic’s art is consistently breathtaking
Cliffhanger is the worst… the stakes are never higher
There is a lot to see here, but the art makes it easy to get through
