After fending off a group of space pirates, Hendricks, Davis, and Hollis find themselves trapped on a barely functioning ship headed straight for earth. I have a feeling that if they survive, the Weyland-Yutani Corporation won’t be throwing them a welcome party.
Aliens: Defiance #10 (Dark Horse Comics)
Observations
- Silent space walks are always more fun with body parts floating around.
- Good lord. Davis looks like hell.
- Still not Bishop, but Davis is definitely an android who’s worthy of human consideration.
- Heh. Now that’s the way you tell them you’re back.
- ☹
The Verdict
On one hand, the whole “Can a robot be human?” thing has been played out in so many different ways—and multiple times in this very franchise—that the story beats are painfully predictable.
Thankfully, Brian Wood makes the most of it with a beautiful script, observing Davis’ heroics through Zula Hendrick’s battle weary eyes. It’s well traveled narrative territory, but it’s also very well done.
It’s also…uh…just about all there is to discuss about the issue. Aside from some gorgeous space visuals via artist Stephen Thompson (and an awesome escape plan that I won’t spoil here), Aliens: Defiance #10 is a big heaping helping of the “Androids Are People, Too” trope. I’ve personally had my fill of it over the years, but this is still one of the better examples of it I’ve seen in a long while.
Like what we do here at AIPT? Consider supporting us and independent comics journalism by becoming a patron today! In addition to our sincere thanks, you can browse AIPT ad-free, gain access to our vibrant Discord community of patrons and staff members, get trade paperbacks sent to your house every month, and a lot more. Click the button below to get started!
