Alien is on its third #1 issue at Marvel Comics since gaining the license in 2021, and this time the keys are in Declan Shalvey and Andrea Broccardo’s hands. The new story is set in 2195, 73 years after an Alien attacked Ripley and her crew. The galaxy isn’t much safer, especially with Weyland-Yutani still mucking about attempting to grow an unbeatable army. This first issue, however, is more about a small group of hard-working people trying to keep their bellies full in an unrelenting cold world.
Alien #1 opens in a literal cold world, where we meet scientist Batya Zahn who desperately wants to get relieved from her duties. She’s pregnant, and HQ isn’t returning her transmissions. Meanwhile, her family is outside investigating the ice after drilling a hole. Soon we meet Zasha, a go-getter willing to put herself in danger seemingly for the thrill of it. Batya’s husband is cautious but reliable. What they find changes everything and, seemingly, because of what they find.
Much of this issue is about setting up this character group and its dynamics. They’re alone in a barren world and soon will be in danger from multiple threats. Also at work in this issue is how Weyland -Yutani fits into things. Corporations can look out for you, but what power do they have if a giant one can swoop in and take things over?
What a find!
Credit: Marvel
Speaking of, the Weyland-Yutani representative in this issue screams the same dirtbag vibe as any number of ’80s movies. We’re talking Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber-style jerk with an ulterior plan kind of vibes. This is captured well by Broccardo, who draws a hell of a comic. There’s great detail in costumes, backgrounds, and the aliens themselves.
I’d argue the plotting is too slow in part because the majority of it is devoted to the protagonists, with little info as far as the Xenomorphs or how they’re breaking away from the ice. Or, for that matter, how they got into the ice in the first place. It’s pointed out that humans bring warmth with them early on, but it’s hard to believe three humans with a bunch of mining gear are heating up the area enough to have the Xenomorphs break free.
Truthfully, there aren’t a ton of Xenomorphs in this issue, which is going to be a problem for some. This is a slow-boil setup issue with the promise o Xenomorphs around the corner. That said, there are a lot of good setups here, so things can pop up in the following issues. You can tell we’re getting a lot up front, so the action and adventure can be the entire focus of the next issues.
Alien #1 sets up a tricky situation for the heroes as they’re cornered and knocked off their guard with Xenomorphs looming around the corner. It’s obvious the story is in good hands with strong character writing and great art, but expect a slow boil buildup in this first chapter.
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