The penultimate Aliens vs. Avengers issue is out this week, rounding the corner of the four-issue series. So far writer Jonathan Hickman has woven some of the latest Alien lore into the narrative, and it’s not looking good for the heroes. On a spaceship after ditching Earth, Captain Marvel, Iron Man, Miles Morales, and the remaining survivors must make a pit stop on Mars, but what they find is far more dangerous than they could have imagined.
Aliens vs. Avengers #3 is very much an X-Men treat. Not only is Mr. Sinister a major antagonist, but some classic mutants pop up. Before they do, the issue opens with a chilling reminder the Engineers are headed to our solar system, and they’re pissed off. Esad Ribic delivers some of his most moody and awe-inspiring art in this issue, never disappointing.
Much of this issue involves Miles, Tony Stark, and Carol Danvers’ mission to get what they need to fix their spaceship. It’s a fairly simple plot in this issue, which is more about setting up the final confrontation. Given how short this series is, it’s more about taking big swings than delving into the psyche of these characters. That said, it does feel thin as far as character work limiting the impact of the story.
He’s so dastardly.
Credit: Marvel
Once the heroes are landed on Mars, we learn Mr. Sinister is infatuated with the facehugger and its biological perfection. It’s a logical take on Mr. Sinister if he ever discovered an Alien.
Customary of Hickman, Mr. Sinister is a delight to read. He’s fairly crazy with all his clones in turn. Per usual for him, he’s also underestimated, leading to a rather traumatic turn of events for the heroes. Things go from bad to worse to monumentally dark. Thankfully, Hickman uses some key mutants to give readers hope.
Colors by Ive Scorcina are out-of-this-world good. The yellows on Mars’ surface are eerie and alien. Mr. Sinister’s headquarters are baked in reds adding a murderous vibe. Colors also help distinguish between locations making it easier to follow.
Aliens vs. Avengers #3 sets the stage for an explosive finale, leaning into Hickman’s signature high-concept storytelling while delivering stunning visuals. While the issue prioritizes spectacle over character depth, Mr. Sinister’s presence adds a unique X-Men flavor, and the moody art enhances the tension. It may feel like a stepping stone to the final battle, but it’s an entertaining and visually striking one.
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