Comic Book Review - Alien #2

Rob reviews Alien #2...

Marvel's first foray into the world of the Xenomorph hasn't gotten off to a good start. The opening issue was a bit lacking in both substance and general meat. It was a bit of a bare-bones fan service schlock-fest that more bored than entertained. 

Meh...maybe it's me just being a fussy old git...or maybe not. Well either way I'm back with another journey to the Epsilon Orbital Research Station to see if it does get any better. 

First and foremost any Alien tale needs to focus on the horror, rather than copious amounts of action. And Alien #2 - to begin with does exactly that. The strip opens to that classic "there is no monsters" scene as a young girl and her Grandfather deal with the security alert.

Anyway, we're then taken back to Earth as Gabe Cruz comes face-to-face with his Son's mistake. Naturally, this comes in the form of a shady 'offer' from Wayland Yutani - bring back a sample of the 'Alpha' specimen, or spend the rest of your days in prison. Anyone with sense would choose prison over unleashing hell on Earth, right!? 

Writer, Philip Kennedy Johnson uses this conversation to build more character to Cruz, who to be fair at this point is still just a 'stone-faced former Marine'. We learn that he oversaw whatever this 'Alpha Specimen' is, and just why his security access is still relevant, even though he's "retired". It's interesting, but still doesn't make you feel anything towards the character. We even get more insight into Wayland Yutani as Cruz' request for a Synthetic team is denied due to Colonial Marines being a cheaper option. Again, it's a small amount of information on the somewhat elusive company, yet shows just how much W-Y disregard human life when it comes to profit.

Salvador Larroca's art is still shockingly bad. The characters all lack any emotion, and Cruz likes to change his design from scene to scene. The Xenomorph just doesn't look good and aside from looking incredibly stiff and un-lifelike, it almost feels tacked on to the scene. However, it has lost the action figure looks from the promotional art...a small consolation

Johnson's script has improved from the opening issue, but much like Larroca's art - it's still a little disjointed. But to give the writer credit he has nailed the gun-ho reckless attitude of the Colonial Marines. If only Johnson's script had some decent art to go with it. Well maybe in some alternate universe!

Much like last time out. I want to like Alien, but it's not quite there yet. However, issue #2 is a somewhat improvement on issue #1. Marvel's first foray into the Xenoverse is still a long way off. Yet, I'm still clinging to the hope that it's going to get better.

Rating 4/10

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev