Aliens Vs. Avengers #2 Review: The Makings of A Pitch-Perfect Crossover

Aliens Vs. Avengers #2 Review: The Makings of A Pitch-Perfect Crossover

As a lifelong fan of both Marvel and the Alien franchise, I can confidently say that this crossover has been nothing short of exhilarating. The unique blend of these two universes is a masterpiece that has me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page.


In a far-off cosmic location, Captain America and his Avengers team receive an urgent call for help. Jumping into a Quinjet, Earth’s top superheroes zoom off to respond, but they soon find themselves face to face with the Xenomorphs – terrifying creatures from another world. In this unusual encounter, Wolverine gets infected by one of their face bursters, resulting in an extraordinary fusion: a Xenomorph with an adamantium skeleton and immense healing abilities. This fascinating crossover between Marvel’s iconic superhero squad and the cinematic horror icons seems like it could follow a typical pattern. However, instead, Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic have crafted a captivating tale that bucks tradition, making it one of the most remarkable crossovers for either franchise.

The situation appears grim for the Avengers in our second installment of this grand crossover storyline. Unlike what readers are accustomed to, the Avengers seem much older and their adversaries are gaining ground. Tony Stark has successfully repelled Weyland Yutani’s advances in the boardroom by employing some clever tactics reminiscent of Iron Man. However, the elderly Avenger faces a chilling realization: humanity is on the brink of extinction. To save as many as possible, the Avengers may have to make heroic sacrifices. In what could be a last stand for some of Marvel’s greatest heroes, issue two concludes with an intriguing twist that could further jeopardize humanity’s survival chances.

A Comic Book Crossover For The Ages

Jonathan Hickman demonstrates exceptional skills in crafting intricate universes, effectively managing the characters who populate his creative playgrounds. The epic clash between Aliens and Avengers carries an expansive feel reminiscent of Secret Wars, one of Marvel Comics’ most iconic crossovers that both Hickman and Ribic were instrumental in shaping. This historical connection lends a unique, cataclysmic atmosphere to this crossover event, encouraging readers to become more emotionally invested in the characters, who serve as reflections of Earth 616’s Avengers. Additionally, Hickman has skillfully introduced a menacing threat that looms over the entire world.

In this ongoing narrative, the catastrophic Alien invasion, putting human survival at stake, isn’t the sole peril that Earth’s top-tier Superheroes must contend with. As Hickman weaves this tale, he skillfully combines aspects of the “Alien Universe” to create a complex danger for the Avengers. Weyland-Yutani and their androids serve as analogous to Hickman’s “Builders,” a crucial element in his Avengers narrative that kept the team on constant alert. Toward the end, we catch a glimpse of the Engineers – an established figure in the Alien universe, presenting a distinct menace. The “Aliens vs. Avengers” saga delivers challenges from every angle and makes for a captivating reading experience, embodying the essence of “never know what’s coming next.

To elaborate on this aspect, I’d like to draw attention to Miles Morales and the humorous new symbiote who team up with the local Spider-Man in Brooklyn. This innovative collaboration brilliantly combines two worlds, a skill that Hickman showcases exceptionally well. It’s a noteworthy element that merits closer examination. The seamless blending of these universes is so convincing that it could fit either setting, underscoring another powerful advantage of this series.

Abandon Earth

Absolutely, an outstanding comic book series requires a top-notch artist to go hand in hand with the writer, and Esad Ribic undeniably achieves career peaks with this tale. Ribic skillfully portrays the terror of the xenomorph infestation as well as the valor inherent in humanity’s remnants during their last-ditch struggle for survival. Although the Avengers may appear quite different from their previous incarnations, Ribic’s artwork makes it clear who each character is and the raw emotion etched on their faces in these grim circumstances.

The battle between Aliens and Avengers showcases extraordinary comic book crossover possibilities. In the past, we’ve witnessed both Aliens and Predators engaging in impressive collaborations with characters like Batman, Superman, the Justice League, Wolverine, and others. However, Hickman and Ribic have taken this to a new height with this series, making it hard for me to find anything I dislike. As I turn each page, I’m on the edge of my seat with anticipation, and I can hardly wait to see how the creative team concludes this epic tale.

Published By: Marvel Comics

On: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

Written By: Jonathan Hickman

Art By: Esad Ribic

Colors By: Ive Svorcina

Letters By: VC’s Cory Petit

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2024-11-06 19:09