The Pull List – Alien 3 #5
The xenomorphs infestation has spread throughout Anchorpoint, forcing the survivors to abandon the station. Agent Fox managed to completely cut communications before disappearing, leaving the survivors isolated with the creatures. Spence, Hicks, Bishop and a handful of crew members, plan to self destruct the station and depart on the last functional ship. With time and the alien invaders against them, the survivors try to escape as the chaos enfolds all around them.
The xenomorphs were planned to become a super weapon, intended to end the cold war between Weyland-Yutani and the Union of Progressive People. However, the aliens turned on their new masters. After the events on LV-426, Weyland-Yutani was driven to learn more about the xenomorphs, willing to do whatever it takes to get their weapon. In the typical rush to gain power, mistakes were made. The U.P.P. is one of the factions that challenge Weyland-Yutani control. Armed and backed with many resources, they also fall victim to the allure of weaponizing xenomorphs. Underestimating the xenomorphs was their downfall.
This comic has a new type of xenomorph-human hybrid that is way more animalistic than the Newborn Alien in Alien Resurrection. Instead of a face hugger infecting a host, xenomorph germs can directly alter human’s DNA. The visuals of the transformation are similar to David Cronenberg body horror, altering human flesh into a hideous abomination. Victims go through a hellish mutational that instantly strikes fear into anyone that witnesses it.
Overall, Alien 3 is a slow burn sci-fi thriller that drops a new team into a terrifying situation. William Gibson introduces plenty of opportunities to play with new concepts but stays within familiar territory. Johnnie Christmas’ amazing artwork wonderfully translates Gibson’s story. The visuals are twisted, adding a multitude of body mutational that works well with the story. Dedicated fans might be disappointed that their favorite characters don’t get a major spot in the narrative, but can still appreciate the chilling terrors of the xenomorphs on the latest victims. This adaptation of Alien 3 provides an enjoyable read and a greater insight that later influenced ideas for future movies