Aliens: Salvation – Graphic Novel Review

by | Sep 14, 2015 | Comic/Graphic Novel Reviews, Reviews | 0 comments

ALSV-HC-4X61Aliens: Salvation
Written by Dave Gibbons
Illustrated by Mike Mignola
Dark Horse Books
September 15, 2015
Reviewed by Jess Landry

Long before the Alien universe was stuffed to the brim with xenomorphs battling Predators and Engineers, there existed a time when everyone’s favourite acid-blooded creature got its kicks by attacking the helpless human race. Such is the case in Dark Horse Books’ re-release of Aliens: Salvation.

Unbeknownst to the crew of the Nova Maru (but knownst to us), the cargo ship is hauling some pretty dangerous goods across the universe. When the uncontrollable cargo gets loose, Captain Foss immediately abandons ship, forcing Selkirk, one of his crew members, at gunpoint to go along with him. They escape leaving the other members of the Maru S.O.L.

The two men crash land on a nearby planet, though Foss is injured and Selkirk, a god-fearing man, is left questioning his captain’s harsh actions. Foss’ mental stability quickly deteriorates leading Selkirk to take drastic (and finger lickin’ good) measures.

As luck would have it, the Nova Maru ends up crashing on the planet a few days later prompting a full-stomached Selkirk to go off on his own in search of the wreckage, not only hopeful of his crewmates’ survival but praying for a chance to get the hell out of dodge. O’ course, the precious cargo survives the crash turning the peaceful planet into a battle zone.

Originally published in 1993, this hardcover reissue of Aliens: Salvation brings this one-off story from the Alien universe back to life and features a lovely new front cover from original story artist and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Mignola’s signature style of broad shapes and uses of black sets the perfect ominous atmosphere for this story.

You may also know Dave Gibbons’ name from the Watchmen franchise. Gibbons takes the helm here as writer, showcasing his ability to take something otherworldly and put a dramatic, human spin on it – a skill that makes his Watchmen comics highly enjoyable.

My only qualm with Aliens: Salvation is the pace of the story. At only 58 pages (including covers), the story could’ve been fleshed out a little more. Much of the story is focused on Selkirk’s survival on the planet, which is all fine and dandy, but the beginning of the story suffers. Sure, the idea of a spaceship carrying deadly cargo is basically how every aliens-gone-bad adventure starts out, but the point where the cargo comes loose on the Nova Maru to where Selkirk and Foss land on the nearby planet is quite literally three pages. A little more time with the disposable crew of the Nova Maru would’ve been a nice touch.

Regardless of the quick pace, Aliens: Salvation is a nice throwback to the earlier days of the Alien print franchise. With Mignola’s illustrations and Gibbons’ writing, this comic is one that definitely deserves the reissue treatment it’s receiving.

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