Aliens Comics – The Xenomorph Legacy

David @ 98 Comics
Jul 29
3 min read

Summary

Since bursting from the chest in Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979), the Xenomorph has become one of sci-fi horror’s most terrifying icons. But fans also know just how deeply Aliens have infiltrated the comic book world. First adapted in the late 1980s by Dark Horse Comics, the Aliens franchise evolved into a sprawling, lore-rich universe filled with corporate conspiracies, colonial marines, human survivors, and horrifying new Xenomorph breeds.

For collectors, the Aliens comics aren’t just licensed adaptations; they’re a serious niche with key issues, iconic covers, early works by legendary creators, and crossovers that shook the sci-fi genre. Now, with Marvel holding the rights and breathing new life into the property, Aliens comics are ripe for discovery and speculation.

Big Moment – Dark Horse Launches the Alienverse

When Dark Horse Comics debuted Aliens #1 in 1988, they weren’t just expanding a movie universe; they were crafting their mythos. Set years after Aliens (1986), the series follows Newt and Hicks (renamed “Billie” and “Wilks” due to licensing), chronicling the grim aftermath of LV-426.

Key Issues to Collect:

Aliens #1 (1988) – First Aliens comic ever. Cover art by Mark A. Nelson. Considered a blue-chip book in sci-fi horror collecting.

Aliens (1988) #2-6 – Completes the arc later titled Outbreak. Watch for high-grade sets and CGC 9.8s values that have been rising.

Aliens: Earth War (1990) – Key continuation of the original arc, with the return of Ripley in the comic narrative.

This launch cemented Aliens comics as more than movie tie-ins; they were horror space operas in their own right.

Major Shift – Crossovers & Expanded Mythology

By the early 1990s, Aliens exploded into crossover madness and lore-deepening arcs. Dark Horse boldly crossed the Xenomorphs with Predator, Superman, Batman, and Judge Dredd. These crossovers introduced fans to bizarre but collectible what-ifs, while stand-alone titles expanded the universe’s biology, Black Ops programs, and new hybrid species.

Crossover Key Issues:

Aliens vs. Predator #1 (1990) – First full AVP crossover. Major collector grail. Early print runs, high-grade copies are sought after.

Batman/Aliens #1-2 (1997) – Art by Bernie Wrightson. A cult classic. Especially valuable in high grade.

Batman/Aliens #1. — **Batman/Aliens #1**.

Sleeper Series to Watch:

Aliens: Labyrinth (1993) – Written and drawn by Kilian Plunkett, this 4-issue arc is a cerebral horror classic — ripe for rediscovery.
Aliens: Genocide (1991) – Introduced the Red and Black Xenomorph war. Great 90s cover art and increasingly collectible.

This era established Aliens as a full-blown comic universe, with original stories that often rivaled (or surpassed) the films in tone and complexity.

Modern Day – Marvel Takes Over

In 2021, Marvel acquired the Aliens license, introducing new canon-friendly storylines and integrating the property into the broader Marvel publishing machine. While it has also crossed into the MCU or mainline with Alien Vs the Avengers, these new books are putting Aliens back in front of mainstream readers and collectors.

Modern Keys & Variants:

Alien #1 (Marvel, 2021) – First Marvel Aliens comic. Multiple variant covers, including a stunning Peach Momoko and a 1:50 InHyuk Lee. CGC 9.8s are heating up.

Alien: Black, White & Blood (2024) – Part of Marvel’s “Blood” line. Artists like Kevin Eastman bring a new style to the Xeno mythos. Look for high-ratio incentives.

Alient vs Avengers (2024): First mainstream Avenger crossover.

Marvel’s involvement has reinvigorated the brand. Expect more high-end variants, omnibuses, and potential cinematic tie-ins, especially with Disney owning Alien through Fox.

Final Word

Alien comics are a playground of horror, sci-fi, and collector gold. From the 1988 Dark Horse debut to Marvel’s 21st-century rebirth, these books offer intense storytelling and rare, undervalued keys. Whether you're chasing firsts, crossovers, or creepy cover art, there's a Xenomorph-laced gem waiting for you in the long boxes.