Comics
Published May 20, 2022

The Xenomorphs Hold the Key to Humanity's Future in New 'Alien' Comic Series

Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Julius Ohta launch a new 'Alien' epic this August.

This August, writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson will continue his bold contributions to the world of ALIEN in an all-new comic series!

Featuring the incredible and terrifying artwork of rising star Julius Ohta, ALIEN #1 will kick off a new saga that will serve as a perfect entry point into the legendary horror/science-fiction franchise for newcomers and as a must-read for longtime fans. Packed with thrilling revelations and fresh insights into the ALIEN mythos, this new chapter promises to further explore the hard-hitting themes Johnson presented in the title’s first era as a new cast of characters must go deep into Xenomorph territory for a chance to combat human extinction. 

A small colony of synths have settled in secret on a backwater moon. When a company of United System soldiers come to them for help retrieving biotechnology on a hostile planet that could be the key to saving humanity, the synths must decide whether the prospect of peace between man and machine is worth the risk of betrayal.

"Writing Season 1 of Marvel’s ALIEN was a horror fanboy’s dream come true,” Johnson said. “We got to tell exactly the story we wanted to tell, bringing horrific new species of Xenomorph to life while also exploring the themes of family and corporate distrust that are such a crucial part of the films. And as much as I loved our Season 1, we’re outdoing it in every way in the new series." 
 
"The series kicks off a chapter called ALIEN: ICARUS, which heightens the action in a similar way to how James Cameron’s 1986 Aliens did after the original film," he continued. "In ALIEN: ICARUS, readers will meet the legendary Synthetic Special Operations Team, led by one of my favorite original Alien characters so far: an unstoppable synthetic named Freyja."

"When disaster strikes a crucial United Systems planet, the entire human population of the system relies on Steel Team finding the long-deserted Weyland-Yutani Research and Development outpost on Tobler-9, one of the most hostile environments in the known universe. Steel Team’s the most bad-ass strike team in military history, and they’ve never met an organic life form that offered them the slightest threat…but they don't know what's waiting for them on Tobler-9," he explained.

"Julius Ohta is exceeding all expectations as series artist," he added. "Every background, every facial expression and emotion, and of course, all the environmental creepiness and full-on body horror is lovingly rendered by Julius, who is at the absolute top of his game right now. I can’t say enough great things about him. Fans are going to be truly spoiled. Stay tuned for one of the best, most beautiful ALIEN comics ever made."

“When I got invite to draw the new Alien series, I had a professional and standard reaction - I was glad to be invited and I was determined to make it the best work of my life. But then, a few minutes later, it came all at once - I understood that I was going to draw Alien… THE ALIEN. I freaked out (in a very good way) and then I knew the tremendous responsibility that is to be in this franchise,”  Ohta shared.

“Even though, there’s a huge responsibility to bring the series to life, I couldn’t expect a better welcome from the creative team. It is been fantastic to work with Phillip, Sarah [Brunstad] and everyone involved," he said. "Phillip is a genius and also a gentleman and is always looking for something to make the story better. When I started reading the script, I couldn’t stop until I reached the last page. I could talk about it forever… Sarah is such a kind editor and it’s been a dream to work with these guys!

“The Alien franchise influenced an entire generation and I’m among the people who were hugely influenced by the movies, designs, games and so much more. I hope readers enjoy the series we are bringing to them,” he concluded.

ALIEN #1 cover by Björn Barends

ALIEN #1
Written by PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON  
Art by JULIUS OHTA 
Cover by BJÖRN BARENDS
On Sale 8/10

Man, machine, and the most terrifying creature in the universe…it’s an express elevator to hell, and you’re gonna want to be on it! Don’t miss ALIEN #1 when it arrives this August!

You can grab these comics and more digitally or at your favorite local comic book shop. Be sure to ask your local shop about their current business policies to observe social distancing or other services they may offer, including holding or creating pull lists, curbside pick-ups, special deliveries, and other options to accommodate. Find and support your local comic book shop at ComicShopLocator.com or by visiting Marvel.com/LoveComicShops.

For digital comics, all purchases in the Marvel Comics app can be read on iPhone®, iPad® and select Android™ devices! Our smart-paneling feature provides an intuitive reader experience, ideal for all types of mobile device and tablet users! Download the app on iOS and Android now!

Related

BLACK WIDOW & HAWKEYE #1 cover by Stephen Segovia

Comics

March 13's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Celebrate Hawkeye and Black Widow's 60th anniversary, meet the new Ghost Rider, and more in this week's comics!

ULTIMATE X-MEN (2024) #1 cover by Peach Momoko

Comics

March 6's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Meet the mutants of the new Ultimate Universe, swing into the Spider-Men's new team-up series, and more in this week's comics!

EDGE OF SPIDER-VERSE (2024) #1 cover by Chad Hardin

Comics

February 21's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Return to the Spider-Verse, join the X-Men at the end of the Krakoan Era, swing across the Ultimate Universe with Spider-Man, and more in this week's comics!

ULTIMATE BLACK PANTHER (2024) #1 cover by Stefano Caselli

Comics

February 7's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Pay a visit to the new Ultimate Universe's Wakanda, join Elektra's 'Gang War' battle, return to Wolverine's original Madripoor adventures, and more in this week's comics!