After being locked in cryosleep for seemingly an eternity, the Aliens franchise is back slinking its way across the sci-fi landscape. April is set to be a special month for fans of the franchise, as 4/26 gives birth to the first ever Aliens Day. And what better way to kick it off than with an advanced look at Dark Horse’s Aliens: Defiance #1, the first in a 12-part series. Quick note: This is a separate story from the Life and Death series.

Private First Zula Hendricks, you should know by now there is no such thing as a routine Weyland Yutani assignment. Thinking you are just a “glorified key” for some data gathering mission was a mistake. Hendricks and her squad of synthetics run into some few familiar foes and their worlds turn completely around. From the first to the last panel Defiance doesn’t disappoint. Hendricks comes across as a strong main character. Strong female characters are no stranger to the Aliens universe, but good for Brian Wood for writing a black female lead. I know this shouldn’t be a big deal in 2016 but it is. Leave it to a xenomorph threat to flesh out the best in humans.

Summary

I was anticipating this issue after reading the early material for it and suffice to say it did not disappoint. Just about everything one can look for in a first issue was accomplished here. It was a treat to finally have a dedicated Aliens story without those bratty Predators snooping around. I can’t recommend Aliens: Defiance #1 enough and it should be a part of every fan’s arsenal. Stay frosty.

Writer: Brian Woods
Artist: Tristan Jones
Release Date: 4/27