Marvel Comics is branching out to introduce a classic franchise to the “What If” series. The popular sci-fi horror “Alien” will extend its legacy in comics.
After Marvel’s “What If” Season 2 premiered on Disney+, the company is bringing this classic concept to a different franchise. Which franchise will receive this treatment? The “Aliens: What If?” comic book series will be published later in 2024. Written by Hans Rodionoff, Brian Volk-Weiss, and Adam F. Goldberg – and illustrated by Guiu Vilanova – the five-issue run will follow a timeline where Captain Burke (Paul Reiser) survived the events of “Aliens.”
In 1977, Marvel Comics introduced the concept of the Marvel “What If” series, in which major events from their biggest franchises took place differently. The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues this trend through animated series, re-imagining the most crucial events within the world. The concept of alternate timelines has never been at the centre of the “Alien” franchise. Fans may be left wondering whether this approach will work. Will it feel so out of place that it breaks their immersion?
Alien, the Classic Sci-Fi Horror Franchise
The ”Alien” franchise began in 1979 with the release of Ridley Scott’s movie of the same name. The Nostromo, a commercial space tug, is returning to Earth with its seven-member crew in stasis. This crew consists of Captain Dallas, Executive Officer Kane, Warrant Officer Ripley, Navigator Lambert, Science Officer Ash, and engineers Parker and Brett. The crew is awakened after the ship’s computer, Mother, detects a transmission from a nearby moon. Upon investigation, the crew discovers that the transmission originates from a derelict alien ship. Ripley deciphers part of the transmission, determining it to be a warning. Meanwhile, Kane discovers a chamber containing hundreds of large, egg-like objects.
“Alien” gave birth to a massive franchise, leading to the production of 6 other films within the same timeline, two “Predator” crossovers, and an upcoming TV series starring Sydney Chandler. The new comic book series will provide us with more than an alternate fate for Carter Burke. After the five issues, the franchise is set to continue on the big screen with Fede Álvarez’s “Alien: Romulus”. The standalone story, which takes place between “Alien” and “Aliens”, will star Cailee Spaeny, Isabela Merced, and David Jonsson. While the movie’s plot remains a mystery, it is currently set to be released on August 16th.
The first issue of “Aliens: What If…?” will be published on March 6th.
Do you like the “Alien” franchise? Are you excited to see more from the series? What are your opinions of Marvel’s “What If…?” concept? Join us for more Marvel news.