On LV-223, it’s the last stand for the Colonial Marines—and their Predator allies—against an overwhelming army of Alien warriors determined to protect their new queen. Only one thing can stop them . . . and it’s the last thing anybody wants!

Alien vs Predator: Life and Death #4 gives us an explosive climax that ends this part of the massive “Life and Death” story arc. The cover slightly spoils things a little, but not all of it. Now that the aliens and predators have fled, will the remaining humans survive the wait for rescue, or will they die? With only one issue remaining, I can’t wait to see what happens at the end as writer Dan Abnett has delivered with this series.

Like previous issues, the art by Brian Thies is polished and desolate in ways. Thies’ art feels like it focuses on more Chris’s actions including some interesting speeches about the power of love. I’m curious to see how the art will amplify the ending of the story arc.

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Brian Thies
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

The Alien hordes descend in a desperate attempt to repossess their fetus queen from the escaping Colonial Marines. Even with the help of the Predator clan, survival for the humans doesn’t look likely.

Writer Dan Abnett gives us a situation that’s growing desperate for both sides in Alien vs Predator: Life and Death #3. Chris’ alien queen wants out of her, as both her human and Predator protectors attempt to keep the Xenomorphs from getting to her. The colonial marines haves yet to arrive, which leads to Chris something suicidal to attempt to save everyone. Will her plan work?

There is a lot of action going on, and a lot of fire- power and all of it is beautifully rendered by Brian Thies. The predator group is doing a lot of up close fighting with both their trademark spears and claws and Thies captures the awesome detail. In contrast to this, the humans are using a more modern version of firepower. Despite the contrasting forms of combat, Thies’ art shows off that neither side are to be trifled with.

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Brian Thies
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

The Alien horde is coming, but before they face that enemy, the Colonial Marines and Ahab, their Predator ally, have to win the help of a newly arrived Predator clan. Acceptance by the tribe means Ahab must fight their champion—to the death!

The arrival of the Predator clan in Alien vs. Predator: Life and Death #2 is a clear shift in what the story can do. Yet at the same time, it raises a lot of questions. Will the USMC and the Predator clan forge an alliance against their common enemy? How will they strike? Will reinforcements for either group arrive? Dan Abnett entertains as this new factor is introduced and leaves things up in the air as to what it’ll all lead to.

The hand to hand combat scene is a clear standout for this issue. While it flows well, it does show the combative nature of the Predator species. Yet I imagine the upcoming issues will be filled with fire-fights and action. Artist Brian Thies continues to nail it as far as the art in the series bringing Abnett’s story to life and full of action.

Story: Dan Abnett  Art: Brian Thies
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Battle Lines Are Drawn!

The Predators arrive on LV-223! The question is: are they here to finish the fight with the Colonial Marines, or will they join the marines in the battle against the Aliens? And who will Ahab—the Predator from the Fire and Stone story cycle—side with?

Things get interesting as the final part of the “Life and Death” story arc begins in Alien vs. Predator: Life and Death #1 written by Dan Abnett. The issue brings in a large amount of Predators with tensions already high from the previous parts of the story arc. I sense things will get worse before things conclude. Who will survive till the end?

The art by Brian Thies takes a violent turn as things escalate in the issue. The issue brings back the strange energy weapons, the Predators are well known and Thies depicts them fantastically. Both in story and art it creates a great contrast to the weapons used by USMC, in both color and lethality.

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Brian Thies
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Dark Horse Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review