Leave no man behind!

Up till now, the Colonial Marines have been reacting to attacks by the Predators and the Engineers. But having escaped LV-223, they make the decision to return and fight—against the deadliest adversaries in the galaxy!

Aliens: Life and Death #2 shifts the story a bit from one about survival to a story about a rescue but writer Dan Abnett makes it work. It’s a pretty interesting change from previous issues of this story arc, which leaves me wondering if this will continue in upcoming issues or if there’s more twists and turns to expect. I’m eager to see how they manage to rescue Chris alive and unharmed, or if she’ll be impregnated by the Alien queen.

The dismissal atmosphere of the previous issues changes as well, given the new setting and artist Moritat makes it work. I will admit the ship is a massive shift from the bleak looking environments they used in previous issues of the “Life and Death” group of stories. The ship is a polished environment and has a vastly different inside look than the Xenomorph seen in previous parts.

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Moritat
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

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

Those who die are the lucky ones.

In the aftermath of the battle with the Engineers, the surviving humans on LV-223 are wounded and scattered—and easy prey for a gathering horde of Aliens!

The Colonial Marines get a taste of what it’s like to be at the bottom of the food chain in Aliens: Life and Death #1.

This story arc written by Dan Abnett manages to get more violent with each issue. The issue brings in a few characters back from the early issues of the story arc, which was a surprise to say the least, and should make long time readers happy and excited. That’s especially the case given their arrival method near the end of the issue. I will admit I’m curious to see how this part of the story arc goes given the twist ending.

Moritat seizes hold of the art in this part of the story arc. Moritat’s style brings in a noticeable difference compared to previous issues of this story arc. That artistic shift does make this issue stand out against the previous eight issues. The short fight scene is superbly well done and works well in the style.

Story: Dan Abnett Art: Moritat
Story: 8.5 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.75 Recommendation: Buy

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