ALIEN: The Illustrated Story.... Does the 'medium' of Comics do the film justice?

Alien, like predator, was groundbreaking in what it brought to the science fiction genre, not just in its measured suspense and pacing, but even in the alien design itself - menacing in two different ways (why that makes them such a great combination as enemies - *foreshadowing for the stream and direction of this blog* *Gasp!*)

The illustrated story was presented by Heavy Metal magazine (not a magazine I really like supporting because of how blatantly satanic the industry is, and the magazine itself), but one must admit the style of art was set apart from what we generally saw in comic books and that's a bonus.

There were some great panoramic two-page spreads in this book that showed the enormity of the Nostromo as well as the derelict alien ship.

Relative to the time the art was pretty great (I imagine, as I'm not aficionado of historical comic art), but compared to what's capable today it's 'interesting' and stylized but not amazing.

One thing I was reminded of and talked about during the stream is how BRILLIANT it was for the director/writer to make Sigourney Weaver's 'Ripley' character just another crew member. The film doesn't follow her around paying homage so you're going along with the story not realizing she's going to be the hero. That's cool because it pulls YOU into the story as well because you're just another participant wondering, "Who's going to survive if anyone?"

Another thing I remembered was how off-putting and unsettling it was for the android Ash - the science officer - to try and kill Ripley with a rolled up magazine being shoved down her throat. It was highly unusual and irregular. Why do that when he could use his super strength to punch her to death or even choke her with his bare hands? I remember thinking it was distastefully and disturbingly phallic but not investigating whether or not that was the purpose for it. In any case, it was eerie.

All in all this comic is what you'd expect - drawings from a film delivering dialogue from a film. If you're not an avid reader this would be more comfortable than a novel (but pale in its ability to deliver because the artwork falls so short of the human imagination). It also pales compared to the actual film which was incredibly well done for its time, and rose the bar on much. H.R. Giger's creature-design was certainly horrific, no doubt thanks to the sexual overtones and - let's face it - demonic influence (just go watch documentaries on him and look at his art collection if you don't believe me... very sad). In and of itself, it's just a scary, cool looking alien.

I was thankful that they did not include the nudey art that hung on the wall during Ripley's struggle with Ash in this comic because I frankly don't care to see it (surprised as Heavy Metal has no reservations when it comes to objectifying the female form). That's one thing I wish wouldn't have been in the movie.

In the end I'd rate this comic 3/5 stars. Interesting curiosity for an Alien fan, but not worth buying. Nevertheless, if you want a copy, here it is:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0930368428/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_PFppEbK5JMTVW

To check out the stream of me reading this comic (and hearing the MINDBLOWING sound FX of radio-static created by a piece of paper being rustled against my stubble in front of the mic as I deliver dialogue through it), here's the link : https://youtu.be/tvXx1Sr2yE8


Thanks all for stopping by. Feel free to follow me on Twitch.tv to see more geeky goodness!

Past VODs are all at the YouTube channel I linked to above.

And I also hope your conscience towards God has been stirred. You can ask Him questions at a website I'm still constructing - www.HeHasAnswers.com - and even read what I've written thus far regarding the irrefutable evidence of His existence.

God bless you and good night!