Aside from the constant series relaunches (it’s getting ridiculous now – this isn’t even the first Alien #1 to launch in 2023), under Declan Shalvey’s stewardship the Alien series has been quietly going from strength to strength at Marvel.

Shalvey’s scripting and his ongoing narrative – despite the fact that Marvel seem intent to confuse readers by restarting every story arc at issue 1 without adding a subtitle to the cover – has proven a real boon, with some great new elements and story beats making this a series that’s well worth keeping up with.

This new story arc is no exception, taking place several years after the conclusion of the last story arc – and concerning a mission to reclaim the ship lost under the ice at the climax of the last series.

There’s also a flashback happening alongside our main narrative, with a bunch of seemingly expendable and unimportant synthetics (with their asshole of a human leader) discovering an alien egg.

It’s compelling and brilliantly written stuff, with great art from the ever dependable Andrea Broccardo, alongside Shalvey himself – who illustrates the flashback sequences.

Though not exactly a jumping on point for new readers (despite the relaunch/issue number reset), the usual ‘previously’ page will catch any newcomers up with the ongoing story.

It’s a more satisfying read if you’ve been here since the beginning though – yet perhaps the most intriguing and surprising development comes in the form of a new character, who’s properly revealed at the end of the issue, despite being namechecked throughout.

I can highly recommend Alien #1 (LOL at that being something I have to say yet again – is it the fourth, fifth or sixth Alien #1 from Marvel already? I’ve lost count!), though at this point it’s probably most recommended for either long term Alien fans or readers who’ve been around since at least the start of Shalvey’s run, if not longer.