Aliens vs. Avengers

by Jonathan Hickman, Esad Ribić (Artist), Ive Svorcina (Colorist)

Collecting Aliens Vs. Avengers #1-4.

Iconic franchises collide as Earth's Mightiest heroes face the universe's deadliest threat! When the Xenomorphs reach Earth, the perfect organism meets a planet of superhumans. Who will be first to fall? Overwhelmed by Xenomorphs, the survivors abandon their home planet! But with so many dead and wounded - and a terrifying few…changed - the Avengers must avenge! But as the gods of creation known as the Engineers set out to destroy what they made, hmanity's remaining heroes discover an even more pressing the X-Men. Legendary collaborators Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić cut loose in an epic clash unmissable for Marvel and Alien fans alike!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Horror, Science Fiction, Superheroes, Graphic Novels Comics

152 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 2025

About the author

Jonathan Hickman is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for creating the Image Comics series The Nightly News, The Manhattan Projects and East of West, as well as working on Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four, FF, and S.H.I.E.L.D. titles. In 2012, Hickman ended his run on the Fantastic Four titles to write The Avengers and The New Avengers, as part the "Marvel NOW!" relaunch. In 2013, Hickman wrote a six-part miniseries, Infinity, plus Avengers tie-ins for Marvel Comics. In 2015, he wrote the crossover event Secret Wars. - Wikipedia

Reviews

[Molly™☺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short yet grand-scale dystopia which sees the majority of the universe fall to the Alien species, with the few survivors fighting for the human race. It is just the right amount of entertainingly depressing, dark, and dreary. There are a lot of gratuitous deaths, as well as odd power scaling, but it reads well and looks amazing overall. Hickman and Ribić offer a nice change of pace and a treat for fans of both franchises.

triggers: graphic violence

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. I am not a huge fan of the Aliens/Xenomorphs. To me, it crosses over more into horror than sci-fi the principle of no heroes just survivors applies to this book.

The Xenomorphs have been unleashed. Their spread can't be stopped. People have tried to fight back, quarantining has not worked, only scorched earth seems to slow the spread. What few Avengers that are left are just barely surviving. However, even this is a losing war. Now an aged Tony Stark makes a final gamble not to win but to escape, but are they just running from the frying pan into the fire?

The story is good and excellent artwork, the only thing I think was wrong with this book is that it was a bit too short. There were a lot of things going on this should have been at least a six-issue series. The book finishes with a variant covers gallery, containing full-page and thumbnail covers.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Ok story. It falls into that plot of "how can we kill off the heroes in interesting ways". A few neat surprises. Recommended

[Mario V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peak

[Machiavelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brutal, high-stakes crossover that pits Earth’s Mightiest Heroes against the deadliest hunters in the galaxy. Hickman’s plotting brings scale and dread, while Ribić’s art makes every clash feel cinematic. Captain Marvel, Iron Man, and Cap push back against impossible odds, but the tension never lets up. An epic “what if?” scenario that delivers on spectacle and atmosphere. If you like these franchises I think you’ll like this. Although be warned it is definitely dark, but to me it was fun and what I was wanting from it.

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It starts off so well but kind of flops at the end. Beautiful art though.

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing to harness their existing license for the Aliens franchise, Marvel Comics assembles the superstar team of Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić to deliver on a four-issue limited series where an aging Avengers team must serve as the final resistance against human extinction. Set decades into the future, the remnants of Earth's Mightiest have holed up in the last stronghold of humanity, whilst Xenomorph hordes devour all else and have dismantled all of society. A fun enough premise for Hickman and Ribić to sink their teeth into, and most of it works well.

Characterization and setup work by Hickman is pretty much top notch. The opening issue is suitably grandiose and Hickman's penchant for cinematic sequencing pairs well with Ribić's painterly art style. The dialogue is equivalent to that of a war epic, where the urgency and desperation of the Avengers are very much felt. Ribić contributes to the bleak tone well with his art featuring aging Avengers looking morose frequently, and a muted color palette to sell the doom of humankind.

It's unfortunate though that this series doesn't really feel conclusive or cohesive by its end. Hickman, per expectation at this point, sets up imaginative conditions for the Avengers to be fighting Aliens, and yet the reader is left a little cold by the climax. It feels almost tongue-in-cheek at this point that Hickman can't quite close on stuff since his last few outings with Marvel have all felt prematurely completed, and it feels particularly egregious for it to happen with a four-issue miniseries. Aliens vs. Avengers is a pretty fun time, but it feels like with Hickman and Ribić involved, there should have been more staying power to this.

[MannyLikesPie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took forever to end but like nothing I’ve ever read. Spectacular the art and the writing, so many ideas I never saw coming. The ending left me a little disappointed but it could mean another story. Or what I hope is it just ends, would work so well with how the alien movies are as well

[Keenan Mcclelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spider-Man & Venom cool posing: It looks like we were almost too late.

*Armor's blood filling up inside her suit of armor lying within dead as a doormat* .....

[Xander Haan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aliens vs Avengers - 3.5 / 5 Stars

A pretty solid read!! I’m pretty back and forth on Hickman but I enjoyed this. It had some neat action & drama that I was definitely looking forward to.

I feel like it could’ve gone farther though! I would’ve loved to see a slower build and for the climactic moments to last longer. It felt so quick for me. It very well could’ve been an ongoing series and I would’ve loved it! A marvel zombies type deal.

I was torn on the futuristic setting but by the end I dug it. I’m inconsistent on when I like stuff like that but generally I do. Take old man Logan for instance… one of the best comics ever written imo! I think it depends on the story.

This was pretty dope. Makes me want to look into predator vs spiderman and stuff like that. Maybe eventually!

Onto the next book!

[Dave Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Initially, I tried reading this as single issues upon release, but I realized that this is not your average media tie-in or crossover comic. This is something special, something thoughtful. So I waited for all four issues to release, which spanned the majority of the past year, from August 2024 to June 2025. Agonizing. Yet it was worth the wait…

The series marries the Marvel multiverse with the cerebral elements of the Alien prequels. I won’t say much more than that for risk of spoiling the rest. My only gripe is that the series overall felt slightly rushed, simply because I wanted to witness every encounter between Marvel’s heroes and the Xenomorphs. I am desperate for more, and that’s how I know this is a nearly perfect comic

[Luke Costin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why waste money making The Eternals when they could be making this film?

Comic franchise crossovers are nothing new, I have very fond memories of checking out “Alien vs Predator vs The Terminator” from the library many years ago and have been hooked on these type of crossovers since. Are these type of comics usually good? Not really. Are they fun schlocky peanut butter and jelly kinds of mash ups? You bet.

This story is much more high concept that your usually crossover, which is expected with it being penned by Jonathan Hickman. I was frequently surprised with where the story went next and characters you wouldn’t expect to be core to this find a way to shine.

I’ve waxed lyrical about Esad Ribic’s art before and I don’t need to go on about it more regarding this comic. He is just outstanding.

Overall, just a great crossover story

[Jordison Francisco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muita ambição, poucas páginas.

NOTA: 2.5/5 (REGULAR)

Posso apostar que os planos para o primeiro crossover da franquia Alien com os super-heróis da Marvel Comics mudaram em algum momento durante suas elásticas e consideravelmente irritantes datas de publicação que fizeram a minissérie com apenas quatro edições se arrastar de agosto de 2024 até junho de 2025. Atrasos são comuns e, considerando o quanto Jonathan Hickman tem de trabalho na editora e também a arte mais complexa e rica de Esad Ribic, eles já eram de se esperar, mas o que chama a atenção é o quanto o resultado final pareceu tímido, apressado e canhestro, apesar de uma premissa engajante e que claramente tinha grande ambição, como se a dupla criativa tivesse pisado no freio no meio do caminho e remodelado tudo para fazer a história caber mal e porcamente dentro de um número limitadíssimo de páginas para o que eles, lá no fundo, queriam contar.

Não é que Aliens vs. Vingadores não funcione e seja imprestável, pois a minissérie está longe disso (afinal, não estamos falando dos crossovers de edição única como os Godzilla vs. Marvel). No entanto, sua pegada cósmica somada à premissa “futuro cataclísmico de um dos vários universos que fazem parte do multiverso” – pois não, não estamos falando do universo padrão da editora, o Terra-616, ainda que o final da história aponte para uma direção em que isso provavelmente acontecerá – precisava de mais tempos de maturação e desenvolvimento, especialmente porque Hickman, em sua usual megalomania, lida com diversos núcleos gigantescos, começando com o Império Intergaláctico de Wakanda chegando a uma nave aparentemente dos Shi’ar em que os xenomorfos estão sendo incubados para serem usados como armas biológicas de destruição em massa, continuando com uma abordagem da última cidade da Terra, construída por um Tony Stark idoso e cadeirante, que ainda resiste às criaturas e passando pelo êxodo mutante para Marte, com o estabelecimento de uma colônia por lá. Só esses três aspectos macro da minissérie mereciam minisséries próprias, se é que me entendem, mas Hickman vai além e não só lida com a mitologia dos super-heróis mais idosos que inclui na narrativa (além do Homem de Ferro temos destacadamente Hulk, Homem-Aranha Miles Morales, Capitã Marvel e Valeria Richards), como também não se furta de trabalhar a mitologia dos xenomorfos em si, incluindo os Engenheiros e o androide David 8. E isso sem contar que vemos, mesmo que de relance, a história de mais do que apenas um universo paralelo…

O resultado final, portanto, decepciona não por ser ruim, mas sim principalmente porque tudo isso parece jogado, sem que Hickman enriqueça os personagens para além do que já conhecemos e esperamos de cada um deles e sem que a passagem temporal desde a chegada dos xenomorfos na Terra, algo como 20 anos, ganhe os contornos épicos que podem ser vistos até mesmo em obras como Zumbis Marvel ou outras do tipo “a última história do personagem tal” que a Marvel gosta tanto de publicar. Os núcleos de Wakanda e dos mutantes de Marte parecem mais arremedos narrativos que foram enxertados no que parece ser o maior foco de Hickman, ou seja, tudo aquilo que gira em torno de Tony Stark e dos últimos heróis no planeta, com os xenomorfos ganhando presença genérica, como uma força destruidora completamente imparável que poderia ser qualquer coisa, de fumaça tóxica a vírus invisíveis. Não há nem o horror de Alien, O Oitavo Passageiro e nem o tipo de pancadaria visceral que vemos em Aliens, O Resgate, com a trama vilanesca por trás de tudo sofrendo por sua falta de relevância dentro da própria história sendo contada e não passando de um gatilho consideravelmente simplista para que tudo que tem que acontecer aconteça.

Se os alienígenas com sangue ácido realmente entrarem no universo principal da Marvel Comics, eu sinceramente espero que eles ganhem um tratamento um pouco mais interessante do que sua transformação em mais uma ameaça cósmica qualquer da editora como a Ninhada ou coisa do gênero. É desnecessário que a abordagem tenha o escopo épico que Hickman impõe aqui em seu universo paralelo que é mais uma desculpa para ele fazer o que quer, do jeito que quer, sem ter que se preocupar com as consequências. Os xenomorfos podem e devem servir de instrumentos de destruição mais autocontidos, até porque as melhores histórias com essas criaturas – no audiovisual e nos quadrinhos – são aquelas de espaço confinado e não de mundo aberto em que elas perdem suas melhores características. Ou, claro, a Marvel Comics pode simplesmente destacar essa ideia de fundir os universos e continuar a tratar dos bicharocos que são a tara da Weyland-Yutani como uma praga separada mesmo.

[Oliver Kitchen · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I appreciate how alternate continuites give writers license to make broad changes and, such as in this case, completely trash the set if they want to, I'm not sure how much I can buy into xenomorphs being an extinction level threat in the marvel universe, particularly on Earth, which is just overflowing with world shatteringly powerful superhumans. I just don't know how a creature that can be killed by getting bashed with captain america's sheild could be a threat to someone like Thor or the pheonix. So it's pretty convinent that neither of them show up or are even mentioned.

The characters behave in ways that I find believeable for someone in such a bleak situation to behave, I just can't believe that these characters would find themselves in that situation. Nor can I buy literally any version of spiderman being ambushed by a face hugger, he literally has a power that warns him of incoming dangers.

In conclusion: It's a kind of entertaining concept that makes no sense if you think about it for even half a second.

P.S. I just keep imagining this conversation going on in the writer's room:
Person 1: "Haven't these guys beaten The Brood several times? Those are basically xenomorphs already... but generally more powerful."
Person 2: "Shhh!"

[AviChaim Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book; it left me wanting so much more! The story is set years after the Alien Queen eggs were planted on Earth, in a world where the Aliens have already overtaken humanity. While I wish we had seen more of the battle leading up to Earth’s fall (and Captain America’s presence felt a bit cheap, since he’s on the cover but only appears for two panels), the story we did get was fantastic.
From start to finish, it had me on the edge of my seat. Each new issue drew me in, with perfectly balanced pacing and high stakes that carried through the entire volume. Hickman truly shines here; this feels like a complete, fully realized story, showcasing just how strong his writing can be.
The artwork complemented the narrative well, giving it a gritty, realistic tone that matched the world’s bleakness. At times, the character faces felt a little too similar, which was occasionally jarring, but overall the style worked for the story being told.
Originally, I considered giving this volume 4 to 4.5 stars, but the more I reflect on it, the more I appreciate how much fun I had reading it. Unlike other books that frustrate me upon reflection, this one only grows in my estimation. Because of that, I’m raising my rating.
Final Verdict: Highly recommended. Grade: A

[Sam Whale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this crossover between earths mightiest heroes and the universes most deadly creature quite well. I enjoyed that the book played by the rules of Aliens and that having super heroes didn't stop this earth from being annihilated from the Xenomorphs. The story works quite well and does a good job figuring out with elements of Marvel and Alien compliment each other well, all the stuff with Sinister especially made a lot of sense. I liked which heroes Hickman chose as our survivors and they were all quite well written.

The main thing which stops this from being 5 stars is how short it is. The story is big enough to fill six issues easily, maybe even eight but we're left with just four. While I liked which Marvel alumni featured I think they all could have been developed further with more time and their deaths and sacrifices would have felt more emotional for it. I'm also keeping it at four points for killing off Armor rigggght at the end to very little fanfare, Hisako deserves better.

[David Rothrock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artwork was fantastic, can’t deny it. But just don’t expect too much I guess.

I don’t typically stay up to date reading comics weekly or monthly, I buy graphic novels fairly often and try to stick to niche topics like this one, “Aliens vs Avengers.” That being said, I have no idea if this coincides with any sort of overall Marvel story arc or series.

It was just disappointing because I really felt like I didn’t get the Avengers at all. Not to mention but the ones that were there were old, I guess I was expecting prime Avengers to be going toe to toe with the Aliens but didn’t get that.

Story was so so, ending definitely fell flat. Only got the 3 star rating for the artwork.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hickman's run on X-Men ended strongly, but I couldn't help but be dissatisfied that we didn't see Acts 2&3 of his X epic. I still need to read his Ultimate Spidey, but his Ultimate Invasion & Wolverine: Revenge weren't to my taste, so I worried that my favorite C21 Big 2 writer had lost his mojo.

I was foolish. This mini rules & is a worthy apocalyptic future epilogue for Hickman's FF, Avengers, & X runs & Coates's Black Panther run. I couldn't be more pleased.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made the mistake of not reading this one when Robert was around, which meant I had to do a lot of googling since I'm not up to speed with all of the many Marvel characters, but I still enjoyed it overall. Definitely a bit depressing, especially with the ending. Like most comics, it felt too rushed and I feel like this story could have been drawn out over several more volumes to see what was happening in the brief (page-wise) interludes.

4.0/5

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Avengers of another universe fight aliens as David-8 and the Engineers decide to wipe out humanity across the multiverse, I guess. that last part isn't all that clear. This is bleak, real bleak. I wondered if this would be the same universe that the Predators keep showing up in, attacking Marvel characters and this makes it clear that this is not the case.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great art and cool new approach to alien hierarchy when considering Marvel Universe. Full-circle inclusion of Weyland Corporation, Engineers, synthetics, mutants, and Avengers. A bit too short to fully flesh out story details and universe building. Might even consider it a bit rushed. Enjoyable nonetheless and would recommend to fans of both titular franchises.

[Shawn DaRosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid premise, a alternate marvel universe of the future is seeded by xenomorphs. Androids, Engineers, Xenomorphs, and Marvel Heroes collide. It's the worst case scenario, but that's what the avengers deal with consistently.

It was very post-apocalyptic and played more like an aliens film with avengers in it. Some really cool moments. But definitely a darker, more somber tone.

[William Cherico · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kind of unsatisfying all the way through, despite really good art. The dystopia premise wasn't super interesting to me and I wish they had done more to make it feel less predictable than just killing off a lot of heroes.

[Wesley Verhoeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic art and wonderfully inventive storytelling throughout, until it ended and I thought, wait, surely this is not the end yet is it? Loved it but wish it hadn't ended this way, but more so even that it just hadn't ended at all.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very good - one of the best crossovers I’ve read.
Clever, inventive and carries real weight and threat.
It’s been meticulously thought through and painstakingly illustrated
It’s better than it has any right to be.
If you are a fan of the Alien universe this is probably a must read book.

[Aiden Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate experience for fans of the Marvel and Alien universes. Hickman does a fantastic job writing a compelling apocolypse story, tieing into the beloved Alien franchise and incorporating so much from the films into this Marvel event. A must read for Marvel and Alien fans!

[Bill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Esad Ribic’s art and would have given five stars if the interior art had been as great as the covers. Instead I found it disappointing and a distraction from what was a very good integration of Marvel characters into a grim alien yarn.

[James Bowman · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unusual tale that brings the dark sensibilities of the Alien franchise to the Marvel Universe. Not the cheeriest read, with some strange twists, but certainly more creative than the usual crossover comic. (B)

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun but not especially groundbreaking as a crossover. I loved some of the concepts which felt like a clever thought on what the Marvel universe would be like if it crossed over with Xenomorphs, but it could have done with another issue or two to properly flesh it out.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

this dude smug af