👽 Comic Review: Alien 3: The Unproduced Screenplay #1 (of 5) by William Gibson & Johnnie Christmas (Kindle & comiXology Edition)
A bold reimagining of what could have been—this first issue adapts William Gibson’s original screenplay for Alien 3, offering fans a thrilling alternate timeline filled with Cold War tension, genetic horror, and the return of beloved characters.
🧠 Overview
Published by Dark Horse Comics in 2018, this five-part comic series begins with Issue #1, adapting William Gibson’s unproduced first draft of Alien 3. The screenplay, long considered a cult curiosity, was transformed into graphic form by Johnnie Christmas (writer/artist) and Tamra Bonvillain (colorist), bringing to life a version of the story that diverges sharply from the film we know.
Set immediately after the events of Aliens, the story follows the Sulaco as it drifts into a politically volatile sector controlled by the Union of Progressive Peoples (U.P.P.). A boarding party discovers Ripley, Newt, Hicks, and Bishop in cryosleep—but a Facehugger is also aboard, triggering a chain of events that leads to a new kind of Xenomorph threat.
👾 Key Highlights
- 🔄 Alternate continuity: Ripley is sidelined early, while Hicks and Bishop take center stage—offering a fresh dynamic
- 🧬 Genetic experimentation: The U.P.P. and Anchorpoint scientists begin tampering with Xenomorph DNA, hinting at hybrid horrors to come
- 🛰️ Cold War sci-fi: The political backdrop adds tension and realism, grounding the story in a dystopian future
- 🎨 Visual storytelling: Johnnie Christmas’s art captures the claustrophobic dread and sleek tech of the Alien universe, while Bonvillain’s colors add eerie atmosphere
“This is the Alien 3 that never was—a vision of the future where science, politics, and biology collide in terrifying ways.” — AVP Galaxy review
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 3.51/5 from over 1,500 ratings
- 📖 Fans appreciate the faithful adaptation of Gibson’s script and the return of key characters
- 🧾 Some readers found the pacing uneven or missed Ripley’s central role, but most enjoyed the “what-if” premise
- 💬 “A fascinating glimpse into an alternate Alien timeline. It’s cerebral, political, and still terrifying.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Serialized format: This is Issue #1 of 5—expect a slow build and cliffhanger ending
- 📚 For franchise fans: Best appreciated by readers familiar with Aliens and the broader lore
- 🧾 Not canon: This is a speculative adaptation of a discarded screenplay—not part of the official Alien film continuity
🏁 Final Verdict
Alien 3: The Unproduced Screenplay #1 is a thoughtful and atmospheric reimagining of a lost chapter in the Alien saga. With strong visuals, political intrigue, and a fresh character focus, it’s a must-read for fans curious about what might have been. Whether you’re a die-hard Xenomorph enthusiast or a sci-fi lover intrigued by alternate histories, this comic delivers a compelling start.
