Some comic series’ run their course, then fade away. However, some remain in the hearts and minds of fans for a long time after the last issue comes out. One of the books that has lived on in me has been Alien Legion. A new miniseries has now been collected and is available in local comics shops, so I’m very happy about it!
ALIEN LEGION: UNCIVIL WAR HC
Writer: Chuck Dixon
Artists: Larry Stroman, Carl Potts
Publisher: Titan Comics
Cover Price: $19.99
Previously in ALIEN LEGION UNCIVIL WAR: “In a galaxy savaged by strife, torn by civil war, boiling with spilt blood, Alien Legion is a comics military force doing its damnedest to keep the peace by always being ready for war. At the tip of the Legion’s multi-species spear is Force Nomad – the worst of the worst fashioned on the white-hot forge of battle into the best of the best. Now the squad’s grizzled veterans are on what should be a boring milk run; shepherding refugees fleeing a civil war ripping apart their system. Could be a good chance to toughen the newbies of Nomad into soldiers … until straight-up peacekeeping descents into full-scale war! This brand new series brings together the creative giants behind the legendary original Alien Legion stories: Chuck Dixon (Punisher War Journal, Savage Sword of Conan, Batman and the Outsiders) and Carl Potts, with fantastic art by Larry Stroman! Collects Alien Legion: Uncivil War #1-4.”
WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT?
If you aren’t familiar with Alien Legion, here’s some information about it from a Titans Comics news release:
“This brand-new series brings together the creative giants behind the legendary original Alien Legion stories: Chuck Dixon (Punisher War Journal, Savage Sword of Conan, Batman and the Outsiders) and Carl Potts (The Punisher, The Incredible Hulk) with fantastic art by Larry Stroman (Wolverine, The Punisher).
“Originally created by Carl Potts, Alan Zelenetz and Frank Cirocco, Alien Legion first saw the light of day as a comic book series published by Marvel Comics’ Epic Comics imprint. The comic’s initial nine year run at Marvel/Epic sold approximately 2.25 million copies in North America. It has been published in at least five languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese and parts of the series have been collected in trade paperbacks from Epic Comics, Titan Books and Checker Book Publishing Group.
“A must-have for any fan of the original run, Alien Legion: Uncivil War is also the perfect jumping-on point for new fans! Get to it, ya bospors!”
GREAT WRITING
Chuck Dixon is one of my favorite writers because he can tell a dynamic story while making us care about the people inhabiting a comic like very few others can!
Dixon has been very well known for his run on G. I. Joe, another military comic, so I came to the original miniseries with high hopes. I wasn’t at all disappointed!
For fans like me who have read Alien Legion previously, Dixon brings all the great characters and their entertaining faults and foibles with them. I particularly enjoy the word “bospor,” which in this universe has become a derogatory term for people one doesn’t care for. Also, the nasty and aggressive Harkilons are back, but with a twist I didn’t expect. Who would have ever dreamed that this aggressive race had a religious group among them? (Or are they really up to something else?)
My favorite member of the Legion remains Sarigar, the blue-skinned leader of Force Nomad who may not like the rules, but he makes sure they’re followed. Then I like Tori Montroc III, his second in command. But when it comes to action, green-skinned Jugger Grimrod is the veteran soldier you want on your side!
When things are at their ugliest, expect the Legion to be called in to help. And that’s just what’s going on in this new story.
THE ART, CARL POTTS AND TITAN COMICS
Larry Stroman’s art is strong and is particularly good during the battle sequences, which includes both soldiers and space ships. No matter what kind of character he or she is, be they human or alien, the members of the Legion are clearly discernible in both facial expressions and appearance.
One thing that still makes me very happy was to see Carl Potts, one of Legion’s co-creators, inking the issue and providing “soul,” which I interpret to mean maintaining quality in both story and art. Very cool!
Titan Comics, of course, is the British comics company still probably best known for their new Doctor Who comics, but this Alien Legion book is great storytelling and worth your attention, whether or not you are a Whovian!
BOTTOM LINE: A Great Return to a Strong Franchise
If you’re looking for action, adventure and drama, pick up this hardcover!
After this story, I am seriously hoping for more Alien Legion in the near future! It’s powerful sci-fi with excellent characters in a new universe, something I always long to find! Highly recommended!
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