Set amid the chaos of World War II, Alien vs. Captain America thrusts Hydra into a desperate search for a weapon capable of changing the course of the war. Under the Red Skull’s command, Baron Strucker leads an expedition into the Himalayas to uncover the fabled city of Attilan. Instead of finding the Inhumans, he awakens a far deadlier force from beyond the stars. Writer Frank Tieri, artist Stefano Raffaele, colorist Neeraj Menon, and letterer Clayton Cowles craft a gripping tale where Captain America and the Howling Commandos face unimaginable horror. In a world already torn apart by conflict, even heroes may find that no one can hear them scream.
Tieri’s pacing is tight and deliberate, propelling the story from intrigue to horror without losing momentum. The fusion of wartime espionage and science fiction terror feels seamless, giving readers a cinematic experience filled with suspense and spectacle. By the issue’s conclusion, the stage is perfectly set for a confrontation that promises to test Captain America like never before, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to witness how this chilling crossover continues to unfold.
Tieri’s choice to set Alien vs. Captain America during World War II immediately grounds the story in a period rich with tension and atmosphere. As such, placing Hydra and the Red Skull at the center of the conflict, Tieri taps into their obsession with blending science and the supernatural to achieve dominance. Within this framework, Baron Strucker’s mission to harness an uncontrollable power gives the story both urgency and authenticity. The inclusion of the Inhumans as part of this dark mystery adds a tragic dimension, revealing the devastation that followed their fateful encounter with the Xenomorphs.
Much of the issue unfolds through Strucker’s expedition into the Himalayas, where Tieri and artist Stefano Raffaele evoke the spirit of classic pulp adventures, including a scene straight up from the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Each discovery deepens the unease, as ancient murals and ominous clues hint at what lies beneath the surface. Captain America and Bucky appear sparingly, yet their presence bookends the story with a mythic weight, embodying courage and hope in the face of unspeakable terror.
The artwork by Stefano Raffaele, brought vividly to life through Neeraj Menon’s colors, delivers an exceptional visual experience that perfectly complements the story’s tone. Every page feels alive with atmosphere and tension, from the war-ravaged streets of France to the icy expanse of the Himalayas. Menon’s color choices evoke the faded realism of the 1940s, while bursts of red and deep shadows intensify the sense of dread. Raffaele captures Captain America’s strength and resolve in powerful motion during the opening action scenes, and later shifts to chilling stillness with a full-page depiction of a devastated village, a haunting image that blurs the line between wartime tragedy and otherworldly horror.
Raffaele’s storytelling is equally strong in the quieter moments. The cave sequences, where Strucker’s team uncovers ancient drawings, reveal the fate of the Inhumans and the lurking terror of the Xenomorphs without the need for heavy exposition. His meticulous line work conveys unease and discovery in equal measure, while Clayton Cowles’ lettering enhances the pacing and emotion of each panel. Menon’s palette deepens the story’s tone, grounding it in historical authenticity yet allowing the alien presence to feel unsettlingly vivid. Together, Raffaele and Menon craft an immersive visual tale that bridges wartime realism and cosmic horror. Their combined artistry ensures that Alien vs. Captain America #1 not only looks cinematic but also carries the emotional and atmospheric weight of both a war story and a horror film, setting a gripping foundation for the conflict ahead.
Ultimately, Alien vs. Captain America #1 delivers a powerful and suspenseful opening that sets the tone for an unforgettable crossover. Frank Tieri, along with Clayton, Neeraj Menon, and Stefano Raffaele, masterfully blends wartime tension with sci-fi horror, capturing the menace of the Xenomorphs and the reckless ambition of Strucker’s team. Every panel feels purposeful, balancing heroism with dread as the story unfolds. Grounded in the chaos of World War II, the issue combines pulp adventure, military grit, and cinematic terror into a cohesive, visually stunning story that honors both franchises while promising an intense and atmospheric continuation.
‘Alien vs Captain America’ #1 Review: Steve Rogers and the Temple of the Xenomorph
Alien vs. Captain America #1 delivers a powerful and suspenseful opening that sets the tone for an unforgettable crossover. Frank Tieri, along with Clayton, Neeraj Menon, and Stefano Raffaele, masterfully blends wartime tension with sci-fi horror, capturing the menace of the Xenomorphs and the reckless ambition of Strucker’s team.
