Comics
Published January 26, 2024

Marvel Comics Brings What If...? Storytelling to the 'Alien' Universe

This March, actor Paul Reiser returns to the character of Carter Burke in new 'Aliens: What If…?' comic series.

For decades, WHAT IF…? has allowed creators to put bold twists on classic Marvel Universe stories. This March, this beloved comic series format enters the groundbreaking—and terrifying—world of Alien for the first time in ALIENS: WHAT IF…?.

The five-issue comic series will take readers back to the events of the franchise’s historic original sequel, Aliens, to ask the question, "What If… Carter Burke has lived?" The actor behind the 1987 film’s beloved villain, Paul Reiser, joins his son Leon and the star-studded team of writers and producers Adam F. Goldberg (The Goldbergs), Brian Volk-Weiss (The Toys That Made Us) and Hans Rodionoff (DAMAGE CONTROL) for this pulse-pounding journey back to Hadley’s Hope and the twisted escape of a man who should have died.

On art duties is Guiu Vilanova, known for providing intergalactic excellence on titles like COSMIC GHOST RIDER and ETERNALS. The saga will further explore the nature of the man who infamously betrayed Ripley and the lengths he’s willing to go to get his hands on the deadliest species in the galaxy… 

For years, fans of James Cameron’s legendary Aliens questioned whether Carter Burke, a company man more hateable than the Xenos themselves, had actually survived the traumatic events on the terraforming colony Hadley’s Hope. Thirty-five years later, Burke is eeking out a cursed existence on a backwater asteroid. With his once-promising career in the toilet, Burke's only remaining purpose in life is to care for his daughter, Brie. She hates him, probably for being a horrible person. And when she finds out what he’s up to now? It’s not going to be a friendly reunion. Has Burke learned his lesson, or is he about to get all of his companions killed again?

On the chance to revisit the character’s motives, Reiser said, "For years, people have asked me about Burke, what it was like to play such a 'bad guy,' to which my response was always 'You say 'bad,' I say 'misunderstood.' Now the world will find out!"

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #1

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #1 cover by Phil Noto

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #1 (OF 5)
Written by PAUL REISER, LEON REISER, ADAM F. GOLDBERG, HANS RODIONOFF & BRIAN VOLK-WEISS
Art by GUIU VILANOVA
Cover by PHIL NOTO
On Sale 3/6

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #2

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #2 cover by Phil Noto

ALIENS: WHAT IF...? #2 (OF 5)
Written by PAUL REISER, LEON REISER, ADAM F. GOLDBERG, HANS RODIONOFF & BRIAN VOLK-WEISS
Art by GUIU VILANOVA
Cover by PHIL NOTO
On Sale 4/11

Check out Phil Noto’s first two ALIENS: WHAT IF…? covers now and keep a lookout for more details about the series in the months ahead.

Grab these comics and more at your local comic book shop! Or redeem then read your digital copy on the Marvel Unlimited app by using the code found in your print comic. Find and support your local comic book shop at ComicShopLocator.com.

To read your Marvel comics digitally, download the Marvel Unlimited app for iOS and Android devices. Gain an expansive catalog of 30,000+ comics spanning Marvel Comics history, plus access your entire digital library including comics redeemed from print. 

Related

Comics

November 6's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Witness Kahhori's comic book debut, assemble alongside the Ultimates, face a horde of zombiotes with Venom, and more in this week's comics!

Comics

October 23's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Behold Tony Stark's righteous rage, team up with Scarlet Witch and Daredevil, uncover the secrets of the X-Men's new base, and more in this week's comics!

Comics

August 28's New Marvel Comics: The Full List

Witness the Avengers' epic battle against a Xenomorph, celebrate 85 years of Marvel, explore the history of Moon Knight, and more in this week's comics!

Comics

'Alien: Romulus' Prelude Tie-in Comic Sheds Light on the Film's Main Threat

Made in close collaboration with the filmmakers, writer Zac Thompson and artist Daniel Picciotto's 'Alien: Romulus' #1 will unravel a lingering mystery presented in the upcoming film.