This article contains spoilers for Alien: King Killer #2, available now from Marvel Comics.
The Xenomorphs have long been one of the most terrifying sci-fi villains, due largely in part to just how terrifyingly difficult it is to kill them. With the latest update to the Alien universe’s lore, that might all be about to change.
Marvel recently began publishing a new Alien comic series, Alien: King Killer, back in April. The second issue, which went on sale May 6, sees the protagonist Idris making a shocking revelation that finally sees humanity have some hope of fighting back against the horrific creatures. Idris wields a sword that is actually strong enough to penetrate and destroy the Xenomorph’s acidic blood, and he is actually shown in the story using it effectively to put down one of the creatures.
Alien’s New Lore Change Sees Humanity Fighting Back
A page from Alien: King Killer #2Image via Marvel Comics
For most installments in the Alien franchise, the biggest issue that humanity faces when dealing with the Xenomorphs is how to withstand their acidic blood. It’s strong enough to kill humans with ease, but it also provides the creatures with a natural defensive weapon. With Idris’s new metal sword, there’s finally hope that humanity can directly fight back — and maybe even get the Xenomorph infestation under control.
“You’re lucky my sword is made from a rare metal that’s resistant to Xeno blood,” Idris says in a panel from the comic. With this in mind, likely, this sword isn’t commonplace enough for every human to be able to protect themselves with a similar material, but it’s certainly an interesting development that is likely to play out further over the course of the five-part miniseries.
The story kicked off last month by setting the stage where humanity has already lost the war against the Xenomorphs. “Set on a planet overrun by the savage alien species, the dregs of humanity cling to the protection of the mysterious siblings known as the Three Kings,” Marvel’s solicit revealed.
“But these warlords have a fourth sibling who is out for revenge — and the humans’ remaining protectors are harboring secrets deadlier than the aliens outside their gates. The first chapter in one of the most epic — and darkest — eras of the Alien universe!”
Alien: King Killer Explores a Dark Chapter in the Alien Timeline
A xenomorph studies a specimen from Alien EarthImage via FX
With Idris (and his game-changing sword) arriving in the second issue and switching up the Alien lore, there are now plenty of more questions left unanswered, with the protagonist seeming to have a secret connection to humanity’s saviors. It’s all set to be explored further next month, when Alien: King Killer #3 arrives on June 10.
Marvel is keeping plot details for the third issue largely under wraps for now, but the solicit teases Idris might be gearing up to make a daring escape — something that could change the Alien world even further, depending on whether he brings that sword with him. “The augmented human Idris is among the few survivors, but he is now a prisoner of his brother, the Green King. But even if Idris can escape, he must then confront what awaits just beyond the protective walls of the Green King’s compound…”
Alien: King Killer #2 is available now from Marvel Comics.
TV Show(s)
Alien, Alien: Isolation – The Series
Video Game(s)
Alien: Isolation, Aliens vs. Predator (2010), Alien vs. Predator (1994), Alien Resurrection, Alien VS Predator, Aliens: Fireteam Elite (2021)
First Film
Alien
First TV Show
Alien
Created by
Dan O’Bannon, Ronald Shusett