Staff Picks (Sept13): Alien —The Illustrated Story Artist’s Edition HC

Publisher: Titan Books UK

In space no one can hear you scream, in the comic shop you will scream with delight as this classic science fiction story is once again made available for the first time in 30+ years.

In the early pre VHS/DVD/DVR world of 1979 if you wanted to be part of a film or TV show your only way you could do so was with book novelizations and comic book adaptations. In some cases the creators were working off early screenplays and you got more than what even the films themselves showed.

Titan Books is offering Alien: The Illustrated Story Artist's Edition which showcases the art and storytelling of Walt Simonson in a 14 x17 hardcover restored and remastered from his original artwork that will look great next to the IDW Publishing Thor Artist Edition.

Walt’s art combines top storytelling along with character designs and scenery that are true to Ridley Scott and HR Giger. This special edition even includes never before published color tryout pages and sketches. Not to be overlooked is the script by the legendary Archie Goodwin, and this special edition includes Goodwin’s complete annotated script. Add an interview with Simonson and that he signs all the initial print run of this artist edition makes this 96-page special edition a must have.

Here is a chance for old and new readers to marvel at the work of Archie Goodwin and Walter Simonson and see why they had fans from the days of Warren magazines, Gore Creatures, and Witzend to Manhunter, Dr. Fate, and Star Slammers.

~ Steve Leaf