Love the Alien universe. Hate the idiotic cold wat anti-communist propaganda.
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Nothing here to recommend.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was truly the perfect ending for the trilogy! 

An audio dramatisation of the original screenplay that was sadly pushed aside for the film that we got (and, in my opinion, the less said about that the better!)
And I honestly mean it when I say that this was everything I needed and more. 

I’m glad that I chose to listen to this over reading the graphic novel, and I’m not saying the novelisation would take anything away from it, in fact I’m sure it adds a lot because of the different medium, but hearing Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen reprise their roles as Hicks and Bishop respectively filled my heart with warmth, and I’m glad they got a chance to return to the characters and get to do them justice after so long.

Given it’s set in the Alien universe, the creep factor was high and I’ve never been concerned about a face-hugger jumping out from the back of my car whilst driving until listening to this, but the fact it made me feel like I was back with the crew, and some new very interesting faces, just goes to show how incredible a good audio drama can be!

I’m 100% only going to refer people to this after I’ve made them watch Alien and Aliens from now on! 😂

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Eh. As a free book, it was fine.

The conclusion of Aliens saw the family of Newt, Hicks, Ripley, and their pet android Bishop safely packed away in their cryotubes headed home to presumably live happily ever after (as the cliche goes).
Then, Alien 3 came. David Fincher gave the third installment in the franchise an admirable go. Many of the images and scenes stand as some of the finest of the whole franchise even if the film itself is quite subpar hampered as it was by an unfinished script and studio intervention. Its failure meant that attention has been focused more on the film’s development then on the film itself and specifically ‘what might have been.’
There are two more or less competing alternatives to the Alien 3 we got. Vincent Ward’s “wooden monk planet” has a strong internet following- and has been partially adapted as an online graphic novel. In thematic potential it would have rivaled Alien in symbolism, so much it was rejected as being too “artsy” for Brandywine’s taste especially after the more action oriented Aliens.
Ward’s script certainly has its strengths. In particular Ward realized the fundamental bleakness of the series. The Xenomorph is after all: “the perfect organism.” It marked the crew of the Nostromo for death and has to carry out that purpose. In order to settle the “original sin,” of having brought the Xenomorph off of LV-426 Ripley has to die and take the Xenomorph with her for the story to conclude in true Aristotelian fashion. Ward’s screenplay ends with Ripley’s death as Alien 3 did. Whether Ward’s take would be as successful as the arc warrants I cannot say. It at least would have made a better film than the one we actually got but, alas.
Though I realize the necessity of Ripley’s death- we’re a long way past Aristotle and we don’t have to feel sad from a film about an imaginary space-insect. That’s why I personally prefer Gibson’s take that is adapted here. Ripley, Hicks, Newt, and Bishop all survive- but so does an alien stowed away in Bishop’s mangled torso...
One of the chief complaints leveled against Gibson’s screenplay by studio executives was that Gibson’s script “was not particularly interesting.” In terms of this comic adaptation I would agree. A finished film I believe would have fully fleshed out the characters that are quite bland here and featured a more prominent role for both Hicks and Bishop even as Newt and Ripley are shuffled offscreen. Gibson’s major innovation to the series: the genetic manipulation of the Xenomorph into a contagion of sorts is not handled very well here. The major problem is the comic is rushed. It could have and should have been longer, but even then I don’t know how well the genetic manipulation aspect would have worked. Having seen Ridley Scott’s unsatisfactory exploration of much the same in Prometheus and Covenant such meditations focus too much on the Xenomorph to the detriment of the story. That the Xenomorph’s genetic material is: “easy to manipulate” is information that directs the story in a direction away from the characters. Understanding the Xenomorph was already done in the first film where Ash describes the creature in terms the viewer eventually recognizes as glowing when he finally attempts to kill Ripley is the style of the Xenomorph. Any more information ultimately takes away from the effectively executed Lovecraftian fear of the unknown in favour of cheap gore.
In that aspect then the comic falls short of the actual Alien 3 which did maintain that theme that is absolutely core to the franchise working. While I was happy to see the survival of Hicks, Bishop, Newt, and Ripley I can’t say that I enjoyed this take on Alien 3 much more than Fincher’s. In addition the comic concludes with Bishop urging the destruction of the Xenomorph “home world” a story that very likely will not be concluded making this comic book that much more disappointing.

Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings of the cosmos. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an Alpha Ice Wolf from the frozen world of HowlStrom. As the icy winds of my homeland howl and the snowstorms rage, I find solace in the tales of other worlds. Today, I bring forth my thoughts on the audiobook adaptation of William Gibson's "Alien III." Journey with me through this chilling tale, much like the eternal winter of HowlStrom.

Basic Plot Summary:
The story unfolds with the Sulaco, a military ship, on its return journey from LV-426. The survivors from the previous encounter with the aliens—Ripley, Hicks, Newt, and Bishop—are in cryogenic sleep. But as alarms blare, it becomes evident that they are not alone. What follows is a gripping tale of dark encounters between humans and aliens.

Analysis/Evaluation:
Audible's decision to bring William Gibson’s lost Alien III script to life is commendable. This script, originally penned in 1987, never saw the light of day in cinematic form but has now been given a new lease of life in this audio format. The multicast dramatization, directed by the talented Dirk Maggs, offers listeners an immersive experience, making them feel as if they are aboard the Sulaco, facing the terror of the unknown.

Characters:
The return of Michael Biehn and Lance Henriksen as Corporal Hicks and Bishop adds authenticity to the narrative. Their performances, along with the rest of the cast, are stellar. However, the decision to sideline Ripley for a significant portion of the story might not sit well with die-hard fans.

Structure:
The audiobook maintains a steady pace, with the tension escalating as the story progresses. The sound effects and background score enhance the overall experience, making it a cinematic treat for the ears.

Impact:
For fans of the Alien franchise, this audiobook offers a glimpse into what could have been. It's a chilling reminder of the relentless nature of the xenomorphs and the fragility of human existence when faced with such adversaries.

Hook and Thesis:
The allure of this audiobook lies in its promise to deliver an untold chapter from the Alien saga. It's a journey into the unknown, where danger lurks around every corner.

Praise and Critique:
The production quality is top-notch, and the performances are captivating. However, the sidelining of key characters and certain plot choices might not resonate with all listeners.

Evaluation:
While it offers a fresh perspective on the Alien narrative, certain creative decisions might polarize fans. Nonetheless, it's a must-listen for those curious about the path not taken in the Alien storyline.

Comparison:
Compared to the Alien movies, this audiobook offers a unique experience. While it lacks the visual spectacle, the sound design and performances make up for it, offering a theater of the mind.

Conclusion:
In the icy realms of HowlStrom, tales of bravery and horror are passed down through generations. "Alien III" will find its place among these tales, as a story of what might have been. While it has its flaws, it's a commendable effort and a testament to the enduring legacy of the Alien franchise. As the snowstorms of HowlStrom rage on, tales like these keep the spirit of adventure alive.

Bit of a disappointment. Interesting ideas of a Cold War narrative set in the Alien universe that doesn't really do anything interesting with either concept. The artwork is also somewhat mediocre.

I really wanted to like this. The first couple issues are interesting but then it falls apart. There are too many parts where it felt like I missed chunks of story. I kept flipping back because I thought I missed something. The last half of the book is all over the place. It was so disjointed I had trouble finishing it.
dark tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No