- "I've been a thief for a long time, Stan. I know when to take a risk. This is it."
- ―Julian Lish
"Hive" | |
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Aliens: Hive | |
Title: | "Hive" |
Volume: | 1 |
Number: | 1 |
Cover price: | $2.50 |
Cover date: | February, 1992 |
Publisher: | Dark Horse Comics |
Credits | |
Chief: | Mike Richardson |
Writers: | Jerry Prosser |
Pencilers: | Kelley Jones |
Inkers: | Kelley Jones |
Cover artists: | Kelley Jones |
Cover inker: | Kelley Jones |
Colorists: | Les Dorscheid |
Letterers: | Clem Robins |
Editors: | Barbara Kesel |
Navigation | |
Previous: | — |
Next: | Aliens: Hive #2 |
"Hive (Part 1 of 4)" is the first issue of the Aliens: Hive comic book limited series published by Dark Horse Comics. The story was written by Jerry Prosser with artwork and inks by Kelley Jones. It was colored by Les Dorscheid and lettered by Clem Robins. The story was edited by Barbara Kesel. This issue shipped with a February, 1992 cover date and carries a cover price of $2.50 per copy (US).
Synopsis[]
Thief Julian Lish is making her way throughout the darkened catacombs of the space vessel Dolomite. She is scared, but ready. A Xenomorph emerges and lunges at her, and she runs. She thinks she makes progress, but runs into a blind alley and has to backtrack. The alien looms over her, but is instantly rendered inert as a voice comes over a loudspeaker, "Priority override code Myrmidon. Cancel predation functions. Return to standard program." Doctor Stan Mayakovsky and his pet dog enter the corridor to congratulate Lish on her exercise. The "Xenomorph" is actually a cleverly constructed robot, designed to infiltrate actual Xenomorph hives. Mayakovsky instructs the robot to report to the lab and the monstrous effigy replies back, "Yes, Doctor Mayakovsky".
Doctor Mayakovsky retires to his quarters drinks from a vial filled with Royal jelly - a by-product of a Xenomorph queen. Mayakovsky is terminally ill with cancer, and the consciousness expanding properties of the Royal jelly helps him endure the pain. In addition to its other effects, the narcotic also stimulates his memories of the recent past; of how he discovered Julian Lish who originally proposed the idea of constructing a robot Xenomorph. Using his own advancements in the field of robotics, he was able to design the robot, similar to what he did with an artificial ant that he used to explore ant hills. Stan Mayakovsky also calls to mind the exact moment that his partnership with Julian Lish expanded from being a professional relationship into a personal one.
The Dolomite reaches the orbit of a planet designated A6 454, which is a considerable distance away from the standard routes. It has a barely breathable atmosphere and is constantly buffeted by intense storms. Stan and Julian address the crew. Captain Hoban is already aware of the nature of their mission, Stan indicates that the mission crew will be briefed as well.
The briefing hall erupts into chaos however, as the Xenomorph robot appears, chasing Mayakovsky's dog, Mac. He shouts that it is harmless unless provoked, but that doesn't stop a gun wielding crew member from charging at it. The robot follows the instinctive behavior of a Xenomorph and spears the crewman through the head with its secondary mandible. It then punches its claw through the man's chest. Mayakovsky gives the priority override command and the robot deactivates before it can take another life. Despite the loss of life, the mission is still a go.
As the Dolomite approaches A6 454, Captain Hoban takes a dropship to the surface. Across the barren landscape, hive mounds can be seen with actual Xenomorphs scurrying about.
Appearances[]
Featured characters
Supporting characters
Villains
Minor characters
- Ari 47, Artificial Ant
- Mac the Dog
Organizations
Races & Animals
Locations
Items
- Royal jelly
- Xeno-Zip
Vehicles
Powers
Miscellaneous
Notes & Trivia[]
- The Aliens franchise was created by director Ridley Scott and screenplay writer Dan O'Bannon. It was first brought to life in the 1979 sci-fi/horror movie Alien, which spawned multiple sequels, prequels, and crossover films. Other notable directors in the franchise include James Cameron, David Fincher, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Paul W.S. Anderson.
- This issue is reprinted in the Aliens: Harvest trade paperback collection published by Titan Books in the United Kingdom.
- First appearance of all human characters and all robot characters.
- The year in which the events of this series takes place is not established.
- Hoban is the captain of The Dolomite.
- Gill is an android assigned to The Dolomite.
- "Norbert" is an infiltration robot designed to look like a xenomorph.