Comic Book Review: Alienated #1- Three Sams and an Alien

By Nolan P. Smith

BOOM! Studios have been on a hot streak for, well, the last few years. The publisher consistently cranks out original, exciting stories that stand head and shoulder above the competition. So when I saw Alienated #1 solicited a few months ago, I pre-ordered without a thought. Now that I have read the first issue, I am once again reminded to trust my intuition. 

From writer Simon Spurrier, with art by Chris Wildgoose, colors by Andre May and letters by Jim Campbell, Alienated is a tale of three Sams: Samantha, Samuel, and Samir. Three high school kids with different lives and different ideals, all linked together after they stumble across a mysterious pod in the woods. After the encounter, the three are mentally linked somehow, which makes for some exciting moments at school. When the school bully, Leon, threatens to destroy the pod, something happens that will scar the three forever. 

Spurrier gives us three likable and very different characters, which provides the book with a lot of depth, in my opinion. The story sets up the characters and the alien nicely, making us wonder what will happen next with this otherworldly being. Wildgoose’s artwork is fantastic; I especially like the two-page spread when the three Sams’ minds are linked- it is an excellent montage of the diverse thoughts of the three individuals, melded into one. II especially like the lettering here, which plays a big part in deciphering who is thinking what with the use of separate colors for each character based on their outfit choices. 

After seeing what this being can do, it will be interesting to see what the approach will be for our band of Sams, and how, or if, they can manage to control it. Alienated #1 is an excellent start to a modern sci-fi romp. With a great story and killer artwork, Alienated alienates itself from the pack. 

Rating: 9.0 out of 10. 

Nolan P. Smith is the Editor and Co-Founder of Pastrami Nation. Being a reporter for the past ten years, he has worked for a variety of media outlets, from newsprint to the ever-evolving internet platform. Residing in Victorville, CA, writing has always been a significant aspect of his life. You can usually find him at comic book conventions, looking for more amazing books to dive into, or at the gym at odd times of the night. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter @nolanpsmith, and Instagram @kakooee.