The anticipated comic tie-in to Marvel’s forthcoming film, *Alien: Romulus* (2024), which shares the same name, has undergone a significant content advisory update. While the *Alien* franchise is well-acquainted with mature themes, most of its comic adaptations have typically received a T+ rating. This pattern will not apply to Marvel’s latest addition.
According to a report from Popverse, *Alien: Romulus*, initially designated with a “Parental Advisory,” will now carry an “Explicit Content” label. This change comes as no great shock, given the franchise’s reputation for intense xenomorph chaos and the typical film ratings associated with its entries. Nonetheless, it represents a notable divergence for Marvel’s specific *Alien* comics and recent xenomorph-related narratives.
Recently, the iconic alien species has been seen clashing with Marvel’s Avengers. While Marvel’s offerings have generally catered to a teenage audience, *Alien: Romulus* will be accessible exclusively to readers aged 18 and above.
Alien: Romulus Broadens the Film’s Narrative, But Rating Shift Suggests Further Depth
The leap from Parental Advisory to Explicit Content marks a significant move for Marvel.
*Alien: Romulus*, from Marvel Comics, is crafted by the creative duo of Zac Thompson and Daniel Picciotto. This one-shot prequel to the film broadens its narrative, unveiling the “illuminating backstory behind the film’s main threat.” The film has already enjoyed considerable success, making this upcoming comic expansion a highly anticipated release, especially given the scarcity of details regarding its focus. Long-term enthusiasts of the series can expect to encounter xenomorphs and additional machinations from Weyland-Yutani, as these elements are quintessential to the franchise.
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Beyond this, it is known that the one-shot was created “in close partnership” with the film’s writers, Fede Álvarez and Rodo Sayagues. However, the change in rating suggests that readers are in for a particularly captivating experience. Comics bearing Parental Advisory labels often include expletives, which are typically stylistically obscured. Similarly, *Alien*-related comics usually feature some violent content, though the level of gore varies between issues published by Marvel and Dark Horse. With Disney’s acquisition of Marvel, there is potential for the comics to delve deeper into horror than previously anticipated.
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Xenomorphs are infamous for their destructive tendencies and grotesque outcomes, from the aftermath of their acidic blood to the horrific chest-bursting birthing process. Marvel has captured these elements in recent series, including *Aliens: What If…?*, which sported a Parental Advisory label. This upcoming release might push the boundaries even further. Marvel’s history includes adult-oriented comics, such as the former MAX imprint series featuring characters like Punisher and Deadpool, despite some controversies. With *Alien: Romulus*, Marvel has the opportunity to genuinely embrace the darker aspects of the *Alien* franchise, doing justice to the malevolent nature of both the xenomorphs and Weyland-Yutani.
Marvel might exceed expectations in delivering horror, especially since its acquisition by the Walt Disney Company.
*Alien: Romulus* #1 will be available from Marvel Comics on October 16.
Source: Popverse, Marvel
Alien: Romulus
Alien: Romulus is the seventh film in the Alien franchise. The movie is directed by Fede Álvarez and will focus on a new young group of characters who come face to face with the terrifying Xenomorphs. Alien: Romulus is a stand-alone film and takes place in a time not yet explored in the Alien franchise.