In a crossover that feels ripped from the wildest dreams of comic book fans, Marvel is pitting its star-spangled hero against the deadliest creature in cinematic history. Get ready for Alien vs. Captain America, a new limited series that throws Steve Rogers and the Howling Commandos into a desperate battle against Hydra-controlled Xenomorphs in the heart of World War II. This isn’t a drill. This is happening.
Announced at San Diego Comic-Con, the four-issue series from writer Frank Tieri and artist Stefano Raffaele is set to crash into comic shops on November 5, 2025. The premise is as brutal as it is brilliant: what if, in their hunt for a war-winning weapon, Hydra stumbled upon something far more terrifying than any man-made device? The answer, it seems, involves acid for blood, a second jaw, and a whole lot of screaming.
This epic clash follows the success of 2024’s Aliens vs. Avengers, further cementing the terrifying presence of the Xenomorphs within the Marvel Universe. Now that 20th Century Studios (formerly Fox) properties are under the Disney umbrella, the possibilities for universe-colliding stories are endless, and Marvel is wasting no time in exploring the darkest corners of that new toybox.
Caption: Captain America finds himself surrounded by Xenomorphs in the stunning cover for Alien vs. Captain America #1. Credit: Leinil Francis Yu / Marvel Comics Source: Marvel.com
What is Alien vs. Captain America About?
The official synopsis from Marvel sets a chilling stage. During the height of World War II, the Red Skull, ever the ambitious villain, dispatches his top operative, Baron Strucker, on a high-stakes mission. Their goal is to locate the fabled city of Attilan in the Himalayas, hoping to harness the power of the Inhumans for Hydra’s cause.
However, Strucker finds something else entirely. Instead of a hidden city of super-powered beings, he uncovers a nest of Xenomorphs. In true Hydra fashion, the villains don’t see a galaxy-ending threat; they see a biological weapon. The Red Skull plans to unleash these perfect organisms on the Allied forces, turning the tide of the war through sheer, unadulterated terror.
Standing in their way is Captain America and his elite squad, the Howling Commandos. The series promises a gritty, boots-on-the-ground war story infused with sci-fi horror. As the tagline ominously warns, “In war-torn Europe… no one can hear you scream.” It’s a brilliant mashup of genres, blending the established heroism of Captain America’s WWII adventures with the claustrophobic horror that the Alien franchise is famous for.
The Ultimate Hero vs. The Ultimate Horror
Helming this collision of icons is a creative team perfectly suited for the task. Writer Frank Tieri, known for his work on titles like Wolverine and Space Punisher, expressed his excitement for the project. “Sometimes a project comes along and you just have to pinch yourself that you get to be involved with it,” Tieri said. “I mean, here you have two of the most iconic properties in entertainment—Captain America, who is basically the ultimate hero, going against Alien, one of the ultimate names in horror. As a writer, what more can you ask for than that?”
Joining him is acclaimed artist Stefano Raffaele, whose detailed and gritty style is a perfect match for the horrors of both war and Xenomorphs. His previous work includes Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku, showcasing his ability to render large-scale conflict with a personal, character-driven focus. The creative team is rounded out by colorist Neeraj Menon and letterer Joe Sabino, with superstar artist Leinil Francis Yu providing the main cover art.
This project is more than just a gimmick; it’s a thoughtful pairing of two opposing forces. Captain America represents the peak of human potential, a symbol of hope and unwavering morality. The Xenomorph, as conceived in Ridley Scott’s 1979 masterpiece, is the antithesis of that—a creature of pure, predatory instinct, devoid of morality or reason. Their conflict is a battle for the very soul of survival.
Caption: Captain America and the Howling Commandos face off against a horde of Xenomorphs in this variant cover. Credit: Leinil Francis Yu / Marvel Comics Source: CBR
A New Chapter in Marvel’s Alien Saga
While the idea of Xenomorphs in the Marvel Universe is still relatively new, Marvel is building a rich and terrifying history for them. This series follows on the heels of Aliens vs. Avengers by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, a blockbuster series that saw Earth’s Mightiest Heroes face the threat in a near-future setting. By contrast, Alien vs. Captain America serves as a prequel of sorts, revealing that the Xenomorphs’ presence on Earth has deeper, darker roots than previously known.
The ability to tell these stories is a direct result of Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, a move that brought properties like the X-Men, Fantastic Four, and, yes, Alien and Predator under the Marvel banner. As detailed by sources like The Hollywood Reporter, this corporate consolidation has opened the floodgates for creative crossovers that were once impossible. This is the kind of art of universe collisions that fans have dreamed about for decades, and it’s finally happening.
What Does This Mean for the Marvel Universe?
The implications of this series could be massive. A teaser for the third issue reveals that Captain Marvel will join the fight, hinting that the conflict will escalate beyond a simple ground war. More tantalizingly, the issue promises to reveal a “secret and dark history between the Xenomorphs and the Kree.”
This is a bombshell revelation. The Kree are one of the cornerstones of Marvel’s cosmic lore, a militaristic alien empire responsible for the creation of the Inhumans and the powers of Captain Marvel herself. Linking them to the Xenomorphs retroactively weaves the Alien franchise into the very fabric of the Marvel cosmos. Could the Kree have encountered the Xenomorphs in their galactic expansion? Did they attempt to weaponize them, much like Hydra is doing now? This opens up a universe of storytelling potential, connecting the dots between Marvel’s cosmic hierarchy and the established lore of the Alien films, which fans can explore further at resources like the Xenopedia.
When Can You Read Alien vs. Captain America?
Alien vs. Captain America #1 is set to be released on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. The four-issue limited series will be available at local comic book shops and digital platforms. For collectors, Marvel is releasing a slew of variant covers from top artists like Dan Panosian, InHyuk Lee, Phil Noto, and Paulo Siqueira, ensuring there’s a version of this historic crossover for every fan.
This series is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about comics of the year. It’s a high-concept, high-stakes adventure that combines the best of superhero action and sci-fi horror. Whether you’re a lifelong Captain America fan, a devotee of the Alien franchise, or just a lover of wild comic book crossovers, this is one battle you won’t want to miss.
Resources
- Marvel.com: https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/november-5-2025-new-marvel-comics-collections-releases-full-list
- CBR: https://www.cbr.com/captain-america-xenomorphs-alien-exclusive-marvel-preview/
- IGN: https://www.ign.com/articles/disney-universes-collide-in-alien-vs-captain-america-sdcc-2025
- Comic Watch: https://comic-watch.com/news/the-star-spangled-avenger-slings-his-mighty-shield-against-xenomorphs-in-alien-vs-captain-america-1-of-4
