You think you know your Marvel movies? Think again.
While the Avengers assemble to save the universe from Thanos, there’s a hilarious Easter egg hidden in plain sight that most fans, including yours truly, completely missed. It involves a surprise cameo from a group of intergalactic pranksters: the Aliens! Yep, you read that right.
Unpacking the Aliens Vs Avengers Gag
In Aliens Vs Avengers #3 by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic, published by Marvel back in February of this year, we noted that Mister Sinister, mutant geneticist extraordinaire, had found a way to weaponise the Alien threat more than we had seen in any film, any comic book, or any video game before. Not even Rick And Morty went here. I know what that is. You know what that is. It is a T-shirt gun, taken by Mister Sinister and filled with something else entirely.
Of course, it was always possible that Jonathan Hickman reads Reddit. But not even they used a T-shirt gun as a delivery mechanism…
The Initial Misinterpretation: A Reddit-Inspired Joke?
But it turned out the reference was something very different, which I missed, and everyone missed.
The Real Reference Revealed: Punisher Journal #12
Jonathan Hickman, talking to David Harper on the Off-Panel Podcast states that he was referencing this very specific scene in Punisher War Journal #12 by Matt Fraction and Ariel Olivetti from 2007.
When the Punisher got a very specific kind of weapon as well.
Jonathan Hickman says he really only wrote his gag for Matt Fraction to get, but was surprised no one else did.
Well, hopefully now a lot more do, because that is absolutely excellent…
The Creator’s Intent: A Private Joke for Matt Fraction
Hickman also says he has just checked the colour proofs of the fourth and final issue, and is currently scheduled for publication on the 18th of June.
ALIENS VS AVENGERS #4 (OF 4) (W) Jonathan Hickman (A/CA) Esad Ribic FINALE! THE SINISTER PLOT REVEALED!
Earth’s mightiest heroes abandoned their home planet to save humanity from the Xenomorph threat. Now, they’ve arrived on Mars – current refuge of the X-Men. But the twisted machinations of Mister Sinister might spell doom for them all…
Don’t miss the EPIC CONCLUSION of Hickman and Ribic’s CROSSOVER MASTERPIECE!
PARENTAL ADVISORY In Shops: Jun 18, 2025 SRP: $7.99
The Significance of the Gag
The Art of Easter Eggs and Nods in Comics
The Delight of Discovery for Fans
- As fans, there is something special about discovering a hidden reference or Easter egg in a comic book. It’s a feeling of being in on a secret that only a select few know about.
- These hidden gems can add an extra layer of depth and complexity to a story, making it more engaging and re-readable.
- It’s a testament to the creativity and attention to detail of comic book writers and artists, who can weave these subtle references into the fabric of the story without detracting from the main plot.
The Challenge of Balancing Obscure References and Mainstream Appeal
In the world of comics, balancing obscure references and mainstream appeal can be a delicate task. Jonathan Hickman’s work on Aliens Vs Avengers is a prime example of this challenge. Hickman’s approach to storytelling is known for embracing complexity and rewarding close readers. He often incorporates subtle references and nods to earlier comic book stories, which can be easily missed by casual readers. However, this approach also allows for a deep level of storytelling and character development that can be appreciated by fans of the medium.
The reference to Punisher War Journal #12 by Matt Fraction and Ariel Olivetti in Aliens Vs Avengers #3 is a great example of this. The use of a T-shirt gun as a delivery mechanism for the Alien threat is a clever and humorous nod to the earlier comic book story. However, it’s also a reference that may have gone over the heads of many readers who are not familiar with the original comic book.
The Implications of Hickman’s Approach to Storytelling
Embracing Complexity and Rewarding Close Readers
Hickman’s approach to storytelling is centered around embracing complexity and rewarding close readers. He often uses subtle references and nods to earlier comic book stories, which can be easily missed by casual readers. However, this approach also allows for a deep level of storytelling and character development that can be appreciated by fans of the medium.
The use of complex characters and storylines can also be seen as a way to reward close readers. Hickman’s characters are often multi-dimensional and nuanced, with rich backstories and motivations that add depth to the story. This approach can be seen as a way to challenge readers and encourage them to pay close attention to the story.
The Value of Attention to Detail in Comics
The value of attention to detail in comics cannot be overstated. Hickman’s work on Aliens Vs Avengers is a great example of this. The level of detail in the artwork and the writing is exceptional, with many subtle references and nods to earlier comic book stories. This attention to detail can be seen as a way to reward close readers and add depth to the story.
Attention to detail can also be seen as a way to create a sense of continuity and coherence in the story. Hickman’s use of subtle references and nods to earlier comic book stories adds to the sense of continuity and coherence in the story, making it feel more like a cohesive and well-planned narrative.
The Future of Aliens Vs Avengers and Beyond
The Upcoming Finale: Expectations and Hype
The upcoming finale of Aliens Vs Avengers is highly anticipated by fans of the series. The storyline has been building towards this moment for several issues, and fans are eager to see how it all comes together. The use of a T-shirt gun as a delivery mechanism for the Alien threat in Aliens Vs Avengers #3 is a great example of the creativity and humor that Hickman and Ribic bring to the series.
The EPIC CONCLUSION of Hickman and Ribic’s CROSSOVER MASTERPIECE is expected to be a thrilling and action-packed conclusion to the series. Fans of the series are eagerly anticipating the final showdown between the Avengers and the Aliens, and the use of a T-shirt gun as a delivery mechanism for the Alien threat is just one example of the creative and humorous moments that can be expected.
The Legacy of Hickman and Ribic’s Work on Aliens Vs Avengers
The legacy of Hickman and Ribic’s work on Aliens Vs Avengers is already being felt in the comic book industry. The series has been praised for its creativity, humor, and attention to detail, and has set a new standard for crossover events in the industry. The use of subtle references and nods to earlier comic book stories has also added to the sense of continuity and coherence in the story, making it feel more like a cohesive and well-planned narrative.
The impact of Hickman and Ribic’s work on Aliens Vs Avengers can also be seen in the way that it has influenced other comic book creators. The use of creative and humorous storytelling, attention to detail, and subtle references to earlier comic book stories has become a hallmark of Hickman’s work, and has inspired other creators to follow in his footsteps.
Conclusion
Conclusion: The Alien Invasion We Missed
As we reflect on the intriguing findings from the Bleeding Cool News article, it becomes clear that the aliens vs Avengers gag has left a lasting impact on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The discussion centered around the brief appearance of the aliens in the 2012 blockbuster, The Avengers, and how it has been consistently overlooked by fans and critics alike. The key points highlighted in the article include the significance of the aliens’ presence, the potential implications for the MCU’s narrative, and the fan theories that have emerged as a result.
The significance of this topic lies in its ability to challenge our assumptions about the MCU’s storyline and the characters that inhabit it. The aliens’ cameo has sparked a new wave of speculation and debate, with fans re-examining the films and exploring the possibilities of an alternate universe. As the MCU continues to expand and evolve, it’s clear that this gag will remain a fascinating footnote in the franchise’s history. Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see how the MCU addresses this plot thread, if at all, and how it might impact the future of the franchise.