Warning! This article contains spoilers for Alien Vol. 4 #1 Obtaining the Xenomorph species has been a top priority for Weyland-Yutani since the first Alien film, and now the company’s desire to get a specimen is more desperate than ever. Not only is this the case because there’s a new, ultra-powerful white Xenomorph variant on the loose in the current era of Alien continuity, but also because Yutani himself is part of the mission to catch one.
The white Xenomorph variant was introduced in 20th Century Studios’ Alien Vol. 3, and the white Xenomorph’s origin was detailed in Alien Annual 2023 #1 by Declan Shalvey and Danny Earls. Long ago, on a distant moon covered in ice designated LV-695, the Xenomorphs descended, and were immediately met by the indigenous species of this frozen world. When the Xenomorphs used these creatures as their hosts, the genetic imprint gave life to an entirely new variant known by fans as the white Xenomorph variant – one that’s much bigger, stronger, and more durable than the classic Xenomorph.
Throughout the entirety of Alien Vol. 3, the human protagonists (and antagonists, aka Weyland-Yutani agents) are being hunted by one of these white variants, until the end when the variant actually fought off a horde of Xenomorphs like the T-Rex in Jurassic Park. While the Weyland-Yutani agents were effectively wiped out, the information about these new Xenomorphs evidently made it all the way back to the very top of the company, as now Jun Yutani has joined the hunt in person.
Alien Fans Will Finally Meet The ‘Yutani’ Of Weyland-Yutani
In a preview for Alien Vol. 4 #1 by Declan Shalvey and Andrea Broccardo, a spaceship full of Weyland-Yutani agents are on their way to LV-695 for what they think is a simple retrieval mission of Weyland-Yutani assets (like another vessel or piece of tech). Little do they know, the thing they’ll be retrieving is the white Xenomorph variant introduced in the previous volume.
While fans don’t see him in this preview, Jun Yutani III is on board the Descendant (Yutani’s private vessel) and is even mentioned by name by his crew. The preview ends with the agents descending upon the ice moon, leaving fans in suspense for two reasons: the horrifying threat of the white Xenomorph, and the sight of Jun Yutani for the first time in Alien canon.
Yutani Is Filling Weyland’s Role In This New Alien Chapter
While fans have been introduced to different generations of Yutanis in past comics and other forms of media, Yutani has never made an official canon appearance. The current Alien series takes place after the events of Aliens, and only the films are considered canon. Every other book, video game, comic, or spin-off (including the AvP films) is not recognized by this new continuity under 20th Century Studios, which means readers will be meeting Yutani for the first time in-canon in this new Alien chapter, since the character never made an appearance in the films. Usually, it’s a generation of the Weyland family who takes it upon himself to join a mission regarding alien life forms (most prominently shown in Prometheus). Now, Yutani is filling that narrative role, and is joining the search to bring home an upgraded version of this long-sought after extraterrestrial prize.
There is a lot to be excited about in this upcoming Alien chapter, as not only do fans get to see more of this ferocious new addition to the Xenomorph family tree, but they can also look forward to being introduced to Jun Yutani for the first time in-canon. Indeed, the deadliness of the white Xenomorph warrants one of the company’s top leaders’ direct involvement, and this time, Alien fans will be seeing that from Yutani himself.
Alien Vol. 4 #1 by 20th Century Studios is available November 15, 2023.
