Aliens Epic Collection: The Original Years Vol. 4

Continuing a complete, chronological collection of Aliens comics to make you scream!

Charged with insubordination one too many times, Lt. Joseph Henry is put in charge of a ragtag platoon of the worst the Colonial Marines corps has to offer and given the thankless task of investigating Alien-related activities in a backwater sector of space. But the crew — including Carmen Vasquez, younger sister of the fan-favorite character from the movie Aliens — finds more than they bargained for when they discover a mysterious group of human-Alien hybrids they call the “Bug-Men!” Plus: A God-fearing crew member aboard the space freighter Nova Maru is forced at gunpoint to abandon ship with his captain — but as they crash-land on a small planet, they soon learn they have not entirely escaped the Nova Maru’s dreadful cargo! And more tales of Alien terror!

COLLECTING: Aliens: Colonial Marines (1993) #1-10, Aliens: Salvation (1993) #1; material from Aliens Magazine (1992) #13-20, Dark Horse Comics (1992) #15-19

Written by Chris Warner, Kelly Puckett, Paul Guinan, Dan Jolley, Dave Gibbons & More

Penciled by Tony Atkins, Paul Guinan, Allen Nunis, John Nadeau, Mike Mignola & More

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs