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Aliens / Predator / Prometheus Universe
Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven
Deep beneath the ice of Jupiter's moon Europa, life teems in the depths of dark oceans fed by belching, chemical-rich volcanic vents. But more spectacular discoveries of life elsewhere in the cosmos have left Europa little more than another commercial stopover with an orbital station and a decaying space elevator ferrying cargo and personnel to and from the moon. But when one of the massive elevators stops midway with no communication from the crew aboard, a rescue team soon discovers that the stranded elevator is transporting a deadly cargo from another world, a savage organism that threatens life on Europa and, ultimately, life on planet Earth.
From superstar creator Liam Sharp comes Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven, an all-new, deluxe-format hardcover graphic novella. Sharp's stunning visuals are well known to comics readers from his work on Judge Dredd, The Incredible Hulk, Testament, Gears of War, and many others, and now, having expanded into prose fiction with God Killers: Machivarius Point and Other Tales, Sharp is solidifying his reputation as one of graphic fiction's emerging visionaries.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published December 11, 2011
1 person is currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Liam Sharp
408 books58 followersLiam Sharp is a British artist, writer and publisher. His debut work started in the late 1980s drawing Judge Dredd for 2000AD. Since then he has worked for numerous comic publishers including Marvel UK, Marvel Comics, DC comics, Image, Dynamite Comics, Verotick as well as many others. He has published his first novel. He has worked with advertising campaigns as well as design work and produced art for various magazines. He has worked on designs for various movies including Lost in Space, Small Soldiers and the animated series Batman Beyond.
In 2004 Liam established MamTor™ Publishing with his wife Christina. In October 2011, Liam Sharp co-founded Madefire with Ben Wolstenholme and Eugene Walden, in Berkeley, CA, and is the company's CCO.
He is currently at work on a comic series with his wife called Cap Stone. He also has a deviant art page located at http://liamsharp.deviantart.com
In 2004 Liam established MamTor™ Publishing with his wife Christina. In October 2011, Liam Sharp co-founded Madefire with Ben Wolstenholme and Eugene Walden, in Berkeley, CA, and is the company's CCO.
He is currently at work on a comic series with his wife called Cap Stone. He also has a deviant art page located at http://liamsharp.deviantart.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 7, 2018
In Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven, you get forty pages of an underwhelming story filled with the usual set of clichéd human characters for Xenomorph to hunt and kill, accompanied by awkward space slang ("Bible", "Lobsters"?), terrible dialogues, and decent art with questionable color choices.
Skip.
Skip.
December 11, 2016
Vote: 3,5
Story: 2
Art: 5
Liam Sharp's artworks are great, atmosphere and pace claustrophobic and thrilling, but the story is just the same one that Alien fans know well and love: crew goes exploring, meets the creature, get slaughtered with few twists.
And characters and storyline really needed much more than just 40 pages to be better developed.
Not bad read for space-horror fans, just a too short one.
Story: 2
Art: 5
Liam Sharp's artworks are great, atmosphere and pace claustrophobic and thrilling, but the story is just the same one that Alien fans know well and love: crew goes exploring, meets the creature, get slaughtered with few twists.
And characters and storyline really needed much more than just 40 pages to be better developed.
Not bad read for space-horror fans, just a too short one.
May 8, 2025
I don't know what I was expecting from a 40 page graphic novel, but this story was thinner than onionskin. I liked the art, but it doesn't save the story (or lack thereof).
May 10, 2019
This wasn't really bad, there just wasn't much to it. I like the art as I've always been a fan of Liam Sharp's art. The story is okay, but it's very short and there just isn't time for much development. Overall it is worth a read for Aliens fans, but keep in mind this is more a graphic short story than a graphic novel.
January 12, 2022
Other than the location, a fairly standard tale.
May 10, 2020
This sure is a story that exists.
The thing about Alien stories is that since the aliens are perfect killing machines, untroubled by morality or emotion, making a compelling story requires compelling human characters. The people in Fast Track to Heaven are a group of scientists (I think?) investigating Europan ocean life, escorted by a soldier for some reason, and that's pretty much the entirety of their characterization. In forty pages there's not enough information about them for me to care. There's a lot of jargon for things that might need it--"Heaven" for the surface installation and "Hell" for the research base on the bottom of the Europan ocean, "the Bible" for the transit vehcile between them--and no jargon for things that would definitely need it, like "Pre-Cambrian Rabbit Abyss." The scientists banter a bit, the alien shows up, everyone dies. The end. There's just not enough here.
Also, the art is full of weird color choices that makes a lot of panels mostly a single color and shading. I'm not sure if this is stylistic or not, but it certainly fits with the simply story.
Skip this one.
The thing about Alien stories is that since the aliens are perfect killing machines, untroubled by morality or emotion, making a compelling story requires compelling human characters. The people in Fast Track to Heaven are a group of scientists (I think?) investigating Europan ocean life, escorted by a soldier for some reason, and that's pretty much the entirety of their characterization. In forty pages there's not enough information about them for me to care. There's a lot of jargon for things that might need it--"Heaven" for the surface installation and "Hell" for the research base on the bottom of the Europan ocean, "the Bible" for the transit vehcile between them--and no jargon for things that would definitely need it, like "Pre-Cambrian Rabbit Abyss." The scientists banter a bit, the alien shows up, everyone dies. The end. There's just not enough here.
Also, the art is full of weird color choices that makes a lot of panels mostly a single color and shading. I'm not sure if this is stylistic or not, but it certainly fits with the simply story.
Skip this one.
December 29, 2019
I love the Alien films to death and this was my first ever foray into the graphic novels. Suffice it to say, this was a disappointing start.
The art is fine, not hideous but none of the design was anything memorable or significant. And the story really didn't satisfy. So much of what makes the Alien series stand out is having Ripley as its main character, this book lacked all of that. The characters were tropey, typical and at some points annoying.
I read this super fast, and though I wasn't super impressed, I am planning to check out the other ones before I make a stanch opinion on it either way.
The art is fine, not hideous but none of the design was anything memorable or significant. And the story really didn't satisfy. So much of what makes the Alien series stand out is having Ripley as its main character, this book lacked all of that. The characters were tropey, typical and at some points annoying.
I read this super fast, and though I wasn't super impressed, I am planning to check out the other ones before I make a stanch opinion on it either way.
May 22, 2017
The art is beautiful. Unfortunately, it still doesn't bring us anything we haven't seen before. The story is equally forgettable, a rehash of every Aliens story told in the last thirty years. This book reads a little like a fan fiction by Liam Sharp, just an opportunity to illustrate his own version of the same Aliens formula. It is nice to look at, but not really worth turning your head to do so.
December 1, 2022
2.5 stars
Liam Sharp's artwork here definitely matches the atmosphere required for this story, but the tale itself is very, very slight with the characters barely sketched in, their deaths inconsequential; picked off one by one by the implacable Alien itself until the denouement above a black smoker deep in the sea of Jupiter's moon Europa....and then it just...ends.
In the end it all feels just a bit unfinished, an anecdote in the Alien universe, no more, no less.
Liam Sharp's artwork here definitely matches the atmosphere required for this story, but the tale itself is very, very slight with the characters barely sketched in, their deaths inconsequential; picked off one by one by the implacable Alien itself until the denouement above a black smoker deep in the sea of Jupiter's moon Europa....and then it just...ends.
In the end it all feels just a bit unfinished, an anecdote in the Alien universe, no more, no less.
August 19, 2021
Not bad, but boring and too rushed to build any characters and to establish a clear narrative thruline. There’s some thematic wrestling between exploitation and conservation/ecology, but the story doesn’t really have anything smart to say about it beyond “corporations use the latter to perform the former,” which, like, c’mon…has that been news in the last 40+ years?
July 24, 2017
Fast Track to Heaven is an interesting Aliens story, beautifully painted. It suffers a bit from its length, however. If it was a bit longer it would be almost perfect, as that would have allowed more characterization and a bit more of an impactful ending.
April 30, 2020
Umm.... where’s the rest?? Felt like half the story is missing. The art was great but the story was terrible - I’m starting to give up on the alien franchise now, all of the comics and novels sound very similar. If you want to find a unique novel within this universe try Earth Hive 👍
May 10, 2021
2.5 stars. It was okay.
It is too short to do anything. The characters are forgettable. The setting had potential to be memorable as there aren't many aquatic Aliens stories but even these sets are forgettable.
I did like the art and the colouring was dull in an interesting way.
It is too short to do anything. The characters are forgettable. The setting had potential to be memorable as there aren't many aquatic Aliens stories but even these sets are forgettable.
I did like the art and the colouring was dull in an interesting way.
October 20, 2021
Well, this was a rather abrupt story. Didn't quite feel like new territory since it went back to the now-classic (or cliche) ignorant people encountering the xenomorphs. Not much depth to the characters and things just get messier and messier.
And then it just ends with an info dump of sorts?
And then it just ends with an info dump of sorts?
May 29, 2020
Maybe I was just expecting too much from Liam Sharpe...
August 7, 2021
Compressed, intense and expressive. The atmosphere e as claustrophobic as it should in an "Aliens" story take. Enjoyed it.
March 22, 2023
Hard to follow with stiff art and repeated story beats. Also a terrible ending.
November 10, 2024
A short alien story. Very predictable, boring, weird colors, and cardboard characters.
March 2, 2017
A crew goes down to investigate trouble on Europa's space elevator (?). You can probably guess what happens next.
Not enough time to develop the story or characters. Felt no real attachment to either.
Not enough time to develop the story or characters. Felt no real attachment to either.
February 19, 2017
Great art, very short story.
August 4, 2014
I'm sorry, is this a joke?
Out of fear that my review may run longer than the content of this entire book, i aim to keep it succinct.
Lots of problems with this cursory story beginning with it's impoverished and incomplete plot.
That any Aliens fan would give this story a stellar review is a travesty, and frankly I am disappointed in Dark Horse and the writer and in anyone who willingly attached themselves to this project only to deliver one of the most inadequate, perfunctory, immature stories in the Aliens series.
The book description used in all its promotions includes a buildup talk about Europa, "Deep beneath the ice of Jupiter's moon Europa" etc, etc. but, for them to allude so much about Europa, there is just not enough shown!
Supposedly, according to the (generous) description, a lot of things are going on inside this book. Realistically, the official book description IS essentially the entire content, but told better than what's actually within this graphic novel.
My summary -
PROS: The artwork in "Fast Track" is really the only salvation, having a true gritty feel, with interesting illustrations that cast hues to set the mood; could have been real creepy with a better narration. I give the one star for the art alone.
CONS: Hardly a novella, the hardcover is thicker than the content, and the lack of content cheapens this read, making it quite unworthy of a hardcover at all. The planet's underexposure was a major issue for me, along with undeveloped and confusing characters.
What a waste of a book, this incomplete story leaves too many unanswered questions with all it's discrepancies and diminishes the reader's experience. Overall, I cannot in good conscience recommend this book.
February 20, 2012
Originally Reviewed at:Mother/Gamer/Writer
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Me
Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven is a short – 40 page – graphic novel novella set in the epic Alien Universe. It may not be the engrossing 140 page graphic novel we comic lovers are use to; however, wrapped up in these 40 pages is a fast paced tantalizing story of one rescue teams frightening journey of survival. What is lurking behind every wall, in the shafts, and deep within the shadows? Aliens, and not the friendly kind.
A rescue team is trapped, and soon discovers they are not alone in the underground station. What seemed like a simple mission has turned into a colossal nightmare. Trying to flee to safety the team must decide whose lives are more important, theirs or the people above. The story is brief, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in art style. Vibrant blues, greens, yellows, and reds grace the pages changing the tone and mood of the story from frame to frame. It’s rich and exciting, gritty and purposeful. And just the way I like my horror comics.
Overall, Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven may not be an awesome five star book, but it is a fun quick read fans of the Alien Series should love. If you a looking for a quick horror comic fix then I suggest this graphic novel novella and all it’s beautifully artist glory.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Controllers
Review Source: NetGalley
Reviewer: Me
Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven is a short – 40 page – graphic novel novella set in the epic Alien Universe. It may not be the engrossing 140 page graphic novel we comic lovers are use to; however, wrapped up in these 40 pages is a fast paced tantalizing story of one rescue teams frightening journey of survival. What is lurking behind every wall, in the shafts, and deep within the shadows? Aliens, and not the friendly kind.
A rescue team is trapped, and soon discovers they are not alone in the underground station. What seemed like a simple mission has turned into a colossal nightmare. Trying to flee to safety the team must decide whose lives are more important, theirs or the people above. The story is brief, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in art style. Vibrant blues, greens, yellows, and reds grace the pages changing the tone and mood of the story from frame to frame. It’s rich and exciting, gritty and purposeful. And just the way I like my horror comics.
Overall, Aliens: Fast Track to Heaven may not be an awesome five star book, but it is a fun quick read fans of the Alien Series should love. If you a looking for a quick horror comic fix then I suggest this graphic novel novella and all it’s beautifully artist glory.
December 14, 2011
What a privilege to read a graphic novel before it’s published. In this case, the work is a novella – shorter than the average graphic novel. I didn’t think they could get shorter, to be honest. It was far too brief for my taste but a nice treat anyway.
Aliens was drawn wonderfully. The monster remained true to the movies. I wasn’t so keen on the multicolor panes for the characters. I prefer clean drawings but this one was filled with green, red and blue squares making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. I had difficulty determining the characters in the beginning. I know that in the horror genre, getting to know the characters can often play second to the monster.
The world was different than the worlds of Ripley in the movies and I didn’t quite connect to it. I can only hope that this was just a sample of what they are going to do with the Aliens franchise. I want to know more about this future and its intricate parts. I didn’t see a character that stood out like Ripley and it would be nice to have someone to connect with while the Aliens are wreaking havoc.
I’d read more, if offered. I may even look out for more Liam Sharp. Because this was an e-copy instead of a print copy, I did have difficulty reading some of the print but I hope that isn’t true in the print copy.
Aliens was drawn wonderfully. The monster remained true to the movies. I wasn’t so keen on the multicolor panes for the characters. I prefer clean drawings but this one was filled with green, red and blue squares making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. I had difficulty determining the characters in the beginning. I know that in the horror genre, getting to know the characters can often play second to the monster.
The world was different than the worlds of Ripley in the movies and I didn’t quite connect to it. I can only hope that this was just a sample of what they are going to do with the Aliens franchise. I want to know more about this future and its intricate parts. I didn’t see a character that stood out like Ripley and it would be nice to have someone to connect with while the Aliens are wreaking havoc.
I’d read more, if offered. I may even look out for more Liam Sharp. Because this was an e-copy instead of a print copy, I did have difficulty reading some of the print but I hope that isn’t true in the print copy.
September 1, 2015
Not really sure how this one got the 'graphic novel' headline. The version I read wasn't a physical one, so perhaps it's different in person? This one didn't seem like much more than a regular comic.
Also, I was fairly disappointed in the lack of... anything... really at all. I hardly recall anything of this one and I only read it a day ago. Looking back over it, very little actually happens. There's more talk of doing than actually doing and then it's mostly just some interestingly coloured panels. Which, really, is what saves this one. It's really nicely drawn. The colouring is simple, it's more about the lighting, and that does lend a certain atmosphere. Makes it seem much more sinister.
But I sort of wonder what the point was. Just more slaughter by Xenomorphs?
2.5 out of 5 stars.
Also, I was fairly disappointed in the lack of... anything... really at all. I hardly recall anything of this one and I only read it a day ago. Looking back over it, very little actually happens. There's more talk of doing than actually doing and then it's mostly just some interestingly coloured panels. Which, really, is what saves this one. It's really nicely drawn. The colouring is simple, it's more about the lighting, and that does lend a certain atmosphere. Makes it seem much more sinister.
But I sort of wonder what the point was. Just more slaughter by Xenomorphs?
2.5 out of 5 stars.
May 5, 2013
m'eh
cliché characters that even admit they're cliché.
cliché story... a group of people stuck in an enclosed space with an Alien threat outside (where have we seen that before?)
story full of gaps and plotholes... at one point I was wondering if I'd skipped any pages (I hadn't). Story is WAY too short for the material contained.
OK art, but not once did it feel as if the Alien creature was all that much of a menace, even when it does end up killing everybody.
I probably never even would have bought this book had it not been in a nice hardcover edition and that I usually like me a good Alien story now and again.
cliché characters that even admit they're cliché.
cliché story... a group of people stuck in an enclosed space with an Alien threat outside (where have we seen that before?)
story full of gaps and plotholes... at one point I was wondering if I'd skipped any pages (I hadn't). Story is WAY too short for the material contained.
OK art, but not once did it feel as if the Alien creature was all that much of a menace, even when it does end up killing everybody.
I probably never even would have bought this book had it not been in a nice hardcover edition and that I usually like me a good Alien story now and again.
November 29, 2011
From: Dark Horse Comics
Via: NetGalley.com
Reading this graphic novella felt like I'm watching a short movie of Aliens. There's a mixture of horror and suspense here that I expect because of the title. Liam Sharp's illustrations are very good and helps the flow of the story. I just wished that more action scenes were added.
Via: NetGalley.com
Reading this graphic novella felt like I'm watching a short movie of Aliens. There's a mixture of horror and suspense here that I expect because of the title. Liam Sharp's illustrations are very good and helps the flow of the story. I just wished that more action scenes were added.
October 13, 2012
There were some very good elements to this story but overall it just sort of fell flat. I like Sharp as a storyteller and he's often involved in 'different' projects so I was disappointed that he did not bring anything new to the table as far as the expanded ALIENS universe is concerned. Short enough to try again sometime but I'm in no hurry.
December 2, 2015
Extremely quick and fast-paced read. The story is nothing unexpected: crew of scientists/explorers go investigate a place, find everyone dead, alien creature, the slaughter begins. However, the atmospheres are splendid, the art and narration of Liam Sharp really make this story shine, and all in all is a quite enjoyable book!
November 19, 2021
"I want you all ready to run like your ass is leaking gasoline, and I'm right behind you with a lighter..."
Absolutely loved the artwork but other than that line above I thought the story was very weak, boring, and just didn't have anything happen.
Absolutely loved the artwork but other than that line above I thought the story was very weak, boring, and just didn't have anything happen.
November 4, 2012
Just as I was really getting into this story... It was over. A little too short for my praise and worth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews