Graphic Novel Review: Cowboys & Aliens

Cowboys & Aliens, created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, written by Fred Van Lente and Andrew Foley, art by Luciano Lima

In 1873, Silver City, Arizona aliens are planning an invasion. As European American settlers are pushing the Native American Indians from their land, an imposing force of intolerant aliens are staking claim to Earth and plan to enslave humanity. Now the cowboys and Indians will have to join forces to defend Earth with their simple weapons, but cunning ingenuity.

This graphic novel is the inspiration behind the summer 2011 film of the same name. A unique blend of science fiction and Western genres, it’s easy to see what drew filmmakers to the idea. Zeke and Verity are escorting a wagon train to Silver City to lay claim to land, that happens to be possessed by the Apache Indians. But the enemies quickly put aside their differences and join forces to protect humanity from the greater threat. The humans are aided by an exotic green alien who claims to be a slave, from a world also taken by the invading aliens.

This action-packed adventure is a wild ride with plenty of gun-slinging fun, a bit of romance, and quite a few surprises. With fantastic artwork that supports a strong story, this creative team produced a highly engaging and visually stimulating success. I loved this imaginative what-if version of American history complete with a classic alien invasion story. Science fiction and comic book fans should not miss this extraordinary graphic novel.


Harper Collins’ It Books imprint has re-released the Cowboys & Aliens hardcover graphic novel (originally published in 2006), available now. The trade paperback version will be available in May 2011.