bluepigeon's review
5.0
As a Trondheim fan, I picked this up on a whim at Strand, and read it with my friend in the subway going back home. It is hilarious, disgusting, cute, and sad all at the same time. The creatures are well-imagined. They speak an alien language, which we humans cannot understand. There seem to be universal ideas and feelings that are revealed through some bizarre adventures, some of which involve peer-pressure, lots of poop, and branches. As always, a pleasure to "read."
otterno11's review
4.0
A.L.I.E.E.N. (Archives of Lost. Issues and Earthly Editions of Extraterrestrial Novelties),Trondheim's deceptively simple yet bizarrely original story could be seen easily as weirdness for weirdness' sake yet there is also much more going on under the surface. I read the comic on the recommendation of a friend, finishing it within an hour on a recent trip and, while at first not really knowing what to make of it, I came to have quite enjoyed it. With the background of a found work with an otherworldly origin, Trondheim sets his comic up to be an alien children's comic, with a variety of strange, cute, cartoony critters engaging in all manner of inexplicably humorous and disturbing activities. The work is slathered in a deranged creativity and the pure imagination possessed by Trondheim is evident on each page. A.L.I.E.E.E.N. is simple in its execution yet deeply complex in the many bizarre conclusions that can be taken from the alien events chronicled, with the alien script tantalizingly incomprehensible yet hinting at what might be going on with the twisting connectivity of the comics various storylines. It is a quick and satisfying read that could be returned to again and again for new insights or interpretations, though, at the very least, Trondheim has created a supremely novel diversion.
alarra's review
3.0
I do *not* know what to make of this little volume. The art is simple but really appealing, and the wordless brutal unintended hurts suffered by its many characters oddly endearing, if gross and often inexplicable. My favourite character was the creature who could do no right, and remains all alone.
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