Since purchasing the Alien and Predator brands, Marvel has announced its first new Alien project. The latest continuing book, simply titled Alien, will follow Gabriel Cruz, a Weyland Yutani mercenary, as he faces a new, even deadlier kind of Xenomorph.
“I was as happy as everyone when I learned the property was going to Marvel as a reader and fan, and I was astonished when they asked me to WRITE THE LAUNCH.” “I’ve been practicing for this role my whole life without even realizing it,” Johnson remarked in a Marvel news statement. “I’ve been OBSESSED with the xenomorph, the single most iconic portrayal of dread on cinema, since viewing Ridley Scott’s ALIEN when I was much too young.”
“Drawing this has been a dream come true for me, and I’m very glad to be a part of this series!” Larroca remarked. “ALIEN has been one of my favorite sci-fi horror references since I was a kid, and I never imagined I’d get the chance to sketch it.” ALIEN has influenced an entire generation of artists, and I’m honored to be drawing this series today. I hope you love it as much as I enjoyed creating it! Fans of this fantastic franchise will be delighted with Phillip’s narrative!”
Alien #1 will be released in March 2021. Marvel is promising future announcements about their first Predator comic as well as other potential collaborations involving the two properties, so stay tuned to IGN for more information as it becomes available.
For decades, the Alien and Predator brands have been staples of the comic book business, and now they’ve both found new homes. Marvel Comics has bought the rights to both Alien and Predator, clearing the way for a new line of comics rooted in this epic sci-fi universe, as IGN exclusively reports.
While Marvel has yet to unveil particular titles or creative teams, we can show you a couple of stunning teaser illustrations created by Batman artist David Finch. Finch’s view on Alien’s “Big Chap” Xenomorph is first:
To be clear, the Predator teaser does not imply that the two brands will be combined in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (as was the case when Marvel reacquired the Conan license in 2018). Instead, Marvel’s new comics will focus on the characters and locales from the Alien and Predator films. Still, there is a chance fans will witness an Alien vs. Predator vs. Avengers crossover in the future.
Finch, who told IGN that “Alien and Predator are two of the most recognized, iconic characters of all time, and I adore them for that,” had a pleasure creating these two teaser graphics. But ultimately, it’s having been a child when they were brand new. I’ve seen every film they’ve ever appeared in, and I’m looking forward to seeing them wreak havoc in the Marvel Universe. With a huge joy on my face, I sketched my images of them.”
Since 1988 and 1989, Dark Horse Comics has published Alien and Predator stories, but it looks that this agreement may come to an end in 2020. Given that both properties, like Marvel itself, are now under Disney’s umbrella, the decision isn’t surprising. When the Star Wars comic book line was transferred from Dark Horse to Marvel in 2015, Marvel launched a new line of comics to coincide with Disney’s updated Star Wars timeline. In 2018, the rights to Buffy the Vampire Slayer were transferred from Dark Horse to BOOM! Studios, opening the door for a relaunched Buffy world.
“There’s nothing like a suspenseful plot to keep you on the edge of your seat, and Alien and Predator have done it time and time again!” C.B. Cebulski, Marvel Editor-in-Chief, said IGN in a statement. “I vividly recall being in awe of how both skillfully integrate otherworldly fear and drama into some of the most famous sequences we’ve ever seen on film when I first viewed either of these modern classics.” And it is to that heritage that we will live up!”
“As a visual medium, comics are the ideal vehicle to expand on those moments,” Cebulski continued. “We here at Marvel are proud to begin telling these tales for fans everywhere.” “We can’t wait to share more in the coming months when our release schedule resumes!”
“The vast legacies of both franchises offer some of the most intriguing and thrilling worldbuilding in all of science fiction,” stated editor Jake Thomas. It’s a delight and an honor to be able to contribute to the mythology and continuity of those universes with all-new novels set within them.”