The Alien and Predator franchises have been a mainstay in the comic book industry for decades, and now they’ve both found a new home. IGN can exclusively reveal that Marvel Comics has acquired the rights to both Alien and Predator, paving the way for a new line of comics set in this cinematic sci-fi universe.
While Marvel isn’t ready to reveal specific titles or creative teams yet, we can debut a pair of incredible teaser images drawn by Batman artist David Finch. First up, here’s Finch’s take on Alien’s “Big Chap” Xenomorph:
Then, feast your eyes on Finch’s Predator, as the artist shows what might happen if one of these elite hunters targeted the Avengers.
To be clear, the Predator teaser isn’t meant to suggest the two franchises will be integrated into the Marvel Universe (as was the case when Marvel reacquired the Conan license in 2018). Marvel’s new comics will instead expand on the characters and settings of the various Alien and Predator movies. Still, it’s always possible fans will see some sort of Alien vs. Predator vs. Avengers crossover down the road.
Unsurprisingly, Finch had a blast rendering these two teaser images, telling IGN, “Alien and Predator are the two of the most identifiable, iconic characters of all time, and I love them for that. But mostly, it’s being fortunate enough to be a kid when they were new. I’ve seen every movie they’ve ever been in, and I cannot wait to see them wreaking havoc in the Marvel Universe. I drew my pictures of them with a massive smile on my face.”
Dark Horse Comics has been publishing Alien and Predator stories since 1988 and 1989, respectively, but it appears 2020 will mark the end of that arrangement. The move isn’t necessarily surprising given that both properties, like Marvel itself, now fall under the Disney umbrella. The Star Wars comic book line underwent a similar transition when it shifted from Dark Horse to Marvel in 2015 and Marvel kicked off a new line of comics as part of Disney’s revamped Star Wars timeline. Similarly, Buffy the Vampire Slayer shifted from Dark Horse to BOOM! Studios in 2018, paving the way for a rebooted Buffy universe.
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“There’s nothing more thrilling than a story that will keep you at the edge of your seat, and Alien and Predator have delivered that time and time again!” said Marvel Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski in a statement to IGN. “I can clearly remember where I was when I saw each of these modern masterpieces for the first time, and reveling in how both masterfully weave extraterrestrial dread and drama into some of the most iconic scenes we’ve ever seen on film. And it’s that legacy that we’re going to live up to!”
“As a visual medium, comics are the perfect place to build on those moments, and we here at Marvel are honored to begin telling these stories for fans everywhere,” added Cebulski. “As our release schedule continues to return, we can’t wait to share more in the coming months!”
Editor Jake Thomas said, “The incredible legacies of both franchises offer some of the most compelling and exciting worldbuilding in all of science fiction. It is a thrill and an honor to be able to add to that mythology and continuity with all-new stories set within those universes.”
Stay tuned to IGN for more on the future of Alien and Predator at Marvel. With Comic-Con@Home taking place July 22-26, we may learn more in just a few weeks.
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In other Alien news, director Ridley Scott recently revealed he has plans for a third prequel movie exploring the origin of the Xenomorph eggs seen in the original film.
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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.
Source: IGN.com Alien vs Predator vs Iron Man? Marvel Comics Teases New Stories