We have just uploaded the 123rd episode of the Alien vs. Predator Galaxy Podcast (right-click and save as to download)! In this episode we’re discussing and reviewing (well, more like arguing) about Dark Horse’s last ever Alien vs. Predator comic, Thicker Than Blood!
We argue about how realistic the brother/sister dynamic is, how we felt about the representation of the Alien and Predators, just how beautiful the artwork is and plenty more!
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"#TeamSkull"... you just had to throw that one in there.
Nice review Hicks! 'Twas a good read.
https://i.ibb.co/0F6FXCx/20210220-090735.gif
Our issue was less the purpose he was designated for, and more why important story elements that could better serve the story was discarded in lieu of that, in regards to lack of comic real estate and plotting out your story in a four issue tale.
#EmbraceTheWhinge
I completely forgot about Hunters 1! Good shout!
Still listening but Voodoo sure is in full on #whinge mode on this one lol
Just finished listening and Hicks had mentioned Wheatley's past A/P/AVP work and missed that he did the cover art for the first "Hunters" series (which are probably the best drawn predators ever lol). So like everyone I'd rate the art a 10/10 whereas I'd rate the story an 8/10 which averages to an overall score of 9/10. Fun listen fellas.
I think the contrast makes the Alien franchise more interesting, since it's inception with Ash's behaviour, Marcus being my favourite so far.
David 8? No.
Walter 1? Yes!
Yeeeeeeeah...
I don't recall the Covenant review podcast. I might have listened already, but that was a while ago. I'll have to look it up.
I was flipping through the comic again and there's a moment that genuinely makes me chuckle and kinda adds up to Xenomorphine's theory that Maria is a psychopat: right after confessing that she loves her brother the very next thing Maria says is that they need to find something sharp to cut off Predator's hand. With a happy smile on her face
Haven't you listened to podcast review of Covenant they did back in 2017 ? Still my favourite episode, btw
No, never had any siblings. But when I say psychotic, there were two or three panels where her expressions and violence honestly just struck me as far too over the top. I just feel that if it had been an adult character acting in that same way, many would be aghast at it implying abusive parenting, IMO.
All we can do, when undertaking a review, is to give personal impressions and, clearly, the other three didn't feel the same way as me.
In a superhero-type thing, sure! 'Alien' and 'Predator' were always rooted in a more realistic precedent, though (at least, when they started). So, I keep that standard in mind for stories which are set within those continuities.
It's why many dislike 'Resurrection': It's regarded as superficial/cartoonish in comparison to the three films which came before it. It still has entertainment value and some nice dramatic moments, but that cartoonish/unrealistic vibe still needs to be acknowledged and won't be for everybody. For many, that ruins the whole film. Others don't mind, but would still prefer it wasn't there, given the choice. For a minority, it even contributes to what they love about it.
Admittedly, this is always going to be a personal bias thing for me, because AI was something I studied in college and my interest in it has kept with me.
Make Predators Great, Again!
Voodoo keep fighting the good Fight!
We need to demand better Predators!
Really enjoyed the debate.
I am firmly on the side that Hicks and Ridge are on. Thicker than Blood is No. 2 after the original series, for me.
On the original series. Hicks mentions Monica's water colour art from the original issues that were published. I read those last week and man.... I'm never reading the Trade again. I forgot how superior that colouring is. There is Ron Cobb quality to the overall look.
I was doing a page by page comparison and it is night and day. The recolour is terrible. I would love a modern recolour but...... I think a remaster of the original water colours would be better.
I definitely think a retrospective podcast review might be fun one day!
I'd love to see you do some commentating on older videogames Voodoo, I'd love you to be a part of the eventual Concrete Jungle LP for example.
Keep it up with the quality criticism!
First of all, that was definetly one of the most fun episodes in the recent time. Even though I groan each time Voodoo brings up ADI or The Predator - this episode really convinced me it was a good idea to bring him on the show 'cause it really lacked some hardcore Predator love and Voodoo derinetly has that as well as an unique perspective. That was such a fun debate to listen. Corporal even got mad a few times (that "Rrraaaarrr" when RidgeTop mentioned The Predator was brilliant lol).
Secondly, I liked the comic - I didn't necessarily love it. 7 out of 10 from me. It doesn't mean comic wasn't a great read - it just didn't resonate with as much. But it certainly was something (for better or for worse) different for an AvP story, that's for sure. I found this story to be surprisingly heart-warming and charming.
Like 426Buddy, I can undestand each of the guys' perspectives but I'm certainly more in Hicks/RidgeTop camp than Xenomorphine/Voodoo. I disagree with Xenomorphine's view of Maria - yes, she was oftenly cruel towards her synth brother - emotionally as well as physically - but it didn't make her psychotic in my eyes, especially when I remember how I sometimes treated my younger brother (thinking of which fills me wirh shame). Maybe, I'm a psychotic myself - I hope not. And that moment when Maria hugs him - it felt SO good. Kinda makes me wonder: did Xenomorphine had any brothers or sisters growing up ? He was awfully quiet about that. Also, what's that "Real robot wouldn't do that and that and that" ? i mean, really ? Can't suspend your disbelief a bit more ? In a AvP story ? Geez
On team-up matter - I buy it. That Pred had two of his limbs missing and needed some help even if it's coming from two kids. About them electroshocking and drowning him - I think Maria managed to get through language barrier there. That Pred indeed killed their parents and he understood her anger and frustration about it. For me it showed some amount of human psychology understanding in that Pred which elevated him from just human killing monster. And when near the end he just dropped Tyler's body and immediately proceded to take off -I bought that too. There's a panel with Pred's face close-up when he says "Call it good" for the second time. And that vicious face with blood-like red eyes was telling "We-re not friends - you helped me,I helped you - end of story". For me, it wasn't so much him trying to kill the kids but more like letting them know that from that point on their survival depends on them alone and he doesn't care about it anymore.
Voodoo's thoughts and perspectice on the comic really makes me think that whether you're an Alien fan or a Predator fan really matters reading that comic.Not that it's a bad thing, I just think it can really influence one's opinion and enjoyment with Thicker Than Blood. As with any AvP story, I guess - it comes down to who you root for- Alien or Predator. I agree that father-sons dynamic wasn't present in actual comic at all - it didn't spoil my opinion on these Preds though. I just thought of them as hunting trio and it worked for me as such. I can see Voodoo having an issue with how Preds attacked innocent people but for me explanation that was presented in the comic was enough. Also, does honour code apply to hunts only or for everything Preds do - 'cause that wasn't a hunt situation really ? Also, I'm not sure they intended to kill everybody on that ship -maybe they would kill some of the people to show they mean bussines as in "Don't you f**king dare crossing our territory again or else". For me it doesn't contradict Preds' tribal, almost savage nature. Of course, that's me nerding out but hey - when I can do it to make a story work better - I'm gonna do it. And I don't think that Preds were portrayed as weak - that final Half Of A Pred gave damn good fight. I agree with Hicks that moment with whip and hand removal was so brutal and satisfying. And I really liked that Alien torturing Pred with it's hand and being sadistic - it shows that there's some kind of inteligence behind that dome too.
Oh, and artwork was indeed gorgeous. I mean, what can I say about it that you guys haven't said already? That Alien certainly looked beautiful as f**k. So were the Predators. And I dug how Maria and Tyler looked
And I buy RidgeTop's justification for the man with a parrot inclusion in the story
Anyway, that was a good read - and a great listen
It does seem like an excessively English thing to say.
One thing I can say is that I have agreed with everyone's review to some extent. Everyone's review has valid points and this story feels like a love it or hate it kinda thing.
Personally I would give the comic an 8/10 but totally get many of Voodoo's issues.
Can't wait to finish tonight!
I'm making up t-shirts if ya want one!
That's the best podcast recommendation I've heard in a long time
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2021/02/12/the-final-conflict-reviewing-alien-vs-predator-thicker-than-blood-avp-galaxy-podcast-123/