APRIL 2023 NEW WRITER PKJ ERA IS OVER
ALIEN #1
Declan Shalvey (W) • Andrea Broccardo (A) • Cover by DIKE RUAN
VARIANT COVER BY GABRIELE DELL'OTTO • VARIANT COVER BY DECLAN SHALVEY
VARIANT COVER BY ALEX MALEEV • VIRGIN VARIANT COVER BY ALEX MALEEV
SUPERSTARS DECLAN SHALVEY & Andrea Broccardo TAKE ALIEN TO BONE-CHILLING NEW DEPTHS!
Scientist Batya Zahn will do just about anything to get her family off the icy moon where they've been conducting research on water conservation. But there's more than glacial springs to find in this forgotten corner of the galaxy. When they discover an extraordinary organism buried in the ice, it won't take long for tensions to heat up. What is hidden in the snow comes forth in the thaw...and no one will be welcoming this spring.
https://i.4cdn.org/co/1674159587521523.jpg
A new era of Alien starts here!
40 PGS./Rated T+ ...$4.99
QuoteNEW WRITER PKJ ERA IS OVER
About god damn time! Best news I've heard since Larroca departed the franchise!
I'll buy the comic when the new writer's story arc hits. Worth giving it a try again with someone new giving it a go now...
crossing my fingers this guy turns out to be an improvement over PKJ.
I don't know about you guys but i would love to see a GOTG comic with the alien in it. I don't want a deep dive into the alien's origins. I think it works better as a mystery. More like a "omg this thing is true evil, we need to focus on it"
GOTG as in Guardians of the Galaxy??
If so, personally, I'm really against the crossovers... I'd prefer they keep alien separate from all their other properties. But I wouldn't be shocked to see crossovers eventually. They (dark horse and DC) did it with Batman, Superman, green lantern and a number of others...
Quote from: Richman678 on Jan 20, 2023, 01:41:44 PMI don't know about you guys but i would love to see a GOTG comic with the alien in it. I don't want a deep dive into the alien's origins. I think it works better as a mystery. More like a "omg this thing is true evil, we need to focus on it"
That's what Marvel have the Brood for.
Really excited about this! Guessing the actual release date will be 4/22 to line up with Alien Day/week. Good idea to get a new arc started that week with all the Alien buzz (or should I say hisss lol)
I found the shalvey variant cover. Pretty good!
https://www.tfaw.com/feb230670-alien-1-shalvey-variant.html
This arc is titled Thaw.
https://twitter.com/declanshalvey/status/1616434570160705537
The title's in reference to my interest in the Alien graphic novels awakening now that PKJ's finally gone.
(https://media.tenor.com/PRFryW0datoAAAAC/mulan-disney.gif)
Dell Otto's variant posted here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/LV426/comments/10iylcp/marvel_alien_12023_125_incentive_dellotto_variant/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
I hope they dont screw this up!
Curious if they'll restart the issue numbers again... I imagine that's annoying for casual readers.
Quote from: Nukiemorph on Jan 27, 2023, 05:02:51 AMCurious if they'll restart the issue numbers again... I imagine that's annoying for casual readers.
It's pretty par for the course in the comic industry; #1s are typically the best selling issues of any run, so the general rule of them seems to be 'reset back to a #1 as often as possible.'
Quote from: Nightmare Asylum on Jan 27, 2023, 02:01:58 PMQuote from: Nukiemorph on Jan 27, 2023, 05:02:51 AMCurious if they'll restart the issue numbers again... I imagine that's annoying for casual readers.
It's pretty par for the course in the comic industry; #1s are typically the best selling issues of any run, so the general rule of them seems to be 'reset back to a #1 as often as possible.'
Yup
Anytime they change writers and/or artists they reset back to #1. They didn't always do this with ongoing series, but that's what they've switched to over the years. There's a few reasons for it. As nightmare asylum pointed out, #1s sell better. Collectors tend to want issue #1's more because those are more likely to have value later. Also, new readers are more inclined to pick up the series and start reading when they see an issue #1; it's less intimidating than seeing an issue #352.
All that being said, yes, it does appear it's being reset back to #1 again. It's not showing any issue numbers on the cover arts yet, but everywhere I've looked keeps referring to it as issue #1.
It would just be easier to collect & follow if each arc was numbered separately and the arc titles were on the cover, like Dark Horse did.
Alien: Bloodlines 1-6
Alien: Revival 1-6
Alien: Icarus 1-6
Alien: Thaw 1-6
But instead, we have:
Alien 1-12
Alien 1-6
Alien 1-6
At least the collected editions make it simpler.
https://twitter.com/Marvel/status/1619052649747288065
Yea that's why I never really understood marvel's "it's an ongoing series" approach. It really isn't an on going series, since each story arc is its own setting and cast of characters, etc. it's no different than dark horse's "limited series" approach in general.
Impressed with the cover art. While the alien is there, you first notice the mountains and desolate landscape. Establishes the setting very well, up front.
Quote from: Engineer on Jan 27, 2023, 09:05:10 PMYea that's why I never really understood marvel's "it's an ongoing series" approach. It really isn't an on going series, since each story arc is its own setting and cast of characters, etc. it's no different than dark horse's "limited series" approach in general.
It really isn't. And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm in agreement about just giving these things actual titles to make it easier on folk.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 28, 2023, 07:23:25 PMQuote from: Engineer on Jan 27, 2023, 09:05:10 PMYea that's why I never really understood marvel's "it's an ongoing series" approach. It really isn't an on going series, since each story arc is its own setting and cast of characters, etc. it's no different than dark horse's "limited series" approach in general.
It really isn't. And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm in agreement about just giving these things actual titles to make it easier on folk.
They have titles. They just don't put it on the cover until the TPB which is annoying. The title is typically on the inside.
Sorry, I mean giving them titles on the actual covers.
The next Alien series, set to be released on Alien day this year will be titled Alien: Thaw.
Amazon posted the TPB here: https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-VOL-Alien-Jefte-Palo/dp/1302947664/ref=sr_1_20?crid=196NXAUVPEDBP&keywords=alien&qid=1678473814&s=books&sprefix=alien%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-20
Also, where's the Maleev variant cover reveal?? I hope they don't brand it with the same 20th Century Studios design they're giving issue 2 of Predator: The Preserve.
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Mar 10, 2023, 06:50:38 PMThe next Alien series, set to be released on Alien day this year will be titled Alien: Thaw.
Amazon posted the TPB here: https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-VOL-Alien-Jefte-Palo/dp/1302947664/ref=sr_1_20?crid=196NXAUVPEDBP&keywords=alien&qid=1678473814&s=books&sprefix=alien%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-20
Also, where's the Maleev variant cover reveal?? I hope they don't brand it with the same 20th Century Studios design they're giving issue 2 of Predator: The Preserve.
they will the imprint that marvel is publishing alien predator and planet of the apes under ....
Quote from: TilotnyWorshiper28 on Mar 11, 2023, 07:21:44 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Mar 10, 2023, 06:50:38 PMThe next Alien series, set to be released on Alien day this year will be titled Alien: Thaw.
Amazon posted the TPB here: https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-VOL-Alien-Jefte-Palo/dp/1302947664/ref=sr_1_20?crid=196NXAUVPEDBP&keywords=alien&qid=1678473814&s=books&sprefix=alien%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-20
Also, where's the Maleev variant cover reveal?? I hope they don't brand it with the same 20th Century Studios design they're giving issue 2 of Predator: The Preserve.
they will the imprint that marvel is publishing alien predator and planet of the apes under ....
I know.. I just hope they don't give them the same 20th Century cover design they are giving the Predator comics. It makes them look like baseball cards haha
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Mar 10, 2023, 06:50:38 PMAmazon posted the TPB here: https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-VOL-Alien-Jefte-Palo/dp/1302947664/ref=sr_1_20?crid=196NXAUVPEDBP&keywords=alien&qid=1678473814&s=books&sprefix=alien%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-20
And the title is:
ALIEN VOL. 1: THAW (Alien, 4)
So it's volume 1, but it's also volume 4.
Derp.
It's just the confused way Marvel do these things. We'll have to see what they label Icarcus on the spine. Will they call it 3 or 1? It's the third series, but the 1st under that creative team, and they reset the numbering for each creative team.
Just put actual arc titles on the single covers please, Marvel. Please!
Quote from: Nukiemorph on Mar 11, 2023, 09:00:49 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Mar 10, 2023, 06:50:38 PMAmazon posted the TPB here: https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-VOL-Alien-Jefte-Palo/dp/1302947664/ref=sr_1_20?crid=196NXAUVPEDBP&keywords=alien&qid=1678473814&s=books&sprefix=alien%2Cstripbooks%2C109&sr=1-20
And the title is:
ALIEN VOL. 1: THAW (Alien, 4)
So it's volume 1, but it's also volume 4.
Derp.
Haha THAW will be vol 1 of a new storyline, separate from Bloodlines-Icarus, BUT will also be the 4th series released by Marvel.. Come on! How far are that going to go with this like 5 years on?
I only collect the individual issues but does anyone have the Bloodlines or Revival TPBs to see what's it's officialy called in the publication information blurb inside the book? Is it really published as Alien Vol. 1: Bloodlines? Or is it just Alien: Bloodlines?
The Corporal is right. Marvel just needs to put the series subtitle on the covers like they did with Aftermath.
Looks like no-one posted the solicitations for #2
Spoiler
(https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ALIEN2023002_cvr-scaled.jpg)
QuoteTalbot Engineering Inc. is under new management, but the organization's brilliant chief scientist, Batya Zhan, is not willing to give up her coded work to this unexpected threat without a fight. Over at Zhan's dig site, the intruders drill into the ice of the moon colony's surface only to discover hundreds of dark, black, frozen bodies. With daylight quickly dwindling away, it's anyone's guess what horrors will emerge in the black of night and from the cold of the ice.
https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-comics-may-2023-solicitations/
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 12, 2023, 07:57:23 PMLooks like no-one posted the solicitations for #2
Spoiler
(https://i0.wp.com/www.comicsbeat.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ALIEN2023002_cvr-scaled.jpg)
QuoteTalbot Engineering Inc. is under new management, but the organization's brilliant chief scientist, Batya Zhan, is not willing to give up her coded work to this unexpected threat without a fight. Over at Zhan's dig site, the intruders drill into the ice of the moon colony's surface only to discover hundreds of dark, black, frozen bodies. With daylight quickly dwindling away, it's anyone's guess what horrors will emerge in the black of night and from the cold of the ice.
https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-comics-may-2023-solicitations/
Good call! And #3 solicitation should be out in the next couple weeks! Also, I like the name Talbot Engineering. And that cover of who I assume is Batya is so good.
Alien: Thaw #3 solicit released and Alex Maleev variant revealed for issue #1
https://avp.fandom.com/wiki/Alien:_Thaw?file=Alien_Thaw_1_Maleev_var.png
https://www.gamesradar.com/marvel-comics-june-2023-solicitations-covers/
Spoiler
Declan Shalvey (W)
ANDREA BROCCARDO (A)
Cover by DIKE Ruan
Variant Cover by MICHAEL WALSH
Variant Cover by SUNGHAN YUNE
SOMETHING WICKED IS COMING THEIR WAY...
The USCSS Boreas has been infiltrated! A chest-burster is wreaking havoc on base, leaving a trail of gore and eviscerated bodies in its wake. With their numbers dwindling, will the Weyland-Yutani security team be able to track the alien down before it becomes something even more deadly? And even if they do, how will they manage the horrors lurking just outside their walls beyond the ice?
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qAD3EzQ8iNrzPuQqQfFvXm.jpg)
June 28th.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/website/interviews/declan-shalvey/
We've just published a cool short "get to know you" guest editorial interview.
So cool!
Alien: Thaw issue #1 interior preview:
https://comicbook.com/comics/news/marvel-comics-alien-1-exclusive-first-look-declan-shalvey-andrea-broccardo/#3
looks good
Aye, looks good. A little bit of a cartoony style to it, but I don't mind it. Looking forward to seeing more.
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Apr 19, 2023, 12:54:40 PMAlien: Thaw issue #1 interior preview:
https://comicbook.com/comics/news/marvel-comics-alien-1-exclusive-first-look-declan-shalvey-andrea-broccardo/#3
Meh
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 19, 2023, 09:43:36 PMAye, looks good. A little bit of a cartoony style to it, but I don't mind it. Looking forward to seeing more.
*stylized
Nothing wrong with it being stylized if it fits the tone imo
Semantics, of course, but stylized was something I'd always use to describe an approach that was a bit more out there. This looks more of a cartoony style to me. Not saying it looks bad - just perhaps not a style I'd immediately associate with Aliens. To be fair though, that's more in the colouring.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 20, 2023, 05:32:52 AMSemantics, of course, but stylized was something I'd always use to describe an approach that was a bit more out there. This looks more of a cartoony style to me. Not saying it looks bad - just perhaps not a style I'd immediately associate with Aliens. To be fair though, that's more in the colouring.
Fair enough...
Tbh dead orbit was more manga than I'm used to but by the time I was 3 or 4 pages in, I didn't mind it and actually grew to love it...
Dead Orbit always looked more Ron Cobb to me. It immediately felt Alien in that way as soon as I saw the art.
The tech and settings felt like Cobb
But the characters threw me off a bit at first... I had to get used to that
Alien: Thaw #4 solicitation July 2023
https://prhcomics.com/book/?isbn=75960620599800411
Spoiler
Declan Shalvey (W)
ANDREA BROCCARDO (A)
Cover by DIKE Ruan
VARIANT COVER BY FRANCESCO MANNA
HOW FAR WOULD YOU SINK, TO SURVIVE? All hell has broken loose on base. As Xenomorphs swarm the rig – massacring any Weyland-Yutani personnel in sight – Batya makes a plan for an escape. With her research and family at risk, Batya must take a gamble and pursue her last option for salvation.
Big news if you use the Marvel app to read your comics...
https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/marvel-comics-app-purchases-moving-to-marvel-unlimited
(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKWt7X0r/clean.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7XB1WyR)
Did you notice that the regular cover of the first issue now has the "20th century studios" banner and Marvel is listed as "in association with"?
Just read through the first issue. Looks like this is only going to be a 5 issue run. I enjoyed it. It did feel a little rushed at times, and felt like certain character attitudes could have done with some further lead in but we'll see where the rest of the run goes with that.
I know I said the colouring felt a little comic earlier - and it still does - but I dig it.
I don't know about anyone else, but I get the idea the Aliens are going to be
Spoiler
hunting down that facehugger back.
Especially with the page talking about family. I'm really curious to see where that goes.
And seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMJust read through the first issue. Looks like this is only going to be a 5 issue run. I enjoyed it. It did feel a little rushed at times, and felt like certain character attitudes could have done with some further lead in but we'll see where the rest of the run goes with that.
I know I said the colouring felt a little comic earlier - and it still does - but I dig it.
I don't know about anyway, but I get the idea the Aliens are going to be Spoiler
hunting down that facehugger back.
And seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
I liked it, too. The five issue format is working for me. Just like The Preserve, it gives us longer issues. I havent done a page count comparison but they feel longer.
I believe 6 issues are perfect, but I'll see how this story pans out.
Quote from: JDrums on Apr 26, 2023, 06:00:25 AM(https://i.postimg.cc/ZKWt7X0r/clean.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F7XB1WyR)
Did you notice that the regular cover of the first issue now has the "20th century studios" banner and Marvel is listed as "in association with"?
yes marvel created a imprint for there 20th century studio titles. this imprint started with planet of the apes #1
Antarctica Traffic Control, we have a
Spoiler
drinking bird!!
Ok...I'm actually digging this story.
And it was WAY cool to see the
Spoiler
Wey-Yu Commandos!
Quote from: Sabres21768 on Apr 26, 2023, 03:00:46 PMOk...I'm actually digging this story.
And it was WAY cool to see the Spoiler
Wey-Yu Commandos!
Yes! Also.. Just gimme some cornbread and a laser scalpel and I'll be happy haha
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
Quote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 04:51:20 PMQuote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
It's only a very minor connection so far that might not turn into anything substantial. We'll have to see where it goes. The solicitations don't really allude to this connection so I can't imagine it will get too involved.
PJK´s alien lore is a mess and full of: we do stuff with the xenos but we wont ever explain why the xenos behave like this or why they are so different and things, just making it up as we go, mindset.
It's PKJ, btw.
I mean.. yeah.. Icarus was.. a mess haha but this series is starting off strong with some great art and dark colors and shadows, which I feel the franchise has been missing.. also some great references within. I say check out Thaw #1 for sure.
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Apr 26, 2023, 05:04:34 PMQuote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 04:51:20 PMQuote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
It's only a very minor connection so far that might not turn into anything substantial. We'll have to see where it goes. The solicitations don't really allude to this connection so I can't imagine it will get too involved.
I was hoping they'd make 0 references and pretend PKJs stuff never happened. A minor reference, even if it doesn't go anywhere this time, in my mind it means they (marvel/20th century studios) don't plan on ignoring PKJs stuff forever. Total letdown...
Quote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 07:49:53 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Apr 26, 2023, 05:04:34 PMQuote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 04:51:20 PMQuote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
It's only a very minor connection so far that might not turn into anything substantial. We'll have to see where it goes. The solicitations don't really allude to this connection so I can't imagine it will get too involved.
I was hoping they'd make 0 references and pretend PKJs stuff never happened. A minor reference, even if it doesn't go anywhere this time, in my mind it means they (marvel/20th century studios) don't plan on ignoring PKJs stuff forever. Total letdown...
Fair judgement. I was hoping the same, too.. but it is what it is
Quote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 07:49:53 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Apr 26, 2023, 05:04:34 PMQuote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 04:51:20 PMQuote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
It's only a very minor connection so far that might not turn into anything substantial. We'll have to see where it goes. The solicitations don't really allude to this connection so I can't imagine it will get too involved.
anyways this first issue was great
I was hoping they'd make 0 references and pretend PKJs stuff never happened. A minor reference, even if it doesn't go anywhere this time, in my mind it means they (marvel/20th century studios) don't plan on ignoring PKJs stuff forever. Total letdown...
that was never gunna happen they wanna make a continuity with there runs on alien like how each run of say Star Wars or there actual superhero inform the new one.
Anyway this first issue was pretty great
Quote from: TilotnyWorshiper28 on Apr 26, 2023, 10:19:15 PMQuote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 07:49:53 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Apr 26, 2023, 05:04:34 PMQuote from: Engineer on Apr 26, 2023, 04:51:20 PMQuote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2023, 09:08:19 AMAnd seems very obvious this series is in the continuity with PJK's series too.
This right here, just killed 90% of my enthusiasm :-/
It's only a very minor connection so far that might not turn into anything substantial. We'll have to see where it goes. The solicitations don't really allude to this connection so I can't imagine it will get too involved.
anyways this first issue was great
I was hoping they'd make 0 references and pretend PKJs stuff never happened. A minor reference, even if it doesn't go anywhere this time, in my mind it means they (marvel/20th century studios) don't plan on ignoring PKJs stuff forever. Total letdown...
that was never gunna happen they wanna make a continuity with there runs on alien like how each run of say Star Wars or there actual superhero inform the new one.
Anyway this first issue was pretty great
One can hope.
This was their chance to correct the mistake of letting PKJ write for alien... but they missed out 🤷
First issue is solid! Good setup and excited to see where this goes!
Just read issue one of Thaw. I liked this WAY more than the last Marvel Alien issue I read a year or so ago (I think I tapped out at the first issue of PKJ's second arc).
From Declan's newsletter -
QuoteMyself and Andrea have been chuffed with the response. On that note, how good is Andrea Broccardo?! All the costumes, the environments etc... so authentically Alien. There are times when writing this book when I feel like it's a book I'd like to draw, then I think of all the reference and technical stuff and see Andrea pull it off so well and then I realise I am fine being juuuust the writer on this thing. Though, I have recently gotten to draw something...
But back to Andrea. While I did sneak in a couple of preview pages for you loyal Decolytes, here are the official preview pages released by Marvel.
I hadn't seen anyone talk to Andrea about the book yet so as an exclusive I decided we should have a little chat about the series between ourselves right here. So everyone welcome ALIEN artist Andrea Broccardo...
DEC: Andrea, I know you're a long time Alien fan, and was actually campaigning at one point to be the artist on this book. What was it like to get the gig, and has the experience lived up to your expectations?
ANDREA: Hey Dec! A big "HI" to all of the readers of our chat! Yep, you're right, when I was trying to enter inside the comic books market I always had some Alien test pages to show to the editors and one of the achievement in my comic book artist career was to work on an Alien series, so you can imagine how I felt when Marvel Editor Sarah Brunstad contacted me for work on a new Alien series that wasn't announced yet!
The work is great. I love to have the total freedom to create the characters, to create the base, the technology and all of the stuff that you could see inside the book. I always draw these things for fun and I can't believe that now I'm doing it for work!
At the beginning, I have to admit, I had a bit of anxiety. I love this franchise a lot, so I want everything to be made good on my pages and I redrawn and changed a lot of things, especially in the first pages. But after some pages, I took the right confidence with the characters, the setting and things went smoothly. I think that our team get on very well, there's great communication between us and everyone is proactive on the creation of the story.
DEC: It's so great that the book you've always wanted to do is the book you're actually working on now. Doesn't always happen, even when you're lucky enough to break in at Marvel! Glad you're a fan of the Dark Horse stuff too as that's the vibe I wanted to lean towards on the book.
I saw on a video chat we did with Sarah that you had a lot of Alien merchandise. I didn't realise you were such a huuuuge fan before we started. I can see your love of the franchise from all the attention to detail in your work. It's been such an advantage for you to have such specific knowledge of the world, all the costumes and environments feel so faithful to the films. How big an ALIEN fan are you?
ANDREA: I've been an Alien fan since when I was a kid, the first movie is definitely one of my top 5 favorite movies of all time and I'm a super fan of the old comic books by Dark Horse, especially the first 3 series. I collect a lot of stuff about the Alien franchise. I have the studio full of Alien figures, comics, books, role play games, video games, cards and many many other things!
DEC: Nice to know all the Alien stuff you've been getting over the years has paid all down the line! I've done a couple of ALIEN covers and since I'm not as familiar with all the details as you, I had to spend ages looking up accurate references and make sure I didn't get anything wrong. To me, the Xenomorphs LOOK fun to draw, but they're actually pretty hard to get right, to make them believable as real creatures. Do you have a favourite reference model? And what is your approach to drawing them as well as you do?
ANDREA: NECA made awesome action figures of the Alien franchise, they released all of the Xenomorphs that we saw in the movies and a large part of the human characters, so when I have to draw a character from Alien world is very very useful to have a lot of that merchandise in my home. I have a Big Chap Xenomorph (the alien drone from the first movie) that is over 60cm tall with extraordinary detail levels that I use as reference when I have to draw the Xenomorph on the pages.
The difficulty that I usually have, when I approach to draw a Xeno is not the massive techno-organic body, like anyone could expect, but is to find the correct pose that make it feral, threatening and dangerous as hell. But luckily the figures that I use as reference have movable joints that are very useful to nail the correct pose!
But, one question for me, Dec. I know that you're a great Alien fan too, so what was your first encounter with the Xenomorph and how is hard or easy to write an Alien story?
DEC: Honestly, I'm nowhere near as much of a fan as you are! I say Alien 4 in the cinema when it came out and liked it okay, but didn't love it and wasn't in a rush to see more. I was too scared to see previous films when younger, so it took me a while to see the original film and the sequel. It wasn't until my 20s when my girlfriend t the time sat me down to watch Alien. A friend sat me down to watch Aliens. Actually, I might have seen Aliens first..? I can't remember.
It's a little intimidating to write an Alien story as people of my generation LOVE the original films. Frankly at this stage, it's a franchise with more bad films than good, so I felt it was important to take those first two films and distill an approach to the world that stayed within those ground rules. I felt it was important to resist the urge to show the Xenomorph too slowly, and let us get to know the main characters while building tension and when we see the Xenomorph, it stays scary.
ANDREA: Have you a specific reference that you used as inspiration for the setting of our story and for the characters that are inside it?
DEC: Well, I wanted to but the creature in an environment that was different to anything we've seen in the films, while keeping some touchstones from the films. I can't remember why it hit me, maybe it was when I was thinking of the 80s aesthetic of the early films, but John Carpenter's The Thing came to mind as a visual touchstone outside of the established Alien franchise. As for the characters, that came from a chat between myself and out editor Sarah Brunstad, about how Aliens ended in an interesting place; a family. And how it would have been interesting to see that dynamic within the franchise, so I really went with that. Between Batya and Zasha, I wanted to channel a little Ripley into the book. Of the main characters, do you have a favourite to draw? On top of that, being an ALIEN fan, is there something in that world you'd really like to draw?
ANDREA: The Thing by John Carpenter is definitely another movie that is in my personal top 10 of my favorite movies, so combining Alien and The Thing sounds like a dream to me!
I love to draw Zasha, when I developed her design I was thinking of a teenager with big expressive eyes, a clean, innocent face, a young girl that fall in a nightmare and totally worried for her parents and she's definitely the character that I appreciate more to draw. Another one is Wendell, oh Wendell! When I had to create this slimy Weyland-Yutani employee I was looking for a design that show how sneaky and ambiguous he could be and I needed a face that had to be perfect to show these characteristics. On tv, that night, was broadcasting the first Die Hard Movie ( another one movie that I Love) and Hans Gruber by the awesome Alan Rickman was simply perfect and exactly what I was looking for. Obviously we can't use exactly the Alan Rickman likeness but I would like to draw something really similar and close to that character. And every time that I have to draw him on the pages, I love to make him sinister and slimy dangerous, like the Carter Burke played by Paul Reiser in the Aliens movie.
DEC: Wendell is definitely the Burke-esque stand-in for our story. But sleazier.
ANDREA: About a character that I would love to draw, well, I'd love to draw a Xenomorph Queen, maybe in her Egg Chamber. The Queen Design by James Cameron and Stan Winston is something beautiful, sinister and scary as hell, so definitely, let me draw a double splash page with a Queen, please!
DEC: I'll consider it! I drew her for a cover and while it was difficult, was also very fun. I don't know how you can draw these things over and over, they're hard to draw!
ANDREA: Another character that I would love to draw is the Predator! I know, he's not properly from the Alien world, but there are many comic book stories that crossed paths or the Yautia with the Xenos. The best ( it would be another achievement in my comic artist career) would be an Aliens vs Predator story. Man, I could cry for joy if Marvel asked me to draw something like that!
Let's ask Marvel to create this magic, Dec!
I've already suggested it! Ed Brisson, the writer on the excellent PREDATOR series is a friend and past collaborator (he wrote the Punisher vs Barracuda series I did that never came out). I love the idea of writing an AvP series together but that call is well above our pay grade.
ANDREA: Coming back to talk about the writing step, how is it to work with 20th Century Studios? I worked on a lot of Star Wars Titles for Marvel and Lucasfilm crew is very present on every step of the creation of the comic books, story, art, colors, lettering, is it the same with 20th Century? They gave you freedom when you had to develop the story?
DEC: Honestly yeah, there was a lot of freedom in the overall story. There are some points and characters I wasn't allowed near but they were very cool for me to introduce things. There are some specifics they are particular about, which I appreciate, as the lore of Alien is wide and deep. The overall story I wanted to tell though, was pretty open. Any edits I had to make weren't too big a deal regarding the core of the story. The concern is always more about if there would be changes that affect the art as I'm conscious of how delays can really screw up an artists' schedule. I think Sarah our editor has been really great to keep all that in mind and ironed out any potential problems.
This chat went on longer, but to avoid this newsletter getting too long, I decided to split it up into two parts. Check the next Declarations for Part Two. And as an added treat, here's an inked tease for #2.
If you haven't checked out the series, as I said, Issue 1 is out right now! It's a bumper 30 page series opener, with pitch perfect colours by Triona Farrell (If you liked the above interview, let me know in the comments and I can do one with her too, maybe) who added soooo much mood and atmosphere to Andrea's inks. Props to my long term collab-bro Clayton Cowles on letters, and hats off to the series designer Jay Bowen, who did a really cool thing with inverting the approach to the design spread for this icy-set arc.
And last but not least, thank you to editor Sarah Brunstad for offering me the gig, but also being an excellent collaborator. She's been guiding me though the process, working with the licensor to make the whole process smooth. She's given me the room and encouragement to come up with a story I felt would be compelling, and has given me an open door to help build the look of the book, to match what I felt it should be.
And to wrap this long section up, check out this savage Dave Johnson variant cover for ALIEN #2!
[Note: Love what he did with that moon and second moon haloing the Xeno and title. The man remains the best in the business]
Quote from: Sabres21768 on Apr 26, 2023, 03:00:46 PMOk...I'm actually digging this story.
And it was WAY cool to see the Spoiler
Wey-Yu Commandos!
Also, need to make sure they remember to
Spoiler
Call Seegson!
I just picked this up, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The art is tight. Crisp. The vehicles and equipment are very well thought out and designed. The story has captured me. Also, I am sensing that this will go in an Alien Isolation vibe, where the Alien will be chasing the girl in the ducts, and that is going to be just awesome considering this artwork. I'm also a big fan of "The Thing" so I am liking this vibe.
The planet and moon imagery depicted on the variant cover for issue 2 by Massafera (https://prhcomics.com/book/?isbn=75960620599800216) slightly suggests that LV-695 might be the third moon of Calpamos!! Guess we'll have to wait and see..
Lovely piece of art. But I hope it's not.
Alien: Thaw #5 solicit - ONE LAST CHANCE TO ESCAPETHE THAW! With secrets revealed, loved ones lost and Xenomorphs engulfing the base – for a moment, Zasha thought all hope was gone. However, when a familiar face arrives in the form of a savior, the two set off for one last-ditch effort to escape the moon. The foes they will face – human and alien – might be their end, but just because the moon's ice has thawed to reveal the horrors beneath doesn't mean Zasha will let herself sink without a fight!
"Familiar face"
:-/
I hope that's not some returning legacy character...
Quote from: Engineer on May 17, 2023, 05:27:09 PM"Familiar face"
:-/
I hope that's not some returning legacy character...
Ugh... I know... probably going to be Michael Bishop since they already included the WY Commandos. That wouldn't be
so bad. I was thinking it might also be Sora Matsushita but
Spoiler
he died in Into Charybdis
which took place something like 10 years earlier than
Thaw.
I don't mind Michael Bishop. He's alive and actively after the Alien (according to A3).
When they say this familiar face arrives in the form of a savior, I have my doubts it'll be someone like Michael Bishop, who we all know is anything but a savior...
Savior... Hero complex..? David?! ;D
https://twitter.com/CBR/status/1659564802937696256?t=CSPG2TvcJOB-i9ZBUYvAYQ&s=19
Solicitations for #5
Spoiler
(https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/F3DAQ96uHWaepLJmT9ARaa.jpg.webp)
QuoteWith secrets revealed, loved ones lost and Xenomorphs engulfing the base –
for a moment, Zasha thought all hope was gone. However, when a familiar face
arrives in the form of a savior, the two set off for one last-ditch effort to escape
the moon. The foes they will face – human and alien – might be their end, but
just because the moon's ice has thawed to reveal the horrors beneath doesn't
mean Zasha will let herself sink without a fight!
issue 2 was good :)
Yeah, I enjoyed issue 2. Some great panels in there, especially that
Spoiler
chestburster POV panel.
! I'm liking the Alien in general, but there's some panels of the Aliens, particularly in the snow, where it looks awkward - overly static.
I was a little disappointed the
Spoiler
explosion in the snow was brushed off as "something happened". Felt like it warranted a little more attention and description than that.
But in general, I've been enjoying these 2 issues so far. :)
I can't get any of the new Alien or Predator stuff to pull up on the new Marvel Unlimited app.
Quote from: Sabres21768 on Jun 02, 2023, 06:08:14 AMI can't get any of the new Alien or Predator stuff to pull up on the new Marvel Unlimited app.
It takes time for some reason.. I don't think we'll see Predator: Day of the Hunter on MU for at lease a couple more months and The Preserve won't be for quite some time. I don't use MU but I know it lags. I wonder if it coincides with the TPB release.
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Jun 02, 2023, 01:25:02 PMQuote from: Sabres21768 on Jun 02, 2023, 06:08:14 AMI can't get any of the new Alien or Predator stuff to pull up on the new Marvel Unlimited app.
It takes time for some reason.. I don't think we'll see Predator: Day of the Hunter on MU for at lease a couple more months and The Preserve won't be for quite some time. I don't use MU but I know it lags. I wonder if it coincides with the TPB release.
Day of the hunter is on MU
I have the first two issues of the series downloaded on MU right now. I also have Thaw issue 1 downloaded on MU.
Quote from: Engineer on Jun 02, 2023, 02:14:48 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Jun 02, 2023, 01:25:02 PMQuote from: Sabres21768 on Jun 02, 2023, 06:08:14 AMI can't get any of the new Alien or Predator stuff to pull up on the new Marvel Unlimited app.
It takes time for some reason.. I don't think we'll see Predator: Day of the Hunter on MU for at lease a couple more months and The Preserve won't be for quite some time. I don't use MU but I know it lags. I wonder if it coincides with the TPB release.
Day of the hunter is on MU
I have the first two issues of the series downloaded on MU right now. I also have Thaw issue 1 downloaded on MU.
Good to know! Not sure why Sabres isn't seeing them there. I only collect the individual issues. Nothing digital.
Quote from: Chieftain Suom on Jun 02, 2023, 03:11:24 PMQuote from: Engineer on Jun 02, 2023, 02:14:48 PMQuote from: Chieftain Suom on Jun 02, 2023, 01:25:02 PMQuote from: Sabres21768 on Jun 02, 2023, 06:08:14 AMI can't get any of the new Alien or Predator stuff to pull up on the new Marvel Unlimited app.
It takes time for some reason.. I don't think we'll see Predator: Day of the Hunter on MU for at lease a couple more months and The Preserve won't be for quite some time. I don't use MU but I know it lags. I wonder if it coincides with the TPB release.
Day of the hunter is on MU
I have the first two issues of the series downloaded on MU right now. I also have Thaw issue 1 downloaded on MU.
Good to know! Not sure why Sabres isn't seeing them there. I only collect the individual issues. Nothing digital.
If I get them, I grab the physical copy then Use the code inside to download the free digital copy. Every comic I've redeemed the digital copy of is showing up on MU for me.
Definitely a step in the right direction.
What's anyone thinking about new Alien series by Declan Shalvey and Andrea Broccardo? After first two issues I feel we can finally get first really good Alien comic from Marvel. Yeah, it doesn't do anything new, but art is great, story is focused on family and their survival, setting on the ice planet, with Aliens hibernating in Deep ice gives it some serious The Thing vibes, and we don't get destroying tons of Aliens (so far at least). So far only questionable moment was with chestbuster coming out after 2 hours after Facehugger implantation, but short gestation times to fit a story are a common problem in Alien stories.
I like it's finally a smaller scale story with focus on the family trying to survive and interesting setting. And the art is georgous. If that was how art looked back in first volumes of Marvel comics, instead of abiminations that Larroca comitted,I feel reception would be better, even with middling stories.
Simple and unpretentious is the way to go.
I've been enjoying it myself. I wasn't too sure on the art style to begin with, but I'm quite digging it now! I've been genuinely looking forward to the issues of this run.
:o My face pretty much the entire 4th issue. I'm looking forward to the 5th issue to see how it wraps up, but I'm not sure how I felt about those story turns.
ISSUE #4 Shocked me
Me too! The alien/fetus thing was great!
Yeah, this story is great so far.
The trade paperback collection of Marvel's Alien Volume 4 - Thaw is now available for preorder.
Currently scheduled for release November 14th.
https://www.amazon.com/ALIEN-SHALVEY-BROCCARDO-VOL-THAW/dp/1302947664/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvPWUNHMA5o/?igshid=MTk0MGU0NTkxNA==
The artist called the new variant a sub morph or watermorph
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 30, 2023, 07:35:16 AMhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CvPWUNHMA5o/?igshid=MTk0MGU0NTkxNA==
The artist called the new variant a sub morph or watermorph
(https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-0kvv9/products/87124/images/95608/alien-resurrection-kenner-deluxe-action-figure-aqua-alien-17__36087.1461313119.500.750.jpg)
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 30, 2023, 07:35:16 AMhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CvPWUNHMA5o/?igshid=MTk0MGU0NTkxNA==
The artist called the new variant a sub morph or watermorph
She actually wrote wintermorph. The art in this run is fantastic!
Caught up on issues 2-4 and I've been sleeping on this one! Solid all around from dialogue to pacing to gorgeous panels.
Spoiler
The lighter color alien is kind of whatever but I'm still intrigued. Had a feeling that Dayton was an android but I kept thinking naw cuz he knocked up the mom only to find out that she's trying to make a human/Xeno hybrid which was completely unexpected!
Looking forward to the final issue! Oh and also noticed that we're getting five longer sized issues as opposed to the 6 issues where only issue 1 would be longer and I think that works well for this story.
It's a variation of the Ripley 8 route, pretty interesting to see this concept being played as something The Company and other special interests trying to produce for decades, if not centuries.
Just read the new issue. It was a good ending. Can't wait for the Annual!
Just read the last issue and what a deliciously dark finish to the first arc by Declan Shalvey!
Spoiler
Would've been nice to get a bit more info on the new Xeno variant but visually it looked great. It kind of reminded me of the neomorph variants from Fireteam Eite. I was also very intrigued in the "real boy" aspect of an android learning to be a father figure and how that would impact its programming to essentially "feel" love.
Certainly looking forward to the Annual and the next arc!
This has been one of the greatest Alien series ever. The moral ambiguity of every single character (perhaps not including the android) is so well in keeping with the Alien mythos. So much going on in this story. The art and the design of the sets is absolutely spectacular too. Wish this was a longer run.
Who's morally ambiguous in the Alien movies? Ripley's pretty morally straightforward.
Quote from: SiL on Aug 20, 2023, 08:53:51 PMWho's morally ambiguous in the Alien movies? Ripley's pretty morally straightforward.
The Alien films are about humanity causing its own greatest problems through greet and even through the divine need to discover. Ripley is definitely no morally ambiguous, unless you take into account her back story where she leaves her child for years to go to work out in the stars. Anyway, this story takes it to the next level.
Spoiler
The mother infusing her own pre-born baby with Alien goo is just pure evil.
There's no real ambiguity. The Company and its agents are always pretty explicitly morally repugnant with their disregard for human life and the main characters are typically morally upstanding.
Apart from convicts, space pirates who abduct people, and the mercenaries of the Prometheus.
Just read #5. What a wild arc. I really enjoyed that. Looking forward to sitting down and reading the entire run through so all the twists and turns are fresher in my mind to comment on.
Just finished last issue, and I must say, it was really good story, from start to finish. It had simpler structure, focusing on survival of one family, so it had nice emotional impact, but still had a fair amount of unexpected (and some very much expected) turns and twists. It still tackled themes that Kennedy Johnson started, with using Xenomorphs' genetic material and Aliens being some cosmic force of destruction and cleansing, but in more subtle, marginal approach, focusing more on characters' story. Better way of doing this than Johnson's attempts in my eyes. We also got new breed of Xenomorphs with great, aquatic design. And speaking of looks and designs, the art is georgeous. Aliens are detailed and look as terryfying as ever, and Humans are a little stylized, but emotions on their faces are convincing. Overall that was great run from Marvel, wchich is so good to say after three medioker ones. Now I'm really looking forward to next story from this creative team.
We're going to be chatting to Declan soon, so if anyone has any questions throw them down below.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 09, 2023, 09:08:43 AMWe're going to be chatting to Declan soon, so if anyone has any questions throw them down below.
1. With icy, arctic setting and Aliens being frozen in ice I got strong Carpenter's The Thing vibes. Was that intentional? Regardless, this setting felt fresh in Alien story and fits very well.
2. I really like aquatic, shrimp-like design of new breed of Xenomorph. How it came to be, and how much of it was Declan's idea, and how much Andrea's invention? Also how it feels to get a chance to mess around with such an iconic design?
3. Also this new type of Alien seemed to have faster life cycle. Was that intentional, or it's just case with bending aspect of gestation period to fit the story?
4. This story focused more on survival of one family and their situation, wchich I love. However there are continued themes of Aliens and black goo being promethean fire that attracts people to use it to upgrade themselves, leading to their demise. And boy, do this aspect get dark turn in this story. Anyway, was that concius continuation of those ideas that Phillip Kennedy Johnson introduced, or was it coincidencial? Or maybe there are some guidelines from Marvel to tackle with it?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Mar 12, 2023, 10:04:57 AMIt's just the confused way Marvel do these things. We'll have to see what they label Icarcus on the spine. Will they call it 3 or 1? It's the third series, but the 1st under that creative team, and they reset the numbering for each creative team.
Just put actual arc titles on the single covers please, Marvel. Please!
They put 3 on Icarcus' spine btw!
My question:
Spoiler
Ask them to explain the mutated baby in more detail, how that idea came to be, what was the mother exactly hoping for etc.?
Quote from: Still Collating... on Sep 10, 2023, 09:52:27 PMMy question:
Spoiler
Ask them to explain the mutated baby in more detail, how that idea came to be, what was the mother exactly hoping for etc.?
If I remember rightly, she explains something about
Spoiler
there being something wrong with the baby, and she was messing to use the Alien's healing factor.
But I'll ask for more detail!
Podcast with Declan Shalvey is live! :) https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2023/10/23/digging-under-the-ice-an-interview-with-declan-shalvey-avp-galaxy-podcast-172/
Yum yum yum
It was a great read! Looking forward to listening to this. I really hope the Annual is included in the TPB.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Oct 23, 2023, 06:11:50 PMIt was a great read! Looking forward to listening to this. I really hope the Annual is included in the TPB.
Alien: Annual (2023) will be included with the
Alien: Descendant TPB set to be released in April 2024.
Podcast review is up :) https://www.avpgalaxy.net/2023/11/22/reviewing-alien-thaw-alien-regicide-avp-galaxy-podcast-173/
Another great episode! 👍
Thank you, sir!
Corporal, I think you've uploaded wrong episode
Great review Guys. After yours discussion I was thinking a little bit about Aliens vs. Aliens conflict in it, and here's my idea why it occurs: maybe Submorphs are fighting regular Xenomorphs in terms of survival of the fittest. Because of new strain is better adapted for this new enviroment, they are purging the bloodline by eliminating their less adapted brethern and that's why there is new Queen molding. Just an idea. I mean, isn't it similiar to how Praetorians are made? If I'm not mistaken, there is a bunch of warriors fighting each other, and one that survives Gets Royal jelly and morphs into Praetorian. So there is precedence for that kind of behavior. I don't know, I'm not too big on Aliens vs. Aliens conflict, but Thaw was so good for me that I let it slide and I'm interested in what Declan will do with it in his next arc.
Quote from: DaniilLogOut on Nov 22, 2023, 06:54:41 PMCorporal, I think you've uploaded wrong episode
I hadn't embedded the right one in the post. Thanks for pointing that one out, Danii! Correct one was uploaded to the podcast platforms though. :)
No problem. Happens even to the best of us)
Well they really jumped the shark with the latest issue in the series. I mean I guessed that there would be a huge monster coming up as there were hints, but I didn't realize just how Godzilla this would feel. It literally feels like Aliens vs. Godzilla on ice, and I'm not sure this is the right vibe or direction for the Aliens universe.
If you mean the Annual, it's not technically part of this series.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jan 31, 2024, 09:27:01 AMIf you mean the Annual, it's not technically part of this series.
They're referring to issue 3 of
Descendant, not
Thaw,
Spoiler
which re-introduced the "queen" insectoid seen in the most recent Annual that ties Thaw and Descendant together.
Indeed. I didn't make the correlation with the Descendant thread. I'll jump over there and try to be more generous with spoiler alerts... ;)
I've just read Icarus and Thaw. Icarus was decent. Thaw less so.
I found the writing often very clunky. Over written dialogue. The opening of 'Space. Cold they say'. The whole first page is pretty pretentious. The final pages explain that somewhat when we learn who's saying it, a bit. It's a struggle. Using the same 'with one hand behind my back' joke over and over, but without it being a running gag. Things unexplained - maybe there will be follow ups?
Character and environment art was cool enough (anything is an improvement on Larocca). But the Aliens still often seem very static and copied from action figures, rather than having the artist provide any personal flair to them. And it looks like they went full Kenner.
Icarus had a more interesting story and better art - though that often strayed into Xenogenesis territory with the colour palette.
Quote from: SM on Feb 10, 2024, 09:49:21 PManything is an improvement on Larocca
Even Sam Kieth?
Tough call, but it may be the one time Sam Kieth climbs off the bottom rung. Keith may be rubbish - but it's his rubbish. Not some soulless traced shit.
(https://i.imgur.com/sDZ0KSH.gif)
(https://i.imgur.com/PBjJZNI.gif)
AIs have more creativity than Larocca if only because they steal from a wider range of content.
And going back to Thaw for a moment - I feel it owes a debt to Echo, with Zasha being less interesting than Olivia.
Spoiler
And the looking for water thing was confused. They're on a ice moon. Looks like a planet full of water. They don't mention if it's drinkable or what - but they terraform planets and desalination has been a thing for some time now.
AIs also don't use themselves as character models in everything they do.
They ponder 'I have no face and I must trace'.
I asked ChatGPT to generate an image of SM based on what I imagine (when he's not obscured by shadows) and this is what it produced.
(https://i.imgur.com/ILJ6GUB.jpeg)
Pretty close.
Quote from: Local Trouble on Feb 10, 2024, 10:21:13 PMI asked ChatGPT to generate an image of SM based on what I imagine (when he's not obscured by shadows) and this is what it produced.
(https://i.imgur.com/ILJ6GUB.jpeg)
Looks like he's been tortured relentlessly by AM.
That's just how he looks after a long day at work.
That's how I wake up.
Giga Chad is real it seems.
Quote from: SM on Feb 11, 2024, 03:22:30 AMThat's how I wake up.
You need to get more sleep.
(https://media1.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExdHE0enRjOWkxN2s3cHRhcDkyYm1ieWYwZnl3dmw5bDZmZXY4MjV4ZCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/0hHyO8IgjCGLgBQ1zZ/source.gif)
That was a long day.
(https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExeGExeGwwajJjamphOWk5NGM3dXk2YzNlZ2MyaGs3dmc2b21lanFhcSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/AmzEYMDo9R11m/giphy.gif)
Daily commute.
(https://i.gifer.com/8V5A.gif)
Canned dog food for lunch?
Only when there's no snake available.