DARK HORSE RESURRECTS ORIGINAL "ALIENS" SERIES FOR 30th ANNIVERSARY HARDCOVER
THE ORIGINAL SEQUEL TO "ALIENS"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR—In 1988, Dark Horse's Aliens comic debuted, with stunning art by Mark A. Nelson and a script by Mark Verheiden, taking the comics market by storm. For the thirtieth anniversary of the Aliens film, Dark Horse and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products are releasing an oversized hardcover edition of the unabridged and unadulterated series!
This must-have collector's edition delivers 184 pages of original black-and-white art, each panel more horrifying than the last.
In deep space, a salvage crew is attacked by seemingly unstoppable monsters. The marines are called in, but they need someone with experience. Soon Hicks (the horribly scarred survivor from Aliens) and Newt (now almost eighteen) find themselves on a mission to locate and destroy the aliens' homeworld!
This collection also marks the first major comics work by Mark Verheiden, who went on to write The Mask, Timecop, Battlestar Galactica, Daredevil, and many other films and television shows.
Aliens 30th Anniversary: The Original Comics Series (978-1-50670-078-6) is in stores April 26, 2016. Preorder your copy today at your local comic shop or through these fine retailers:
(https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/12274657_10156236687115072_8379999450164690508_n.jpg?oh=e14c4ff5a92181bd88c1237adac924a0&oe=56B9D2A4)
Thanks to Matt Booker at the Weyland-Yutanti Bulletin.
http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/2190/dark-horse-resurrects-original-aliens-series-30th
Drool. I'm a sucker for hardcovers and it is an Aliens book to boot. Woof.
Hi everyone. Long time lurker here but I decided to register because I got so excited about this solicitation. I absolutely love the original Aliens comic series. I have a second print paperback but I am a sucker for hardcover. I was sold on it just reading 'hardcover' but it's the same dimensions as the recent Prometheus: fire and stone hardcover, which is a huge bonus, plus it's the original black and white and from the sounds of things it features the original names, Hicks and Newt.
Really look forward to chatting with others here as this seems like a great community.
Glad to have you aboard, Russ! Welcome.
From the sounds of it is certainly going to be the original Hicks and Newt tale. Makes me a little sad as I've only just recently gotten around to getting the original singles. :P
But the Fire and Stone hardcover is very swanky. I look forward to adding this bad boy to my shelf too!
Nice that they're doing this for the hardcore fans.
The black and white is much nicer than the coloured version too. Hopefully they'll be some extra content ala Fire and Stone.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 09:42:51 AM
The black and white is much nicer than the coloured version too. Hopefully they'll be some extra content ala Fire and Stone.
i too hope there is some extras and you we are in the same camp on the art. Here's hoping that the best aliens comic ever, Book 2, gets this hardcover treatment also and I would not mind a reprint of the original AVP comic. Although that need a recolour in my opinion.
I love your podcast Hicks, when is the next going to hit ?
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 17, 2015, 09:49:46 AM
i too hope there is some extras and you we are in the same camp on the art. Here's hoping that the best aliens comic ever, Book 2, gets this hardcover treatment also and I would not mind a reprint of the original AVP comic. Although that need a recolour in my opinion.
It's definitely dying for a recolour! Preferably by Wes Dziob who did the recolour for that special edition mini-hardback thing that came with Aliens vs. Predator 2010.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/avp-volume1-12.jpg)
QuoteI love your podcast Hicks, when is the next going to hit ?
That's kind of you, thanks! We just recorded the latest episode on Sunday. It's being edited now. The next one is about the early days of the AvP film and about Peter Briggs' script.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 09:53:45 AM
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 17, 2015, 09:49:46 AM
i too hope there is some extras and you we are in the same camp on the art. Here's hoping that the best aliens comic ever, Book 2, gets this hardcover treatment also and I would not mind a reprint of the original AVP comic. Although that need a recolour in my opinion.
It's definitely dying for a recolour! Preferably by Wes Dziob who did the recolour for that special edition mini-hardback thing that came with Aliens vs. Predator 2010.
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/avp-volume1-12.jpg
QuoteI love your podcast Hicks, when is the next going to hit ?
That's kind of you, thanks! We just recorded the latest episode on Sunday. It's being edited now. The next one is about the early days of the AvP film and about Peter Briggs' script.
Excellent mate. Looking forward to it. Never read the script. I'll get that done before I listen.
I had heard that the hardback with the game was recoloured. It looks much better than the original mish mash. So yeah, either that or a much more modern and darker, grim, realistic recolour. The line work can handle it I think.
That me the great thing about the original Aliens comic, it needs no recolour. It's awesome as is and stands the test of time. To me anyway lol
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 17, 2015, 10:05:14 AM
Excellent mate. Looking forward to it. Never read the script. I'll get that done before I listen.
RidgeTop does a nice breakdown of the plot in the episode if you don't get chance to read it first. But if you want to, it's in our downloads section: http://www.avpgalaxy.net/downloads/
QuoteI had heard that the hardback with the game was recoloured. It looks much better than the original mish mash. So yeah, either that or a much more modern and darker, grim, realistic recolour. The line work can handle it I think.
That me the great thing about the original Aliens comic, it needs no recolour. It's awesome as is and stands the test of time. To me anyway lol
A black and white release of Aliens vs. Predator could be fun too. I think it started being released in b&w before they started to colour it in?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:15:29 AMA black and white release of Aliens vs. Predator could be fun too. I think it started being released in b&w before they started to colour it in?
The original 1989 short story from
DHP was b&w. Not sure if it was recoloured when it was collected as #0 of the first series.
EDIT: According the comicbookdb the prequel part didn't get coloured until the series was collected as a trade paperback in 1991.
The three stories that made up AVP 0 did look great in black and white.
Labyrinth could do with a nice hardcover as well. Lol give me all of them In Hardcover. Dark horse make such nice hardcovers I'd even pick up earth war.
Salvation was great and built so well. Shame the art was not remastered.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:15:29 AM
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 17, 2015, 10:05:14 AM
Excellent mate. Looking forward to it. Never read the script. I'll get that done before I listen.
RidgeTop does a nice breakdown of the plot in the episode if you don't get chance to read it first. But if you want to, it's in our downloads section: http://www.avpgalaxy.net/downloads/
QuoteI had heard that the hardback with the game was recoloured. It looks much better than the original mish mash. So yeah, either that or a much more modern and darker, grim, realistic recolour. The line work can handle it I think.
That me the great thing about the original Aliens comic, it needs no recolour. It's awesome as is and stands the test of time. To me anyway lol
A black and white release of Aliens vs. Predator could be fun too. I think it started being released in b&w before they started to colour it in?
Thanks dude. I'll get that read.
Didn't pick up Salvation. I really ought to.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
Didn't pick up Salvation. I really ought to.
You should. Loverly paper and sewn binding. I like the story. Love some of the visual Easter eggs I. There.
The great thing about dark horse is the affordability of their books. I got it for £7.32 delivered.
Amazon has it up pretty cheap. I've suggested it as gift for Christmas. :P
Man, that's what I'm talking about! Good riddance Wilks and Billie!
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 11:48:30 AM
Man, that's what I'm talking about! Good riddance Wilks and Billie!
Sing it brother
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
Didn't pick up Salvation. I really ought to.
I agree, you should. It was a very good stand-alone story.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 17, 2015, 12:18:58 PM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 11:48:30 AM
Man, that's what I'm talking about! Good riddance Wilks and Billie!
Sing it brother
They're not that bad. They were just Hicks and Newt after all! :P
Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Nov 17, 2015, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
Didn't pick up Salvation. I really ought to.
I agree, you should. It was a very good stand-alone story.
I've read the story before. Just don't have the new fancy pants release.
Quote from: XenoHunter99 on Nov 17, 2015, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 17, 2015, 10:44:34 AM
Didn't pick up Salvation. I really ought to.
I agree, you should. It was a very good stand-alone story.
Would you agree that although titled 'Aliens', it had a more 'Alien' feel to it ?
^ Yes,
I will be buying this. Glad they are re-releasing the original version :) Hope they release Book 2 as well
Quote from: Corporal Hicks link=topic=53549.msg2085002#msg2085002 date=1447762844
quote author=XenoHunter99 link=topic=53549.msg2085000#msg2085000 date=1447762780]
I agree, you should. It was a very good stand-alone story.
I've read the story before. Just don't have the new fancy pants release.
[/quote]
Haha! Fancy pants new releases... Hmmm, I have old originals of all that. I'm not buying new editions unless there is a very compelling reason to do that.
You know, the original version of the hard-cover runs on ebay between 200 and 500USD so this is going to be great. I do hope they actually re-use the original blue cover that was designed by Mark A. Nelson.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aliens-Book-One-Hardcover-HC-HB-w-slipcase-Rare-Dark-Horse-1-Mark-Nelson-art-OOP-/281594679115?hash=item419059cf4b:g:fI4AAOSwMpZUodnq
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Alien-Book-1-Hardcover-HC-w-Slipcase-Limited-Signed-Number-Edition-Sealed-New-/111788964726?hash=item1a07243b76:g:IfsAAOSwN81WEVZY
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 02:33:22 PMI do hope they actually re-use the original blue cover that was designed by Mark A. Nelson.
There's literally a picture of the cover art at the start of this thread, and it's not that.
What I found was amazing about this book was that although it covered a large swath of epic events such as the infestation of earth and a visit to the home-world and an encounter with the original elephant-nosed Alien, the book never fails to be very personal and rooted in the lives of the main characters. From Stephens, to Massey, to Salvaje, and to Hicks and Newt, each character is given just the right amount of character development to make them compelling and believable. It is not easy to make such an epic tale so personable, but Verheiden and Nelson did it. How I wished 25 years ago that this was the direction that the next Aliens film would take, but all is not lost. There is still time to do a story with Ripley, Newt, and Hicks, though it would be great if it tied in seamlessly to the epic Prometheus prequels. Tick tock, tick tock.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 17, 2015, 02:40:04 PM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 02:33:22 PMI do hope they actually re-use the original blue cover that was designed by Mark A. Nelson.
There's literally a picture of the cover art at the start of this thread, and it's not that.
And you know for a fact that there is no slip cover that goes over this? I would actually be surprised if they just put out a book like this with a black and white hard cover. While that is one of the best pictures of the Alien in the book, iconic in fact, I don't think that a black and white cover like this is particularly attractive. I doubt that they will re-use the old blue cover, but I hope they don't lust leave the black and white cover for the book. It really needs a better slip cover.
Actually one of the few disappointing things about the Fire and Stone hardcover was that a slip cover was not included. That seems like an unusual practice for a hard-cover volume. I hope that is not the case with this Aliens Book One reprint. But it will be a blast to see this as over-sized.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 02:47:39 PM
What I found was amazing about this book was that although it covered a large swath of epic events such as the infestation of earth and a visit to the home-world and an encounter with the original elephant-nosed Alien, the book never fails to be very personal and rooted in the lives of the main characters. From Stephens, to Massey, to Salvaje, and to Hicks and Newt, each character is given just the right amount of character development to make them compelling and believable. It is not easy to make such an epic tale so personable, but Verheiden and Nelson did it. How I wished 25 years ago that this was the direction that the next Aliens film would take, but all is not lost. There is still time to do a story with Ripley, Newt, and Hicks, though it would be great if it tied in seamlessly to the epic Prometheus prequels. Tick tock, tick tock.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 17, 2015, 02:40:04 PM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 02:33:22 PMI do hope they actually re-use the original blue cover that was designed by Mark A. Nelson.
There's literally a picture of the cover art at the start of this thread, and it's not that.
And you know for a fact that there is no slip cover that goes over this? I would actually be surprised if they just put out a book like this with a black and white hard cover. While that is one of the best pictures of the Alien in the book, iconic in fact, I don't think that a black and white cover like this is particularly attractive. I doubt that they will re-use the old blue cover, but I hope they don't lust leave the black and white cover for the book. It really needs a better slip cover.
Actually one of the few disappointing things about the Fire and Stone hardcover was that a slip cover was not included. That seems like an unusual practice for a hard-cover volume. I hope that is not the case with this Aliens Book One reprint. But it will be a blast to see this as over-sized.
I'm the opposite in that respect. I hate dust jackets. I also like the black and white look. I'm sure with the quality that dark horse put out it will look class
Well to each his own about the dust jacket. It's really a minor issue. I'm just glad that this series is getting some proper attention and a good treatment after all these years. So happy to see that things came full circle and Billie and Wilks are out.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 17, 2015, 04:37:23 PM
Well to each his own about the dust jacket. It's really a minor issue. I'm just glad that this series is getting some proper attention and a good treatment after all these years. So happy to see that things came full circle and Billie and Wilks are out.
On that we agree lol. Nice analysis of the series in in your previous post by the way. Well put and also agreed.
The Blue cover from the limited Hardcover of the original release was the cover of the TPB anyway wasn't it? if so then its interesting they are doing a new cover for this Anniversary edition
Yes, one could argue that that was part of the original unabridged art. Yes it appeared after the series was complete but it featured Mark A Nelson's art and it was done for that book. Future printing covers were completely unrelated to the original work, but I guess that is common in the industry. It's no big deal really. The big deal here is that Hicks and Newt are back. Respec!
I used to have a poster of that Alien hanging in my bedroom as a kid, lol
Fun fact:
In the TPB reprintings that changed out Hicks & Newt as "Billie and Wilks", some of the references to their original names were left untouched (and probably in error).
Not only was it infuriating (at the time) to see that the names had been changed, it was ultimately confusing because of the occasional slip-up in the edit.
SO HAPPY this is the original print.
*EDIT* This was only the case with Volume 2 I think, actually. The one reprinted as "Nightmare Asylum".
This is one of the greatest comics series' based off a movie of all time, rivaled by the first Crimson Empire. The authors were really trying to flesh out a truly cinematic, mature story, not just crank out something easily discarded in order to get some quick cash off Aliens' popularity. I honestly think that no other Aliens comic story is quite on the same level as Volume 1.
Quote from: Born Of Cold Light on Nov 18, 2015, 03:51:24 AM
This is one of the greatest comics series' based off a movie of all time, rivaled by the first Crimson Empire. The authors were really trying to flesh out a truly cinematic, mature story, not just crank out something easily discarded in order to get some quick cash off Aliens' popularity. I honestly think that no other Aliens comic story is quite on the same level as Volume 1.
Hear, hear. Within just six issues, this book introduced us to some of the most memorable characters in the Aliens universe. Each one seemingly received just a few panels yet it feels like you learn enough to write a compelling book about each one:
The traitorous Stephens,
the sociopath Massey,
the android Butler, unaware of his nature as an android,
the pragmatic and cynical Dr. Orona,
the religious zealot Salvaje,
the greedy, evil corporate psychopaths Horner and Ted Ostrow
the freelancer cable guy/ chestburster victim Maris,
and not to be forgotten, Hicks and Newt.
It was a stellar ensemble. We need more books of this calibre. I hope Verheiden, Nelson, and Beauvais come back to working on Aliens books soon...
Quote from: Origin on Nov 18, 2015, 01:35:19 AM
In the TPB reprintings that changed out Hicks & Newt as "Billie and Wilks", some of the references to their original names were left untouched (and probably in error).
Not only was it infuriating (at the time) to see that the names had been changed, it was ultimately confusing because of the occasional slip-up in the edit.
I hated seeing them talk about Drake and Vasquez on the Rim mission. The whole renaming thing was a fair shout but they could have done a better job in the edit.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 08:04:24 AM
Quote from: Origin on Nov 18, 2015, 01:35:19 AM
In the TPB reprintings that changed out Hicks & Newt as "Billie and Wilks", some of the references to their original names were left untouched (and probably in error).
Not only was it infuriating (at the time) to see that the names had been changed, it was ultimately confusing because of the occasional slip-up in the edit.
I hated seeing them talk about Drake and Vasquez on the Rim mission. The whole renaming thing was a fair shout but they could have done a better job in the edit.
I was laughing at that last night whilst flipping through my TPB. That was poor.
It seems Dark horse fails a bit with editing. Did anyone notice that the Prometheus complete fire and stone still has the error during the Field report story was not rectified for the hardcover. The error I mean is the switching of Burke and Gormans names with Hicks is recording. What makes it worse is that Gormans name was used correctly three pages before.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 18, 2015, 04:49:15 AMHear, hear. Within just six issues, this book introduced us to some of the most memorable characters in the Aliens universe.
And let's not forget "Red", and "Green" :laugh:
Honestly, once again I'm just baffled beyond words that you mange to pile quite so much undeserved praise on this fairly run-of-the-mill and thoroughly clichéd story. You act like it's Shakespeare when it's not even nearly anything of the sort.
I mean, seriously? The "most memorable characters in the Aliens universe"?! I honestly can't comprehend where you get things like that from.
It's a very important entry in the Aliens EU - at least, the old one. It introduces a lot of elements that are pretty much carried on throughout later entries and to be fair, there's a lot in there that I love too. I do think the story tries to do too much within its limited page count though. Character wise, I don't think I'd agree it has the most memorable characters (perhaps except Bueller/Butler, I do love him. I wonder why they changed his name too) but Perfect obviously disagrees with that.
Regardless, I do think it is a vital read for anyone wanting to get into Aliens comics. Having it in the original black and white release is just cake on the icing.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:00:52 AMIt's a very important entry in the Aliens EU - at least, the old one.
I completely understand that. I'm not arguing the story's importance or what it did for the EU.
But when people go over the top lauding it in the fashion Perfect does, I can't help but fell I read a totally different story to them. It wasn't even nearly the kind of all-time masterpiece he makes out. There was little genuine substance to it beyond the opening act.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 09:14:12 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:00:52 AMIt's a very important entry in the Aliens EU - at least, the old one.
I completely understand that. I'm not arguing the story's importance or what it did for the EU.
But when people go over the top lauding it in the fashion Perfect does, I can't help but fell I read a totally different story to them. It wasn't even nearly the kind of all-time masterpiece he makes out. There was little genuine substance to it beyond the opening act.
It's his opinion. I tend to agree. I love the thing.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 09:14:12 AM
But when people go over the top lauding it in the fashion Perfect does, I can't help but fell I read a totally different story to them. It wasn't even nearly the kind of all-time masterpiece he makes out. There was little genuine substance to it beyond the opening act.
I tend to find people who read it first time around hold a higher opinion of it.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:45:33 AM
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 09:14:12 AM
But when people go over the top lauding it in the fashion Perfect does, I can't help but fell I read a totally different story to them. It wasn't even nearly the kind of all-time masterpiece he makes out. There was little genuine substance to it beyond the opening act.
I tend to find people who read it first time around hold a higher opinion of it.
I think that's a fair assessment
I consider the second book to be almost a masterpiece.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 09:36:56 AMIt's his opinion.
Sure.
It just baffles me when he claims things like it having the "some of the most memorable characters in the Aliens universe". I mean, come on, you like it and all, but that's seriously a stretch. Pretty much everybody in the comic was just a flat cliché based on either tired sci-fi tropes or better-developed characters already seen in the film series. They may well be very likeable, but they're hardly all-time classic fictional characters.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:45:33 AMI tend to find people who read it first time around hold a higher opinion of it.
Quite possibly.
All I'll say is, when I finally got around to reading it, after hearing all the hype and adoration, I was nothing but utterly underwhelmed.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
All I'll say is, when I finally got around to reading it, after hearing all the hype and adoration, I was nothing but utterly underwhelmed.
By all accounts, this was an uncommon sight for movie tie-ins at the time: a faithful entry that was taking itself and the lore seriously. Coming to it after all this time gives a different view on it. It's the same when I hear people bitching about Aliens because "they're all cliches and etc and they've seen it all elsewhere".
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 09:50:31 AM
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 09:36:56 AMIt's his opinion.
Sure.
It just baffles me when he claims things like it having the "some of the most memorable characters in the Aliens universe". I mean, come on, you like it and all, but that's seriously a stretch. Pretty much everybody in the comic was just a flat cliché based on either tired sci-fi tropes or better-developed characters already seen in the film series. They may well be very likeable, but they're hardly all-time classic fictional characters.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:45:33 AMI tend to find people who read it first time around hold a higher opinion of it.
Quite possibly.
All I'll say is, when I finally got around to reading it, after hearing all the hype and adoration, I was nothing but utterly underwhelmed.
Perhaps the hype made the read more underwhelming for you.
I get that if I am hyped up for something based on word of mouth. If I'm told something is going to be great or is great, I generally don't enjoy whatever it is that much. And it works he other way for me. I may enjoy something if I'm told it's awful.
Perhaps to 'Perfect' the characters are memorable. If I am honest, Hicks and Newt are what make the book, for me, memorable. The over characters, like you say, I do find cliché. I still adore the book though and can't wait for the new release.
What's your favourite Aliens comic, if I may ?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 09:57:43 AMIt's the same when I hear people bitching about Aliens because "they're all cliches and etc and they've seen it all elsewhere".
But
Aliens the film still has that special something that helps overcome the clichés. It's not widely accepted as one of the greatest sequels
of all time for nothing. I highly doubt the comic gets that kind of praise outside of the immediate fan base - please correct me if I'm wrong. The film also has the advantage of pretty much being the progenitor of a lot of those things that are now viewed as so cliché, something the comic cannot claim (story-wise at least, you're very right about it being a huge influence on serious film tie-ins as a genre).
As I've said before, the opening scenario of
Book One, with Newt in an asylum and Hicks a burn out,
was very original and engaging, but sadly all that was thrown out pretty quickly in favour of a sequence of unoriginal scenes and characters.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 09:58:15 AMPerhaps the hype made the read more underwhelming for you.
Quite possibly. But it's not so much the comic not living up to the hype that's got me confused. It's that it fell
so far below it. Being disappointed is one thing, but with this it extends way beyond that, to the point where I honestly can't see what exactly the hype is based on. It baffles me. The adoration strikes me as being largely based on things that simply aren't true. Again, see the quote about spectacularly memorable characters.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 09:58:15 AMWhat's your favourite Aliens comic, if I may ?
I'm actually not a great reader of comic books - in fact I first came to
Book One via its novelisation by Steve Perry, although I have since read the original comic - but out of the ones I've read, I think the adaptation of
Alien by Heavy Metal is by far the best. Superb artwork and a sense of maturity I found lacking in many of the others. I do have a few more
Aliens comics I'd like to check out but have yet to get around to reading. And I'd really like to have a look at
Rogue, the novel of which I enjoyed a lot.
So I know what you don't actually like - which bits in Book 1/Outbreak/Earth Hive/etc do you find cliched?
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 09:58:15 AMWhat's your favourite Aliens comic, if I may ?
I'm actually not a great reader of comic books - in fact I first came to
Book One via its novelisation by Steve Perry, although I have since read the original comic - but out of the ones I've read, I think the adaptation of
Alien by Heavy Metal is by far the best. Superb artwork and a sense of maturity I found lacking in many of the others. I do have a few more
Aliens comics I'd like to check out but have yet to get around to reading. And I'd really like to have a look at
Rogue, the novel of which I enjoyed a lot.
[/quote]
Have you read Salvation? May be a little more up your street.
I am a comic lover. Don't know if you are but if not perhaps that's why you do not get as much enjoyment. More to do with the medium ?
Alien by a heavy Metal. That is the 'Illustrated story' right ?
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 10:59:30 AMI am a comic lover. Don't know if you are but if not perhaps that's why you do not get as much enjoyment. More to do with the medium?
I'm not a big fan of comics, no, but as I said, I first came to the story via the novel, and that was the point at which I started scratching my head over the love it gets, and that feeling's since been compounded by reading the comic. Yes, I probably enjoyed the comic less because of the format, but it was the basic story it contained, which I already knew from the novel, that really disappointed me.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 10:59:30 AMAlien by a heavy Metal. That is the 'Illustrated story' right?
Yep, that's the one!
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 10:43:48 AMSo I know what you don't actually like - which bits in Book 1/Outbreak/Earth Hive/etc do you find cliched?
Well like I said when I reviewed the novel a while back, it was just the way so much of it felt like it had been lifted from other films and whatnot that pre-existed it, especially the first two
Alien films themselves. Caricature corporate stooges? Check. Insider working against the team? Check. Arrogant commander ultimately revealed as the traitor? Yep. Surprise android reveal? You betcha. It was the sheer volume of it, it felt as though - once they were off Earth - the entire story was built from plot blocks that had been stolen from other films and books and reassembled, and to compound the issue in each case these elements weren't done anything like as well as in the media they were borrowed from. Butler even gets ripped in half and reduced to a torso, a literal carbon-copy of Bishop.
Nothing wrong with borrowing stuff in principle, of course -
Aliens does it extensively with regards to
Alien - but it was just so frequent and on the nose in the comic, and in every case the borrowed elements were done in a far inferior way that only made it more obvious it was copying from much better material. Many of the other EU stories have similarly aped the films, but they at least seemed to either do it in a way that wasn't so blatant, or surround it with an interesting enough scenario that the copied elements were more palatable.
There were certainly good things in the comic. The Alien-worshipping religious cult was a nice angle, and I've already pointed out how much I enjoyed the initial set-up. But the good inventive stuff seemed to be heavily weighted towards the start, whereas a lot of what came later felt like poor rip-off more than anything. On top of that, the dialogue wasn't exactly stellar, the characters that didn't rely on you already knowing them from previous movies were dull and under-developed, and there were a couple of slightly daft plot contrivances too, most obviously Hicks electing to take Newt along for the ride on a military mission he is convinced will be suicide.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 18, 2015, 11:59:32 AM
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 18, 2015, 10:59:30 AMAlien by a heavy Metal. That is the 'Illustrated story' right?
Yep, that's the one!
Absolutely fantastic comic. I can't say I've read too many adaptations but from what I have seen this is light years above those I have seen. It looks like actual care and attention went into the Illustrated Story as opposed to the phoned-in feeling I've got from others.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 18, 2015, 10:43:48 AM
Nothing wrong with borrowing stuff in principle, of course - Aliens does it extensively with regards to Alien - but it was just so frequent and on the nose in the comic, and in every case the borrowed elements were done in a far inferior way that only made it more obvious it was copying from much better material. Many of the other EU stories have similarly aped the films, but they at least seemed to either do it in a way that wasn't so blatant, or surround it with an interesting enough scenario that the copied elements were more palatable.
I'm with you and I understand.
QuoteThere were certainly good things in the comic. The Alien-worshipping religious cult was a nice angle, and I've already pointed out how much I enjoyed the initial set-up.
The religious aspect of the EU is one of my favourite things, personally. I would have loved to see it evolve into something more organized and been longer lasting.
Quoteand there were a couple of slightly daft plot contrivances too, most obviously Hicks electing to take Newt along for the ride on a military mission he is convinced will be suicide.
Yeah that was always weird. That said, I do feel a re-read of Earth Hive coming on now.
The design of the alien mother's head was very cool. (Not a big fan of the weak and fetus like body).
Quote
Quoteand there were a couple of slightly daft plot contrivances too, most obviously Hicks electing to take Newt along for the ride on a military mission he is convinced will be suicide.
Yeah that was always weird. That said, I do feel a re-read of Earth Hive coming on now.
Not sure if that's all so far fetched there Wilks. I mean Hicks. ;-)
I mean in the original Aliens comics by Verheiden, it was shown that Hicks was basically left all alone and ostracized by everybody. The Alien consumed his entire life and since Ripley disappeared, there was only Newt left who was the other sort of "living proof" that the past happened and that it was not just a figment of his imagination. So all he dis was go say good-bye to Newt. But he realized that they were going to lobotomize her which was in his mind effectively a death sentence anyway. So instead, Hicks decided to take her with him. Yes it was a suicide mission, but to stay in that asylum was perhaps a worse sort of death. Hicks knew she wasn't crazy and didn't deserve to be in the asylum. If there was anyone who would understand his mission (which was not in line with the military's objectives anyway - I mean he was practically AWOL from page 1) it would be Newt. He knew she would understand his motivation - revenge, and that the only cure was to defeat the Aliens or die trying. He knew Newt was feeling the same way. Not contrived at all.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 18, 2015, 10:01:17 PM
Not sure if that's all so far fetched there Wilks. I mean Hicks. ;-)
Considering he could just drop her off elsewhere and she be much safer, it's a little contrived. You could argue she doesn't know anyone (that said, they could have just had her stay with relatives that maybe didn't know she was in that condition. I don't remember how/when she ends up in the asylum) and Hicks' only choice was to bring her along but considering it's supposed to be to save her, it doesn't make all that much sense bringing her on a guaranteed deathified ending mission.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 19, 2015, 07:02:03 AM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 18, 2015, 10:01:17 PM
Not sure if that's all so far fetched there Wilks. I mean Hicks. ;-)
Considering he could just drop her off elsewhere and she be much safer, it's a little contrived. You could argue she doesn't know anyone (that said, they could have just had her stay with relatives that maybe didn't know she was in that condition.
I don't remember how/when she ends up in the asylum) and Hicks' only choice was to bring her along but considering it's supposed to be to save her, it doesn't make all that much sense bringing her on a guarenteed deathified ending mission.
I get what your saying.
Perhaps a better way to have newt in the story would have been for hicks to liberate her from the asylum and take her some place safe, go of on his mission and have a second main plot following Newt having an adventure on earth and needing to escape and then her and Hicks meeting up to then lead into the next book.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 18, 2015, 10:01:17 PMNot contrived at all.
No, Hicks (our Hicks) is right, it
is contrived. I'm sure they could've come up with some more meaningful explanation as to why Hicks has no choice but to take Newt along, but they didn't. As it's presented in the comic it makes very little sense. Hicks saves her then immediately drags her off to her death. If he is so concerned for Newt's well-being, he'd never take her along on a military suicide mission to an Alien planet where she's simply going to be killed (he's sold on everyone dying from the start, this point is made abundantly clear). So why is he so quick to condemn her to that fate if he cares about her?
It was a plot contrivance designed solely to get Newt involved. There was no real logic behind it. It's exactly the same problem I had with much of
Prometheus - dumb stuff happens because it's needed to further the plot, not because it makes sense.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 19, 2015, 09:24:07 AMPerhaps a better way to have newt in the story would have been for hicks to liberate her from the asylum and take her some place safe, go of on his mission and have a second main plot following Newt having an adventure on earth and needing to escape and then her and Hicks meeting up to then lead into the next book.
This would've been far more interesting, would've upped the stakes for Hicks to survive and get back to Earth, and generally would've been more logical. Although I guess the comic already had too much crammed into it as it was.
It would have needed to be at least 8 issues for that. Imagine Newt being on Earth as the Alien Sect releases the horde on Earth and she's having the same Nightmares as everyone on. Hicks gets back and him and the surviving Synths go searching for her
Guys, I really do see your point, but I still am not convinced by it. I've been meaning to sit down one of these days and do a thorough review of Book One, and if I ever find the down time, I will do just that.
Anyway, the whole Newt thing still doesn't strike me as contrived. Firstly, we don't know What happened to Newt in the 10 years following the events of Aliens in this story. There is a reason she is in an institution. It is highly probable that her extended family doesn't want anything to do with her. After Aliens, she was likely adopted, but the trauma she sustained made it impossible for her to lead a normal life which is why she ended up in the asylum. I'm just guessing here, but this is entirely reasonable.
The second thing is that Hicks and Newt are the only ones capable of vicariously empathising with each other. Only Hicks understands what Newt went through and that she is not crazy. Likewise, only Newt understands what Hicks is going through. It is obvious that Hicks is plagued by nightmares. He is constantly reliving his Acheron hell. So he feels that the only way to exorcise his demons is through revenge and wiping out the Aliens. This is consistent with his character in the film. Remember, "yeah. Yep that's right.... It's the only way to be sure". Hicks is trying to free himself from the nightmares and figures the only way to be free is to get revenge. He projects these motivations onto Newt, assuming she is going through the same ongoing horror. So his thinking is that the only way to save Newt and himself from the nightmares is to go on the suicide mission. Yes, this could result in their death very likely, but after a decade of nightmares, he figures it is better than the alternative; madness. One could argue that what he did was wrong and not in the kid's best interest. Definitely. But contrived? Not really.
Mark Verheiden may have needed to include Newt in the story, but he did so in a very deft way.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 19, 2015, 03:01:56 PMMark Verheiden may have needed to include Newt in the story, but he did so in a very deft way.
With all due respect to Mr. Verheiden,
Book One is about as deft as a sledgehammer.
It achieves what it means to achieve, but subtle and nuanced it is not.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 19, 2015, 03:16:41 PM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 19, 2015, 03:01:56 PMMark Verheiden may have needed to include Newt in the story, but he did so in a very deft way.
With all due respect to Mr. Verheiden, Book One is about as deft as a sledgehammer.
It achieves what it means to achieve, but subtle and nuanced it is not.
It does nothing for me to convince you otherwise. We're just having a convo here. Anyway, we can agree to disagree. To each his own. The Aliens series covered a massive swath of cataclysmic events and yet it was a very personal tale which shows how subjects of such grandeur could be tackled well and intimately.
My perspective is definitely influenced by reading the series at the moment it was released. Reading the whole volume at once takes away the feeling of enjoying the cliff-hangers. And I tell you, there were cliff hangers galore in this series especially when you consider that some of the issues were being release 4 - 6 months apart! Dark Horse was not the comic-churning machine that it is today. Back then you felt that each comic released was the result of the blood, sweat, and tears of a group that was just barely sort of holding it together. That made the anticipation that much greater. I still remember going to the comic store week after week and asking "is it here yet?" Anyway, I can only look back on the experience of reading this series very fondly. It isn't perfect, but I find myself wanting to give it a pass in the same way that I want to give a pass to Prometheus, and overlook its shortcomings.
I would say the far bigger plot-hole was Captain James Likowski from the Junket not knowing what was about to happen to him. I mean the Junket obviously had an encounter with the aliens and he escaped in a pod. So that doesn't really add up.
Book 1 was horrible imo. Never understood why the tech(as in weapons) were so poorly done. Bloody ray-gun garbage... Story-wise it just didn't grab me at all. Visually it was very impressive though. Nightmare asylum was much better. Propper pulse rifles, and a decent story. Shame it tied into that mess that is called Book 1. It's my opinion anyway, and I get that there is love for it. The art is really like nothing else in the entire Aliens comic books series. Same goes for Labyrinth...but that was near perfect, visually and story-wise. That gore... oh my.. ;D
I think the wepons looked the way they did just due to the artist's interpretation. Nelson in that era was fairly loose in drawing industrial design objects. He's a great artist, but he didn't seem to have that product design sensibility. That was a bit of a shame too because it did take away a bit from the book. The same could be said about his drawing of vehicles and miscellaneous gadgets. They just look like they don't have much product design thought put into them. I mean take a look at the dropship they're using. It has the strangest arrangement of tail control surfaces that are not symmetrical. All of this was rectified by Aliens Book 2 when Den Beauvais took over. He had a bulletproof design sensibility. He is a natural simply. And then everything went to shit completely in Alies Earth War with a brilliant artist who was completely character driven with no product sensibility whatsoever.
But I will say this, Mark A. Nelson's spaceship design "The Benedict" was probable one of the best if not the best ship design since the Sulaco. I mean imagine that thing done in full CGI. Awesome!
Book 2/Nightmare Asylum was infinitely better in terms of the visuals matching Aliens. I always have that bugbear when nothing looks like it belongs but Beauvis knocked it out the park. Everything looked spot on and 100% like it belonged in that world.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 09:16:34 AM
Book 2/Nightmare Asylum was infinitely better in terms of the visuals matching Aliens. I always have that bugbear when nothing looks like it belongs but Beauvis knocked it out the park. Everything looked spot on and 100% like it belonged in that world.
Absolutely. Although I still like how book one looked. Earth war on the other hand was almost insulting lol
Sam Keith should just not be allowed near Aliens.
That said...I did think he suited the novella once you got to the twist.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 10:52:05 AM
Sam Keith should just not be allowed near Aliens.
That said...I did think he suited the novella once you got to the twist.
Can you elaborate? I have never read the novella.
https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/17-666/Aliens-Inhuman-Condition-HC
There's a twist in the story later on that makes Sam Keith's style just perfect. But in hindsight. I did a review about it but the spoil is mentioned in there. I do warn you so you can skip ahead though: http://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/aliens-inhuman-condition/
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 11:57:49 AM
https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/17-666/Aliens-Inhuman-Condition-HC
There's a twist in the story later on that makes Sam Keith's style just perfect. But in hindsight. I did a review about it but the spoil is mentioned in there. I do warn you so you can skip ahead though: http://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/aliens-inhuman-condition/
Thanks dude. I had actually read that. I'm not fond of it. Still can't stand his art.
I need to check out Aliens: Lucky. Never realise it was Mark A Nelson that did the art on that one.
Do you think Earth war would have been made much better with either of the artists from book one or two doing the art ?
It certainly would have helped. To be fair, my memories of that book are generally clouded by how much I hated Keith's artwork. I can't really recall the story in that great detail.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 12:23:58 PM
It certainly would have helped. To be fair, my memories of that book are generally clouded by how much I hated Keith's artwork. I can't really recall the story in that great detail.
Same here. For me art is so important when reading comics. I wouldn't mind giving it a re read but don't know if I can put my eyes through the pain lol
It's a shame that it's so bad. If it was at the same standard as book one and two, I think we would be getting all three books In one hardcover next April instead of just the first.
It's a shame they aren't doing Nightmare Asylum/Book 2 as well. That would be amazing.
I read the Female War novel long ago and by the end the story's just degenerated into a mess that's lost all track of it's own sense of realism, with Ripley and Billie/Newt somehow surviving in the midst of a swarm of millions of Aliens and blasting them away with impunity.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 12:29:12 PM
It's a shame they aren't doing Nightmare Asylum/Book 2 as well. That would be amazing.
I would love it if that happened. I'm very happy with what we are getting though.
I do have a hardcover of book two that's signed by artist and writer. It's hard to read though as it standard size and not sewn. It's like a mouse trap lol
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Nov 20, 2015, 12:37:15 PM
I read the Female War novel long ago and by the end the story's just degenerated into a mess that's lost all track of it's own sense of realism, with Ripley and Billie/Newt somehow surviving in the midst of a swarm of millions of Aliens and blasting them away with impunity.
Lol I can't remember how it goes. Read it so long ago. Just remember thinking is was better than the comic.
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 20, 2015, 12:37:57 PM
I do have a hardcover of book two that's signed by artist and writer. It's hard to read though as it standard size and not sewn. It's like a mouse trap lol
Nice! That must be worth a bob or two!
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 01:02:25 PM
Quote from: Russ840 on Nov 20, 2015, 12:37:57 PM
I do have a hardcover of book two that's signed by artist and writer. It's hard to read though as it standard size and not sewn. It's like a mouse trap lol
Nice! That must be worth a bob or two!
They are it cheap but not overly expensive. I paid around £60 for it. I loved it that much.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALIENS-BOOK-2-HARDBACK-SIGNED-LIMITED-576-2500-FIRST-ED-/271574387606?hash=item3f3b184b96:g:qwcAAOSwd4tT6XKl
Not bad at all.
Each of these books has to be sort of appreciated on its own merits, and within its own microcosm that it creates. The art of book one rather reflects the moody tone of Book One very well. The writing and the art are a match. Certainly the industrial design of the objects in the book can drive you batty if you analyze them too much. But overall, there was a consistency to the series that was very strong.
Book Two was orchestrated like clock-work to reflect the high level of action in that series. Den Beauvais' art was very realistic with exquisite attention paid to product design details. Everything here was consistent with the look of the Aliens film right down to the lighting. I don't know if anyone noticed this, but the behaviour of light off of objects in that book is extremely realistic. Beauvais spent time analyzing the direction of light casting and ensuring that its behaviour was spot on. Who does that? Again, the art matched the story.
And now we get to Aliens: Earth War. Dark Horse really jumped the shark with this book. If it were to be appreciated on its own terms and merits without any pre-existing Aliens material out there, who knows? It might be ok. I mean the writing went off on the strangest tangent. The Alien Queen Mother calling her Alien children back to her from across the universe? Are you kidding me? It became nonsensical and the art reflected this whimsy. So when you look at the Earth War series as a whole it is internally consistent.
However, when you take in the trilogy as a whole, you see that Earth War was completely out of character with the rest of the series and basically tanked what was a stellar performance up to that point by Mark Verheiden. Earth War, the third act in the Verheiden series was as far off the mark in terms of a proper continuation to the 2 previous books, as Alien 3 was in relation to the first 2 films.
I certainly hope we don't see Sam Kieth drawing Aliens comics anymore. He is a brilliant artist and there are a lot of his works out there that people love but as an Aliens artist he just does not match. He just doesn't understand that Aliens fans love the hardware of the Aliens universe as much as the characters and monsters, and he is not capable of drawing the hardward properly because he does not have that product design sensibility.
On the flip-side, it would be great to have Mark A. Nelson, the seminal Aliens artist (not counting Walt Simonson) and the brilliant Den Beauvais return for a couple more runs. They were some of the fan favorites. I just don't get why Dark Horse doesn't get those guys working on some series again...
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Nov 20, 2015, 02:24:03 PM
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ALIENS-BOOK-2-HARDBACK-SIGNED-LIMITED-576-2500-FIRST-ED-/271574387606?hash=item3f3b184b96:g:qwcAAOSwd4tT6XKl
Not bad at all.
I could make a profit lol.
I would love the sequences between the Power Loaders and the Preatorian Guard in Earth War, done in the Art Style of Book Two. It would look spectacular to me
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Nov 20, 2015, 07:19:33 PM
I would love the sequences between the Power Loaders and the Preatorian Guard in Earth War, done in the Art Style of Book Two. It would look spectacular to me
That could actually work and it would be very Blomkamp. I just hope that wouldn't be the finale as it would be a bit trite.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Nov 20, 2015, 07:38:20 PM
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on Nov 20, 2015, 07:19:33 PM
I would love the sequences between the Power Loaders and the Preatorian Guard in Earth War, done in the Art Style of Book Two. It would look spectacular to me
That could actually work and it would be very Blomkamp. I just hope that wouldn't be the finale as it would be a bit trite.
I'd have it at the halfway point myself, especially considering how mercilessly and quickly some characters are killed. The one guy smacking the one guard on the head with the arm, trying to kill it as the metal on the other arm starts to crack and break would be a great moment if it was done on film. The art style of two would just add so much to it.
I love these books, before they become Billie and Wilks. I already have the original copies. Trying to decide to buy this so I don't have to worry about my delicate copies. God I love these stories. I prefer these books over something I prefer not to mention.
I read the novel versions of these but was always tempted to get the comics.
Im wondering if they'll reprint the originals in their proper formats.
The omnibus volume 1 is much cheaper and has everything in it so that's quite tempting right now.
Quote from: tmjhur on Apr 08, 2016, 04:36:14 PM
I read the novel versions of these but was always tempted to get the comics.
Im wondering if they'll reprint the originals in their proper formats.
The omnibus volume 1 is much cheaper and has everything in it so that's quite tempting right now.
They're releasing a 30th anniversary version of Aliens Book One shortly, with the original Hicks and Newt story. :)
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 08, 2016, 04:39:38 PM
Quote from: tmjhur on Apr 08, 2016, 04:36:14 PM
I read the novel versions of these but was always tempted to get the comics.
Im wondering if they'll reprint the originals in their proper formats.
The omnibus volume 1 is much cheaper and has everything in it so that's quite tempting right now.
They're releasing a 30th anniversary version of Aliens Book One shortly, with the original Hicks and Newt story. :)
I know thanks, what I was saying was will they will re-release the other 2 books in that trilogy?
I could get all 3 in Aliens Omnibus vol.1 for significantly cheaper than paying the Book One reissue!
Unfortunately with the omnibus's you miss out on a lot of the art that was made for the series. Which, for me at least, is a big part of why I like the comics. There is some amazing cover work in these series, as far as I know only the library editions include them (unless you collect each issue)
Quote from: 420Buddy on Apr 08, 2016, 05:48:50 PM
Unfortunately with the omnibus's you miss out on a lot of the art that was made for the series. Which, for me at least, is a big part of why I like the comics. There is some amazing cover work in these series, as far as I know only the library editions include them (unless you collect each issue)
You just miss out on cover art specifically or is there other things? What else?
I don't personally own any of the omnibus's so i'm not sure exactly, I have heard the page size is also smaller.
Missing the cover art and sometimes the inside cover art (for example, none of Mark A. Nelson's inside cover art was included) is a H U G E loss. Having the covers completely removed is also to the detriment of the omnibus compilations, but on a separate level. It's bad enough that you don't get the art, but you also lose the sensation that there are "chapters" to some of these stories. There should naturally be some cliff-hangers in the comics, and when they're compiled willy-nilly into omnibuses, you lose that sensation. (Omnibi?)
Yeah there is a lot of cover art from Book1 that is so awesome its such a shame its not included in a lot of the collected editions.
I've often pondered about why DH does that. I suspect it is so that we order future printings that include the extras? Whatever. It's a bit of a disservice to the fans.
Even the library editions are sometimes missing some art, I think they don't include the original tpb covers which is a big bummer. I just got female war and I was saddened that it didnt include this piece
Spoiler
(https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.Maebea0196e9ea0188015937448df6eb9H0&pid=15.1)
I can't find the front and back image but I wish they had included it.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 08, 2016, 07:24:35 PMI've often pondered about why DH does that. I suspect it is so that we order future printings that include the extras?
And they're waiting more then 10 years to do those printings...?
You need to realise what an omnibus is. It's a convenient way to collect the entire story in one place. No more, no less. It's not supposed to be the ultimate collection of everything related to the comic.
I seriously doubt there was any nefarious money-making intent behind the decision. I doubt they'd even think about it - instead choosing to have a more "movie" like experience with a flowing story.
Is it common practice to include cover art in collected volumes? I don't have terribly many - I think the Marvel ones I have do but that's about it.
Regardless it would be nice if it was included, I know I would love it. As for the omnibus it would be nice to have the art in there somewhere considering the art probably won't be collected in any other edition ever, would be nice.
It'd definitely be nice. Sometimes they include stuff like that in the back of the collections.
Yeah the library editions include most of the art and sometimes art from other series at the back of the volume, it's a big factor in why I collected those versions. The "Complete" Fire & Stone included all the art from the each series and that was awesome, loved that they included everything.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 11, 2016, 08:00:07 AM
I seriously doubt there was any nefarious money-making intent behind the decision. I doubt they'd even think about it - instead choosing to have a more "movie" like experience with a flowing story.
Is it common practice to include cover art in collected volumes? I don't have terribly many - I think the Marvel ones I have do but that's about it.
Marvel does it religiously, knowing that fans want the complete art collection that came with the original series. They often print multiple covers for a first issue of a series. They will include ALL of that artwork in a collected volume. There were some compilations decades ago where they didn't do that. Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle comes to mind, but they abandoned that approach decades ago. Now when you buy a compilation or omnibus, you can expect to find all of the covers.
But that's not the point of DH's omnibus editions. They're meant to be a cheap way to get all the story.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Apr 11, 2016, 07:49:06 AM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 08, 2016, 07:24:35 PMI've often pondered about why DH does that. I suspect it is so that we order future printings that include the extras?
And they're waiting more then 10 years to do those printings...?
You need to realise what an omnibus is. It's a convenient way to collect the entire story in one place. No more, no less. It's not supposed to be the ultimate collection of everything related to the comic.
Huda, the Aliens Omnibus series is one thing, but this was the policy even before them. For example, when Aliens: Book Two came out, half the cover art was missing, or replaced by something else. The original AVP series TPB did not include the covers either. So it is not a question of waiting 10 years.
My understanding of what an omnibus is, is just fine thank you. It does not make reference to inclusion or exclusion of covers at all really. That's not what an omnibus is about. You look at Marvel Omnibi, and all the covers are there. It's just a question of the editor's preference. In the case of the omnibus series, the editors chose to not include the cover art, and personally, I don't like those printings as a result. The cover art is often the best art in an entire issue. I think there are a lot of fans who would agree with me. Those omnibus printings could have been much better if the cover art were only included.
I wouldn't have thought there'd be extra cost involved in including the covers. They'd presumably already own it all.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 11, 2016, 03:09:15 PM
I wouldn't have thought there'd be extra cost involved in including the covers. They'd presumably already own it all.
Exactly, which is why it always boggled my mind. Was it really to try to get the fans to buy the original issues as well? That would seem like a terrible fan disservice to me. Or was it just a silly editorial decision? Maybe they thought the fans don't care about the covers. Who knows? But if the original AVP series is re-released with the covers, I will actually be tempted to buy it, so maybe their strategy does work.. ::)
I agree with perfect-organism, same feelings about this matter. Those that are actual comic fans usual find the "pretty pictures" very important considering the limitations of story and character depth.
I love the art in most of these series and it would be nice to be able to get them without buying each issue individually.
Anyone ever get a copy of "The Compleat Aliens"? i'm still tempted to buy one even though the cost is outrageous.
Everywhere you look, it says this edition features "Many" of the original covers. I wonder which ones were included and which excluded. And of course why not just include them all?
Again, I have the original comic books the way they were when they were released, no changes, no alternations. Again, you'd think they'd be more expensive cause of the reprints, but they're not. Just because it's rare doesn't means it's valuable.
I even scanned the pages, made videos of them, and posted them on my Youtube. I was gonna do voice work, but I couldn't round up a voice cast, so I just added music. I can send you guys the link if you wanna see them.
Sidenote, will Alien Propagation be included in this? Cause I thought that was a great comic too, it was like a nature documentary but with Aliens or like that issue of the Walking Dead from the POV of the Walkers. I mean, I know the only thing they changed in the omnibus was changed Archeron to Rim, but I was wondering if that story would be included too.
Cant wait for it. Always loved Book I, it has that great, immersive 80s story, with great pacing and terrific buildup, with lots of really cool ideas, such as the aliens communicating via nightmares, the alien religion. To have it in its original form, and as a hardcover and with words from both Nelson and Veriheiden is a really great treat
Quote from: StrangeShape on Apr 14, 2016, 02:42:05 AM
Cant wait for it. Always loved Book I, it has that great, immersive 80s story, with great pacing and terrific buildup, with lots of really cool ideas, such as the aliens communicating via nightmares, the alien religion. To have it in its original form, and as a hardcover and with words from both Nelson and Veriheiden is a really great treat
100% agree. This is as it should be. It was such a great series and I always found it regrettable how it got dragged through the mud in the post Alien 3 reality.
On a side note, anybody know who actually colored in the Aliens Outbreak graphic novel? I can't seem to find a reference for that in the book...
Quote from: Number13 on Apr 11, 2016, 04:57:25 PM
Sidenote, will Alien Propagation be included in this? Cause I thought that was a great comic too, it was like a nature documentary but with Aliens or like that issue of the Walking Dead from the POV of the Walkers. I mean, I know the only thing they changed in the omnibus was changed Archeron to Rim, but I was wondering if that story would be included too.
Good question! Short answer is - I don't know. lol On the face of it I wouldn't expect so - it wasn't part of the series iirc. But it did get collected in with the re-issues so maybe they'll be cool and include it but I wouldn't get my hopes up.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 14, 2016, 02:46:29 AMIt was such a great series and I always found it regrettable how it got dragged through the mud in the post Alien 3 reality.
:laugh: Some of the stuff you come out with...
It didn't get "dragged through the mud" at all. Sure changing the names was arguably a dumb move that they never should've bothered with, but I find it hilarious how you act like they straight up took a shite on it. All they did was change a few letters on a few pages. Big deal. The story was never modified or altered in any way.
You may
prefer the original, but you act like there was some giant Nazi comic-burning ceremony about the whole thing.
After reading the Female war comic I couldn't believe they didn't even bother to consistently change the names lol, I found newt and hicks sprinkled through out still.
Quote from: 420Buddy on Apr 14, 2016, 01:11:54 PM
After reading the Female war comic I couldn't believe they didn't even bother to consistently change the names lol, I found newt and hicks sprinkled through out still.
Exactly, it was the poor taste in which the whole thing was handled. Aliens was the book that put Dark Horse Comics on the map. They were a tiny operation prior to that. They ended up issuing printing after printing of this series. It wasn't just Newt and Hicks' name. I think Drake and Vasquez was there too.
Looks like this is making its way into people's hands now.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 19, 2016, 10:32:17 PM
Looks like this is making its way into people's hands now.
Yeah, saw some pics online. Hows that possible? Is it coming out earlier somewhere?
Probably just being shipped as soon as retailers get it in from the suppliers. It's not uncommon to hear that.
Quote from: StrangeShape on Apr 20, 2016, 12:35:06 AMYeah, saw some pics online. Hows that possible? Is it coming out earlier somewhere?
Online retailers quite often ship things a few days early. There was a big hullabaloo in the UK a couple of years ago when people started getting one of the latest
Call of Duty games a week in advance. I've always thought they do it so you still get it by release day (which is often guaranteed when you order) even if the postage happens to take a bit longer than expected.
Not long now. I have been waiting for this do do a re-read of the original three books. Can't wait
Russ840, if I'm not mistaken, this is only the first series in B&W illustrated by Mark A. Nelson. It isn't known (AFAIK) when or if the other 2 books will be reissued. I am all for a complete redo of Aliens Earth War, picking up right after Book Two by Den Beauvais. I know it's unlikely, but one can still dream. I think we both can.
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 20, 2016, 08:43:09 PM
Russ840, if I'm not mistaken, this is only the first series in B&W illustrated by Mark A. Nelson. It isn't known (AFAIK) when or if the other 2 books will be reissued. I am all for a complete redo of Aliens Earth War, picking up right after Book Two by Den Beauvais. I know it's unlikely, but one can still dream. I think we both can.
Oh I know that mate. I have the original, signed hardcover copies of Book 2 and Earth war. I have been wanting to re read but thought I would wait till this releases. I currently only own an original TPB of book 1
Quote from: Russ840 on Apr 20, 2016, 08:51:06 PM
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Apr 20, 2016, 08:43:09 PM
Russ840, if I'm not mistaken, this is only the first series in B&W illustrated by Mark A. Nelson. It isn't known (AFAIK) when or if the other 2 books will be reissued. I am all for a complete redo of Aliens Earth War, picking up right after Book Two by Den Beauvais. I know it's unlikely, but one can still dream. I think we both can.
Oh I know that mate. I have the original, signed hardcover copies of Book 2 and Earth war. I have been wanting to re read but thought I would wait till this releases. I currently only own an original TPB of book 1
Yes I have that original blue covered TPB as well. I really like it and in fact prefer it over the reprints. It somehow captures the zeitgeist of those days when it was released. DH didn't have everything worked out yet quite perfectly, so the paper is kind of pulpy. It's perfect. Though will I enjoy the new HC over-size print? Oh yes!
Unfortunately I started with the Aliens: Outbreak TPB, it was actually my first Aliens only comic I believe (AvP War #0 was my first ever aliens comic unless you count the comics that came with the kenner toys.)
It's not all bad though, I like the format of the library editions. I will def be picking up this 30th anniversary HC though, I'll get to finally read the series as it was originally intended.
What was the blue cover of the original Aliens Book 1?
I take it this wasn't it? I love this cover
Spoiler
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Aliens_-_Book_One_-_cover.jpg)
It must be this one -
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.darkhorse.com%2Fcovers%2F300%2Fa%2Falhc.jpg&hash=d46abefab9d69bac6b5c68239a3f3f07f687448c)
Quote from: 420Buddy on Apr 21, 2016, 03:56:58 PM
Unfortunately I started with the Aliens: Outbreak TPB, it was actually my first Aliens only comic I believe (AvP War #0 was my first ever aliens comic unless you count the comics that came with the kenner toys.)
It's not all bad though, I like the format of the library editions. I will def be picking up this 30th anniversary HC though, I'll get to finally read the series as it was originally intended.
What was the blue cover of the original Aliens Book 1?
I take it this wasn't it? I love this cover
Spoiler
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Aliens_-_Book_One_-_cover.jpg)
It must be this one -
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.darkhorse.com%2Fcovers%2F300%2Fa%2Falhc.jpg&hash=d46abefab9d69bac6b5c68239a3f3f07f687448c)
No dude. The blue one is the first printing. The second is a later printing, which is the one I have, with a cover by the amazing Dave Dorman.
I think I will keep my paperback copy because of the cover.
Quote from: 420Buddy on Apr 21, 2016, 03:56:58 PM
Unfortunately I started with the Aliens: Outbreak TPB, it was actually my first Aliens only comic I believe (AvP War #0 was my first ever aliens comic unless you count the comics that came with the kenner toys.)
It's not all bad though, I like the format of the library editions. I will def be picking up this 30th anniversary HC though, I'll get to finally read the series as it was originally intended.
What was the blue cover of the original Aliens Book 1?
I take it this wasn't it? I love this cover
Spoiler
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/93/Aliens_-_Book_One_-_cover.jpg)
It must be this one -
Spoiler
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.darkhorse.com%2Fcovers%2F300%2Fa%2Falhc.jpg&hash=d46abefab9d69bac6b5c68239a3f3f07f687448c)
It is indeed the latter one (purple bluish with yellow ALIENS logo). Mark A. Nelson has a very specific and unique way of drawing the Alien heads. It is not quite like in the movie Aliens nor Alien. He's got his own thing going on, and he totally nails it IMO.
Its close to the hands of the original. His warrior was a faithfull recreation of the movie warriors aside the hands which were closer to those of the original
http://comictrash.com/graphic-novel-review-aliens-30th-anniversary-edition/#Aliens_Day#Aliens_LV426_Day#LV426_Day
Hopefully be picking my copy up today or tomorrow.
I did pick up my copy and I've not read it yet but I read the fore and afterwords and they were really interesting reads. It also included Lucky (not sure why that short?) and some pitch artwork by Nelson which was really cool. I do recommend giving this one a pickup.
Also, Verheiden is going to be at London Film and Comic Con in July so I'm going to have to go visit his table! Was already going to see Perlman but I think I'm more excited for Verheiden! :laugh:
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 09, 2016, 11:54:33 AMIt also included Lucky (not sure why that short?)
Done by the same creative team as kind of a reunion piece. I'd imagine that's why they put it in there.
That would make sense! :laugh: Just seemed a little random.
I had no idea Lucky even existed! That's awesome! Was it ever included in any of the omnibuses? I don't recall seeing something called that.
It's in Volume 5.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 09, 2016, 11:54:33 AM
I did pick up my copy and I've not read it yet but I read the fore and afterwords and they were really interesting reads. It also included Lucky (not sure why that short?) and some pitch artwork by Nelson which was really cool. I do recommend giving this one a pickup.
Also, Verheiden is going to be at London Film and Comic Con in July so I'm going to have to go visit his table! Was already going to see Perlman but I think I'm more excited for Verheiden! :laugh:
I may have to look into tickets for this. I would love to get him to sign my copy.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on May 09, 2016, 12:06:16 PM
It's in Volume 5.
Wow, I just found it. I read the omnibus ages ago but I honestly don't remember seeing that in there. I may have literally jumped to volume 6 without noticing it in there at the very end. Crazy! Is the version in the 30th anniversary bound volume black & white? Hope so..
I hope they do a similar edition for Nightmare Asylum, that would be amazing!! You know what would be even more amazing? If they finally reprinted Aliens Countdown and included it with the special edition, thats a dream of mine lol. Also a new original den beauvais cover would be great too but thats probably asking to much..
Quote from: 426Buddy on May 27, 2016, 02:53:27 PM
I hope they do a similar edition for Nightmare Asylum, that would be amazing!! You know what would be even more amazing? If they finally reprinted Aliens Countdown and included it with the special edition, thats a dream of mine lol. Also a new original den beauvais cover would be great too but thats probably asking to much..
Considering it was originally called Book 2 and since Billie and Wilks have been returned to their original names of Hicks and Newt, it might not be called Nightmare Asylum, but I 100% agree. Countdown would be a great inclusion.
Doesn't matter to me what title they'd give it, I'd happily snap up a fancy pants hardback copy of Book 2 with Countdown!
Yeah I think its just more identifiable as nightmare asylum, but yeah doesn't matter what name they call it, would be amazing lol
The Nightmare Asylum moniker doesn't irk me too much.
If I remember correctly, back in the omnibus discussion thread, it was mentioned that DH somehow "lost" the original art for Countdown. A real bummer if that's true...
That would be to bad, I know countdown can be found online digitally so maybe they could still produce a version of it.
For Book3/Female War they can just redo all the interior art lol :laugh:
I've got the two-part Countdown reprint that came with Aliens magazine but I still haven't read it lol.
It's an excellent companion piece to Book2. Would only be better if it was in color.
It was printed originally in b&w because of the limitations of the Dark Horse Insider. I wonder if it was done in full color by Den Beauvais...
If they did a Book two with Countdown. I'd actually say keep Countdown black and white. But that's just personal preference for the story really. AN when they do Earth War well they'll have to put The Alien in there too
Quote from: Whiskeybrewer on May 31, 2016, 12:31:18 PM
If they did a Book two with Countdown. I'd actually say keep Countdown black and white. But that's just personal preference for the story really. AN when they do Earth War well they'll have to put The Alien in there too
I agree with you here.
Do we really need Earth Hive though. :laugh:
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2016, 07:18:49 AM
Do we really need Earth Hive though. :laugh:
I just re read the original hardcover release of it (where it it still Hocks and Newt) and I really enjoyed it. I used to hate it. The art is not the best, stylistically but I really appreciated. The whole thing on the re read.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2016, 07:18:49 AM
Do we really need Earth Hive though. :laugh:
We gotta complete that Trilogy man lol :laugh: We cant be like Fox television ending the run on a Cliff Hanger lol :laugh:
My Aliens Loot Crate arrived today, with my variant cover copy of this. Yet to actually open it, but it's sitting on my table :P
Have the read the original b&w? I can't remember. Hopefully my crate will be at home waiting for me then. :)
I have. Well, 90% of it. It was in the older-school Trident version of Aliens magazine, but the conclusion was chopped off when the publication switched to Dark Horse International.
Opened my crate. The comic is teeny tiny. I thought this edition was an oversized print? Is it just this Loot Crate version that's so small? Its about an inch each way smaller than even regular comic size.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Jun 01, 2016, 10:20:59 AM
I have. Well, 90% of it. It was in the older-school Trident version of Aliens magazine, but the conclusion was chopped off when the publication switched to Dark Horse International.
Opened my crate. The comic is teeny tiny. I thought this edition was an oversized print? Is it just this Loot Crate version that's so small? Its about an inch each way smaller than even regular comic size.
Yes to my dismay the lootcrate comic is a tiny version. The retail version is large like the complete prometheus hardcover. I love the cover and qaulity of it but damn I wish it was full size.
It was the only thing I was actually looking forward too in the crate, besides the eggs.
I knew it wasn't a big hardback like the standard release but I didn't think it was smaller than a standard tbp!
I was surprised but I'm not too disappointed. At least it'll make it easier to store :)
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2016, 01:45:31 PM
I knew it wasn't a big hardback like the standard release but I didn't think it was smaller than a standard tbp!
lol yeah its really small :-\
Its a really nice piece and its exclusive but I still wanted the large retail version. Can't justify buying it now.
Of course you can! It's bigger. :P Does the LootCrate one come with the fore/afterwords, Lucky and the original pitch artwork?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 01, 2016, 02:25:06 PM
Of course you can! It's bigger. :P Does the LootCrate one come with the fore/afterwords, Lucky and the original pitch artwork?
Yep thats all included with the mini version
What is this loot crate everyone is talking about?
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jun 01, 2016, 02:32:34 PM
What is this loot crate everyone is talking about?
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=54282.0
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=54282.0;attach=5862;image)
Quote from: Perfect-Organism on Jun 01, 2016, 02:32:34 PM
What is this loot crate everyone is talking about?
http://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=54282.0
I just finished reading through my mini 30th anniversary hardcover. I've read this story many times since I was a kid, but only the colored library edition. Which of course has altered the names of Newt and Hicks to Billie and Wilks. So it was fairly interesting for me to finally read the original black and white version.
I think the story benefits from having the original names newt/Hicks, it just works better. When i was a kid it was jarring to me, not realizing that the comic had been altered until later.The art is so much better in black and white, the coloring for the later editions was really a disservice to the art overall. Everything included in this hardcover is just excellent and looks amazing.
A great edition to my collection
So I need your opinion fellow AvPGalaxy peeps.
I own both the original blue cover 1st edition trade and Omnibus edition.
Is there anything in the 30th Anniversary HC edition that would make me need to buy it??
Keep in mind I'm not made of money ;-)
It's largely just presentation. There's some nice forewords and afterwords from Verheiden and Nelson. It also includes a one-off by the pair and some of the original pitch artwork irrc.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Oct 07, 2016, 08:12:12 AM
It's largely just presentation. There's some nice forewords and afterwords from Verheiden and Nelson. It also includes a one-off by the pair and some of the original pitch artwork irrc.
Cheers. I might get it simply so I can keep the first edition in mint condition.