Release Date Sept 18th 2018
https://bnccatalist.ca/ViewTitle.aspx?id=13233682
"Before Alien Covenant, David was stranded alone on the Engineers' planet and—left to his own dark devices—he began to push the boundaries of creation. Delve into this exclusive collection, containing two books, to gain an insight into the android's descent into madness.
The in-universe sketchbook contains over two hundred illustrations from the set and will take you inside the mind of David. It features the complete arc of his journey from the studies of flora and fauna, to his more sinister experiments on creatures, and the disturbing demise of Dr. Elizabeth Shaw. The companion book, Developing the Art of an Android, holds an interview with Dane Hallett and Matt Hatton—the artists behind all of the beautifully grotesque sketches. Alien Covenant: David's Drawings will satisfy every serious fan's hunger for details of the most intriguing character from the Alien prequels."
This sounds freaking cool.
Sa-weet. Didn't realize the gents were going to be doing 2 books. Really can't wait to see what they've done with this!
Short of a proper OGN dealing with the period between the two films, this is great.
Looks like it's a little on the short side unfortunately. :-\
9 x 11.88 in
Hopefully the text is presented in something more easily legible than David's cursive. This is a cool opportunity to give some background info on Engineer society. "I learned of their ways" is such a big tease.
This has me rather excited.
Im on edge xD waiting for some kind of huge announcement for a new film or console game ;D book looks ok.. Be great to look at the artwork tho n draw from it
https://forbiddenplanet.com/249209-alien-covenant-davids-drawings-hardcover/?utm_source=Master+Forbidden+Planet+Newsletter&utm_campaign=76c79c5d13-20180426_forbidden-planet-news-its-alien-day-2018&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b6b45de61e-76c79c5d13-1750217&mc_cid=76c79c5d13&mc_eid=b8fd6e7e30
(https://dyn0.media.forbiddenplanet.com/products/62d4d3e28321183d337c353fd7378453aa207e45.jpg.size-600_maxheight-600_square-true.jpg)
QuoteThis exclusive collection, containing two books, gives readers an insight into the most intriguing character from the Alien prequels.
The in-universe sketchbook contains over two hundred illustrations from the set and will take you inside the mind of David. Then read Developing the Art of an Android for an interview with Dane Hallett and Matt Hatton, the artists behind all of the beautifully grotesque sketches.
September release. £30.
Looks cool, bit late though
This is great! I cant wait for this.
I really wish they could have released it for Alien day though
September is shaping up to be a good month for Aliens merch. This will look good next to the Life and Death hardcover.
As far as it being late, my guess is Fox didn't expect fan reaction to David's drawings to be so strong.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Apr 26, 2018, 03:29:42 PM
https://forbiddenplanet.com/249209-alien-covenant-davids-drawings-hardcover/?utm_source=Master+Forbidden+Planet+Newsletter&utm_campaign=76c79c5d13-20180426_forbidden-planet-news-its-alien-day-2018&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b6b45de61e-76c79c5d13-1750217&mc_cid=76c79c5d13&mc_eid=b8fd6e7e30
https://dyn0.media.forbiddenplanet.com/products/62d4d3e28321183d337c353fd7378453aa207e45.jpg.size-600_maxheight-600_square-true.jpg
QuoteThis exclusive collection, containing two books, gives readers an insight into the most intriguing character from the Alien prequels.
The in-universe sketchbook contains over two hundred illustrations from the set and will take you inside the mind of David. Then read Developing the Art of an Android for an interview with Dane Hallett and Matt Hatton, the artists behind all of the beautifully grotesque sketches.
September release. £30.
I need this in my life ;D
Do you guys think it will come out in canada and the US?
Now this I can dig. I'll be picking up a copy of this for sure.
Over 200 drawings... Suh-weeet! ;D
YEESSS!!! ;D
Niiiiice. This will make a mighty fine contribution to the canon. Class.
muthur9000 talks to Dane and Matt. (https://yutani.blog/2018/04/26/available-alien-day-creatives-dane-hallett-matt-hatton/)
(That velvet voiced Mike Scuderi needs his own podcast)
Oh man I missed this somehow in the flurry of all the announcements. Can't wait!
Man I hope FOX doesn't pull any punches with this...it was disheartening to hear on the podcast that Matt & Dane weren't contacted about being actively involved and haven't seen any of the book yet. Have to give them props for trying to reach out to the publisher themselves, though.
So you think Shaw is going to start out dead? Or will the drawings begin during the journey? Advent has David including encodings of his sketches in his transmission back to Earth, do you think this is going to have a "framing sequence" like the Weyland Yutani report?
Have all of these been released before?
I imagine there's going to be a tiny bit of overlap with The Art and Making of Alien Covenant book, which has a short "David's Drawings" section that only contains a couple dozen pieces in it, whereas this book is said to have something like 200.
So it's 2 books released in one special collection?
https://www.newsouthbooks.com.au/books/alien-covenant_davids-drawings/
(https://ms-newsouthbooks-com-au.s3.amazonaws.com/WorkImage/WorkEdition/9781785659249_3e755d5e2ffc_400w40q.jpg)
That's right.
My most looked forward to purchase this year.
I just glanced back over the thread and didn't see it - here's a link for the Amazon pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Covenant-Drawings-Dane-Hallett/dp/1785659243
Nicely discounted here (+ free worldwide delivery too!).
https://www.bookdepository.com/Alien-Covenant-Davids-Drawings-Matt-Hatton/9781785659249
Hey thanx man! ;D
Wasn't a fan of Alien: Covenant but liked the novelization and will probably get this.
Quote from: Prez on Jun 14, 2018, 01:46:25 AM
Nicely discounted here (+ free worldwide delivery too!).
https://www.bookdepository.com/Alien-Covenant-Davids-Drawings-Matt-Hatton/9781785659249
Oh hey, nice. I wonder if Amazon will price-match it?
Quote from: Xenomrph on Jun 15, 2018, 06:00:43 AM
Quote from: Prez on Jun 14, 2018, 01:46:25 AM
Nicely discounted here (+ free worldwide delivery too!).
https://www.bookdepository.com/Alien-Covenant-Davids-Drawings-Matt-Hatton/9781785659249
Oh hey, nice. I wonder if Amazon will price-match it?
TBH I rarely buy books from Amazon ... been using Book Depository for years - cheap prices and free worldwide delivery (never cheap) is ideal for me being in Oz.
Quote from: Prez on Jun 14, 2018, 01:46:25 AM
Nicely discounted here (+ free worldwide delivery too!).
https://www.bookdepository.com/Alien-Covenant-Davids-Drawings-Matt-Hatton/9781785659249
Thanks! Didn't know about this site. Now I'm seriously considering getting this.
Quote from: Still Collating... on Jun 15, 2018, 04:25:30 PM
Quote from: Prez on Jun 14, 2018, 01:46:25 AM
Nicely discounted here (+ free worldwide delivery too!).
https://www.bookdepository.com/Alien-Covenant-Davids-Drawings-Matt-Hatton/9781785659249
Thanks! Didn't know about this site. Now I'm seriously considering getting this.
Probably the best book site on the planet for me. Always heavily discounted and always free worldwide delivery :-)
Should ask for a commission ;-)
I'm not really familiar with it either. Will check it out. Thanks for the share.
Brief snippet from an interview the gents were recently on.
So excited for this and the Blueprints book.
Dane showing off his copy of the book.
That's awesome. Love how his missus' comes in and does the `DON'T FILM ME' routine :-D
Gorgeous, it's even better than I thought it would be.
I'm so glad I preordered this.
I'm pleasantly surprised by the size. I was actually expecting them to be f**ked over a little with it but it looks like it'll be presented nicely!
Dane called me this morning and gave me a quick rundown, it sounds really good.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jun 29, 2018, 07:34:43 AM
I'm pleasantly surprised by the size. I was actually expecting them to be f**ked over a little with it but it looks like it'll be presented nicely!
Okay, enough with the publishing industry jargon, Hicks? Dumb it down for us over here in the States, eh? ;D
Quote from: muthur9000 on Jun 29, 2018, 11:02:08 AM
Dane called me this morning and gave me a quick rundown, it sounds really good.
<brrring! brrring!>"Hello?"
"Clara? S'me, Dane. Yeah, about the book... [hits the highpoints]"
A loud thud as muthur9000's jaw hits the floor.
"Clara? Hello? You still there...?"
;D
Quote from: FenGiddel on Jun 29, 2018, 01:05:55 PM
Quote from: muthur9000 on Jun 29, 2018, 11:02:08 AM
Dane called me this morning and gave me a quick rundown, it sounds really good.
<brrring! brrring!>
"Hello?"
"Clara? S'me, Dane. Yeah, about the book... [hits the highpoints]"
A loud thud as muthur9000's jaw hits the floor.
"Clara? Hello? You still there...?"
;D
:laugh: I was surprised to get a call from him cause he already flicked me a text after the live stream, either way, I am so excited about it and it will be much easier to transcribe a book than bad digital pictures of a screen.
Quote from: muthur9000 on Jun 29, 2018, 01:50:42 PM
Quote from: FenGiddel on Jun 29, 2018, 01:05:55 PM
Quote from: muthur9000 on Jun 29, 2018, 11:02:08 AM
Dane called me this morning and gave me a quick rundown, it sounds really good.
<brrring! brrring!>
"Hello?"
"Clara? S'me, Dane. Yeah, about the book... [hits the highpoints]"
A loud thud as muthur9000's jaw hits the floor.
"Clara? Hello? You still there...?"
;D
:laugh: I was surprised to get a call from him cause he already flicked me a text after the live stream, either way, I am so excited about it and it will be much easier to transcribe a book than bad digital pictures of a screen.
He seems a right nice fella, and probably enjoys having someone eager to share his success with admirers of his and Matt's work!
Of course Dane's a top bloke. He's a fellow Aussie. Nuff said ;-)
Actually in all seriousness he's very generous on social media - always promptly responds to comments. One of the good ones.
(https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foyster.ignimgs.com%2Fwordpress%2Fstg.ign.com%2F2018%2F07%2FTitan-Alien-Covenant-Art-Book.jpg&hash=3b414f6ca969253db012fd7db0e9c52b19e620e0)
QuoteNot only will SDCC serve as an opportunity for fans to buy this impressive-looking sketchbook set ahead of its September release, this version will come with two exclusive art prints. Titan will even be featuring artist signings for those who want to get their books and prints autographed.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/best-comic-con-2018-exclusive-collectibles
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Jul 09, 2018, 10:55:06 AM
http://oyster.ignimgs.com/wordpress/stg.ign.com/2018/07/Titan-Alien-Covenant-Art-Book.jpg
QuoteNot only will SDCC serve as an opportunity for fans to buy this impressive-looking sketchbook set ahead of its September release, this version will come with two exclusive art prints. Titan will even be featuring artist signings for those who want to get their books and prints autographed.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2018/07/06/best-comic-con-2018-exclusive-collectibles
Oh cool, they revealed the poster, but that face hugger isn't the one Dane said he gave them. I guess they decided on a different one.
amazon has some new pics of the book.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alien-Covenant-Drawings-Dane-Hallett/dp/1785659243/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533165696&sr=8-1&keywords=alien+covenant+davids+drawings
Can't wait. Managed to pre-order mine for $AUD50.50 with free shipping too.
Not for me. I hated Covenant. Watched it and Prometheus a few days ago. The latter is much more watchable despite its flaws.
I can't fathom people that hate either of R.S' prequels- I believe Prometheus severely inferior to Covenant but at least it's not something like ReadyPlayerOne, by the numbers tripe that appeals to what's already popular.
At least R.S is trying to make something somewhat original, he's trying to articulate something but the script didn't exactly create the best foundation but I can't hate him or either film for that.
When an attempt on that fails you get Life and Prometheus, but when it succeeds you get 2001, Blade Runner, Annihilation, Moon, UTS.
If you never aspire to those heights in the first place, if you go the safe route you end up with nothing that's terribly worthwhile, no matter how good the script.
I encourage R.S and other Alien filmmakers to keep going off the beaten path, upset the established order.
The only way you make the masterpiece is by making mistakes as you go.
(Matt Hatton and Dane Hallett's work on the laboratory alone is better than anything in Prometheus, the best parts of Prometheus are present in Covenant too. The rest is peeled away.)
It's easier to criticize than create.
After all it's what David and RS think makes life worthwhile, all else be damned.
This likely isn't the thread to discuss the merits of Ridley Scott's movies, but as an Alien series fan I can totally get why people don't like the movies. Hell, even though I enjoyed them, I'm still of the opinion that they'd have worked better as a standalone sci-fi series where it could really spread its wings and go into uncharted territory, rather than being hamstrung by being tied down to the Alien franchise. While I'm sure there are those who disliked the movies because they genuinely thought they were bad on their own, I suspect there were others who disliked them because of how they relate to the Alien series.
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 02, 2018, 07:06:37 AM
I can't fathom people that hate either of R.S' prequels- I believe Prometheus severely inferior to Covenant but at least it's not something like ReadyPlayerOne, by the numbers tripe that appeals to what's already popular.
At least R.S is trying to make something somewhat original, he's trying to articulate something but the script didn't exactly create the best foundation but I can't hate him or either film for that.
When an attempt on that fails you get Life and Prometheus, but when it succeeds you get 2001, Blade Runner, Annihilation, Moon, UTS.
If you never aspire to those heights in the first place, if you go the safe route you end up with nothing that's terribly worthwhile, no matter how good the script.
I encourage R.S and other Alien filmmakers to keep going off the beaten path, upset the established order.
The only way you make the masterpiece is by making mistakes as you go.
(Matt Hatton and Dane Hallett's work on the laboratory alone is better than anything in Prometheus, the best parts of Prometheus are present in Covenant too. The rest is peeled away.)
It's easier to criticize than create.
After all it's what David and RS think makes life worthwhile, all else be damned.
Word.
Mostly.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Aug 02, 2018, 05:59:55 PM
<iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fyutanicorporation%2Fposts%2F434026663756330&width=500" width="500" height="738" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowTransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe>
Beautiful. I really need a better setup at home to display this kind of material. Great coffee table material though I'd probably kill anyone who tried to look at it :)
Looks like a combination of in-universe-texts with badly readable font and out-of-universe descriptions/interviews with normal font.
That is not a problem, however.
Badly readable?
Maybe it's due to my close proximity to England but I can read David's calligraphy just fine, I write in it.
Maybe its due to the fact that I haven't hand written pretty much anything in years, there is just no need to.
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 04, 2018, 07:09:30 AM
Maybe its due to the fact that I haven't hand written pretty much anything in years, there is just no need to.
^ a dying art perhaps. I love hand written things but like you I clearly don't do it enough (minus my work notes).
Quote from: Wweyland on Aug 03, 2018, 08:02:02 AM
Looks like a combination of in-universe-texts with badly readable font and out-of-universe descriptions/interviews with normal font.
That is not a problem, however.
I did find it hard to read at some parts but that's probably because of the font size and the screen display, I am hoping the book text is large enough for me to read it.
A lot of good Alien/Predator stuff being released in September.
I am more intersted on what they have lined up for 2019.
Such as?
I don't know. But i am curious on what they have lined up.
Lots. :)
It would be cool if they had a forward in David's book written by Shaw in a "If you're reading this, then I'm already dead" sort of way.
Oh man yeah that would be a nice touch :)
Gah! I'm so excited for this! :D
What's "Versus The Thing" and should I resurrect it?
It's out in less than a week. Hoping AvP Galaxy gets an advance copy and can do a review.
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 29, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
What's "Versus The Thing" and should I resurrect it?
It was an epic battle against possibly the biggest troll these boards have ever seen.
Enjoy :P https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=41946.0
(also god, that was 2012. how time flies)
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Aug 31, 2018, 04:05:37 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 29, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
What's "Versus The Thing" and should I resurrect it?
It was an epic battle against possibly the biggest troll these boards have ever seen.
Enjoy :P https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=41946.0
(also god, that was 2012. how time flies)
Well, I stopped in and skimmed alittle of it. Searched for signs of passing and listened to the wind. It appears there was one hell of a fight.
The site I ordered from, Book Depository, says they shipped it already! It'll arrive in like a week. Can't wait to have it in my hands.
*Address in picture. Removed. Hicks.
Might want to redact part of that pic, C?
Indeed, don't make your address publicly visible.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 02, 2018, 09:42:59 PM
Indeed, don't make your address publicly visible.
Too late,
I'm already in his house. (https://i.somethingawful.com/forumsystem/emoticons/emot-unsmigghh.gif)
It literally says "girl" in her signature.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 03, 2018, 12:54:45 AM
It literally says "girl" in her signature.
Oh shit, wrong house! :o
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 29, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
What's "Versus The Thing" and should I resurrect it?
Where did that come from? No one mentioned anything about that.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Aug 31, 2018, 04:05:37 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Aug 29, 2018, 02:21:08 PM
What's "Versus The Thing" and should I resurrect it?
It was an epic battle against possibly the biggest troll these boards have ever seen.
Enjoy :P https://www.avpgalaxy.net/forum/index.php?topic=41946.0
(also god, that was 2012. how time flies)
Wow, it starts off simple enough but that escalated fast! And not to use such a Generation Z term but
omg, in the end I could barely bother reading it all because it was giving me a migraine. Interestingly, this KingAngel ofthe Outergulf seems very familiar to me, you know I think I banned that guy from the wiki, and if it is indeed who I suspect it to be then I don't think you could really call him a troll as he seems to have a truly fanatical belief in what he used to say and I mean he really believes it, he would not tolerate anyone else's viewpoint. In fact I remember him saying he thinks he has the authority to "correct" people and believed himself an unofficial admin. I wonder if this is the guy SM was on about in a coversation about someone else on this site who was also very familiar. It seems KingAngel ofthe Outergulf is banned, I am really not surprised.
Anyhoo, David's drawings is kind of like Giger's work, what with all the suggestive qualities to it, and funny enough, someone made a thread on here comparing David to Giger.
I wonder why David drew them though, as android he doesn't have any sexual desire or probably any thoughts on that matter. That being said, he did say he loved Shaw and did sexually assault Daniels. Also wasn't there a comment about Ash when he rolled up that magazine?
Just got a shipping notice that my copy should arrive tomorrow, I'm pretty stoked.
It's quite clear to me that David has a sex drive, that he is unable to act upon- hence creating a phallic headed rape monster.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 03, 2018, 02:44:17 PM
It's quite clear to me that David has a sex drive, that he is unable to act upon- hence creating a phallic headed rape monster.
Unable to act upon because he has no available partners, or unable to act upon because the necessary equipment doesn't work?
Perhaps he intended Shaw to be his partner, necessary equipment or not- now that he was free.
So he uses her reproductive organs anyway after death.
I think that one of the drawings overtly mentions that David has no "extra fun parts", but I would agree he definitely has a sex drive. Maybe Wayland gave him that so he could be as similar to humans as possible? Whatever the case may be, that's damn cruel!
Quote from: Still Collating... on Sep 03, 2018, 03:21:55 PM
I think that one of the drawings overtly mentions that David has no "extra fun parts", but I would agree he definitely has a sex drive. Maybe Wayland gave him that so he could be as similar to humans as possible? Whatever the case may be, that's damn cruel!
Interesting, I'll have to keep an eye out for that.
I know later models of androids definitely had "fun parts".
Quote from: Still Collating... on Sep 03, 2018, 03:21:55 PM
I think that one of the drawings overtly mentions that David has no "extra fun parts", but I would agree he definitely has a sex drive. Maybe Wayland gave him that so he could be as similar to humans as possible? Whatever the case may be, that's damn cruel!
As far as what david can accomplish, like I told a guy I used to work with, "there's more than one weapon in the arsenal you know?". David can get things done for others, if he has to. As for himself? I guess he'll just have to be satisfied with sitting alone and doing the "crazy lip" thing as fast as he can. ;D
"Not now dammit! I'm self gratifying!!! "bwebewbwebew!"
So today's the day! My copy hasn't been shipped from Amazon yet but it reckons it should still be arriving today.
My copy is out for delivery this morning. I'll post some quick thoughts once I have looked over it.
Cant wait.
Oh Amazon. "Your order has been delayed. Estimated new delivery is today."
Really hope this is waiting for me when I get home.
Just discovered this is actually a combination of 2 different books. More value I guess.
Think of it more as a two-pack.
Just been flicking through. Loving the main book. Nice sewn binding and the faux leather is great.
Shame one of the pages is missing a corner inside the book. It was sealed so must have happened at the factory when produced.
The slip case is nice. My only gripe with this set is that the second book is a thin paperback where the pictures on Amazon clearly shows it is a Hardcover. It also is slightly less deep than the main book so it pushes in to the slipcase deeper so it is Not flush with the edge.
I have not read the literature yet so can't comment on it but the art is awesome. Some truly grim but beautiful stuff.
I want this so badly, hopefully they're still in stock by the time I can buy it. :'(
Finally received a delivery notice. Reckons it should be here tomorrow.
Just got a text from Amazon saying it got delivered. :o
It came today, I'm thrilled! Haven't read it all yet, but what little I saw is amazing. It really makes me appreciate David's character more. Already some questions are forming in my head because of the content.... I think there'll be a lot to discuss in here.
Mine should be here tomorrow or Thursday ;D
It's arrived! good god it's gigantic lol. Ohmahlord it's beautiful :D
god damn there is some f**ked up shit in here lol.
Like they said, it's split up into three acts basically:
the nature observations
the grotesques
the Shaw stuff
and oh lordy some of that Shaw stuff
I'm going through it in order and I'm most of the way through Act I, so it's all interesting and very pretty but nothing crazy yet, haha.
(https://s3.birthmoviesdeath.com/images/made/AC-Book-8_1200_1584_81_s.jpg)
Interview with Matt Hatton and Dane Hallett regarding
Alien: Covenant - David's Drawings.
QuoteLet's start with a basic overview. What're we looking at?
Matt Hatton: The idea was just to present [David's drawings] in a classical pinned exhibit format and/or a Leonardo style (based on an early creature shop casting), with the multiple views. Seemingly objective and scientific, but the question is what has he been doing to get that foetus, which is obviously dead.
Dane Hallett: In terms of the [images seen in this post], they're mostly taken from the Lab set. While Matt perfected the Elizabeth Shaw drawings, I dove into this massive set, spewing as many drawings out in the limited time I had - and loved every minute of it! Probably the coolest thing about those images is the fact that the great Adam Johanson of the Academy Award-winning Odd studios took the Spliced Neomorph design and physically sculpted it into a beautiful work of art that features in the film. It's special moments like that, that still blow my mind!
So, how closely involved was Ridley Scott in the creation of this set?
Dane: As Ridley's affection for Matt and my work increased, so too did his involvement (and the demand for more artwork). Our illustrations featured in three sets that pertained to David, serving as a parallel storytelling device that chronicled his descent into madness. Upon walking into our first set, Ridley was only too happy to zero in on us and begin a journey of feedback and progress. He was particularly invested in the gory crescendo that depicted Elizabeth Shaw meeting her fate, all of which was expertly handled by Matt. I say all this in addition to the fact that I suspect it was his genuine adoration for fine art that prompted the initial conceit of an android expressing the loss of his sanity via a literal tapestry in the first place, so in that sense, he was critical in its creation.
What's it like trying to get into the headspace of an android?
Dane: As a kid who never grew up, it was simply exquisite. What's not to love about inhabiting the mental sandbox of an android with space dementia who is hell-bent on extinguishing all pre-existing forms of life by spawning a new, perfect organism whose structural perfection is matched only by its hostility?! Matt and I are both such massive fans of the original Alien, and to explore the themes touched upon in that film via the character of David, in such an artistic (and often gruesome) way was a legitimate dream come true.
Matt: For me it was like the research an actor would do for the character. It was fun getting into his mode of thinking based on the confluence of his situation and influences, and how as we progress from scene to scene in the movie (the book is more a document of the imagery) his mind unravels. And peppering the scientific notation with little hints to the backstory and his mental state. Getting into that mode helped generate certain drawings I wouldn't have otherwise come up with and helped with overall consistency.
Did you have a sense, while creating these drawings, how long David had been conducting his experiments?
Dane: About 10 Years.
Matt: Yes. I think there was a ten year timespan between the events of the two films. So plenty of time for shenanigans!
This franchise has introduced a number of interesting alien organisms over the years. Which do you find the most compelling, and why?
Dane: Oh dear, the Sophie's choice of the Alien world! Since childhood, I have been truly enchanted by insects and reptiles. As such, there were so many aspects of the Xenomorph life cycle that enraptured my unsuspecting, juvenile brain. I realize it's a bit of a cop-out to cover all the bases of the Big Chap's many forms by saying 'The Alien', but it was that perfectly-considered (and horrific) life cycle/system that had me genuinely obsessed. The believability of an organism practically engineered to infect a specific host, not unlike the Cordyceps or Isopods, had my gaze locked lovingly into the void behind that phallic dome. Watching every incarnation of the Alien take a victim is as enthralling as watching a Tarantula hawk dominate an otherwise lurid spider and haul it into its lair until its young burst forth from the host abdomen. Hell, it's still hard for me to get over just how cool the egg is!
Matt: So hard to choose one. I adore everything in the first movie design wise (including the mysterious space jockey). But maybe we should single out for once how brilliant the final look of the facehugger in the original movie was, both aesthetically and psychologically: a giant spider, that sticks its, uh, tube down your throat? With a tail for both attack and defence/constriction/control? That's a pretty concise and effective design for scaring pretty much everyone! My next favourite to the first movie's creatures would be the elegance of the dog alien's design and balance. It conveys that the creature is both lethal and refined in its intent/purpose.
Did you create any of your own "David mythology" while creating these images? Any backstory that wasn't provided for you?
Dane: David's actions, as described in the script, gave us an excellent understanding of his psyche, so that was a great jumping off point. But Matt and I are both so heavily steeped in the themes of the Alien universe that it didn't take long before we were entrusted to pretty much represent the character of David in all forms beyond his physical appearance. The illustrations and accompanying text were allowed to evolve at our discretion, which means that I personally consider every drawing and notation a part of Davids mythology. Specifically, I would make artistic choices while thinking of him as a character who was capable of true love in the way that a calculated serial killer might believe that they too 'truly love' their victims, as such, there are quite a few deformed (post experimented on) engineers in my catalog.
Matt: Yep. As above, getting into the character's sociopathy meant thinking of what he might have been up to. I popped in little stories about the plant that looked a little like a native spider and implications of narrow escapes from those spiders, undersea journeys and so on.
One thing that people have commented on was the aesthetic discrepancy between the monolithic classical structures of the city and Engineers themselves, and the Giger aesthetic in the spacesuits they wear and ships they fly. It was my first big question on reading the script. Beyond the obvious visual metaphors referencing classical architecture and Michelangelo's David as visual shorthand to tell the audience this was an ancient and powerful race, I tried in my little way to use the progress of civilization and technology to bridge the seeming anachronism.
So when they achieved space travel and moved beyond functional shapes and structures, aesthetics became more of a concern. By putting that classic Giger shape language into the drawings of their native flora and fauna, Dane and I showed that the engineers were referencing the obvious for this very divergent look. There's a visual segue between functional/just mechanical pipes and forms on spaceships to the more elegant details on the juggernaut/derelict. And you can infer through the internal logic/look and structures/shape language of the imagery/their native surroundings that biomechanics was indeed an evolution not an anachronism. I had David seeing their city and vast structures enduring even through their advancement as evidence of hubris. Of course!
The final thing was what happened to Shaw. While we knew she was dead by the time of Covenant and told that she's been brutally tortured and to show that, we weren't given specifics. Beyond some wonderfully florid general directives! For my part, I thought that things would be creepier if the reality of the events were implied/open for debate. The general thrust of Covenant is more literal and plot-based, so it seemed both less redundant and more thematic to take a non-literal approach there. Because your imagination is always more terrible. And it opens things up instead of stifling your own creative imaginings. So I used metaphorical and religious/blasphemous imagery to infer that while we know she died, who knows which or all of these images were true? David is the unreliable narrator, and has some figurative (and yep probably literal as well) screws loose. Religion is also a constant theme with these two movies, and most sci-fi is inherently existential in the end.
So it follows that these may be a record of what he actually did, or may not. They could be different plans for what he was going to do/just drawings - a nasty comment on his gaining true creativity in a horribly human way. He may have even killed and resurrected her multiple times - we saw in Prometheus they could reanimate a corpse. He both worships and abhors her, it's not just one nor the other. But Alien, and Giger are so thematically and metaphorically rich it seemed both in character and true to the imagery of the series to not be so literal-minded here. The ambiguity and even the seemingly contradictory nature of the images was absolutely intentional. I know it's gratifying to cross the T and dot the I, but I love the idea of imagery opening things up too.
Some people see the horrible fate/fates of Shaw as some kind of hate for the character, but for me having an appropriately horrified reaction proves that we cared for her and simultaneously shows in an awful way just what a monster (under the surface) David has become. And his love/hate of humanity personified in Shaw makes it more than just your usual gory slasher flick.
What makes this set a must-own for Alien fans?
Dane: Being a part of the very same fan community that obsesses over every little detail within the mysterious world of the Xenomorph, I know that even the tiniest morsel of text or visual information contained therein is laden with both Matt and my very best efforts to honor a legacy that has shaped so much of our love of design and cinema as a whole. Our affection goes beyond a professional one, and personally, I hope that the passion translates as such.
Matt: Boy that's a hard one - maybe just that Dane and I both grew up on Alien and as lifelong fans we put heart and soul into doing our best on these images, and tried to live up to the legacy. And it's great to see them put down in book form. All I can say is that as fans this is the sort of thing we'd love to sink our teeth into, even if we'd had nothing to do with it!
https://birthmoviesdeath.com/2018/09/04/exclusive-alien-covenant-davids-drawings-is-a-must-have-for-xenomorph-fans
Genuinely lovely, hardworking, creative and intelligent chaps, can't wait for the book to arrive.
I love those pair so much! I love that I read that entirely in their voices too. I really can't wait to crack this open when I get home today!
And a bunch of cool stills via Bloody Disgusting: https://bloody-disgusting.com/books/3519400/exclusive-look-inside-alien-covenant-davids-drawings-book/
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 09:45:31 AM
I love those pair so much! I love that I read that entirely in their voices too. I really can't wait to crack this open when I get home today!
And a bunch of cool stills via Bloody Disgusting: https://bloody-disgusting.com/books/3519400/exclusive-look-inside-alien-covenant-davids-drawings-book/
Uber proud these guys are Aussies too! :-)
My book should be shipping in the next 24 hours. Can't wait.
Ordering this together with The Predator novelization.
I'm kinda tempted by this, but my increasing dislike of the film is holding me back.
Regretting that I cancelled my order to save money. I'll have to get this eventually.
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmWr3_JW0AAR7jA.jpg)
That's so cool dude.
I bet that was nice to read.
Congratulations Corporal Hicks for a well deserved mention in the acknowledgements! 8)
Congrats on another name drop!
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmWr3_JW0AAR7jA.jpg)
Congrats!
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmWr3_JW0AAR7jA.jpg)
A mention in the same breath as Chris Picard. :)
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmWr3_JW0AAR7jA.jpg)
That's superb :-)
Quote from: SM on Sep 07, 2018, 04:30:50 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
A mention in the same breath as Chris Picard. :)
Aye, but before; and not by alphabetical ordering. ;D
Quote from: SM on Sep 07, 2018, 04:30:50 AM
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 05, 2018, 08:16:59 PM
She was waiting for me at home! Just about finished reading the interview. God, I love reading those two. And there was a treat waiting for me at the back! ;D
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmWr3_JW0AAR7jA.jpg)
A mention in the same breath as Chris Picard. :)
Don't spoil this for me. :laugh:
Finished with my first read through and My only issue is that it ended. But I'll certainly be coming back for the grotesquely gorgeous artwork. Matt and Dane's artistry is impeccable.
Spoiler
It's interesting that David's study of the local flora and fauna influenced how he created his perfect organism.
"A perfect organism."
"Xenomrph" will have a field day with that one.
Spoiler
It's very interesting how David got to the Alien, and it's not really clear. We know David was breeding creatures like dogs to get specific traits though. As far as I can tell, the eggs are very similar to some plants, the facehugger's evolution is the most clear, coming from the plethora of similar creatures, some of which have even maybe had a symbiotic relationship with the carnivorous plants (living inside some plants which had acid pools at their bottom). But it seems that the neo/xenos came from Engineer babies? The book does not hint to as how Shaw's biology helps the process, the Advent short suggested that results were better with human biology somehow. My theory is that the Engineer babies gave us neos and that Shaw's eggs gave us the xeno, just throwing an idea out there... My final question is how did David combine the egg with the hugger and with the alien? I saw no connection to that in the book, that's what really sparks my interest. The Alien seems like a pathogen splice between badass plant's, spider crabs and Engineer/human babies.
Is there a lot to read or is it mostly pictures? Getting mine in about a week probably.
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 08, 2018, 06:48:51 PM
Is there a lot to read or is it mostly pictures? Getting mine in about a week probably.
There's more art than text but still a fair amount of writing. It took me about 4 hours to get through the whole thing and I feel that I rushed through it a bit to be honest.
Quote from: Xiggz456 on Sep 08, 2018, 10:43:37 PM
Quote from: Wweyland on Sep 08, 2018, 06:48:51 PM
Is there a lot to read or is it mostly pictures? Getting mine in about a week probably.
There's more art than text but still a fair amount of writing. It took me about 4 hours to get through the whole thing and I feel that I rushed through it a bit to be honest.
Cool. I hope it covers all the drawings you actually see on the walls in Alien: Covenant.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 05, 2018, 02:43:58 PM
I'm kinda tempted by this, but my increasing dislike of the film is holding me back.
Altman be praised.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 05, 2018, 02:43:58 PM
I'm kinda tempted by this, but my increasing dislike of the film is holding me back.
You're allowed to enjoy individual aspects.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 08, 2018, 12:50:51 AM
"A perfect organism."
"Xenomrph" will have a field day with that one.
In what way?
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 10, 2018, 05:40:19 AMYou're allowed to enjoy individual aspects.
True! Just find it hard to engage with the related merch when I don't like the overall project.
Case in point - I got the
Prometheus 3D Blu-ray solely for the
Furious Gods doc, but I've still not got around to watching it :laugh:
Just joshing about the whole "David creator or recreator?" Interpretations.
You seriously need to watch Furious Gods, Prometheus' extras are as extensive and deep as any film in the Anthology.
Yeah, I know, I know... Just can't seem to bring myself to set aside the three hours it would take to watch a documentary about a film I don't especially like - even though I know full well how good the documentary is.
One day I'll sit down and enjoy the damn thing!
Are all the drawings in this book the same as those in the bluray or are there more / less ?
There's 200+ in the book in a hardback Engineer design, and an interview with the artists separate book.
Bit miffed. My order hasn't shipped despite being released last week!
Sent a rather diplomatic email to Booktopia tonight! >:(
I don't think I like David being the creator of the Alien but this book looks incredible. I really want to get my hands on it.
It is incredible.
Just got this a few days ago, and I have to say: it's glorious. I especially like the fact that the drawings are presented out of order (ie: not showing the exact progression of the Xeno's development), since - like the movie - it allows you to use your imagination.
Also: dat cover tho. DAYUM.
Naginta, they are presented in order-
Innocent biological study, into dissection and alteration and then into Elizabeth Shaw.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 03:10:42 AM
Naginta, they are presented in order-
Innocent biological study, into dissection and alteration and then into Elizabeth Shaw.
So Shaw WAS turned into an Alien? I couldn't tell if that's what happened from David's dialog. Sorry if this has been answered before.
No but he uses her reproductive organs with his knowledge of the components of the Pathogen, which is shown extensively early in the book- to create Alien Ovomorphs. Whether the rest of the drawings are fantasy or fact is up to you.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 04:24:14 AM
No but he uses her reproductive organs with his knowledge of the components of the Pathogen, which is shown extensively early in the book- to create Alien Ovomorphs. Whether the rest of the drawings are fantasy or fact is up to you.
Interesting. What are the Ovomorphs? Were they in the film?
Ovomorph is the name of the Egg.
Manumala noxhydria the Facehugger.
I like how the Strange Shapes lay Egg Shapes in their lifecycle. If we can call the chestburster a peomorph we're laughing.
I'd call it:
Dissulto arca
Which means "burst coffin"
-I think that's appropriate.
Following the gothic theme that
"hand of night" implies.
It's been a year since I worked like crazy on Alien Covenant and Prometheus. With the new elements, I try to explain all of David's experiences logically until the creation of the Xenomorph. So I work on absolutely all drawings and all texts to understand everything and put everything in order. That's why I want to know if there are really all the drawings, that is to say all the concept art of the two artists but also all the texts. Because on the bluray there are not all drawings unfortunately ...
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 05:11:00 AM
I'd call it:
Dissulto arca
Which means "burst coffin"
-I think that's appropriate.
Following the gothic theme that
"hand of night" implies.
But we could have Egg Shape, Dick Shape and Strange Shape.
Quote from: SiL on Sep 14, 2018, 04:51:58 AM
I like how the Strange Shapes lay Egg Shapes in their lifecycle. If we can call the chestburster a peomorph we're laughing.
I hate Ovomorph. I still don't know where the hell that cropped up from.
Aliens magazine, I think. One of its biology articles.
Either that or the Tech Manual.
Really that old? It just started showing up everywhere a few years back.
Egg, Facehugger, Chestburster aren't terribly scientific though.
Don't get me started on how "Xenomorph" can apply to a variety of creatures, contextually within Aliens & A3 it works because it's referred to as "A Xenomorph" which would be correct. But the miscommunication that it's
"The Xenomorph" from then onwards is irritating to say the least.
Give me half an hour or there abouts and I could make more suitable threatening names with the Latin dictionary.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 03:10:42 AM
Naginta, they are presented in order-
Innocent biological study, into dissection and alteration and then into Elizabeth Shaw.
... I guess I need to reread it more carefully then, because I completely missed that. :P
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 07:25:48 AM
Egg, Facehugger, Chestburster aren't terribly scientific though.
Don't get me started on how "Xenomorph" can apply to a variety of creatures, contextually within Aliens & A3 it works because it's referred to as "A Xenomorph" which would be correct. But the miscommunication that it's
"The Xenomorph" from then onwards is irritating to say the least.
Give me half an hour or there abouts and I could make more suitable threatening names with the Latin dictionary.
The Colonial Marines Tech Manual clarifies that "xenomorph" is, as you guessed, a USCM term that applies to any extraterrestrial organism that they don't know the capabilities of.
It's just that James Cameron chose such a unique but memorable word that it got permanently linked with the capital-A Alien as another name for it, independent of its in-context meaning.
If Cameron had used the word "extraterrestrial" in place of "xenomorph", we wouldn't even be having this conversation. :P
That's true. Sigh
Just in case you're wondering and I know no one is, here's terminology I prefer:
The Cavitatem Amnioticam (Zygote/Egg)
Parasitus perfido (Facehugger)
Embryonis parasitus (Classic Chestburster)
Parasitus infantem (New Chestburster)
Parasitus adulescentior (Adult)
Perfectus-Parasitus (Species)
Perfectus-Parasitus procreatrix (Monogyne/Queen)
Problem is that such terms would only be taxonomy, not names used by the public or army. An example is the Tiger, we all call it a Tiger but its scientific name is Panthera tigris.
What would be a suitable name for the public then?
The...
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 15, 2018, 11:48:26 AM
What would be a suitable name for the public then?
The...
...Xenomorph
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. ;D
Quote from: Xenomrph on Sep 15, 2018, 01:10:26 PM
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 15, 2018, 11:48:26 AM
What would be a suitable name for the public then?
The...
...Xenomorph
Sorry, I couldn't help myself. ;D
Lol
How about... an Agrioxenothirio? Or Agriothereum lol. Or Xenodrakos. F it Xenomorph is better.
Although Parasitus sounds good.
That's still taxonomy of a kind however.
Dragons.
I think it's technically classed as Xenomorph XX121. Latin names are either Linguafoeda Acheronsis or Internecivus Raptus.
there's some new designations in Cold Forge as well.
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Sep 15, 2018, 08:42:07 PM
there's some new designations in Cold Forge as well.
In The Cold Forge they just call them 'Snatchers'
Quote from: muthur9000 on Sep 15, 2018, 09:35:52 PM
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Sep 15, 2018, 08:42:07 PM
there's some new designations in Cold Forge as well.
In The Cold Forge they just call them 'Snatchers'
Blue gives some actual taxonomical names for them and the facehuggers at one point
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Sep 16, 2018, 12:59:59 AM
Quote from: muthur9000 on Sep 15, 2018, 09:35:52 PM
Quote from: HybridNewborn on Sep 15, 2018, 08:42:07 PM
there's some new designations in Cold Forge as well.
In The Cold Forge they just call them 'Snatchers'
Blue gives some actual taxonomical names for them and the facehuggers at one point
Oh the Pathogen is Plagiarus Praeportens and the Facehugger is the Manumala Noxhydria.
Yeah, it never gives a taxonomic name for the adult creature.
There should be a "common" name that can be used that is not such a generic term such as Xenomorph. Snatchers doesn't sound too good because it is as layman as facehugger or chestburster. I mean we don't call tigers big sneaky cats.
I think to come to a decent common name, we may have to take and modify from the taxonomy name.
So two that I have seen are Linguafoeda acheronsis and
Internecivus raptus
So maybe Raptus Acheronsis or merely just one of them because Raptus and Acheronsis could work on its own. Perhaps even just Acheronta
A few mixes such as Racheronsis or Rapturonsis
They would all still seem too taxonomic however.
Quote from: The Cruentus on Sep 17, 2018, 11:09:31 AMI mean we don't call tigers big sneaky cats.
That just made me think of this:
(https://www.awesomeinventions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/better-names-more-animals.jpg)
:laugh:
Quote from: The Cruentus on Sep 17, 2018, 11:09:31 AM
I mean we don't call tigers big sneaky cats.
:laugh: I am going to from now on.
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 17, 2018, 11:13:51 AM
Quote from: The Cruentus on Sep 17, 2018, 11:09:31 AMI mean we don't call tigers big sneaky cats.
That just made me think of this:
(https://www.awesomeinventions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/better-names-more-animals.jpg)
:laugh:
:laugh:
"Nutbastard" :laugh:
Quote from: HuDaFuK on Sep 17, 2018, 11:13:51 AM
Quote from: The Cruentus on Sep 17, 2018, 11:09:31 AMI mean we don't call tigers big sneaky cats.
That just made me think of this:
(https://www.awesomeinventions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/better-names-more-animals.jpg)
:laugh:
So, should I change my name to TheSailingHopfloof? :D
I was always partially to calling them "The Incubus." I think it was from that Judge Dredd crossover?
Quote from: Prez on Sep 13, 2018, 02:04:48 PM
Bit miffed. My order hasn't shipped despite being released last week!
Sent a rather diplomatic email to Booktopia tonight! >:(
Got a reply. Order being processed and they've upgraded me to express delivery too!
Much happier now.
... and she finally arrived in the post!
Bit annoyed as the top corner of the slipcase was slightly bent in the post. However the books inside are fine. Not gonna fuss too much over it.
https://www.avpgalaxy.net/literature/reviews/alien-covenant-davids-drawings/
My short review of the book. Spoilers - I loved it.
Will definitely give that a read when I'm not in the middle of The Beast Within! For once I'm not fussed about spoilers :P
Ha. To be fair, there's not much to really spoil. It's just a damn nice collection of awesome artwork and an informative interview. lol Sounds lame when I say it like that.
"Buy the damn book!" -Person that was credited in the book.
Disclaimer :P - As always, I receive no monetary proceeds from this book nor for my thoughts on it. I didn't even get a review copy of this one. :laugh:
You've got me a bit worried when you said you didn't like the way they're presented through the scanner.
Mine should be arriving tomorrow.
Do either of the 2 books provide some more insight into the pathogen?
I don't know what more insight you could have other than how it's described in the film and Advent.
Is there a way to block individual people on here?
Quote from: Denton Smalls on Sep 26, 2018, 04:30:06 AM
Is there a way to block individual people on here?
At the bottom of each person's post is a link labeled "Ignore User".
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 25, 2018, 07:21:57 PM
Disclaimer :P - As always, I receive no monetary proceeds from this book nor for my thoughts on it. I didn't even get a review copy of this one. :laugh:
Would have been awesome to get a review copy. I asked. They said no.
Quote from: Corporal Hicks on Sep 25, 2018, 06:53:58 PM
Ha. To be fair, there's not much to really spoil. It's just a damn nice collection of awesome artwork and an informative interview. lol Sounds lame when I say it like that.
Kinda, since I was expecting the in-universe answers about the Engineers (despite not being a novel). However, I'm definitely picking that up.
Have you watched Alien Advent?
Genuinely I believe that's the best way to approach the subject of the Engineers, it provides insight whilst not explaining everything.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 26, 2018, 04:40:40 PM
Have you watched Alien Advent?
Genuinely I believe that's the best way to approach the subject of the Engineers, it provides insight whilst not explaining everything.
I think the books nicely compliments the themes brought up in ADVENT. Especially within the first few pages.
Finished reading it. I actually preferred the interview book compared to the other in terms of layout and presentation. I wish they'd have presented his drawings like that with separate printed captions. It wasn't always clear what the pictures were and how David managed to go from studying plants to creating Neomorphs and Xenomorphs. How did he even find hosts for them in order to draw them?
It's better-off ambiguous and unclear.
As is David's deterioration.
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 26, 2018, 04:40:40 PM
Have you watched Alien Advent?
Genuinely I believe that's the best way to approach the subject of the Engineers, it provides insight whilst not explaining everything.
Agreed, there's some red meat as far as their religion, and some tantalizing stuff about "driving out the wolf," but nothing too specific.
Quote from: Darkness on Oct 01, 2018, 08:21:54 PM
Finished reading it. I actually preferred the interview book compared to the other in terms of layout and presentation. I wish they'd have presented his drawings like that with separate printed captions. It wasn't always clear what the pictures were and how David managed to go from studying plants to creating Neomorphs and Xenomorphs. How did he even find hosts for them in order to draw them?
Didn't he reanimate them?
I don't remember that being mentioned in there? Though I do remember someone suggesting that idea, but how the hell does the black goo reanimate anything all of a sudden? :laugh:
I've also seen the suggestion that David ambushed other Engineers when they came back to Planet 4. I really like that idea.
I really do love this art book. It just adds so much to the tone of the movie. The book generates a unique atmosphere, a sense of mystery and dread.
I long for a novel about David, Shaw and the 10 years between Prometheus and Covenant...
As do I.
Quote from: Still Collating... on Oct 07, 2018, 12:27:38 PM
I really do love this art book. It just adds so much to the tone of the movie. The book generates a unique atmosphere, a sense of mystery and dread.
I long for a novel about David, Shaw and the 10 years between Prometheus and Covenant...
I was really hoping that's what the Covenant prequel novel was going to be.
Welp.
GIVE US A DAVID AND SHAW BASED NOVEL!
& Alex White write it.
Quote from: Xenomrph on Oct 08, 2018, 05:20:36 AM
Quote from: Still Collating... on Oct 07, 2018, 12:27:38 PM
I really do love this art book. It just adds so much to the tone of the movie. The book generates a unique atmosphere, a sense of mystery and dread.
I long for a novel about David, Shaw and the 10 years between Prometheus and Covenant...
I was really hoping that's what the Covenant prequel novel was going to be.
Welp.
You and the rest of us!
Quote from: The Old One on Oct 08, 2018, 07:04:05 AM
& Alex White write it.
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/fb83a4334835eaea5f81970f387e11a9/tenor.gif)
Petition! :laugh:
Hell yes! That man knows how to write characters superbly well. Of course there's no guarantee that it would be as good as The Cold Forge, but if it was, it'd be kinda funny to get a prequel tie-in novel that's written better than the prequels themselves. :laugh:
Quote from: Still Collating... on Oct 08, 2018, 05:05:09 PM
Hell yes! That man knows how to write characters superbly well. Of course there's no guarantee that it would be as good as The Cold Forge, but if it was, it'd be kinda funny to get a prequel tie-in novel that's written better than the prequels themselves. :laugh:
Stuff that's better than the source material isn't unheard of - I've had a running joke that one of my top videogames that I'd like to see adapted into a movie is 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'. :P
Quote from: Still Collating... on Oct 06, 2018, 03:24:29 PM
I don't remember that being mentioned in there? Though I do remember someone suggesting that idea, but how the hell does the black goo reanimate anything all of a sudden? :laugh:
They introduced reanimation in Prometheus. A sort of nod to Frankenstein.
Shameless plug of my analysis of David's Drawings/Covenant Blu-ray
https://yutani.blog/2018/10/03/flora-cobra-lily/
Quote from: The Old One on Oct 08, 2018, 07:04:05 AM
& Alex White write it.
I have been petitioning he write a sequel to The Cold Forge... Now I want to drop that for him to write a novel about David and Shaw going to Planet 4.
Quote from: Still Collating... on Oct 07, 2018, 12:27:38 PM
I really do love this art book. It just adds so much to the tone of the movie. The book generates a unique atmosphere, a sense of mystery and dread.
I long for a novel about David, Shaw and the 10 years between Prometheus and Covenant...
Unfortunately no fanfics really come close to how crazy and scary it would be to be trapped with David on a dead planet.
Has anyone gleaned any extra information on the untold part of David's journey and his experiments or that of the Engineers from this?
Quote from: Xenomrph on Sep 15, 2018, 06:07:05 AM
Quote from: The Old One on Sep 14, 2018, 07:25:48 AM
Egg, Facehugger, Chestburster aren't terribly scientific though.
Don't get me started on how "Xenomorph" can apply to a variety of creatures, contextually within Aliens & A3 it works because it's referred to as "A Xenomorph" which would be correct. But the miscommunication that it's
"The Xenomorph" from then onwards is irritating to say the least.
Give me half an hour or there abouts and I could make more suitable threatening names with the Latin dictionary.
The Colonial Marines Tech Manual clarifies that "xenomorph" is, as you guessed, a USCM term that applies to any extraterrestrial organism that they don't know the capabilities of.
It's just that James Cameron chose such a unique but memorable word that it got permanently linked with the capital-A Alien as another name for it, independent of its in-context meaning.
If Cameron had used the word "extraterrestrial" in place of "xenomorph", we wouldn't even be having this conversation. :P
I wasn't sure where to post this. Here is a scan of a picture of a "xenomorph" from an article in the Feb.1978 issue of "Space Wars". I originally thought James Cameron created the term till I saw this article. So my search began looking for other use of this term. I got the film from the library watched it 3 times (in case I nodded off during viewing ;)) also the special feature on the film. Xenomorph was not used in the movie "It Came From Outer Space". The original story the film was taken from was written by Ray Bradbury. There's a lovely book out about Ray Bradbury's story but its a limited edition the cheapest copy I found was $60 on ebay. So I will see if I can locate a copy via the library. Maybe in some future Q & A with James Cameron someone might ask where he first came across the term? :)
:o Thank you.
Your welcome. I forgot to mention the film is from 1953. I read the article and it is not used in the text only the caption. I'm thinking the term in this context is from that era not 1978. The origin is much older according to a Wikipedia definition. I didn't save it as my interest in the ALIEN connection.
That's really fascinating, thanks for the info!
Your Welcome :) Thanks for your response.
Finally sat down with the Covenant soundtrack and read through this.
A great art book, but not a whole lot of information to be learned.
He mostly just observes engineer biology as well as local plants and bugs. He points to a few features that interested him, which apparently became parts of the aliens.
Honestly, I struggled to read the handwriting, but all of the text in the book and then some has been transcribed to these two posts:
https://imgur.com/gallery/4yoGf (https://imgur.com/gallery/4yoGf)
https://imgur.com/gallery/1FfzS (https://imgur.com/gallery/1FfzS)
Just wanted to praise this again, so perfect, also updated my terminology section with official information:
Perfectus-Parasitus (Species)
Regular/Royal/Praeto Cavitatem Amnioticam (Egg)
Regular/Royal/Praeto Parasitus perfido (Facehugger)
Regular/Royal/Praeto Embryonis parasitus (Chestburster)
Regular/Royal/Praeto Parasitus infantem (Imp)
Parasitus praetomorph (Stalker)
Parasitus adulescentior (Soldier, Sentry)
Parasitus praetorian (Guard, Charger)
Perfectus-Parasitus procreatrix (Empress, Queen)
Remember the Alien design on the cover of the Art of Alien Covenant Book? Now you can purchase a limited edition print from Dane Hallett.
Just $50 AUD, doesn't include shipping.
Absolutely perfect, loved the exploration of David's perspective beginning as innocent observation, and then becoming something else entirely from heaven to hell.
https://m.imgur.com/gallery/4yoGf
Check this out everyone!