Wow, now that's quite a story.
I'm 22 and I watched the films in order. Alien to A:R, Predator , Predator 2, and then the AvPs. Still thought the Newborn was the worst design ever, I do enjoy both AVPs, especially the first one even though I know it's not a masterpiece to say the least. That was all around 2009. My opinions on some of the movies changed over time, but still, since the first time I watched Alien, I was hooked. A great part of it is due to the expanded universe, all that media that furthered my immersion. I remember reading the wiki and xenopedia articles, the Anchorpoint essays as well were just brilliant.
First, I was fascinated by the biology of the creature more than anything else, maybe I still am, and I remember having such fond memories of reading the Earth war trilogy when I was frequently ill with the flue. This obsession has been growing more and more over the years and it is somehow always comforting to me. All the movies, figures, games, comic books, novels, they are my safe space where I can be calm and at peace, yet make me thrilled with every new release.
This franchise is definitely a big part of my life and my greatest hobby if I can call it that. I've learned so much about so many things thanks to a usually indirect involvement with the Alien/Predator franchise that I wouldn't have known otherwise.
I, as a young fan find it thrilling to have 40 years worth of awesome Sci Fi history at my fingertips. I'm grateful, enjoying most of the media coming out and hoping the future of the franchise is bright.
