#alien and predator universe

[pterobat]

I want to talk about some of the tie-in stuff featuring Lance Bishop that I took in recently.

“Broken” by Rachel Caine, in the anthology Bug Hunt.

The idea that a previously-established character has to be special—bothers me a bit, and I can’t say why. I do know that I felt, after years of pushing back against the mechanistic/deterministic view of the Zentradi in Robotech and Macross fandom, it was time to accept that a character might lack something in the way of “free will” and might not be one of a kind—but still be sympathetic

However, Bishop didn’t put that egg on the Sulaco, Your Mom did, and he asked to be euthanized for firmly "human" reasons, not utilitarian ones.

Anyway, “Broken”, states that Bishop having a stronger altruistic drive than the AP norm, which very briefly leads to the possibility of him being scrapped, and then later lets him disobey orders and save some people in his non-actiony way.

It’s still mostly satisfying, except for two things: Bishop has “brothers” named after other chess pieces (except "Queen" because of cowardice), and while that’s cute, it’s at the expense of the Frankenstein-ish story in the novel below, where he shares the name with his "Father".

Secondly there’s the groaner when the last scene of the story leads right into Bishop meeting Apone’s unit after being repaired by Hudson and the Knife Trick getting brought up already.

William Gibson’s Alien 3 (Novel and Comic Version):

To steal from Dostoevsky, all versions of Alien 3 are stupid in their own way. It’s hard to think of where to go from Aliens, though it’s not my job to do so, right?

At least there’s no chance of Gibson’s version being lionized as a course-correction or a bold strike against some imagined saccharine future. Instead we get something that’s readable and likeable enough, but pretty bland. Kind of like Hicks as the main, really—nothing against the dude, but there’s just not much going on with him.

Part of it’s not the fault of Gibson: he had to write out Ripley, but man, you don’t have to give it a gold star just for otherwise trying. I can also see how the Xenomorphs as a Thing-esque virus would occur to writers, but it just doesn’t feel right.a

Also, for what’s supposed to be a riff on the Cold War and MAD, the Union of Progressive Peoples are cartoonishly silly, constantly thinking about “capitalism” while capitalism doesn't think of them, while the narrative makes a point of how run-down and crappy their tech is.

Even Bishop notices that without any spite, while the UPP are harsh towards him out of an understandable vision of worker’s rights, but in a Dolyist sense is only there to make them more unsympathetic and caricatured.

As for Bishop, he’s fun to follow because I like reading about him just being totally chill about everything, still without coming across as heartless. But he doesn’t have much of his sense of weirdness or of that awkward kindliness that makes his character more interesting than the average friendly AP.

Two more things: I was first harsh on the idea that an ovomorph would grow from Bishop’s exposed guts, but I came around when I realized it was an example of a slightly-more grounded Xenomorph evolution/adaptation than the virus, just putting more of the mechanical in bio-mechanical—plus it was the only example of gender fuckery to be found for miles.

Secondly, I liked his quiet little monolgue at the end that humanity ought to destroy Xenomorphs for their own good. It’s the usual trope of having a heroic character fascinated by monsters, who must prove they are still heroic by killing or opposing them.

Aliens: Bishop by T.R. Napper

It’s funny that this book came out last December, like it was waiting for me to start thinking about the character again.

Sadly, the original characters were not so entertaining, which is often but not always the curse of tie-in fiction. It’s another reason why it’s hard for me to be fannish about the larger Alien-a-verse besides not much of it sounding interesting.

It doesn’t help that the story starts out with a USC Marine mission lead by an Apone, with a male corporate stooge on board, and our new MC gets the nickname “Cornbread” within a few pages—come on with this. Otherwise, she’s like Hicks in the sense of readable and serviceable.

To go back to Alien 3 for a second, and franchising in general—they repeat themes and motifs because that makes the selling easy, and you can make a keen case for “The Real Enemy is Man” being a theme of the Alien universe.

Because of that, having Michael Bishop be who/what he said he was makes the most sense if you want not only a thematic through-line but the Frankenstein-ish subtext of the book which is like catnip to me.

Normally resurrection is thematically cheap in fiction, but given that Alien 3 comes off as cheap (lazy) to begin with, and we’re dealing with an AP, and the results are interesting, it doesn’t take much to win me over.

I don’t know how much research the author did, or if it’s just serendipty, but Henriksen said he played Bishop as an abused child, as a being who knew he was disposable but consoled himself by knowing he’d outlive those who could hold that over him. And even though they look the same age, the abusive-father subtext is all over this. Michael is nice enough until he doesn’t get what he wants after being “patient” and “giving”.

And speaking of franchises and theming, something about creator/creation in the Alien series no longer feels out of place in post-Prometheus world, even if the execution in those movies was a letdown.

Transhumanism also comes into the picture, and while it first seemed Michael would steal Bishop’s new body, instead Michael wants to transfer his body digitally and succeeds. It also feels out of place in the larger franchise, but I might check out a sequel.

I also wish the book were more creative about trying to do something with the Xenomorphs. Michael pretends it’s about something different as part of his manipulation, but alas it’s the same old militarization.

It’s kind of funny that Bishop meets the captured Morse who quirkily tells him a few things about how humans don’t value other humans. It helps Bishop get rid of the last vestiges of attachment to his Shitty Dad, and Bishop otherwise returns to the same place he was before, just with a new unit.

I was waiting for some other shoe to drop, but the Apone #2 unit appeared to have no ulterior motivations when it came to finding Bishop. Returning to a quiet status quo does suit him in a way, since Bishop is so chill about everything.

The book also establishes that Bishop asked to be euthanized because of grief. I didn't want a purely utilitarian reason like reaching a damage threshold that cheapie W-Y labelled unsalvageable--that doesn't work narratively/tonally/emotionally--but it was enough to think poor Bishop decided on death because he couldn’t ever reach adequate quality of life.

So a lot of fun here, even what with the brief moments where Bishop is emotionally demonstrative or fights physically and it’s cringe-inducing rather than an extrapolation of the character.

[xplore-the-unknwn]

I am so infuriated at the missed potential and opportunity for the AVP franchise!!!

We already had Dan Trachtenberg’s Prey to show us how successful this concept can be if delivered perfectly. And now they had an animated show in production that was cancelled. AN ANIMATED SERIES COME ON!!

It would have fit so well for the AvP aesthetic and action scenes. It would also give the opportunity to expand more of their lore. Shouldn’t that be the goal? Its what the animated Clone Wars and Star Wars:Visions is doing for the Star Wars Franchise!! Do they even want to make films anymore at this point??

I am just disappointed on and on at the current decisions that Disney is doing- Shelving and cancelling shows before they even see the light of day, not giving proper environment for their writers and CGI/VFX artists to be able to create and craft a well-written story.

They’re not making films for the audience or making films for Art’s sake anymore. Its all CAPITALISM now.

I just hope with every fire in my heart that the AVPverse gets out of Disney’s greedy hands and in the hands of a Studio that would LOVE and care for its universe, respect its characters-

Give us a unique Yautja that loves art! And is amused when he sees some paintings in Paris or hears an opera house on his first hunt on Earth!

Give us an animated episode of a Yautja on a hunt for Bad Bloods during Edo Period Japan!

Show us Yautja brothers in the beginning of their training and how they learn the values of an honorable hunter!

Take us to their homeworld, give us an aspiring Yautja matriarch who is eager to learn about their culture and their history with the Xenomorphs!

I just wish someone with the power and money would give so much love to this franchise because there is so much to tell and expand!

[imperatordavianus-blog]

[black-suns-rim]

Scar from the lion king as a Yautja

Movie villains as Yautja sounded like a good drawing prompt this morning. Had the idea while half asleep

[siryl]

A surviving page of an Aliens comic I got when I was in fifth grade. Art by Damon Willis, Karl Story, and Arthur Suydam.

[multiverse-of-marvels]

Earth-94413

Also known as the Alien/Predator universe. Home to two extraterrestrial races known as Yautja (Predators) and Xenomorphs (Aliens). The James Howlett (Wolverine) of this reality was hunted by a Predator, and subsequently had one of his hands severed and claimed as a trophy.

First mentioned/appearance: Aliens: Outbreak #1 (1988)

[im-his-druidess]

Just FYI I moved all my monster/Mutant characters to my other blog @prettyparacosm

I figure it'll help not clog my main slasher blog 🤷🏼‍♀️

Feel free to hit me up over there

[zoetheneko]

Working on a Yautja oc to ship with Rambo

[stuffofknightmares]

The Hulk v/s Wolverine: My Pitch

Marvel Studios is apparently working on a Hulk v. Wolverine film, and I think there is already a blueprint set for it. Since the MCU has now gotten comfortable with its R-rated films, Hulk v. Wolverine should be able to delve into some darker themes and ideas that were perhaps previously not possible.

My first thought was to think about the film in terms of Alien v. Predator, with The Hulk being our Xenomorph and Logan being the Predator.

The idea would be to have someone like Thunderbolt Ross be the focus of the film, who pits a newly discovered Wolverine against an awol Hulk. This would be an alternate timeline, as has been the case for quite a few MCU films, where Edward Norton would be the Hulk. Norton famously wanted a darker take on the Hulk which Marvel was not on board with, but that could be accommodated in a film like Hulk v. Wolverine.

This got me thinking about why either of these character would go up against the other, given that even if this was an alternate timeline, this would be the first time the audience sees them meet up. Establishing their unique history to have audiences care for the fight felt too odd for a film that had the Wolverine and the Hulk fighting in it. Then it hit me. There was another perfect blueprint for the film: Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

The film specifically revolves around a character who is fed up with his immortality and is finding a way to off himself. My initial thought was this: An alternate timeline where the X-Men exist in the initial phases of the MCU. Phase 1 has the X-Men but from their later years. So essentially, Logan dies as The Incredible Hulk is closing out.

Thunderbolt Ross is down, but not out. Logan, however, returns to life, haunted by the memories of some horrible things that he did (perhaps a more honest adaptation of Old Man Logan's opening). This causes the character to be in a self-loathing state, ready to put himself in any situation that takes him out for good.

Ross finds him and recruits him to fight The Hulk. Logan, seeing all the damage the character can do, is happy to go after him, knowing for sure that this might be his best bet at peace.

Maybe Logan is even given a team to help him out, which could include characters like Sabertooth (who could be masterminding the whole situation). I also considered Laura to be a part of this time, which gives Logan pause for thought about the Hulk missions being his last.

Some light tracking happens, they find Banner, and he is ready to return. However, thanks to whoever the antagonist is, probably someone like The Leader, enrages Banner and unleashes the Hulk.

This has to be done by a director who can do long extended fantasy action fights. Broly vs Vegeta from Dragon Ball Super: Broly is totally something I would take inspiration from for this.

Have Logan and Banner face-off, but have Banner be sedated by whoever is with Logan. This not only enrages him, but it takes his one chance away at finding peace. This leads to a confrontation where Logan decides he doesn't want to be part of the mission anymore.

Here, is where we find Logan embroiled with whoever is pulling the strings. They unleashed the Hulk because they too want Logan dead. Why? So that they can endanger Logan's brood, who are increasingly the strongest breed of mutants. Perhaps this could be the Orphans of X. They wish to wipe out Laura, Akihiro, Sabertooth, and James...and they have found a way to manipulate the government (perhaps through some contact like Trask).

Either way, Logan realizes he has left Laura unguarded. He tracks them to see the Hulk engaging Laura in a fight, and the kid holding her own pretty well. Logan enters the fight and apologizes. and works towards taking Banner out. However, The Hulk refuses to turn back into Banner, somehow revealing that Banner is sick and dying (perhaps thanks to the sleeping agent they put on him). This was to keep Banner in Hulk form, such that his vitals and other bio matter could be harvested.

The Orphans of X see Wolverine/X-23 and the Hulk fight to a standstill, forcing the latter to transform into a dying Banner. However, Thunderbolt Ross comes to their rescue as Red Hulk, ready to finish the mission. Wolverine and Laura refuse to hand him over to Ross. Red Hulk vs Wolverine ensues. Laura works towards finding a cure for Bruce. The Hulk comes out, asks Laura to find a cure, and enters the fight.

The Hulk and Wolverine fight Red Hulj and defeat him, with Ross's superiors calling the fight off by calling the entire mission his personal vendetta. However, as Ross is taken away. Hulk says that there is no cure found. Laura finds nothing either. The Hulk says he is going to have to stay out of trouble to keep Banner alive. Logan and Laura ask if their healing factor will help. It will. They go to Rick Jones, who whips out the cure and administers it to Bruce. However, the Orphans of X get the radical idea of fusing the Wolverine and The Hulk, setting up Weapon H.

Now of course, this pitch is all over the place, but I think there is some merit in approaching this story as a standard Monster Rally flick rather than a superhero film. This is a Marvel film after all, so there will be a lot of jokes and quips, but I think setting this up with a familiar version of the characters in a separate universe might be the way to go. Edward Norton's Hulk and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine would be great.

However, the pitch that I have made is not for mainstream audiences. Marvel does that better than anybody in the game.

[apothekosm]

❝ Oh, my goodness... The energy in here is so tense. I feel as if I should be the one apologizing. ❞

Despite the glittering, crimson smile on her stolen, divine features, and the soft, floaty steps she's taking around the stage formed of the starship's bridge, the surrounding air is drawn as taut as nearly frayed nerves!

The giggle that left her, one part nervous and one part amused, echoed a touch unnaturally around her. And around her. And around her. The sound growing in size rather than reducing, louder and louder it crept still! Until...

As soon as her host, the captain, began to address her, the echo that more closely resembled a maelstrom, immediately cut short.

The Predator curtsies before the woman, chiffon threads bunching neatly between her fingers as she dips low to show her utmost respect.

❝ You've no need to apologize to me, Captain Katheryn Janeway. I don't hold your presence here against you, or those under your command, in the slightest. ❞

How could she? After all, no reasonable being would expect any unlearned individual to even think to scan for the faintest perfumed wisp of dark matter HER LOVE as they careened through 'empty' space.

❝ The last sentients I encountered called me Beatrice. You may do the same, if you'd like. ❞ Rising from her show of respect, she placed a single, clawed hand to the edge of her deep red smile.

❝ Please know that, despite my intrusion thus, I'm not typically malevolent. I have no desire to prevent you all from returning to your homes. However, I... would be remiss, Captain, if I didn't ask you if there weren't the slightest chance you'd reconsider your 'game playing' business mandate? ❞

Previously on Star Trek Apothekosm, featuring @wcrpbubble

[cyber444angel]

sometimes i think about the type of media i was into from 2017 to like mid 2020 & i genuinely want to throw up

[craigpetersennz]

There were some incredible cosplays at the Vic Freak convention last weekend! I didn't get to escape the booth much, but this is what I did manage to see! The Spider-Verse and Daredevil were in great form! They were so friendly to kids and were learning dance moves from K-Pop dance groups while in full costume!

The Spideys were not happy to see Doc Ock when he arrived! But, this costume was (pun intended) amazing!

Aliens vs Doc Ock vs Predator!

This life-size Skeletor and He-Man with a towering Castle Grayskull behind was a great homage to the toys and classic fantasy art!

This KITT had voice samples, the iconic moving light on the hood, sound FX and the theme music playing for the whole convention. It was built by a local man and this was his first con!

At the end of the con, when the car drove out the convention centre with the theme music playing, it was like being on a movie set! So cool!

[ronnierocket91]

It's my first day off in a month! So allow me to explain my mini vacay plans.

Turn my swag on and release a massive morning steamer. Immdiate shower afterward. (I'll be damned if I'll be dealing with an itchy booty on my day off)

Kiss the missus. She's always so excited to see me! I'll whisper something nasty in her ear before making a grand exit.

Excellent, the boys are awake. Assemble the crew. Of course, we have reservations. We don't mess around when it comes to brunch.

The mimosas truly are bottomless. In a drunken rage, I might fight a child or an elderly citizen encroaching upon my glorious freedom.

I'll tip my waiter. No time to lose. I've got a sack full of Ovomorph saved up for my ol' lady, and the cops are usually on the way by now.

Dissappear without a trace.

[black-suns-rim]

Has Human!Black Momba ever done any wrestling matches before when she was an MMA fighter?

she's only done wrestling as a hobby rather than a job or passion. she's not the best at it compared to her boxing skills.

[siryl]

"Alien Hybrid Design" by Ken Barthelmey.

[mangostar]

THERES 39 GODZILLA MOVIES??????