Alien vs. Predator
Aliens vs. Predator, also known as Alien vs. Predator and Aliens versus Predator (all titles abbreviated AvP), is a science fiction-horror fiction series spanning several media. The series is a crossover between two film franchises about extraterrestrial beings: the Aliens and the Predators. In Aliens vs. Predator, the two species are in conflict with one another.
History
The first Aliens versus Predator story was published by Dark Horse Comics in Dark Horse Presents #34-36 (November 1989-February 1990). In November of 1990, Predator 2 was released in theaters, and includes a scene depicting an Alien skull as one of the Predator's trophies.
The Aliens vs. Predator universe includes comics, novels, computer/video games, and feature films, the rights to which all belong to 20th Century Fox Studios. There have been two Aliens vs. Predator films.
Media
Comics
- Aliens vs. Predator
- Aliens vs. Predator vs. The Terminator
- Aliens vs. Predator/Witchblade/Darkness: Mindhunter
- Aliens vs. Predator/Witchblade/Darkness: Overkill
- Superman & Batman vs. Aliens & Predator
- Aliens/Predator: Deadliest of the Species
Books
A crossover novel series was produced based on the two franchises. Other books include film novelizations and books depicting the background to the film's work with ADI (the special effects company that worked on the Alien films):
- Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem - Inside the Monster Shop (by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Design Studio Press, December 2007, ISBN 1933492554, Titan Books, January 2008, ISBN 1845769090)
- Alien vs. Predator: The Creature Effects of ADI (by Alec Gillis and Tom Woodruff, Jr., Design Studio Press, August 2004, ISBN 0972667652)
- AVP: Alien vs. Predator - The Movie Novelization (by Marc Cerasini, HarperEntertainment, June 2004, ISBN 0060735376)
Games
- List of Alien and Predator games – For games based on the Alien and Predator franchises.
Action figures
In 1994, Kenner released a collection of action figures known as Aliens vs. Predator. This followed the two initial series of Aliens that were based on an animated series, Operation: Aliens, that was never broadcast. As such, the inclusion of Predator is often considered the 3rd and 4th series of the Aliens line. This collection includes several Aliens, many of which feature built-in attack features, and Predators, which include removable masks and battle weapons such as spears and missile launchers. The figures generally possess 5 points of articulation, and some include a mini Dark Horse comic book.
While the collection as a whole is known as Aliens vs. Predator, the two character types have their own card art that only features the character at hand. An exception would be the Aliens vs. Predator 2-pack. Since human space marines were included in the initial Aliens line, the Predator was marketed as an alternative enemy to the Aliens. A figure cardback reads:
- "The stage is set for the universe's two most ferocious enemies. It's the gruesome and evil Aliens against the big-game hunter Predator. Who will win... the beast or the hunter? Can the Predator stop the evil Aliens before the galaxy is destroyed?!?!?!"[1][2]
The Aliens: Hive Wars series was released in 1995, which included various Aliens, Predators, and larger scaled space marines. More figures, including a female Predator and an Alien/Predator/Smash Mason 3-pack, were designed for this series but never released as part of the line.
Six sets of Aliens and Predator Micro Machines were also planned by Galoob in 1995 but never released. This would have also included the LV-426/Outer World Station Action Fleet Playset. Thanks in part to the research of toy collectors, many photos of these unreleased toys and prototypes have shown up on the Web in recent years.[3]
In December 2002, McFarlane Toys released a highly detailed Alien vs. Predator deluxe set.[4] In 2004, they produced a series of figures based on the Alien vs. Predator film. Alongside the articulated figures, McFarlane also released statuesque display sets depicting scenes from the film.
Hot Toys produced highly detailed 16" tall figures for every movie including Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem in 2007. That same year, NECA released two series of Requiem figures.[5]
Films
Notes
- ^ Duke Nostalgia's Predators Page DukeNostalgia.com. Retrieved February 9, 2008.
- ^ Classic Aliens vs Predator Nostalgia ForumPlanet.GameSpy.com (January 5, 2008). Retrieved February 9, 2008.
- ^ Cawiezel, Marc H. The History of Unproduced Alien and Predator Toys Members.AOL.com (October 29, 2006). Retrieved February 9, 2008.
- ^ Crawford, Michael Alien vs. Predator MWCToys.com (December 13, 2002). Retrieved Retrieved February 9, 2008.
- ^ Alien Attacks Predator CollectionDX.com (January 12, 2008). Retrieved February 9, 2008.
References
- Beautiful Monsters: The Unofficial and Unauthorised Guide to the Alien and Predator Films (by David A. McIntee, Telos, 272 pages, 2005, ISBN 1-903889-94-4)
