Are Dark Horse Comics’ Alien Crossovers with DC Superheroes Making the Alien Franchise Part of the DC Universe?

In the broad and expansive world of comic book crossovers, it is common for characters from different universes to meet and battle in the pages of comic books. However, when it comes to the Alien franchise and the DC Universe, questions arise about whether these crossovers truly merge the alien horror classic with the superhero realm.

The Basics of Alien Franchise and DC Universe Contradictions

When considering whether the Alien franchise has become part of the DC Universe, several fundamental differences must be acknowledged. The core themes of the Alien franchise, such as the origin of humanity on Earth and the xenomorph lifecycle, are fundamentally at odds with the history of the DC Universe (DCU) and, by extension, the Marvel Universe. The alien predators featured in these crossovers often either exist in alternate universes or are represented as isolated groups with limited impact on the main storyline.

Alternative Universes and Villain Sues

One of the key issues with these crossovers is the involvement of Villain Sues between various publishers. In particular, Dark Horse Comics has long been involved in legal disputes with the rights holder of the Alien franchise. As a result, it is generally accepted that any stories featuring the Alien franchise in the DC Universe are set in alternate versions of reality. These stories serve more as fan fiction rather than part of the official canon.

Concrete Examples: Superman Crossover

Consider the Superman crossover with Alien. This particular story introduces a distinct alternate version of humanity, revealing that the colonists who survived on the planet Lutu were genetically similar to Kryptonians but could not survive on Krypton. Among them was a young woman named Kara, similar to Kal-El (Superman) in both appearance and genetic makeup. However, Kara's survival is ultimately left unresolved, which significantly separates this story from the established canon of the DC Universe. Kara Zor-El, who is now known as Supergirl, is reintroduced as Kal-El's cousin, a clear indication that this crossover is not part of the ongoing narrative.

Interpublisher Crossovers and Universes

The consensus among comic book enthusiasts and professionals is that interpublisher crossovers are usually set in alternate universes, especially if they are categorized as Elseworlds. Previous crossovers between Marvel and DC were often considered canonical, with even characters like Access dedicated to managing these crossovers. Nevertheless, such crossovers can change over time, and it’s important to be cautious about considering any crossover as part of the current storyline.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the crossovers between the Alien franchise and the DC Universe provide exciting stories, it is important to recognize that these crossovers do not make the Alien franchise part of the DC Universe. They are set in alternative realities or time periods, and they often include characters that diverge significantly from the established canon. The Alien franchise remains its own distinct universe, with its own unique storylines and characters, and these crossovers should be viewed as standalone tales rather than part of the ongoing narrative.