The King, also known as the Alien King or the Monstrosity, was a rare form of the Xenomorph species theorized to exist in only the largest of Xenomorph hives. It was capable of extensive regeneration, and could take on both infantry and tanks with ease.
Characteristics[]
The King, also dubbed the Alien King or Monstrosity, was a particularly large example of the Xenomorph species. It was reported to exist in some of the largest Xenomorph hives, and was considered one of the most potent threats posed by the creatures. Standing high above other Xenomorphs, the King featured a distinctive head crest with a number of spiked protrusions. Twin flowing dorsal spines were arrayed across its back, and its oversized hands were tipped with equally large claws. The King's body featured drab green and teal colors, with reddish accents on its dorsal tubes and spiked crest. The tail featured a forked tip.
Owing to its gargantuan size, the King caused localized tremors wherever it walked. It was almost impervious to the effects of small arms fire, and could repair any damage inflicted upon it almost immediately. The King's regenerative abilities were enhanced when it consumed its prey, enabling it to recover from the most grievous of injuries.
When attacking at range, the King was able to fire a sizeable ball of acid capable of dissolving even entrenched targets. For closer combat, the King would emit a screech and charge with unlikely speed before bringing its enormous claws and tail to bear on its prey; both were equally effective against infantry and tanks. The King could also command other Xenomorphs; at least one King was accompanied by seven Drones.
History[]
As of 2183, the Alien King was one of several types of Xenomorph reputed to exist on the Frontier.
Behind the scenes[]
Sideshow Collectibles design[]
The Sideshow Collectibles Alien King
Working in direct partnership with Legacy Effects, the artists behind the creatures and Queen from Aliens, Sideshow Collectibles created the King Alien maquette to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Alien franchise. The King design was intended to be much more masculine than the feminine design of the Queen.[2]
This iteration of the King would make its first debut in any franchise media with a 2018 expansion to the Prodos Games board game, Alien vs Predator: The Hunt Begins. In this appearance it received some more information about its abilities and behavior, as well as being massively up-scaled to be as big as a Queen Mother (if not bigger). "Towering several stories above its smaller brethren, this monstrosity is so large that it shakes the ground wherever it goes, causing small localized earthquakes in its wake." [3] [4]
Kenner figure[]
The Kenner Products King Alien.
A 'King' Xenomorph first physically appeared in Kenner Products' 1992 Series 4 of its Aliens toyline. This version of the creature stood more upright and instead of a crest, featured a pair of large mandible-like appendages that when resting, formed the shape of a crest on the head. It was predominantly green in color with black limbs and lower torso (although there was also a black and silver reissue).
Other physical distinctions include tusks very similar to those of the Sideshow Collectibles maquette, large blade-like hips and a bulbous sack for a tail which stored acid that it could spit in streams out of its mouth.
Other Kings[]
The idea of a "King" Xenomorph first appeared in the 1990 unproduced script for Alien3 by Vincent Ward. While being completely different in its design and nature, it is said to be able to spit acid much like the Sideshow Collectibles and Kenner Kings. This version of the King could also implant Chestbursters directly into victims and was able to camouflage itself similar to a chameleon.
The 1993 comic book Aliens: Rogue featured a genetically engineered human/Xenomorph hybrid called the Rogue that was also referred to as a 'king'.
Appearances[]
- Alien vs Predator: The Hunt Begins (second edition)
- Alien: The Roleplaying Game (mentioned only)
Gallery[]
