A centuries-old interstellar conflict threatens humanity's very existence as a long-lost Predator clan stakes its claim for galactic dominance, intent on exterminating its rival clan, the selfsame trophy hunters who have plagued Earth's history and every world they have touched. And if the advanced technology and military precision of this new threat weren't enough, they have an even more terrifying weapon at their disposal -- Aliens, weaponized and under their malefic control. This puts earthmen in the dangerous position of parlaying with the same alien warriors who have relentlessly hunted them, and who better to carry out the negotiations than Machiko Noguchi, the only human known to have spent time alongside the Hunters.

We caught up with artist, Rick Leonardi, to talk about AVP Three World War.

The Big Bad Wolf: Have you always been a fan of both the Aliens and Predator franchises?

Rick Leonardi: Naturally. Alien in particular was such a trailblazer in that it used all that good ILM technology, not to tell a inspirational epic like Star Wars or 2010, but for a wicked good horror movie! Predator felt like a high-concept Schwarzenegger vehicle at the time, more of a stretch for him than the Terminator, since he was playing a human. But it worked!

The Big Bad Wolf: Which movie stands out as your favorite?

Rick Leonardi: Aliens. I was living in Boston then, and paid to see it maybe six times. The dropships and the Marines really hooked me.

The Big Bad Wolf: As a veteran of the industry, you have worked on very high profile books in your career such as Uncanny X-Men, Daredevil and many more. With that being said, do you feel any added pressure while working on this book knowing the huge fan base that both Alien and Predator have?

Rick Leonardi: The degree to which the Aliens, Predators, and now the AvP films continue to be in heavy rotation on cable should have tipped me off to the broad popularity of the franchise. But honestly, I had no idea! So, as with any property that's so well known to such a partisan base, it's pretty crucial to get it right.

The Big Bad Wolf: How is it working with writer, Randy Stradley, on this book?

Rick Leonardi: Well, continuing my last point, it's a big relief when the writer on a project that's bound to be as scrutinized as AvP before being devoured ( the project, not the writer) is someone with loads of experience with the material. And Randy, moreover, has actually contributed to the AvP canon, which makes him doubly authoritative. As penciler, I can wade in with high confidence that the story concepts, the big picture, are sound, so I can concentrate on getting the details right.

The Big Bad Wolf: What has impressed you the most with his script?

Rick Leonardi: So far, its concision and efficiency: no fat or flowers, just the facts. But that's the penciler talking. Randy's parceling out the story in reasonable, effective and entertaining episodes, fleshing out his characters, building to what should be a senses-shattering reveal in the final book. All very professional, which is what you'd expect from a large-caliber talent.

The set-up to this point of the story raises so many interesting questions- how did the "killers" domesticate the xenomorphs? why? in what other ways besides mandibular structure are these xenomorphs hybrids? what do the xenomorphs get out of an arrangement that runs so counter to their species' need? etc- questions that Randy poses only implicitly, mind you, that I 'm antsy to see the last scripts.

The Big Bad Wolf: What are your thoughts on the impressive covers for this series by Raymond Swanland?

Rick Leonardi: I was thrown out of a painting course when I was a lad, so anybody who can work with color has my deepest respect.

The Big Bad Wolf: You have had plenty of practice drawing Aliens throughout your career as you were the artist on Green Lantern versus Aliens as well as a few Dark Horse Presents issues. What are your thoughts on your return to drawing Xenomorphs?

Rick Leonardi: My initial thought about drawing these guys on a steady basis was that they'd be tough. So many anatomical elements, so much fussy detail, the teeth, the tail- I'm gonna be here all day! I was forgetting of course that the secret to being an Alien, their character in fact, is to be furtive, shadowy, and fast. If you as penciler show them too much, if they're seen too completely panel after panel, you're spoiling the effect.

The Big Bad Wolf: This series shows the most evil Predator clan to date that use Aliens as weapons. How fun is that to draw?

Rick Leonardi: Whoever came up with the notion for the original AvP relationship was pretty darn clever. The predators, in the interest of creating worthwhile opponents capture a queen, host her eggs on hapless natives, then hunt the offspring. It's perfect! It unites the two franchises, and answers a bunch of questions in the bargain. Like why the predators need plasma cannons and remote sensing and invisibility if all they're doing is hunting extraterrestrial big game? Arnold put up a good fight, but he's Arnold! Clearly the predators have scarier opponents in mind.

So, what's this new deal? Why would Xenomorphs work for Predators instead of lunching them? What weapon potential does a tame Alien confer to a Predator that the Predator would need in addition to all his other toys? Stay tuned..

The Big Bad Wolf: What do you find most interesting about drawing the main character of this series, Machiko Noguchi?

Rick Leonardi: There've been some fun group shots so far: huge seven foot predators, hulking strapped-up marines, and right in the middle, this wee Mulan figure.

The Big Bad Wolf: Has their been a particular battle scene that stands out as your favorite in the series so far?

Rick Leonardi: The combined assault on the killers' base in issue #4 is shaping up nicely. Lots of dropships and predator craft, mass confusion- Randy wanted Normandy beach, and I'm trying my best to deliver.

The Big Bad Wolf: For those that may have not had a chance to pick up any of the issues yet or are waiting for the trade, can you let them know what they can expect in terms of blood and carnage from this series?

Rick Leonardi: Well, we've had at least one grisly death per issue through #3, but that's just opening rounds. The fight's on with issue #4, and everybody's packing.

The Big Bad Wolf: Which artists influenced your style?

Rick Leonardi: You have to go back to the old masters- Foster, Caniff, Eisner (and if these aren't names to you, shame!)- for my early curriculum. For AvP, I'm looking at Toth, Mignola (always), and a lot of Giraud for the desert stuff and the set-pieces.

The Big Bad Wolf: Where can our readers learn more information about you and your art?

Rick Leonardi: I guess Google's the best bet. Or (for laughs) Wikipedia. Or try your friendly, neighborhood retailer; if he's any good, he should be able to pull some back issues.

The Big Bad Wolf: In closing, what would you like to say to our readers about the AVP Three World War comic?

Rick Leonardi: My hope is the series will be fun, full of good art and involving writing. I especially hope that by the time we get to the final pages, we will have have told you something you didn't expect about these characters, something that will make you curious about them again in the same way you were fascinated when you first encountered them.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a firefight to draw!..

The Big Bad Wolf: Thank you for your time, Rick. Best of luck with the AVP comic!

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