"It's our privilege," said Al Ovadia, President of Twentieth Century Fox Licensing & Merchandising, "to honor Dark Horse Comics, whose keen vision and dedication has greatly benefited the Aliens and Predator licenses. We are all tremendously appreciative and proud to recognize them as our Licensee of the Year." The announcement was made in the June/July issue of Twentieth Century Fox's official licensing newsletter, Spotlight On Fox.
Since 1988, Dark Horse Comics has maintained publishing rights for comic books based on the hit films Aliens and Predator, and has expanded these two licenses far beyond the scope of the original motion picture storylines.
"The first Aliens series was an overwhelming success and at the time of its release broke several sales records," said Dark Horse President and Publisher Mike Richardson. "In turn, Dark Horse has provided creative ideas to Fox resulting in additional licensing opportunities. It's been the perfect type of synergy relationship!" It was Dark Horse which came up with the idea of combining the two properties: Aliens vs. Predator, thus producing the record-breaking, highest-selling independently owned and operated comic-book in history.