The Aliens universe is constantly expanding as new comics, video games, movies, and books are created. With each text, the IP’s lore is built upon and fined tuned, creating an epic canon that speaks to fans of a variety of interests and backgrounds. Cult favourite Aliens marine, Jenette Vasquez, is set to receive her own, fleshed out, backstory in the upcoming novel Aliens: Vasquez written by V. Castro. Castro, known for her works Goddess of Filth (2021), The Queen of the Cicadas (2021), and Mestiza Blood (2022), talks about her forthcoming novel with this interview.
Entertainment Weekly recently did a cover reveal and a synopsis of Aliens: Vasquez. What are some more juicy, but spoiler-free, details that you can reveal about the novel?
As many people know from my books I always include a little romantic heat. This will not skip that! Santa Muerte and Dia de Los Muertos make appearances. You find out how Vasquez meets Drake. I can’t say more!
What are your earliest and fondest memories of the Aliens/Predator universe? What has been the impact of these films on you?
I was so very young! Times are different now. When I was a child, I loved Aliens because there was another child in it AND a Latina character. Back then there were so few Latinas represented in big films. Even though the character was not played by a Latina in the film, it still felt huge. I am so honored to write this story and I hope everyone enjoys it.
When writing Vasquez, did you stick mostly to the Aliens film as your source material? Or were you able to leverage the various comics, games, and other texts out there?
I had to use everything that mentioned Vasquez to make sure there were no inconsistencies, however, I watched the film a few times to get into the frame of mind.
What were some of the challenges you encountered while writing for an IP? What were some of the pleasant surprises?
The challenge is it has to stay in line with existing canon and everything goes through a lot of checks. In general, it was just fun to write because I have been a fan since I was a kid!
What are your proudest elements that you go to add to Vasquez to develop her even further?
Probably giving her snapshots of her past a Latina might have experienced and taking her beyond the stereotype. I include the use of cascarones which are hollowed out eggs filled with confetti. They are then cracked on each other’s heads. I use this very Latinx experience to foreshadow her future.
The Alien and Predator films are full of iconic quotes. What is your favourite quote in Aliens: Vasquez?
“El riesgo siempre vive.” I use this quote in her backstory and plays a role in her legacy.
What is the biggest thing you want readers and fans of the franchise to take away from your book?
That there are so many exciting places we can take established characters and stories when we include writers from different backgrounds to leave their unique stamp. I loved using my own experiences in Texas when writing this book.
What are your upcoming projects you like folks to stay tuned for?
I would love for people to preorder and continue to make noise for this book so I can continue to write for the franchise!
Aliens: Vasquez will be released October 25th from Titan Books. It can be pre-ordered at Amazon, or query your favourite indie book store.
Sincere thanks to V. Castro for doing this interview. She can be found at:
If you’ve enjoyed this Aliens/LV426 Day interview, please feel free to check out my other Aliens articles:
- Alien Day 2017: “A Retrospective on Aliens: Thanatos Encounter“
- Alien Day 2018: “Sticky Faces and Alpha Rays – We’re in Danger! The Italian Alien Knockoff Legacy“