The xenomorph mouse

The xenomorphs from the Aliens series always take on characteristics of their host species. That’s not what happened to this computer mouse; it didn’t meet a face-hugger.

That said, this alien mouse did meet modder Ramses07. Ramses07 skillfully broke down a CM Storm Xornet and rebuilt it to be the machine we see here.

What do you think? Awesome or too scary to use? H.R. Giger would be proud. His designs continue to inspire.

How the H.R. Giger aesthetic influenced sci-fi

H.R. Giger’s biomechanical aesthetic, a fusion of the organic and the machine, has left an indelible mark on science fiction, influencing film, art, and video games. Here’s how:  

1. Visual Language of the “Alien” Franchise: Giger’s most iconic contribution is undoubtedly his design work for the Alien franchise. With its sleek, biomechanical form, elongated head, and terrifying inner jaw, the xenomorph became a sci-fi horror symbol. The film’s visuals, from the derelict spaceship to the creature’s life cycle, were heavily influenced by Giger’s nightmarish paintings and sculptures.  

2. A New Breed of Sci-Fi Horror: Giger’s aesthetic helped redefine sci-fi horror, moving away from bug-eyed monsters and towards a more visceral, disturbing kind of alien. His work tapped into primal fears and anxieties, blurring the lines between the human and the monstrous, the technological and the organic. This influence can be seen in films like Species, Prometheus, and Event Horizon.  

3. Biomechanical Art and Design: Giger’s art inspired a generation of artists and designers, leading to a surge in biomechanical imagery in various media. His influence can be seen in album covers (like Debbie Harry’s Koo Koo), video games (Dark Seed), and furniture design.  

4. Cyberpunk and Dystopian Visions: Giger’s dark, industrial aesthetic resonated with cyberpunk themes, contributing to the visual language of dystopian sci-fi. His work explored the anxieties of technology and its potential to dehumanize, themes often found in cyberpunk literature and films like Blade Runner and The Matrix.  

5. A Sense of the Uncanny: Giger’s art often evokes a sense of the uncanny, a feeling of unease and strangeness when confronted with something familiar yet disturbingly different. This feeling is central to many sci-fi narratives that explore the boundaries of humanity and the unknown.

In Summary: Giger’s biomechanical aesthetic revolutionised sci-fi visuals, introducing a darker, more disturbing, and psychologically complex dimension to the genre. His influence continues to be felt today, shaping our perceptions of aliens, technology, the future and, it seems, our computer mice.