The American version of Heavy Metal Magazine began in 1977 as a magazine for adult comics, a blend of dark fantasy, science fiction and erotica. Initially it displayed translations of graphic stories originally published in the French version, Métal Hurlant, and included work by Enki Bilal, Philippe Caza, Guido Crepax, Philippe Druillet, Jean-Claude Forest, Jean Giraud (aka Moebius) and Milo Manara. Work by international fine artists such as H. R. Giger and Esteban Maroto have been featured on the covers of various issues. Many stories were presented as long-running serials, such as those by Richard Corben, Pepe Moreno and Matt Howarth. Illustrator Alex Ebel contributed artwork over the course of his career. An adaptation of the film Alien, written by Archie Goodwin and drawn by Walter Simonson, was published in the magazine in 1979. The magazine was owned and published by Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.