As far as modern skateboard graphics go, this is one of the most instantly recognisable and iconic of any released in the last three decades. The ‘Visitor’ grey alien figure has long been a recurring theme of Alien Workshop’s brand aesthetic since its foundation in 1990. This twist on the original design features the familiar bug-eyed, insect-like alien figure, set on a reptile skin pyramid and screened onto a dark wood stain deck.

In fitting with Alien Workshop’s unerringly consistent worldview, this one board graphic manages to incorporate notions of government conspiracy, extraterrestrial life, reptilian shape-shifters and street skateboarding into one symmetrically shaped piece of wood. Hardly surprising for a brand currently based in a decommissioned underground nuclear bunker out the outskirts of Dayton, Ohio where the brand and now sole owner Mike Hill relocated following a tumultuous era of buy-outs, which saw the Workshop go on a two year hiatus in 2014.

“this one board graphic manages to incorporate notions of government conspiracy, extraterrestrial life, reptilian shape-shifters and street skateboarding into one symmetrically shaped piece of wood”

Since then Hill, with artistic assistance from employee Matt Williams, have returned to the roots of the brand, reissuing many iconic graphics from Alien Workshop’s earlier years, rebuilt an entirely new team after the Dill and AVE led exodus to FA Entertainment and released a number of typically mysterious new video projects including the excellent ‘Bunker Down’ which is the brand’s sixth.

This Alien Workshop ‘Visitor’ skateboard speaks to that renaissance with a reworking of one of Workshop’s most iconic graphics, complete with original Alien Workshop logic designed by Neil Blender on the alien figure’s Star Trek inspired singlet. (If you read the original logo backwards in a mirror it spells out ‘Neil B’ for those nerds out there.)

This Alien Workshop ‘Visitor’ Logo deck comes in at a little cheaper than their pro range with an 8.5” width on a popsicle shape with the traditional long shallow nose that Workshop decks and known for and a shorter and steeper spoon shaped tail.

Concave-wise this one is mid range depth and with a 14.5” wheelbase, is probably suited to the taller skater.
A classic board shape from a truly idiosyncratic brand with deep, deep roots in skateboarding lore. Join the Sect and get abducted.

• ALIEN WORKSHOP – VISITOR
• RRP: £44.95
• Width : 8.5″
• Length: 32″
• Wheelbase: 14.5″
• ALIENWORKSHOP.COM