What It's Really Like To Be A Member Of Alita: Battle Angel's Alita Army

After spending eons trapped in development limbo, patient moviegoers finally got the chance to check out Alita: Battle Angel on February 14, 2019. This cyberpunk action thrill ride brought writer Yukito Kishiro's popular manga series, Battle Angel Alita, to life in live-action for the first time — introducing new eyes to the titular cyborg's story. With this influx of novice Alita (Rosa Salazar) devotees came the informal establishment of the Alita Army, a massive worldwide group dedicated to covering, speculating on, or simply discussing their love for all things related to director Robert Rodriguez's movie.

The Alita Army's arguable biggest claim to fame, so far, is their endless advocacy for an Alita: Battle Angel sequel somewhere down the line. They've spread their message across the internet via social media as well as countless petitions, making it known they'll take another installment in the franchise no matter the format. Naturally, from the outside looking in, one has to wonder what it's actually like to join this influential faction and participate in its many movements. 

Luckily, for those unfamiliar with the Alita Army, one of its key organizers came out last month and shed some light on how they operate, what their goals are, and what the members are all about.

In an interview with Comic Watch, Alita Army member Ray Duell took a deep dive into the inner workings of his group. He received a question concerning how those within it manage to be a positive force for change, and avoid the same pitfalls as some members of the Zack Snyder's Justice League fan movement, for example. Duell labels the Alita Army as "organized chaos," devoid of a sole figurehead, which opens the door for more collaboration. "We discuss it all, looking for the angles to promote the movie, the IP, the sequel agenda, to do good works, and to have fun with fellow fans while we are doing it," he says.

At the same time, Duell makes sure to mention that, "There are differences of opinion, thrashed out arguments, and sometimes the need to remind some folks why we are doing this. We are here for the girl. Alita. So she gets her sequels and her story is told in high fidelity sight and sound." He then discusses how, after Alita's initial theatrical run, much of the so-called Alita Army member disappeared, leaving behind only the most committed of the bunch. "We knew that's what we had to do. Be in for the long [haul] to get more Alita."

In wrapping up his answer, Ray Duell says that the Alita Army is a magnet for only the warmest and kindest of the fanbase. "It is people with a good heart that find the story so endearing. And that is the basis for why the fandom, in general, is so positive and giving – it is in their nature." 

With that in mind, if you're looking for a place to voice your love for Alita: Battle Angel, your hopes for a sequel, or simply want to chat with some genuinely good folks, the Alita Army will welcome you with open arms.