Season 9 begins with the 16 artists working in pairs to construct original alien animals that incorporate two models into one massive creation. Later, a surprise announcement from the judges keeps everyone on edge.

The artists arrive at the Port of Long Beach and board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter U.S.S. George Cobb, which is where they learn they'll be making beautiful but deadly sirens based on unique sea creatures. Working in teams of two, one group feels compelled to start from scratch on Day 2. At the same time, another duo struggles with streamlining different visions into one makeup.

The reality competition celebrates its 100th episode in style when the artists turn real-life couples into whimsically undead duos. Following the challenge, host McKenzie Westmore, who recently became an ordained minster, will perform a marriage ceremony attended by friends and family.

The artists must create a mashup character from famous works of genre literature.

The artists paired up to create the gatekeeper to an alternate dimension ... and the creature he or she guards.

Retro-style alien characters created for a Foundation Challenge come into play when the artists receive their Spotlight Challenge.

The artists face the challenge of taking a male model and turning him into a female character from a classic Shakespearean play.

The remaining artists add their own twist to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

A "barbaric" Foundation Challenge is judged by Oscar-winning makeup artist Robin Matthews. That's followed by a trip to the circus as the seven remaining artists compete to dazzle the judges with their freak show-inspired makeups.

Inspired by Syfy's The Expanse, the artists must create a character that represents the next stage in human evolution.

Part 1 of 2. The finalists learn their last challenge is to work with a real-life Hollywood director and full production crew to create three stunning short films on location.

A winner is crowned in the conclusion of the two-part Season 9 finale. But first, the finalists finish work on their characters for the short films they're making with director and creature designer Patrick Tatopoulos.