Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Line 24 cupcake tins with liners.
Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Divide batter evenly among cupcake tins, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool completely.
In a small bowl, mix together frosting and black food coloring only add a small amount at a time until desired shade of gray is achieved. Add the frosting to a piping bag and add a large cut tip.
In a small bowl, mix frosting and green food coloring until desired shade of green is achieved. Add the frosting to a piping bag with a Wilton 18 star tip.
Use the gray frosting to pipe a smooth flat circle on top of each cupcake.
Place M&M’s around the outer edge of the cupcake as the spaceship lights.
Use the green frosting to pipe a small swirl in the middle of each cupcake to form the alien.
Place the decorator eyes on the alien.
