Predator: Badlands #1 Review: Prequel Masterfully Sets Stage

by

Numerous comic books have been created based on the Predator series. Though it’s often unclear if these stories are officially part of the Predator universe, many of the concepts they introduced have appeared in the films. These ideas primarily explore the culture of the Yautja—the alien hunters who value honor and the thrill of the chase. Predator: Badlands #1 heavily utilizes this established lore, but it also works well as a standalone story and a prequel to the movie it’s based on.

Predator: Badlands #1, a comic book created with director Dan Trachtenberg, is written by Ethan Sacks and features artwork by Elvin Ching and Orin Junior. The story follows Dek, a young Predator hoping to prove himself as a skilled hunter. He faces a challenge not only from the trials ahead, but also from his own father, who doesn’t believe he’s worthy of a proper hunt.

I was really relieved when Dek’s older brother, Kwei, started to believe in him. It led to a chance for Dek to prove himself – he got a mission to retrieve a power core from what everyone thought was a deserted alien ship orbiting Pelkonen IV. But things quickly went south! The ship wasn’t abandoned at all, and Dek found himself in a desperate fight for survival against its automated defenses. It’s a thrilling setup, honestly!

Predator: Badlands comic enjoyable even ignoring the movie

Predator Badlands #1 is a strong start to the series, packed with exciting action. The story highlights Dek’s cleverness and how it develops when he faces off against a determined artificial intelligence. We also see how this experience leads Dek to become skilled at creating weapons from whatever he can find.

The Predator: Badlands comic doesn’t just build up the character of Dek and the world of the movie – it’s a great story on its own. You don’t need to have seen any of the Predator films to enjoy it. At its heart, it’s a relatable story about a son seeking his father’s approval, and while it uses the established history of the Yautja, it also delivers a thrilling, visually stunning experience thanks to the talented art team.

Predator: Badlands #1 is a great read for anyone who enjoys the Predator series. It works perfectly both as a backstory to the films and as its own self-contained story, making it well worth seeking out.

Grade: 8/10

Predator: Badlands #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

Read More

2025-11-12 22:37