REVIEW: ‘Predator,’ Issue #4

Predator #4 is written by Ed Brisson, illustrated by Kev Walker, colored by Frank D’Armata, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s published by Marvel Comics. Theta Berwick has been traveling the galaxy, hunting Predators in an attempt to find the Predator who killed her parents. She recently crash-landed on the snow-covered planet of Tusket and managed to find supplies to repair her ship. But the hunter has now become the hunted, as a pair of Predator ships have landed on Tusket!

This entire issue is a massive fight between Theta and the Predators, and Brisson & Walker don’t let up for a moment. The opening pages feature Theta’s ship streaking through the atmosphere, with the Predator fighters in hot pursuit. The dogfight turns into a crash landing, which then turns into a one-on-one fight between Theta and a Predator warrior. It’s enough to get the reader’s blood pumping while also making use of each and every panel to keep the story flowing.

Brisson also keeps the fight compelling by delving into Theta’s state of mind. She’s in no state to fight the Predator – not only is she drunk, but she’s also letting emotions cloud her judgment. And it nearly costs her her life as the Predator she’s facing quickly overpowers her. Her internal monologue reflects this as she berates herself for not being prepared to fight. “I gave him the advantage,” her inner captions read, each word tinged with self-loathing. “Served myself up on a platter.” It helps set her apart from other protagonists in the Predator franchise while also keeping in touch with the human nature of said protagonists. After all, part of the fun is seeing how a normal person takes down an armored alien hunter.

Walker’s artwork is a visually stunning tableau, drawing in the reader’s eye with carefully crafted bursts of violence. His crowning achievement is designing a new Predator, whose jet-black armor and hulking build make it look like a cross between the Shredder and a Ringwraith. And it moves with terrifying speed, impaling Theta with its spear and then grabbing her by the throat. Your pulse will rise with each and every page, and D’Armata’s color work covers most of the action in shadows, making things even scarier. The sole source of light comes from the fiery orange roar of the starships’ engines cutting across the sky and the Predator’s blood-red eyes tracking its prey.

Finally, Cowles’ lettering brings some impact to the fight scenes. Every hit is punctuated with a “Shluck” or “Shff” as blades penetrate flesh and bodies hit the floor. The Predator itself has jet black and white word balloons that feel less like word balloons and more like shattered pieces of glass. And I didn’t think it was possible, but he manages to replicate the clicking sound that’s become synonymous with the Predator’s mandibles.

Predator #4 is a prime slice of Yautja action from beginning to end. It’s also a reminder that it’s a great time to be a Predator fan; between the comics and Prey, there’s plenty of bloody action for fans of the franchise to enjoy.

Predator #4 is available wherever comics are sold.