REVIEW: ‘Predator Vs. Black Panther’ Issue #1

Predator vs. Black Panther #1 is published by Marvel Comics. It is written by Benjamin Percy, with art by Chris Allen, Sean Damien Hill, Craig Yeung, and Lee Ferguson, colors by Erick Arciniega, and letters by Travis Lanham. In this issue, a pack of Predators chose Wakanda as their next hunting ground, where the protective measures of the nation could harm those that live inside it.

This comic has a similar concept to Predator vs. Wolverine but is an entirely fresh and separate story. This world of Black Panther is out of canon, laying the foundation for Percy to build off and disrupt by introducing these infamous cosmic hunters. There is a slow set-up for the confrontation, building exposition for both characters. The Predators are given backstories and motivation, giving them a specific reason to head to Wakanda and get tangled up with T’Challa and his family.

Meanwhile, the Black Panther is away from the cities of Wakanda, deep inside the jungle. This makes for perfect hunting territory for either set of characters. The pacing is slow for much of the first issue, focused on building the world before tearing it apart. But when the action does begin, Predator vs. Black Panther #1 bursts into a sprint. The opening scraps of violence are ruthless, with surprising conclusions showing how brutal this series will be.

The characters in Predator vs. Black Panther #1 are set at a brilliant baseline. Those in Wakanda are very well-known, but there are still questions about where they are compared to the current iteration of the characters. Black Panther is in the jungle with Shuri, Okoye, and other members of his army, but it is unknown how much he knows of the outside world.

This version of T’Challa is still uneasy about helping the outside world, isolating both himself and his nation’s vibranium. Not having those connections away from Africa is more beneficial for the danger of Predator vs. Black Panther #1 as Black Panther loses help that could come to his aid.

The script for the narration surrounding the Predator is fantastic. Using captions,  Percy details the family structure and the backstory leading up to this moment. It implements jealousy and fury into the monster’s personality, who has often seemed like an emotionless being.

The art captures the grittiness that this comic deserves. Predator vs. Black Panther #1 features many artists who illustrate the world of Wakanda and the characters of Black Panther’s corner of the Marvel Universe. There is excellent fluidity as the artists change, as they all aim to capture the same elements.

The Wakandans are in tune with both technology and nature, and the lines show that Black Panther makes his appearance. The idyllic setting of Wakanda contrasts with the wartorn world from which the Yautja originates. That landscape is brutal and unfriendly.

However, there is perhaps too much detail, and it can be challenging to discern what is happening against the rocks and dark settings. Some superb monster designs and jaw-dropping action are within it, but you will strain to make it out. When on Earth, the first hints at what the Predator can do are savage, fantastic opening gambits that show the Wakandans are in for an immense challenge.

The colors are rich and enticing. In the jungle, the tones are almost all natural, apart from the characters themselves. Black Panther and Shuri both have streaks of blue in their costumes, with purple light generated from the vibranium in T’Challa’s suit. The heroes may step out of the green of their surroundings, but the colors make them look like they fit in and look comfortable inside their home.

In contrast, the darkness of the Predator’s homeworld makes it hard to see. The textures of the rocks and the rain pound down, forcing the reader to strain to determine what is happening. The presence of the species’ green blood alleviates that early in the issue, ensuring the reader can see the carnage being unleashed. The lettering is the opposite; it is always clear and easy to read.

Predator Vs. Black Panther #1 starts the hunt on both sides. It is rare to see Black Panther and his supporting cast be caught off guard. Percy sets up the sense of security excellently, only to use it spectacularly against the heroes and flip the technology on its head. It’s a slower pace than expected, and there are some visual issues off-world, but the amount of characterisation given to the Predator was a pleasant surprise.

This approach provides more depth to a story that could easily have slid into a death match from the beginning. However, Percy is more than comfortable letting the tension build and the world expand before the slaughter starts properly.

Predator Vs. Black Panther #1 is available where comics are sold.