In celebration of the long-awaited release of Marvel's new Predator series, the deadly alien hunter is taking on various heroes from across the Marvel universe in a series of striking variant covers.
"Since making its debut in the landmark 1987 film, the remorseless alien killer has invaded pop culture in film, comic books, video games, and more," Marvel said of the newly-unveiled covers. "Now, the Predator begins a new conquest in a comic series launching this summer. Capturing the horrifying, unforgiving nature of Predator with classic Marvel Comics storytelling, these outstanding covers are sure to capture the imagination of both Marvel and Predator fans as they prepare for the launch of Predator #!"
The variants are drawn by a variety of comic book industry talent. They include a Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty #2 cover by Iban Coello, a Daredevil #2 cover by Bill Sienkiewicz, a Defenders Beyond #2 cover by Ron Lim and a Fantastic Four #22 cover by Superlog. Additional creators include Junggeun Yoon, Mirka Andolfo, Kyle Hotz, E.M. Gist, Mike Mayhew, James Stokoe, Gabriele Dell'Otto, Mattia de Iulis, Cory Smith, Juan Jose Ryp, Cary Nord, Chris Spouse, Dale Keown, Björn Barends, Humberto Ramos and Rahzzah. Amongst all of these variants, the Predator can be seen duking it out with nearly every major Marvel hero, from Blade to Spider-Man. In addition to these variants, a David Finch-illustrated cover of Predator #1 was previously revealed last month, showing the Yautja hunter standing atop Avengers Mansion holding the decapitated head of Iron Man.
Several of these variant covers were originally intended for release in 2021, the year that Marvel's Predator #1 was initially scheduled to debut. The comic was delayed by approximately a year. During that time, the Walt Disney Company -- Marvel's parent company -- settled a copyright lawsuit with Jim and John Thomas, the screenwriters between the original Predator film and its 1990 sequel.
Written by Ed Brisson (Deadpool: Black, White & Blood, Sinister War) and penciled by Kev Walker (Savage Avengers, Timeless), Predator #1 does not appear to feature a Yautja actually facing Marvel's finest superheroes. The issue instead features a story taking place in the near future, centered on a woman named Theta who aims to take revenge on a Predator for slaughtering her family. "I've been obsessed with Predator since first seeing the film at the drive-in theater as a kid," Brisson previously said. "I can still remember sitting there in horrified fascination and then acting out the movie for my classmates the following week at school. I bought the VHS and wore the hell out of the tape. Getting to write the characters' launch for Marvel is a dream come true. When they offered me the gig, I already had a million ideas ready to go."
Predator #1 goes on sale on July 6.
Source: Marvel