When Disney purchased Fox in 2019, they gained the rights to many major franchises. One of the most important of the bunch was Predator, meaning that the Mouse House had to figure out what to do with the property. One of the logical things they did was give the license to Marvel Comics (which Disney also owns) so that the publisher could make new Predator comics. That kicked off in earnest this year with writer Ed Brisson and artist Kev Walker's new series. Now, Marvel has revealed that Brisson is relaunching the title yet again in early 2023 with a brand new #1 issue.
Per the press release, Predator #1 will hit shelves in March, offering readers a brand new jumping-on point. That said, those who have been following along with Brisson's current run will not be disappointed, as this will take place within the same continuity, advancing the story forward by a number of years. Marvel also revealed a brief synopsis for the new arc, which reads as follows:
"On a planet far from Earth, eight strangers find themselves in a deadly game. But this time, the Predators aren't the only ones on the hunt. Someone has the Yautja in their sites—and they've been searching for this game preserve for a long time. Prepare for a brutal, carnage-filled adventure that will turn everything you thought you knew about Predators on its head!"
A new artist will join in on the fun for this new arc in the form of Netho Diaz. Those interested in seeing what he has in store for us can check out the first piece of cover art, which we've included here for you to feast your eyes upon. Brisson had this to say about it:
"As a lifelong Predator fan—ever since seeing the first at the drive-in theatre at too-young-of-an-age—writing the comic has been an absolute dream gig. I've been thrilled at fan reaction and how I've been able to bring Theta into Predator lore—a bad-ass hunter we haven't seen the likes of since Dutch took down the Jungle Hunter back in 1987. My only problem with our first series was that it was over too soon! I wanted—no...needed—to write more in this universe. Thankfully, we're coming back, with incredible newcomer Netho Diaz on art, to tell a tale that ties into film continuity, while breaking new ground. We've got a new cast, new Predators, and some huge surprises in store! If you've read and enjoyed our first series, you are not going to want to miss out."
Meanwhile, 2022 proved to be a good year for Predator fans overall. Not only did the new comic not disappoint (my personal view on the matter), but we also got director Dan Trachtenberg's much-anticipated Prey on Hulu. Similarly, it is widely regarded as the best movie in the franchise in a long, long time, arguably since the original. Let's hope this new comic arc keeps the hot streak going.
Predator #1 is set to hit shelves on March 8, 2023.
