Ever since Dark Horse Comics began its many Predator crossovers, comic book fans have tossed around their fantasy superhero matchups. We’ve seen the Predator take on the likes of Batman and Superman, but there’s always been one character who seems like the perfect pairing with a Yautja — Wolverine.
Now that the franchise is under the Marvel banner, we’re finally getting the dream fight we’ve always wanted to see.
The four-issue limited series will hit store shelves in September. Between now and then, it should inspire buyers to track down those Predator keys.
PREDATOR #1 (1989)
This is the first order of business when tracking down Predator comics. The character’s debut featured cover art that was basically a take on the Predator 2 movie poster.
That makes sense given that the comic was a loose adaptation of the movie sequel. Only recently, the graded 9.8 sold for just shy of $600 on June 24.
BATMAN VERSUS PREDATOR #1
There’s no talking about the Predator facing a superhero without mentioning the Dark Knight. Next to AVP, this is the most famous of all the Predator crossovers, and for good reason.
The original tale of a Yautja invading Gotham City was superbly written with artwork that captured the brutal action that defined the limited series. You’re not exactly going to get rich flipping these with the graded 9.8 for the Predator variant earning about $50. However, the Batman variant in the prestige format has averaged closer to $80.
ALIEN VS. PREDATOR VS. TERMINATOR #1
Normally, this spot would be reserved for Alien Versus Predator, but let’s change things up a bit. If Dark Horse’s Predator era is known for anything, it’s the numerous crossovers. The publisher put together some epic dream matches from Alien Versus Predator to Robocop Versus The Terminator. When AVP got a dose of Terminator, it actually made sense in the grand scheme of epic crossovers. With the Aliens and Predator franchises getting revivals both on the screen and in the comics, it will put more emphasis on their key issues.
Don’t forget that James Cameron has said that he’s working on a new Terminator script. Put it all together, and it could create interest in this overlooked AVP/Terminator series.
Not many graded 9.8s trade hands online, but we have seen three sales this year, and two of those happened to be for $300 each. Up until then, it typically didn’t sell for more than $150.
PREDATOR #1 (2022)
Last year was a great time to be a Predator fan. Not only did we get Marvel’s long-awaited Predator revival, but even the most hardcore of fans was impressed with Hulu’s Prey. At some point, we are bound to get new Yautjas in the comics, and it’s likely we will see more of the Feral Predator from the newest film.
Like most modern first issues, Predator #1 had several variants and a second printing. At the moment, both editions have averaged around $30 for graded 9.8s.
THE FIRST OF MANY
Marvel fans have wanted a Wolverine/Predator fight for decades, and the upcoming series should be bloody and violent. This should be a hit for the publisher, and that will inevitably inspire other superhero crossovers.
I predict we will see the Predator face some of Marvel’s biggest stars in the not-too-distant future, but we all know what we want next: Predator versus The Punisher.
