Serving as the official prequel to the highly anticipated film Predator: Badlands and created in collaboration with director Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands #1 expands the mythos of the Yautja in thrilling fashion. The story centers on a young Yautja warrior sent on a seemingly simple mission by his father to recover lost technology from a crashed spacecraft. What begins as a test of skill and loyalty quickly descends into horror when the warrior discovers an ancient, deadly force waiting within. This tale explores the essence of Yautja culture (its unyielding hunt, mastery of weaponry, and code of honor) while deepening our understanding of their world.
Set before the events of the film, Predator: Badlands follows Dek on a mission to prove his worth to his father. Alongside his brother Kwei, he journeys to the Moon of Pelkonen IV to retrieve the power core of a long-lost ship. Though its crew perished centuries ago, the ship’s AI remains active, guarding a promise made long ago. As Dek ventures deeper, the defenses unleash swarms of alien creatures and eventually the AI itself, now encased in an imposing Yautja-like shell. The confrontation leads to a finale that is predictable if you have seen the film yet still delivers a satisfying adventure.
Ethan Sacks keeps the narrative of Predator: Badlands focused squarely on momentum, propelling the story from one thrilling action sequence to the next with precision and energy. His pacing is sharp and efficient, ensuring there is rarely a dull moment. What the script lacks, however, is deeper character insight or new revelations beyond what the film already provides. The emotional and narrative stakes remain low, largely because Dek’s survival is a given for anyone familiar with the movie’s timeline.
Sacks handles the assignment with enthusiasm and a clear respect for the franchise’s tone. The comic delivers exactly what it promises: an energetic, visually charged extension of the Badlands universe. Even if the issue concludes a bit too quickly, it remains an enjoyable and well-crafted companion piece for fans eager to stay in Dek’s world a little longer.
Elvin Ching and Oren Junior combine their talents to create a visually captivating issue that feels alive with motion and energy. Ching’s pencils capture Dek’s look and presence from the film with impressive accuracy, translating his movements and expressions into a style that feels both powerful and precise. Junior’s bold inking gives each page a sense of weight and depth, emphasizing the strength and agility of the combat sequences. The fluid choreography of Dek’s battles echoes scenes from the Badlands film, making the action instantly familiar yet thrillingly fresh on the page.
Although the comic features fewer alien creatures than the movie, Ching compensates with imaginative designs, particularly in the climactic showdown against a menacing security system that serves as a formidable final opponent. The pacing mirrors the swift ferocity of the Predators themselves, keeping readers hooked through every motion-filled panel. What makes this adaptation especially rewarding is the added emotional layer. Seeing a young Predator remove his helmet, his face filled with grit and determination to earn his father’s respect, adds touching depth to the lore and enriches the mythos of the Yautja.
Overall, Predator: Badlands #1 is a fast-paced and gripping prequel that delivers everything fans could hope for. It dives deep into Yautja lore while standing confidently as its own story. The narrative moves with intensity and purpose, perfectly capturing the ferocity and primal drive that define the Predator species. Each page is infused with tension and excitement, making the comic a must-read for longtime followers and newcomers alike.
Although it does not drastically reshape the mythology, this issue succeeds as a natural companion to the Badlands film. Reading it beforehand adds some emotional weight and narrative depth to Dek’s story, enhancing the cinematic experience rather than spoiling it. The pacing and visuals work together to build suspense, setting up the film’s events with precision and flair. For anyone still energized by Predator: Badlands on the big screen, this comic serves as the perfect continuation. It may not revolutionize the franchise, but it enriches it, extending the hunt with style and leaving readers hungry for more.
‘Predator: Badlands’ #1 Review: The Prequel Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
Although Predator: Badlands #1 does not drastically reshape the mythology, it succeeds as a natural companion to the Badlands film.
