The aftermath of the brutal Yautja invasion leaves the Earth’s heroes battered but not defeated. As they regroup to mount a final stand, Wolverine and Nightcrawler step forward to lead the charge. Logan’s past encounters with the deadly Predators may give him an edge, but will it be enough to turn the tide this time? Adding another layer of intrigue, an unexpected ally arrives, shifting the balance and raising the stakes for Earth’s defenders.
The opening two issues of Predator Kills the Marvel Universe fully delivered on the grim promise of its title, as a Yautja invasion tore through Earth, leaving beloved heroes like the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Fantastic Four in its wake. In issue #3, the story shifts focus to the Hulk’s climactic showdown against a horde of Predators. While the battle delivers the expected level of intense, brutal action, it struggles to offer much beyond the sheer spectacle of the fight. The pacing feels slower, as Percy uses much of the issue to lay the groundwork for the climactic final two installments. Only a few full-length battles appear, which, while not inherently negative, leave the issue feeling like it could benefit from a bit more narrative development to balance the action.
Percy clearly aims to put Marvel’s heroes through their most harrowing ordeal yet. They must not only face Yautja ships ravaging the planet but also contend with an army of Predators who have been coached on their weaknesses by Kraven the Hunter. He confronts the Hulk at the Triskelion, successfully using a vibranium cannon to strip him of his Gamma energy. Despite this, Hulk still manages to take down several Predators, showcasing his unstoppable strength.
Kraven demonstrates how seamlessly he has adapted to the Predators’ hunting ways, moving closer than ever to realizing his goal: becoming the greatest human hunter. Having trained alongside the Predators, he is also the mastermind behind the assault on Earth. It’s only natural that he emerges as a central antagonist. Like the Yautja, Kraven thrives on hunting the rarest and most challenging prey, making him a perfect fit among these alien hunters who pursue life for sport.
Meanwhile, Wolverine arrives at the X-Mansion only to find Graveyard brutally massacring Professor X and the X-Men with his vibranium armor and advanced weaponry. At the last moment, Nightcrawler intervenes, saving Wolverine from a similar fate. Wolverine is a key target not only because of his near indestructibility but also because of the value of his adamantium skeleton. Drawing on his past encounters with the Yautja, he understands the deadly challenge he now faces.
On the dark side of the Moon, the King of the Yautja unleashes a fleet of drones on strategic human targets (nuclear plants, power stations, the White House, and NASA) to leave Earth vulnerable and cut off. Yet there is an unexpected spy among them: Sue Storm, who survived the initial assault and is now positioned close to the Yautja King, giving humanity a potential, though precarious, advantage.
The brutal action is brought to life by Daniel Picciotto, who takes over art duties from Marcelo Ferreira. Picciotto fully embraces the series’ penchant for gore, especially in a tense sequence where Wolverine confronts a Predator amid the smoldering ruins of Xavier’s School for the Gifted. His art is richly detailed and heavily influenced by 1990s comics, using exaggerated body language and dramatic shadows to heighten both the movement and the dark, suspenseful atmosphere that defines this story. The Hulk’s showdown is particularly savage, with him sending Predators flying with a sonic clap, crushing one beneath his massive foot, and even tearing another in half.
In the end, Predator Kills the Marvel Universe #3 serves largely as a bridge to the story’s climactic final two issues. However, it still delivers the signature carnage that has become a hallmark of the series. Percy raises the stakes, beginning to bring Marvel’s remaining heroes together in anticipation of the looming showdown. Artist Daniel Picciotto brings the violence to life with his striking visuals, perfectly capturing the brutal tone of the story. The issue also reinforces why Kraven the Hunter remains one of Marvel’s most dangerous and formidable.
‘Predator Kills the Marvel Universe’ #3 Review: Hulk vs. Yautja Carnage & Kraven’s Master Plan
Predator Kills the Marvel Universe #3 serves largely as a bridge to the story’s climactic final two issues. However, it still delivers the signature carnage that has become a hallmark of the series. Percy raises the stakes, beginning to bring Marvel’s remaining heroes together in anticipation of the looming showdown.
