We had to wait over a year for a new Predator comic from Marvel, but it has been worth the wait. Predator #2 is out this week, and it’s exciting to know writer Ed Brisson can build on the Predator universe and mythos. He said as much on the AIPT Comics podcast two weeks ago! In the second issue, Theta has crash-landed on an inhospitable world, and a Predator is the least of her concerns.
Set in the year 2056, it’s interesting to think this series takes place just far enough into the future to be a believable advancement in tech, yet aliens exist, and Theta is roughing it on strange worlds. This issue largely shifts the focus away from Predator hunting to show us a little world-building and how Theta is tough as nails. She’s survived years on the idea of pushing forward even when the odds are against her.
That toughness is revealed well through the harsh winter scenes drawn by Kev Walker and the eventual threat that pops up. Theta thinks fast and knows it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. Brisson doesn’t let us forget she’s still good at heart and shows a little care to the jerks in the world.
Walker offers up some fun character design too.
Credit: Marvel
Brisson also throws in some psychosis for Theta to deal with. This ties back to her trauma while reminding us Theta may be tough as nails, but she still has some stuff to get through. It’s a nice reminder before she puts her tough exterior back on.
After all that, Brisson and Walker remind us this is a Predator book, setting up what is essentially the beginning of many horror scenes. The cliffhanger sets up a major confrontation, but what leads to that cliffhanger is some perfect pacing and layout design. Walker draws your eye to essential elements, renders the techno interiors well, and sets a strong mood. Colors by Frank D’Armata help bring the horror vibes to this sequence.
One could argue after the first extra-sized issue, this issue is light on plot, but it makes up for that with pacing. It’s never boring and keeps moving things along. Could it use a bit more Predator? Probably, but if you enjoyed the first issue, you’re likely here for the ride.
Predator #2 pulls back a bit to show how tough Theta is and how harsh the world is around her. She’s up against a lot, but through determination and a never-give-up attitude, she’s a hero you can get behind. Now, if she can survive what comes next with her back against the wall, she’ll be tough as nails.
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