Predator: Badlands Gets An Official Prequel In November

Marvel Comics Announces Prequel to "Predator: Badlands" Film
Marvel Comics will release "Predator: Badlands #1" in November, serving as an official prequel to the upcoming 20th Century Studios film, "Predator: Badlands." The one-shot comic is a collaboration between writer Ethan Sacks, artist Elvin Ching, and film director Dan Trachtenberg, promising to expand the Predator universe with new characters and storylines.
Comic Book to Explore Origins Before Film's Narrative
The comic book delves into the backstory of Dek, a young Yautja (Predator) outcast, who is a central character in the film. The story focuses on a mission assigned to a young Yautja warrior by his father: to retrieve technology from a crashed spaceship. However, inside the ship, a dangerous, ancient threat awaits. This prequel aims to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of Dek's motivations and the world in which the film is set.
Creative Team and Collaboration
Ethan Sacks, known for his work on Marvel's Star Wars titles, penned the comic, while Elvin Ching, an alumnus of Marvel's Art Atelier program, provided the artwork. Director Dan Trachtenberg, who also serves as a writer on the film, collaborated closely on the comic's development and will contribute a foreword to the issue. This level of collaboration seeks to ensure that the comic seamlessly integrates with the film's narrative.
Expanding the Predator Universe
The "Predator" franchise, which began in 1987 with the original film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, has explored various timelines and settings. This prequel comic represents a continued effort to enrich the lore of the Predator universe. Dr. Anya Sharma, a cultural anthropologist specializing in science fiction franchises, commented on the significance of this approach: "Expanding the universe through tie-in comics allows studios to explore nuanced character development and world-building that might not be feasible within the constraints of a feature film. It caters to dedicated fans seeking a more immersive experience."
Industry Trend of Transmedia Storytelling
The release of "Predator: Badlands #1" reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry toward transmedia storytelling, where narratives are spread across multiple platforms, including films, television shows, video games, and comic books. "Studios are increasingly recognizing the value of transmedia storytelling," says Mark Olsen, a media studies professor at the University of Southern California. "It's not just about promoting a film; it's about creating a more engaging and comprehensive experience for the audience. By extending the narrative beyond the screen, studios can deepen fan engagement and loyalty."
Release Details and Anticipation
“Predator: Badlands #1” is slated for release on November 12, shortly after the film's theatrical debut on November 7. The comic will feature a cover by Juan Ferreyra and a variant cover by CAFU, along with a movie variant cover. Marvel Comics has released the following details:
Written by Ethan Sacks Art by Elvin Ching, Inks by Oren Junior Cover by Juan Ferreyra Variant Cover by CAFU Movie Variant Cover Also Available
The creative team expresses excitement for the project. Sacks stated, "For a writer who grew up a lifelong fan of the 'Predator' franchise, there is no bigger game than the chance to hunt with the Yautja." Trachtenberg added, "Badlands is the first Predator movie to draw inspiration so heavily from the comic books. Dek kicking ass in his very own comic book is a dream come true."
Historical Context of Predator Comics
The "Predator" franchise has a long history with comic books, dating back to the early 1990s when Dark Horse Comics acquired the license. These comics explored various aspects of the Predator mythology, often featuring intense action and expanding on the creatures' culture and hunting practices. Marvel Comics acquired the Predator license in 2021, continuing the tradition of exploring the universe through the comic book medium.
Originally sourced from: Movie