What to Expect from Predator: Badlands #1
Marvel Comics will release Predator: Badlands #1 on November 12, 2025—just five days after the film Predator: Badlands hits theatres on November 7. This one-shot tie-in has been crafted in close collaboration with director Dan Trachtenberg and serves as an official prelude to the movie
The story introduces readers to a young Yautja warrior named Dek, portrayed in the film by Dimitrius Schuster‑Koloamatangi, who is an outsider in his own Predator clan. In the comic he is tasked by his father to retrieve a piece of advanced technology from a derelict spaceship that crashed years earlier. What begins as a routine hunting mission quickly devolves into a fight for survival when an ancient, deadly threat ambushes him inside the ship—turning hunter into prey.
Written by Ethan Sacks and illustrated by up-and-coming artist Elvin Ching, the comic is designed not just as a tie-in, but as an essential piece of the larger Predator: Badlands mythology. Director Trachtenberg emphasized that this film is the first in the franchise to draw so heavily from comics, making Badlands #1 a “perfect companion” for viewers of the movie.
How the Comic Enhances the Film Experience
For longtime fans of the Predator franchise, Badlands #1 offers several key advantages. Firstly, it introduces Dek’s origin and mental state before his cinematic debut, helping readers understand his motivations, insecurities, and the cultural lore of the Yautja clan. These details are likely only hinted at in the film, so the comic fills gaps in character back-story and world-building.
Secondly, because Marvel worked hand in hand with the film’s creative team, the comic dovetails with the movie’s narrative rather than merely riding on its coattails. That means events depicted in the comic will enrich the film—not spoil it—by creating a deeper emotional resonance when audiences meet Dek on screen.
Finally, the spaceship mission premise allows for high-stakes action, Predator technology, alien settings, and moments of horror that mirror the tone of the film. It goes beyond simply being an introductory tease; it's a fully plotted adventure designed to stand on its own while priming readers for the film that follows.
What Makes This Prequel Unique in the Predator Franchise
The Predator franchise has a long history of comics, cross-overs and expanded lore, but Predator: Badlands #1 stands out for several reasons. While many earlier Predator comics were separate from the films or loosely tied in, this issue is explicitly linked to a major theatrical release and created in partnership with the filmmakers.
Moreover, the feature film itself reportedly shifts the perspective: instead of humans being hunted, this movie—and consequently the comic—places the Predator (Dek) in the protagonist’s shoes, exploring themes of belonging, honor, and conflict within Yautja society. The comic therefore sets the tone for a more introspective, culture-rich story, rather than purely survival horror.
What to Watch For When Reading
Though it’s a one-shot, Predator: Badlands #1 packs in several elements worth noting. Pay attention to Dek’s relationship with his father and clan, as that will inform his arc in the film. Watch for technology and alien artefacts that may tie into the movie’s plot. Also keep an eye out for artwork by Elvin Ching, which promises dynamic Yautja combat, alien landscapes, and Predator weaponry in full display. The variant cover by Juan Ferreyra (and additional movie variant) also make this a collector’s item for fans.
Final Thoughts
If you’re gearing up for Predator: Badlands, Predator: Badlands #1 is more than just a promotional tie-in—it’s a foundational piece of the story. Whether you’re a lifelong Predator comic reader or simply looking for a thrilling extra dimension to the film experience, this issue promises an exciting, action-packed adventure that deepens the cinematic world and gives readers a front-row seat to Dek’s transformation from outcast to hunter.
Prepare your wrist-cuffs, lock in that comic shop order, and get ready for a hunt unlike any you’ve read—or seen—before.