Predator #4 Review

Written by: Ed Brisson
Art by: Kev Walker
Colors by: Frank D’Armata
Letters by: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover art by: Leinil Francis Yu, Sunny Gho
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: November 2, 2022

Predator #4 turns Theta’s revenge mission into a fight to stay alive when she’s ambushed by Predators on the ground and in the air, culminating in an unexpected defeat.

Is It Good?

Predator #4 kicks the simmering series into high gear with an action-packed script by Ed Brisson.

When last we left Theta, she started to suspect the Predators were aware of her hunting mission and were actively looking for her. Now, that suspicion is confirmed, and the Predators have joined forces (an unprecedented move for typically solo hunters), and she’s forced to survive attacks on multiple fronts. The fight concludes (for now) with a bit of help from an unexpected source.

This reviewer appears to be in the minority of readers who appreciate Brisson’s attempt at doing something different with the franchise. That appreciation bears fruit with an issue filled with gritty action (some in the air, some hand-to-hand), energetic pacing, dramatic dialog, and an intriguing cliffhanger.

In truth, there’s not much forward progress in this issue. It’s mostly action, so traditional Predator fans may like this one more than the previous three, but the action also tells part of the story (Predators are looking for Theta, and they’re working together). We learn Theta is a formidable fighter but makes costly mistakes, and the scope of Theta’s hunt has suddenly grown much larger. This well-written story doesn’t lean on the dreaded D-word, “Decompression,” to build and progress the plot.

Walker and D’Armata deserve credit for the exciting action and elevated drama. The aerial fights are thrilling, the hand-to-hand fight is gripping, and Theta’s facial acting is excellent.

About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.

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Final Thoughts:

Predator #4 takes a solid series and steps up the pacing and action for a thrilling issue. Rather than replace storytelling with mindless action, the action moves the plot forward and reveals new information about the effect of Theta’s hunt on the Predator race. This is an excellent issue that should please OG Predator fans.