The planet Earth lives on in Predator lore… a planet full of the most exhilarating prey they could imagine! And the strongest weapons in the Multiverse are in their sights. When a young Predator with something to prove comes for Wakanda’s vibranium, the Black Panther faces an enemy whose resources rival those of his great nation. Who will prove stronger? Predator Vs Black Panther #1 kicks off what could potentially be an exciting battle but the art trips up the storytelling that drags things out.

When it comes to prey that should put up a good fight, the Black Panther feels like it’d be a good match against a Predator. Technology takes on technology and strategy takes on strategy in what has a lot of potential. Predator Vs Black Panther #1 brings us that clash, sort of, as it sets things up but feels like it drags things out a bit too much.

Written by Benjamin Percy, Predator Vs Black Panther #1 focuses on a Predator who clashes with his brother and father and decides that it needs Vibranium to up its weaponry to exact revenge against its family. This leads it to Wakanda where the Black Panther and Shuri debate about Wakanda’s role in the world. The comic is an ok debut issue, dragging things out, because let’s face it, where here for the two individuals to clash. We get the tease of that by the end of the issue as the Predators finally make their move.

On its own, Predator Vs Black Panther #1 is rather boring. It’s a lot of setup keeping us from what we want to see, some action and fighting. There’s a lot of teasing and foreshadowing but overall, it just doesn’t get to the point quick enough. It feels like a series that will read better in one go as a trade than individual issues. It attempts to shock and surprise in some moments but moments don’t click like they should. They’re moments than a thread that connects and has an emotional impact. Characters die as things pick up and the deaths leave little but a shrug.

Part of the issue is the art. While Chris Allen is highlighted, Sean Damien Hill, Craig Yeung, and Lee Ferguson all contribute. Erick Arciniega provides the color while Travis Lanham handles the lettering. The art overall is just ok. At times it’s too cluttered making it difficult to figure out exactly what’s going on and scenes that should be full of tension or shock lack both. Something just doesn’t connect and it feels like there’s too many cooks in the kitchen with this one.

Predator Vs Black Panther #1 is an ok start. There’s potential there but overall it feels like a story that’ll be far more enjoyable in one go than the individual issues.

Story: Benjamin Percy Art: Chris Allen, Sean Damien Hill, Craig Yeung, Lee Ferguson
Color: Erick Arciniega Letterer: Travis Lanham
Story: 7.0 Art: 6.75 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Pass

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle