Aliens are not the only Fox property making collecting waves. The Predator keys are ballooning in value thanks to Marvel’s recent teases.

NEED FOR A NEW BEGINNING

If any franchise is long overdue for a reboot, it is the Predator. The current films are a long way removed from the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger 1986 movie, which was both great and terrible all at the same time. Next, Danny Glover took on the Predator in the 1989 sequel, which was passable. Since then, every movie featuring the Predator has been just terrible.

On the comics side of things, everyone’s favorite space hunter has fought anything from xenomorphs and Batman to Archie. Honestly, when Predator is tracking down the elusive Archie, the idea tank may be running dry. 

THE POTENTIAL

In the grand scheme, it may be the perfect time for a Predator reboot. Enter: Marvel Comics.

Since Disney acquired the rights to the Fox properties, Aliens and Predator had fans buzzing. We know now that next year, Marvel will begin publishing a new line of comics for both franchises. While they are beloved by sci-fi fans worldwide, the former behemoths have definitely lost their luster over the past 30-plus years.

This is the perfect time for a reboot, and that could earn the Predator new fans and a resurgence in popularity. It could even spawn an all-new movie franchise. 

To collectors, all of this is the potential for big returns on those key issues.

PREDATOR #1 (FIRST PRINT)

Of course, when it comes to Predator, there is only one true key issue: Predator #1. This comic was created in conjunction with Predator 2’s theatrical release in 1989, and the story followed what has later been dubbed the “city hunter” from the movie. 

At a 9.8, this issue has reached new heights this year. It has averaged $576 over the past three months, and one sold for a record-high $726 on October 27. For three years prior, it had not surpassed the $355 mark, yet it has not sold for less than $500 since July 4.

If the 9.8 is too much for your budget, consider opting for a 9.6. There are few differences between the two grades, so you are still getting a beautiful copy, but for a fraction of the cost. At the moment, the 9.6 has a 90-day fair market value of $167. 

PREDATOR #1 (SECOND PRINT)

Subsequent printings have captivated the collecting world in recent years, and the Predator #1 second print, which has the same cover as the first print, is feeling the heat from the Marvel news.

A year ago, the 9.8 was a $105 comic on average over nine sales. Before that, it had never sold more than four times in a given year. Most often, there was only one sale over a 12-month span. In 2020, all of that has changed. There have been 10 graded 9.8s sold online, and the most recent sale was for $192. It has sold for $200 or more five times, and a $230 sale in March set a new single-sale record.

BATMAN VERSUS PREDATOR #1

More than just the Predator’s first appearance has been picking up steam. Even the space hunter’s first superhero crossover is benefiting from the enthusiasm. 

At a 9.8, Batman Versus Predator #1 graded at a 9.8 has doubled in value. Collectors have seen it rise from being a $40 comic in 2018 to a 90-day average of $81. One sold for as much as $134 in May, and another reached $100 on September 25. As recently as October 26, this comic was selling for $80. That is an impressive rise in value.

MARVEL’S PREDATOR

Dark Horse Comics paved the way for an entire Predator universe. If the creative team at Marvel follows in their footsteps, the franchise will reach a new level of success.