The legend of the Guardians is expanded in the huge Marvel Omnibus tome published by Panini Comics
They’re one of the nicest races in the fictional universe (only when they’re wearing helmets, otherwise they’re incredibly horrible). Almost four decades have passed since their creation and they continue to be the starting point of new stories. The world of comics has not been immune to the existence of these creatures, and now Panini Comics has published their first stories in this medium in a huge volume called Marvel Omnibus. Hunter: The First Level 1
From screen to vignette
In the year In 1987, John McAteer’s film was released in theaters, among which Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Kevin Peter Hall, Elpidia Carrillo (now fashionable for her role in Blue Beetle), Bill Duke and Shane Black all started. It was an important boost to Arnold’s career, as well as being one of the leading actors in the future politician’s film career.
In this first film, all the characteristics of this unique alien race, called the Yawja, are already revealed. We know that they basically travel the galaxy to different planets, defeating any creature worthy of a fight to the death to overcome some sort of manhood challenge. They seem to have a special love for humans, but are not disgusted by xenomorphs or even their own kind. A cracked skull is often a trophy-like confirmation of failure.
Despite their reptilian and crude appearance, these anthropomorphic creatures are equipped with powerful technology that allows them to mimic themselves in any environment, including heat vision and powerful beaming devices typical of the most ancient science fiction, though perhaps the most popular feature. They are (in addition to their inner coldness) a high sense of honor.
It was only a matter of time, after Yauja was discovered, their fictional universe was transformed into new films (they starred in a total of seven), video games, novels, board games and of course, of course, in comics.
Dark Horse has been the publisher that has acquired the rights to this franchise since the late 1980s, and although perhaps their most famous adventures in this medium have been with famous characters such as various members, DC Comics Justice League, Terminator, Tarzan or xenomorphs, in this volume we see their first stories; They are perfect characters.
Shaffer, a new action hero
As the voiceover begins, we meet the main character of the eighties: New York Police Department detective John Shaffer. Yes, Schaefer, as Alan “Dutch” Schaefer, Schwarzenegger’s character. Our muscular character is nothing more than the mercenary brother who killed Yauja with the help of mud.
In his first encounter with these aliens (the Asphalt Jungle), John is involved in a plot that is very similar to what we saw in the series starring Danny Glover (we also include an accurate and faithful comic adaptation here), but with a sinister twist. Touch the one that suits him best.
Later (in the Cold War) averting dire international conflicts, taking on a dominant American role that would come to save the Soviet ass, how many Russians would be hunted would be taken to none other than Siberia.
Written by Mark Verheyden and illustrated by Ron Randall and Chris Warner (Dark River), the final chapter of this trilogy takes our action heroes deep into the jungle into hostile territory. Although in reality these stories are a series of clichés, Verheyden succeeds in ensuring that the rhythm is sufficient and that the tension is not diminished, ensuring that the reader is gripped until the end.
Hunter over time
The action doesn’t always have to take place in the present, as was seen in his last film Yautja (Prey). In The Bloody Sands of Time, Mr. Dan Barry is in charge of bringing the green blood to the well during World War I.
Ian Edginton and Rick Leonardi take us back in time with the quiet African story Rite of Passage, and Neil Barrett Jr. and Leo Duranona go part-time to feudal Japan in the truly strange Blood of the Past.
Chuck Dixon and Enrique Alcatena talk about colonists and colonialists in the Serengeti region of the 1930s called Negasa Lion, and we hear Thompson’s shots in the Upper East Side. Manhattan in the forties.
Among the remaining stories included here, we must mention the one written by John Arcudi and drawn by Evan Dorkin, which, far from being original, has a Navajo protagonist who manages to accumulate enough charisma to carry the plot on his own. Also a brief appearance by legendary screenwriter Mike W. Barr, best known for his Batman stories, in the final stories included here.
Cruel Tom
As for the Marvel edition, the Marvel Omnibus line, published by Panini Comics in hardcover with dust jackets, contains 1008 pages with a deluxe size of 18.3 x 27.7 cm. In color, despite its huge dimensions and weight, it manages to be amazing.
Includes translations of the American version of the issues Predator 1-4, Predator 2 1 and 2, Predator: Big Game 1-4, Predator: Cold War 1-4, Predator: Season 1 and 2 Bloody Sands, Predator: Bad Blood 1-4, Hunter: Invaders of the Fourth Dimension, Hunter: Dark River 1-4, Hunter: Strange Rooks, Hunter: 1-4 and material from Dark Horse 46, 67-69 and 119, Dark Horse Comics 1 and 2, 4-7, 16- 18 and 20 and 21 and the dark horse decade.
It also includes a final section loaded with additional material with pictures, covers and lots of information. The recommended retail price for this size is €70 and it goes on sale in August 2023.
Marvel Omnibus – Predator: The First Phase 1
The hunt is on! The galaxy’s most stealthy assassins star in brutal and bloody adventures that expand the film’s legend. In the rainforests of Central America, the concrete jungle of New York City, the frozen wasteland of Siberia, and many other places, no place is safe as restless hunters set their sights on new prey!
Authors: Mark Verheyden, Mike W. Barr, Derek Thompson, Evan Dorkin, Ron Randall, Chris Warner, Dan Barry, Ian Edginton, Rick Leonardi, Neil Barrett Jr., Leo Duranona and John Arcudi.