The Predator franchise has always been at its best when it pits the galaxy’s most dangerous hunters against humans who have nothing left to lose. In Predator: Bloodshed (2026) #1, written by Jordan Morris with art by Ruairí Coleman and Roland Boschi, the stakes are shifted into a futuristic, high-stakes arena that feels like a blend of Mortal Kombat and The Running Man. Set in the year 2035, the story takes us deep into a secret jungle location where the world’s elite fighters have gathered for a tournament that promises more than just a trophy—it promises survival.
The Arrival: 2035, Somewhere in the Jungle
The story opens with a cinematic view of a secret jungle facility. We are introduced to the setting through the eyes of the security detail. These aren’t just any guards; they are the “cleanup crew” for a tournament that is totally off the grid. As a VTOL transport arrives, carrying the “first batch of killers,” the guards casually discuss their bets. One puts money on “the wrestler,” citing that she has received significant physical “upgrades”.
The dialogue immediately establishes the cynical, high-stakes atmosphere of the tournament. The guards remark that the only people who ever see these fights are the “richest jerks in the world” and the security team tasked with shooting any fighter who tries to run. There is a chilling sense of isolation; if a fighter is killed here, no one in the outside world will ever know.
The Cost of Competition
It hits the reader with the visceral reality of this environment. We see the aftermath of previous violence: bodies littering the ground, some decapitated, as the narration notes, “Some people dig a little bloodshed”. This isn’t just a sport; it’s a meat grinder.
We meet our protagonist, Kai Daniels. Through a series of interview segments and flashbacks, we learn that Kai was once at the top of the professional fighting world. He started martial arts at age 10 and went pro at 18, finding his greatest happiness inside the ring. By 22, he was wealthy and living a life of excess—partying, renting massive houses, and crashing jet skis just because he could.
However, Kai admits that he thought he was retired until an invitation arrived that he couldn’t refuse. There’s a moment of levity as Kai struggles with a microphone during a promotional interview, unsure of where to clip it since he isn’t wearing a shirt. This contrasts sharply with the grim reality of why he has returned to the ring.
A Father’s Desperation
Story provide the emotional core of the issue: the story of Kai’s son, Cody. Kai explains that Cody was the product of a one-night stand with a woman named Maxine. Initially, Maxine didn’t think Kai was “family material,” a sentiment Kai agreed with. But when Cody turned five, Maxine needed help, and Kai stepped up into “Dad Mode”.
The tragedy strikes when Cody falls ill. Kai had a stable corporate job with health insurance, and for a while, they were hopeful. However, a corporate merger led to Kai being laid off, and suddenly, his son’s life was in danger because they could no longer afford the medical care. Kai, Maxine, and Cody moved in together, co-parenting platonically while Kai searched for a way to save his son.
The “invitation” to this secret tournament was his Hail Mary. Even though he is terrified of the “shady rules” and the secret location, Kai knows he has no choice: “I have to fight… I’d do anything for that kid”.
The Predators Among Us
Interspersed within the human drama is the lore of the Yautja (the Predators). It provides a brief history of these extraterrestrial hunters who have stalked Earth’s inhabitants for centuries for honor and sport. They are described as having technological advancements that far outstrip human capabilities, including cloaking systems and plasmacasters. The narrative warns that it takes a “remarkable human” to outmatch a Predator.
Meet the Contenders
As Kai settles into the facility (known as the Garden Room), he reunites with an old friend and rival, Shae. Shae is surprised to see Kai, thinking he had “punched his last face” years ago. Shae, a veteran of this tournament who almost won the previous year, warns Kai that he intends to win this time, even if it means beating Kai “till you’re almost dead”.
Through Shae, we are introduced to the other dangerous elite fighters:
- Jakob Bakken: An ex-CIA operative who looks like a “ski instructor in a porn movie”. He is tight-lipped and carries dangerous secrets.
- Abigail Brown: A woman who looks like a “spin class teacher” but is actually upgraded with cybernetic tech that makes her faster and deadlier than anyone else.
- Kim O. Lition (Sara Molina): The reigning All-Action Wrestling League Champion.
The Tournament Grounds
Shae gives Kai the “grand tour,” showing him the restaurant, the gym—which features hard-light hologram sparring partners—and the “Garden Room” where fighters relax between matches. Shae even points out a service entrance where he stashes cigarettes, noting the irony that the facility allows “fatal beatings” but bans smoking.
The tournament is governed by a simple, brutal philosophy: there are no rules against drug use, “upgrades,” or foreign objects, provided you can sneak them past the guards or bribe them to look the other way. Fights do not stop for any reason, and death in the ring is a known possibility.
The Calm Before the Storm
Kai spends time with Abigail Brown. While the other fighters are drinking and partying, Kai is “nursing an herbal tea,” a sign of how much his priorities have shifted since becoming a father. He shows Abigail photos of Cody and explains that he hasn’t fought in years.
Abigail reveals her own motivations: she was a “rules” kid who felt trapped by society. Fighting made her feel alive for the first time. Like Kai, she is also holding onto a “soul-crushing corporate job” just for the health insurance, highlighting a recurring theme of the economic desperation that drives these elite warriors into such a barbaric competition.
They discuss the “VIPs” who watch the matches from behind one-way glass. Abigail notes the weirdness of the place: “even though you can’t see anyone… you’re always being watched”.
The Bloodshed Begins
The fights finally commence. A montage of matches shows various winners standing over their defeated opponents as the crowd (and the hidden VIPs) cheer. Kai’s turn comes up, and he is visibly nervous. His opponent is heavily upgraded with tech, while Kai is relying purely on his skill and his motivation—his son.
As the fight starts (“FIGHT!”), Kai’s opponent reveals he has a concealed weapon. This is allowed under the tournament’s “anything goes” policy, and the spectators are thrilled, calling it the “best fight of the night so far”.
The Arrival of the True Hunter
Just as the human combat reaches its peak, the tournament is violently interrupted. The lights flicker and a terrifying sound—BzZzITTzZzZz and a SCRAAAAWWWWRRRR!!—echoes through the arena.
The scene shifts into pure chaos. Shows Kai being urged to “GET OUT OF THERE!” as the alien hunter makes its presence known. Shae is also seen in the fray as the fighters realize they are no longer in a controlled competition. They have gone from being the hunters to being the prey.
The issue concludes with a “TO BE CONTINUED!” teaser.
