In a captivating crossover, the clawed X-Men mutant Wolverine comes face-to-face with a Predator not just once, but several times. Indeed, it is the same kind of Predator featured in sci-fi films like “Alien vs Predator” and “Predator: Badlands,” which was included in our selection of the five best sci-fi movies of 2025. This narrative is presented in the four-issue mini-series “Predator vs. Wolverine,” which was released from September to December 2023, crafted by Benjamin Percy and showcasing a substantial team of artists who bring the tale to life, including Greg Land, Ken Lashley, Andrea Di Vito, Hayden Sherman, Kei Zama, and Gavin Guidry.
The confrontations between Wolverine and the Predator unfold globally and across several decades throughout Wolverine’s lifespan. It commences in the early 1900s in Alaska and culminates in a final current-day confrontation in the Canadian wilderness. This narrative not only highlights the triumph of an unyielding adversary, but also showcases Wolverine’s evolution over the years.
Insights into Wolverine and the Predator’s conflicts
“Predator vs. Wolverine” begins with Wolverine, long before joining the X-Men, in Alaska when he is ambushed by a Predator. The Predator, having witnessed Logan’s prowess, is drawn to challenge him due to his regenerative abilities (For those unfamiliar, Wolverine possesses astonishing healing capabilities that allow him to recover from nearly any injury, which would be remarkable if it were real). During their skirmish, Logan tricks the Predator into being attacked by a bear and escapes, thinking his foe is defeated.
However, the Predator survives and, along with several members of its clan, assaults Wolverine decades later, by which time he has become a soldier affiliated with Team X. The two factions clash, but this time Team X entices the Predator clan into a building laden with explosives and detonates it. Nevertheless, the original Predator endures.
The Predator returns to seize Wolverine shortly after his bones are fused with adamantium, yet Wolverine manages to break free. The two engage once more while Wolverine is training in Japan, with no definitive winner emerging. Eventually, in the present day, Wolverine resolves to end the protracted conflict. He confronts the Predator in the Canadian wilderness. Ultimately, the Predator aims to eliminate them both by triggering a self-destruct. Thanks to his healing abilities, Wolverine survives the explosion, while the Predator does not.
What makes this series compelling
This mini-series represents the inaugural Marvel crossover featuring the Predator and the X-Men, and was among the first Predator endeavors following Marvel owner Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox. The publication was successful enough to inspire subsequent crossovers, including “Predator vs Black Panther,” “Predator vs Spider-Man,” and “Predator Kills the Marvel Universe.”
Since this storyline spans a century of Wolverine’s existence, it enriches his earlier exploits and adventures. This series depicts an intriguing rivalry that Wolverine must repeatedly confront, even as he evolves as a warrior, hones his skills, and integrates into various teams. It can even be interpreted as the Predator playing a role in Wolverine refining his fighting prowess.
The Predator and Wolverine are both iconic characters in their own right. Hugh Jackman, who portrays Wolverine in film adaptations, is likely to continue as Marvel’s primary Wolverine moving forward. Will we someday witness Hugh Jackman battling a Predator? Perhaps, perhaps not. This comic book series stands strong on its own, as it narrates the story of two contenders striving to determine who excels. This time, it was Wolverine.