Set Description:
Dark Horse Comics: Jun 1989 - Feb 1992
1989 Jun 1989 - Feb 1990
Summer of 1987, even though I was only 9 years old (almost 10) I had already seen Terminator, Conan and Commando making me a huge Arnold fan. When the previews for Predator were aired I begged my father to take me, which he obliged and man, was I pumped!!! Off we go to the theatre and little did I know that this was going to be first of many (thousands) viewing’s of the greatest movie ever put to film. Killer humanoids from space, explosions, automatic weapons fire and a respectable body count. What more can a kid in the 80’s ask for? I am 100% positive that this movie was the absolute reason why I wanted to be in the military.
Late 1989, I’m strolling through the local mall and there was a magazine stand with a copy of Predator issue #1. That classic Chris Warner cover; the Predator on top of the building, arms stretched out and head toward the sky in a war cry pose. Jaw hits the floor and I know I gotta have it. At this point the book had already been in circulation for a couple months and the price was a whopping $8. In those days, if you didn't get a copy right when it was released it was immediately marked up. Needless to say that didn’t deter me from purchasing said copy. Over the next couple of months I managed to get the rest of the series the day of release and I probably read it once a week if not more.
In May 2016 I purchased my first 9.8 copy of Predator issue #1 first print. I paid the GPA high of that year, something I am not proud of. Shortly thereafter I picked up a second printing of issue #1 along with issues #2 and #4 by the end of the year. I knew issue #3 had a low population in 9.8 and I passed on an eBay auction that September. Pretty sure it was due to me running out of my self imposed comic budget for the month (fiscal responsibility can get in the way sometimes). Unbeknownst to me this would actually work completely in my favor the following May.
As mentioned in the set description of my Aliens 1988 set I made a cash/traded deal with iceman3991 for my Predator books. I ended up selling my issue #1 first print at a loss but in the midst of all this I had negotiated a deal with gyro on “My Slabbed Comics” for a full 9.8 set of this series (including issue #1 second print) for an extremely great price. All in all I broke even and was satisfied with how things worked out. To be honest I was extremely lucky cause that whole situation could have been “one ugly mother f*@%^r”. See how I did that? HA!
Big Game Mar 1991 - Jun 1991
A year after the initial release of the first Predator mini series Dark Horse published Big Game. At this point I was completely immersed in the “Big 3” and was able to purchase these books off the rack. Again, Chris Warners art graced the cover and the storyline was an action packed as usual. The Predator comes to earth and takes on a US military unit based in Arizona. I loved this series and it was the first storyline that did not have a tie in to the first movie. A definite must read for any Predator fan.
I picked up a 9.8 copy of issue #1 in 2017 a couple months after completing the first series. I didn’t make a conscious decision to complete this series in 9.8 it just kind of happened over time. It only took two years to complete and issue #2 was the first 9.8 on the census. Issues #3 and #4 were purchased together from Red Hood Comics.
Cold War Sep 1991 - Dec 1991
Once again we follow Detective Schaffer as he is recruited by General Phillips to assist a military unit on a mission in Siberia to track down Predators. He eventually teams up with a disgraced Soviet Commander in a fight for their lives. This story followed Big Game and was another fantastic Predator mini series from Dark Horse.
I snagged issues #1 and #2 in quick succession off of eBay. The other issues hadn’t been graded but I knew it was only a matter of time until that happened. Roughly a year later I picked up issue #4 and issue #3 came shortly after. Issue #3 in this set was the first 9.8 on the census.
Bloody Sands of Time Feb 1992
This is by far my favorite Predator story ever written. Yes, the three previous mini series were down right excellent but Bloody Sand of Time crushes them in my opinion. I imagine that my love for these two issues stems from my passion of military history. Mixing the battlefields of World War 1 with the Predator is pure genius. It would make sense that The Great War would attract their attention making it a tantalizing hunting ground. I wish that Dark Horse would have placed The Predator in more historic settings than they did. I do enjoy a modern day atmosphere but what’s great about the Yautja is they can be anywhere, anytime throughout human history and it makes sense.
I never would have imagined that someone would have submitted this series for grading. It’s not a key by any means and its only two issues. But fortunately for me someone did and within a year I was able to get issues #1 and #2 in 9.8. Issue #2 in this set was the first 9.8 only the census.
”CONTAAAAAAACT!!!”
(Predator 1987)
”LONG TALL SALLY”
Gonna tell Aunt Mary 'bout Uncle John
He claim he has the misery but he's havin' a lot of fun
Oh, baby, yes, baby, woo, baby
Havin' me some fun tonight, yeah
Well long, tall Sally
She's built for speed, she got
Everything that Uncle John need, oh, baby
Yeah, baby, woo, baby
Havin' me some fun tonight, yeah
Well, I saw Uncle John with bald-head Sally
He saw Aunt Mary comin' and he ducked back in the alley, oh, baby
Yes, baby, woo, baby
Havin' me some fun tonight, yeah, ow
Well, long, tall Sally
She's built for speed, she got
Everything that Uncle John need, oh, baby
Yes, baby, woo, baby
Havin' me some fun tonight, yeah
Well, I saw Uncle John with bald-head Sally
He saw Aunt Mary comin' and he ducked back in the alley, oh, baby
Yes, baby, woo, baby
Havin' me some fun tonight, yeah
We gonna have some fun tonight
We gonna have some fun tonight, woo
Have some fun tonight, everything's alright
Have some fun, have me some fun tonight
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The gallery tab shows only items with images. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. |
Slot: |
Predator 1 |
Item: |
Predator 1 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1109970020
|
Owner Comments
FIRST PRINTING
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
The Predators are back, only this time their hunting ground isn't the tropical jungles of South America--it's the concrete and street jungles of New York City! It's the hottest summer on record, and Detective Schaefer suspects that his brother's disappearance is somehow tied to the wave of gruesome murders plaguing New York!
32 pages, Cover price $2.25
NOTES:
First appearance of the Predator (Image #2)
First appearance of Detective Schaffer (Dutch's older brother)
Purchased off My Slabbed Comics from user gyro in June 2017
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Slot: |
Predator 1 Second Printing |
Item: |
Predator 1 Universal |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1109975014
|
Owner Comments
SECOND PRINTING
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
The Predators are back, only this time their hunting ground isn't the tropical jungles of South America--it's the concrete and street jungles of New York City! It's the hottest summer on record, and Detective Schaefer suspects that his brother's disappearance is somehow tied to the wave of gruesome murders plaguing New York!
32 pages, Cover price $2.25
NOTES:
Purchased off My Slabbed Comics from user gyro in June 2017
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Slot: |
Predator 2 |
Item: |
Predator 2 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1109970018
|
Owner Comments
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
Detective Schaefer faces the case of his life when he discovers that a rash of brutal murders may be connected to strange visitors from beyond the stars.
32 pages, Cover price $2.25
NOTES:
Purchased off My Slabbed Comics from user gyro in June 2017
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Slot: |
Predator 3 |
Item: |
Predator 3 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
0264089015
|
Owner Comments
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
Things get worse for Schaefer and his partner, Rasche, as Rasche discovers the existence of a whole fleet of Predators ready to invade and Schaefer comes face-to-face with the Colombian drugs lords! Also, general panic continues in New York as the Predators hunt for Schaefer and kill everyone in their path!
32 pages, Cover price $2.25
NOTES:
Purchased off My Slabbed Comics from user gyro in June 2017
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Slot: |
Predator 4 |
Item: |
Predator 4 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1059985006
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Owner Comments
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
Schaefer and Rasche are reunited at last, but it's just in time to fight the battle of their lives! It's all-out war against the Predator army, and since the army and police want Schaefer and Rasche out of the way--the two must turn to one of their enemies for the manpower they need! Will anyone--or anything-- be left standing when the smoke clears?
32 pages, Cover price $2.25
NOTES:
Purchased off My Slabbed Comics from user gyro in June 2017
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Slot: |
Predator: Big Game 1 |
Item: |
Predator: Big Game 1 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
0334425005
|
Owner Comments
Written by JOHN ARCUDI
Art by EVAN DORKIN & ARMANDO GIL
Cover by CHRIS WARNER
Corporal Enoch Nakai is a young American Indian with a bad past and an even worse present. Stationed in the American Southwest, he and his good army buddy Dietl go on a recon patrol to investigate a small disturbance - but discover that the disturbance is anything but small! Try a seven-foot, bad-attitude extraterrestrial who's armed to the teeth and lookin' for trouble! Even though Nakai sees a resemblance between the Predator and the legendary Indian "adilgashi" that haunts his nightmares, it's clear that the alien has more on his mind than invading people's dreams!
Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in Apr 2017
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Slot: |
Predator: Big Game 2 |
Item: |
Predator: Big Game 2 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1298861006
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Owner Comments
Written by JOHN ARCUDI
Art by EVAN DORKIN & ARMANDO GIL
Cover by CHRIS WARNER
Cole Arm Base has been destroyed by a nuclear blast and is declared off limits to all. Corporal Enoch Nakai has other ideas as he heads for the base just the same - in defiance of his superiors' orders. On the way, he comes across the bloody trail left by the Predator and finally catches sight of the alien itself. It seems that Nakai and the army have a great deal more to worry about than a measly old nuclear explosion!
Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Misprint on cover, there are NOT trading cards inside.
Purchased off eBay in Sep 2018
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Slot: |
Predator: Big Game 3 |
Item: |
Predator: Big Game 3 Signature |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
2688501011
|
Owner Comments
Written by JOHN ARCUDI
Art by EVAN DORKIN & ARMANDO GIL
Cover by CHRIS WARNER
The young American Indian, Corporal Enoch Nakai, has given up everything to pursue an army career - his traditional way of life, his family, and maybe even his principles. Unfortunately, the army couldn't care less - and the one man who might have a chance against the Predator is placed under arrest by his superior officers. This leaves our wily alien free to do what he does best: wreak havoc!
Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Signed by Chris Warner
Purchased from fellow board member Dmac538 May 2022
Second copy purchased from Red Hood Comics in May 2019 (Image #2)
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Slot: |
Predator: Big Game 4 |
Item: |
Predator: Big Game 4 Signature |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
2688501012
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Owner Comments
Written by JOHN ARCUDI
Art by EVAN DORKIN & ARMANDO GIL
Cover by CHRIS WARNER
The fast-paced conclusion reaches new heights of excitement as Corporal Enoch Nakai goes one-on-one with the deadliest hunter in the galaxy. When his army training comes up short, Nakai relies on his native skills and intuition to try and outwit the Predator. But our otherworldly friend has a few tricks up his sleeve as well!
Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Signed by Chris Warner
Purchased from fellow board member Dmac538 May 2022
Second copy purchased from Red Hood Comics in May 2019 (Image #2)
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Slot: |
Predator Bloody Sands of Time 1 |
Item: |
Predator Bloody Sands of Time 1 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
2064684010
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Owner Comments
Written by Dan Barry
Art by Dan Barry and Chris Warner
The discovery of a long-lost diary leads to an investigation of predator visits to Earth during World War I. With the planet coming apart at the seams, we discover that the Germans weren't the only ones interested in world domination!
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in Oct 2019
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Slot: |
Predator Bloody Sands of Time 2 |
Item: |
Predator Bloody Sands of Time 2 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
3719863013
|
Owner Comments
Written by Dan Barry
Art by Dan Barry and Chris Warner
The discovery of a long-lost diary leads to an investigation of Predator visits Earth during World War I. With the planet coming apart at the seams, we discover that the Kaiser wasn't the only one interested in world domination!
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in Nov 2020
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Slot: |
Predator: Cold War 1 |
Item: |
Predator: Cold War 1 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1298860023
|
Owner Comments
Writen by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ron Randall and Steve Mitchell
The Predators are back, only this time they've touched down in a remote section of Soviet Siberia. "So let the Russians worry about `em," is New York city police detective Schaefer's attitude. The only problem is someone seems to want Schaefer (the hero of Dark Horse's first Predator series) in on the action--whether he likes it or not!
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in Sep 2018
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Slot: |
Predator: Cold War 2 |
Item: |
Predator: Cold War 2 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1298860025
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Owner Comments
Writen by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ron Randall and Steve Mitchell
Something's happening in Siberia, and the U.S. military suspects what the Soviets are just beginning to find out--the Predators are back! Detective Schaefer and General Philips' elite squad parachute into the icy wasteland to investigate, only to receive a warm welcome from both the Russians and the Predators.
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in Sep 2018
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Slot: |
Predator: Cold War 3 |
Item: |
Predator: Cold War 3 Modern |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
2025598008
|
Owner Comments
Writen by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ron Randall and Steve Mitchell
In the sub-zero ruins of Siberian oil-pumping station, U.S. commandos take on their Soviet counterparts as the superpowers teeter on the brink of war! Only Russian Lt. Ligachev and American detective Schaefer seen interested in going after the real enemy--the Predators.
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Purchased off eBay in May 2019
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Slot: |
Predator: Cold War 4 |
Item: |
Predator: Cold War 4 Signature |
Grade: |
CGC |
Cert #: |
1508213013
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Owner Comments
Writen by Mark Verheiden
Art by Ron Randall and Steve Mitchell
Schaefer and Ligachev take the battle to the enemy when they attack the Predators' downed spacecraft. The only thing Schaefer can't understand is, if it's winter in Siberia, why is it so hot that he and Ligachev are forced to strip down to their skivvies?
32 pages, Cover price $2.50
NOTES:
Signed by Brian Stelfreeze
Purchased off eBay in Feb 2019
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