Predator (alien)

Predator

Official title	Yautja
Classification	Alien lifeform
First appearance	Predator
Last appearance	Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem
Created by	Jim Thomas John Thomas
Portrayed by	Kevin Peter Hall Various Los Angeles Lakers players Ian Whyte

For a less story-oriented article about Predators, see the Wikipedia article.

The Predator is a fictional extraterrestrial species as depicted in the Predator franchise of films, books, and games. While not established in the first two films, the alien character being merely “the Predator,” the names Yautja and Hish for its race have subsequently appeared in later works.

Predators are depicted as vaguely humanoid aliens whose civilization values individual strength, as demonstrated by stalking, hunting and killing the most dangerous prey in the galaxy. They are depicted as excellent warriors and use various weaponry. They prefer low-tech blades and spears and also carry hi-tech plasma shoulder-guns. Once they have defeated an opponent, they collect its skull as a trophy and mark themselves with the symbol of their clan (mark of honor). The Predators have a long history with many of the species that they hunt, including xenomorphs. Although the morals and customs of the species are unknown, they appear to have a vague but consistent form of honor. They frequently acknowledge and show respect toward skilled and/or powerful adversaries as well as a demonstrated unwillingness to stalk weak, sick, pregnant, or unarmed opponents, or opponents they see as “in training.”

The Predator design is credited to special effects artist Stan Winston. While flying to Japan with Aliens director James Cameron, Winston, who had been hired to design the Predator, was doing concept art on the flight. Cameron saw what he was drawing and said, “I always wanted to see something with mandibles.” Winston then included them in his designs. Stan Winston’s studio created all of the physical effects for Predator and Predator 2, creating the body suit for actor Kevin Peter Hall and the mechanical facial effects. They were hired after attempts to create a convincing monster (including Jean-Claude Van Damme wearing a much different body suit) had failed. Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended Winston after his experience working on The Terminator.

Biology and culture

Characteristics

Predators are depicted as humanoid, though many features of their purported anatomy differ markedly from that of humans. Notably, they have four mandibles surrounding their mouths. These mandibles appear to be the source of audible clicks and chirps used in communicating, although Predators can also understand and mimic human speech reasonably well. It has also been suggested in the films that their mask provides translation capabilities.

Predators have rubbery tube-like “hair” strands which appear as thick long “dreadlocks” surrounding their heads. There is mention in literature that these are ritually bound in an extremely painful process done over a month’s time. This is done as a rite of passage, and if the young Predator indicates any sign of pain, it must be restarted. However, in the film Alien vs. Predator: Requiem, the xenomorph-Predator hybrid named “Predalien” grows these “dreadlocks” after the chestburster erupts from the corpse of a Predator hinting that the “dreadlocks” are grown rather than ritually bound as previously stated. The first Alien versus Predator novel establishes that though initially reptilian in appearance, the species is actually mammalian, possessing external mammalian genitalia and mammary glands for suckling young. The males give off strong musk when in breeding season or agitated into hunting mode. They are also able to father offspring over the entire course of their adult lives. The females are attracted by this musk and the love begins. Female are known to sometime kill the male for unexplainable reasons. Some older specimens also exhibit spike-like facial hair. It is unknown if they can shave these hair or whether the facial hair is just a matter of genetic expression, present in some individuals and absent in others. In addition to their alien exterior, Predators also have notably luminescent green blood. The blood of a Predator is able to neutralize the acid from a xenomorph’s blood, as revealed in the novel Alien versus Predator. Male Predators are estimated to be 6.5 to 7.6 feet tall (1.96m to 2.32m) and weigh approximately 300–400 pounds (136.08–181.44 kg). It is unknown how large the females are, although in the first Alien vs. Predator novel it was estimated they are possibly much larger and stronger than the males, though this is not the original idea of the creatures creator, who originally insisted female Predators be smaller in size, but none the less formidable.

Physically, the Predators are remarkably resilient. Physical trauma that would otherwise maim or kill a human being is typically little more than a nuisance or a temporary incapacity for a Predator. Lesser injuries may have no noticeable effect at all. Predators have demonstrated that they can continue to engage opponents even after suffering the most grievous of injuries, such as chest impalement or limb amputation (though these wounds may ultimately prove fatal). They are highly resistant to small caliber arms fire and stabbing weapons, as revealed in Predator 2 when the Predator survived several shotgun shots), although such attacks do physically injure them. The species is also adaptable to extremes of heat and cold as illustrated in Predator 2 when a warrior was repelled but not noticeably harmed by weaponized liquid nitrogen, as revealed in the fourth Predator novel, Predator: Cold War. This is also evident in the Alien vs. Predator film where three Predators land on an island near Antarctica and seem unaffected by the intense cold to the point where they do not even shiver; the novelization specifies that their net-like shift-suits have heating capabilities. In addition to their natural defenses, Predators carry with them advanced medical technology that greatly aids them in combat. In the film Predator 2, a wounded Predator warrior applied a paste-like substance from its med-kit to the stump of its severed arm. The substance appeared to cauterize the wound and solidify into a bandage. However, the Predators’ methods of treating their wounds often cause them more pain than the injuries themselves, as seen in both Predator films (as well as Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem) (it is one of the few instances in which the Predators seem to express pain at all), although they are willing to endure the pain.

The Predators possess great physical strength in comparison to humans; they rip out the skulls of their prey, are able to lift tree trunks, smash small tree branches into pieces, break down walls, and throw a large-sized human fifteen to twenty meters with enough force to incapacitate or kill. They are remarkably agile and athletic for creatures their size, often jumping vast distances and surviving drops from significant heights. A Predator is also surprisingly fast. In Predator 2, the Predator warrior ran from a cemetery to a subway in mere minutes, and was able to overtake a speeding subway train. They also seem to possess great stamina, as they are able to cover great distances and perform continuously without the need for rest.

The Predators have developed natural infrared vision which has both advantages and disadvantages, foremost among them being a profound inability to distinguish between objects of equal temperature, such as walls, furniture and other non-living things. To counteract these deficiencies the Predators have developed masks fitted with complicated cybernetic optics, that enhance their natural infrared vision. The mask also has many different visual frequency options, as seen in Predator 2, where the creature switches between a great variety of different optical systems. These different visual modes include sensors tuned to radioactive sources and an x-ray function that can distinguish between the specific layers of an object. In the film Alien vs. Predator, the Predators use an EM sensor specially tuned for tracking xenomorphs, which cannot be tracked using standard infrared detectors (as established in the movie Aliens). The mask’s optics also allow the creature to zoom in and out at will.

In the film Predator 2, the creature uses a breathing apparatus after Detective Michael Harrigan removes the Predator’s mask (most likely as a result of having sustained injuries from Harrigan’s shotgun and/or the smog in Los Angeles). Predators seem able to breathe earth-standard air for limited periods of time but need their masks (or other breathing aids) to provide them with their own native blend of gases after extended exposure.

One of the most pronounced differences between humans and Predators is their longevity. Predators often live as long as a thousand years (provided they do not die in hunts). It is unknown what mental effect (if any) such advanced age has on a Predator.

The novel Predator: Forever Midnight has a dramatically different interpretation of the Predator, called the Hish. In the novel they have a “kill gland” located between their neck and collarbone which secretes powerful hormones into their blood stream and which drives them to hyper-aggression. When this gland is over-stimulated, it sends the creature into a frenzied rage. When in such a state, the Hish will attempt to kill any living thing in sight, including members of its own species. This “kill rage” can be contagious and spread from one Hish to another, driving them all to attack each other. The Hish as a species barely survived their kill glands—entire clans were wiped out when the elders nuked each other while in the throes of rage—and they have learned to control the gland’s secretions with artificial hormone regulators.

It is also said in the first novel that the gravity on their homeworld is much greater and that it attributes to their great size and strength.

Hunting methods

The hunting style of individual Predators varies depending on the specific script requirements of the narrative; however, a typical Predator hunt usually begins in the following fashion:

A Predator spacecraft enters the atmosphere of a planet from outer space and stays in orbit around the planet after shooting out a landing pod in which a Predator travels to the surface of the planet. The landing pod opens wings slowing entry speed, finally landing vertically planted in the ground. Sometimes a Predator spacecraft will covertly land on a planet, but usually the landing of the actual spacecraft is the result of a crash landing. The creatures usually target areas of extreme strife and hostility, such as an ongoing guerrilla war (Predator) or a crime-ridden urban ghetto (Predator 2). A lone Predator, while cloaked, will then conduct reconnaissance and analyze the area for worthy targets and potential prey.

A Predator will usually hunt alone, without the assistance of any of its kind. An exception to this solitary behavior occurred in the novel Predator: Forever Midnight, where a senior Predator clan-member led a hunting expedition numbering over three-dozen (including a half-dozen juvenile Predator “spawnlings”) to a jungle planet which had been recently colonized by humans. Another exception was seen in Alien vs. Predator when a trio of Predators landed in Antarctica for their coming-of-age hunt. However, although they arrived as a group, they avoided common team/pack-hunting tactics and focused more on individual strategy. However, when many participate in the hunt there is always a large number of Predators nearby, usually in their orbiting space ship as seen in Alien vs. Predator and A.V.P.R. One other example was in Predator 2, when Detective Harrigan tracks a Predator to his ship, hidden underground beneath the foundation of an apartment complex.

Once a Predator decides on prey worthy of the hunt, the creature will stalk it relentlessly, studying the victim. It also seems that it likes to taunt the prey, until either the prey or itself is dead. The Predator waits for the optimum moment to strike swiftly and efficiently and uses roughly-analogous guerrilla tactics. The Predator prefers to attack from a distance using stand-off weapons and striking at lone targets whenever possible. This does not mean, however, that the creature will never attack an enemy in numbers. The Predator will also attack with melee weapons if the situation warrants.

The skinned and hung bodies of a Predator’s victims, as seen in Predator.

After the kill, the Predator will drag its defeated opponent’s corpse away into hiding, if possible, so that the head can be severed at the creature’s leisure and cleaned as a trophy. If the opponent’s body cannot be acquired safely (Predator), the creature will retreat into hiding and wait for another opportunity to take the corpse.

If the Predator deems the kill unrewarding or unremarkable, it will string the victims up by the feet, bleed them out, skin the body and remove the internal organs. Although in Alien vs. Predator, the bodies were not skinned, simply strung up, most likely because the Predators were participating in a manhood ritual, not a game hunt. Also, in the video game Aliens versus Predator: Extinction, some bodies were headless and hung by the feet but not skinned. Having completed this ritual, the Predator will proceed to its next target until the hunt is over. Also, it is revealed that they will kill anything that interferes with the hunt, such as wild animals; the same rules which apply to human game hunters. Since the hunting ground is sacred to them, they will go through any means to protect it.

When fighting a xenomorph, a Predator will usually refrain from cutting or rupturing the creature’s head, but not always. A xenomorph head can be seen in the Predator spacecraft in Predator 2.

Sportsmanship

In film, the Predator culture is based almost exclusively on the hunt. In the novel Predator: Forever Midnight, the species values “the joy of hunting” above all else. All other considerations are secondary. That same novel as well as the film Predator 2 indicates that the Predators have hunted humans since at least the eighteenth century, as well as xenomorphs and other unknown species.

Alien vs. Predator explained that Earth had been set up as a type of training ground by a sect of Predators, that these hunted xenomorphs, not humans, and that they were responsible for the technological advancements that created the Egyptian and Aztec pyramids as well as the ancient Cambodian temples. The viewer learns that these Predators have been visiting Earth for millennia, where they were worshiped as gods. At one-hundred-year intervals, they would visit Earth to take part in a rite of passage in which several humans would sacrifice themselves as hosts for the xenomorphs, creating the “ultimate prey” for the Predators to hunt. It should be noted, however, that this was a claim made by a human interpreting ancient hieroglyphs. If overwhelmed, the Predators would activate their self-destruct weapons to eliminate the xenomorphs along with themselves. In this rite, a young Predator would earn a mark of honor, a hieroglyph burned into the Predator’s face with xenomorph blood, once it had killed one of the xenomorphs. The book series which predated the film contradicts this “ultimate prey” idea by portraying the xenomorphs as easy prey for the Predators, used more for leisurely hunts, while humans are the ultimate prey due to their ability to plan and improvise (in the Alien vs Predator novels, humans are considered the ultimate pyode amedha: soft meat, while xenomorphs are the ultimate kainde amedha: hard meat). This discrepancy may be explainable through differences in preference and ability between individuals and clans, where it could be theorized that some Predators simply find one species more difficult than the other. While the first AVP film suggests a much higher degree of difficulty in defeating single xenomorph opponents, the second film and the literature depicts a much more one sided fight under normal circumstances. In contrast, only a few select humans put up any reasonable fight at all in the films, and generally in the literature, though it is worth noting that in the first AVP film the Predators were participating in a rite of passage ceremony and were only teenagers, while in the second AVP film the Predator was shown as a veteran warrior.

Three Predators are seen here aboard their spacecraft in Predator 2. The ancient, veteran leader can be seen in the middle.

In Predator and Predator 2 the Predators are portrayed not with an honor system per se, but instead a sense of sportsmanship and a respect for the “rules of the hunt.” Predators seem primarily interested in aggressive game, and will often completely ignore and spare the weak and helpless. In Predator 2, one Predator aims his plasma cannon at the head of a child that has a toy Uzi, but relents when a scan identifies the gun as a toy. When the Predator found itself witness to a confrontation between armed civilians, gang members, and police officers, the Predator attacked all three sides without distinction due to the presence of weapons, yet left all other civilians alone. Later, the same Predator scans a disarmed female prey, and upon discovering a fetus within her, spares her life. The sense of sportsmanship can sometimes extend to when the prey beats the Predator, as demonstrated when Detective Harrigan finally kills his Predator opponent on board the Predator’s spacecraft. A group of Predators confronts Harrigan. However, rather than attacking him (in which Harrigan would have quickly been killed), the most senior of them tosses Harrigan an old flint-lock pistol as a trophy for Harrigan’s victory. Such recognitions are rare, however, due to the largely solitary nature of a Predator’s hunt and their preferred use of a self-destruct device when facing defeat (which Harrigan’s opponent did attempt to use, only to have the self-destruct device destroyed before it could explode, by Harrigan himself). The novels generally support the idea that the more senior Predators place a greater value on sportsmanship, rules and challenge of prey, while younger hunters are only interested in amassing kills and trophies. This theory is also supported in the video games.

In Alien vs. Predator, a Predator neutralizes and is about to kill an elderly character (Weyland), then detects terminal lung cancer within the man and ignores him. It is only when the man attacks the departing Predators with a makeshift flamethrower (a portable oxygen tank and a flare) that the Predator actually kills him. This suggests that Predators will only kill a seemingly weak target if they threat or otherwise show worth as prey. Also at the end of Alien vs. Predator, when Alexa meets the Predator that ritually scarred itself on the forehead, it was about to kill her when it itself is attacked by a xenomorph. Alexa kills the alien with the Predator’s spear, and the Predator uses the xenomorph acid to mark her face with a glyph as proof of her kill. When the Predators de-cloak to collect the fallen Predators after the Queen xenomorph kills him, the clan leader sees the mark on Alexa’s face and gives her his spear, acknowledging her, at the very least, as a fellow warrior. Trading trophies to fellow warriors may be common in Predator society for skilled warriors.

Predators generally do not attack unarmed humans (likely since a human without a weapon cannot so much as inflict a minor injury on a Predator) unless they were already hunting a human that happened to lose his or her weapon. In the event that this happens, as at the end of both Predator films, the Predator will remove most of its own weaponry, in order to match their opponent.

They also appear to believe in honorable suicide, similar to the samurai ritual of seppuku, preferring to die rather than being slain or captured. The video game Predator: Concrete Jungle states that one of the Predator’s highest laws is to be anonymous to their prey species, and breaking such a law can lead to a hundred-year banishment to a far-off planet, which, if they have managed to survive to the end, they will be given a chance to redeem themselves afterward. Aliens versus Predator: Extinction also shows that those Predators who fail to commit suicide after dishonoring themselves are hunted and killed by their comrades. They will also use their wrist-mounted bomb if they find themselves in a situation where their technology will be captured by another species. Also in the Batman versus Predator series of comic books a Predator was seen about to commit suicide, rather than be killed by its adversary. Batman seemingly outwitted his Predator enemy although this was using more brains than brawn. The Predator in question was handed a sword with which to commit the act by an elder Predator, more wise in the ways of the hunt. Whether this is canon or not is debatable, however, as these comics lie outside of normal comic continuity for both lines.

Homeworld

A Predator world from AVP:R.

There is almost no information about the Predator homeworld in the films. An issue of one of the various Alien vs. Predator comic book series made reference to the “Tribeworlds,” suggesting that the species originates from an entire star system instead of a single planet. A possible clue about the nature of the Predator homeworld provided by both the Predator films is that the creatures are attracted to hot, humid climates; the heat may also help with the Predator’s visual equipment. This quality is remarked upon by Anna in the first film, and later reinforced by Peter Keyes in the sequel. This suggests a homeworld whose climate is much warmer than that of the Earth. It is possible that the homeworld of the Predator is a forest world, similar to our rain forests due to extreme aptitude they display in Predator and Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. On the other hand, in the video game Aliens versus Predator: Extinction, it is revealed that Predators have (somewhat) fire-resistant skin because they live on an arid death world. This resistance to fire is reinforced in the film Alien vs. Predator, when a Predator is attacked with a makeshift flamethrower. It turns away unhurt, but with smoke/steam streaming off its body and head. This made the creature angry enough to kill the human that attacked it, even though it had already left him alone due to his terminal illness.

It is also possible they live on a much colder world, where their infrared vision would be much more effective, and because they were so easily able to withstand the bitter cold of Antarctica in Alien vs. Predator, temperatures that would have easily killed a person. Hunting Predators may choose extremely hot climates for the challenge they provide by reducing the effectiveness of their infrared vision and sensors. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem features a sequence which shows the protagonist, a Predator dubbed “Wolf,” leaving the Predator homeworld for earth to deal with an infestation of xenomorphs.

The planet contains huge, sleek industrial-like buildings and appears to be encircled by an asteroid belt and orbit a binary star system. Also with the theory and story which was portrayed in Alien vs. Predator about their history of helping Earth civilizations build pyramids and monuments is depicted in the background of the homeworld of the second film which shows a pyramid resembling those of Egypt being constructed, which suggests that the Predator race still uses such architectural methods as either common uses or for ceremonial practices.

Morals and Beliefs

Although they are portrayed as a race of warriors, the Predators do not appear to be warlike, instead believing that the creatures/races they hunt should be able to choose their own fate for themselves as a species.

Film portrayals

Kevin Peter Hall played the Predator in the first and second movies (though originally Jean-Claude Van Damme was slated to play the creature), having been in many suits before that, including Harry and the Hendersons. He was trained in the art of mime and used many tribal dance moves in his performance, such as during the fight between Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Predator at the end of the first movie. In Predator 2 according to a “making of” featurette, Danny Glover suggested the Los Angeles Lakers to be the other Predators because Glover himself was a big fan. Hall persuaded some of the Lakers to play background Predators because they couldn't find anyone on short notice. Hall died not long after Predator 2 was released in theaters.

In Alien vs. Predator, Welsh actor Ian Whyte, a fan of the Predator comics and movies, took over as the man in the Predator suit, portraying the Predator dubbed “Scar” for most of the movie, and also the Predator “Celtic” during Celtic’s fight with a xenomorph. Whyte returned to portray the “Wolf” character in the second Alien vs Predator movie.

Special effects and creature evolution

The Predator’s blood was originally made from a combination of the liquid out of glow sticks mixed with K-Y Jelly. The mixture would dry up quickly, so on set new batches had to be quickly made between takes. The technique is still used.

The camouflage effect was designed by R/Greenberg Associates, under the direction of Joel Hynek. The idea for the effect came in a dream one of the Thomas brothers (who wrote the film) had in which there was a chrome man who was inside a reflective sphere. The man blended in, perfectly camouflaged, reflecting from all directions and only visible when in motion. It took quite a while before they figured out how to do it, which was basically an image repeated in a pattern of ripples in the shape of the Predator’s body. It proved very effective and was a new way of presenting an “invisible man.” Before there was digital technology all of the camouflage was done optically using photo-chemical means. This meant that one would never get the same result twice from combining the pieces of film.

After the original movies, Amalgamated Dynamics took over from Stan Winston Studio in creating the props for the Predators in the Alien vs. Predator movie and a number of effects houses worked on the various other effects. The design of the Predator and its attributes including the cloaking technology and self-destruct device have changed over the years because of the advances in effects technology and will surely continue to vary in design in coming years.

Equipment

Bio mask

A reconstruction of a Predator mask. This is an example of the Bio mask.

Thermal vision. The xenomorph on the right side does not show up, while the human on the left is highly visible.

Another mode of vision which highlights xenomorphs. The xenomorph on the right-hand side is now very visible, while the human on the left is much less distinguished.

The Predators are a highly advanced technological species, evident through their capacity for interstellar travel and their vast array of weapons and equipment. One example of this technology is the Bio mask that they routinely wear during a hunt. Various mask types and designs are used by the Predators; the variation in design seems to result from individual preference rather than necessity. These masks contain a variety of functions which the Predators may require during a hunt. Some functions are listed here, with further details below:

A gas mask, respirator, possible translator, voice/sound amplifier, multiple vision modes, a zoom function, some diagnostic capabilities and some type of communication with other Predators and/or mother ship. These functions are in addition to serving as protection for the Predators’ heads. It is unknown if the masks have an enclosed breathing system for uninhabitable environment (liquids, certain gas mixes etc). And a Recording System as seen in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem.

The masks have been shown to have several different vision modes. These vision modes vary depending on the mask, and the origin of the Predator fiction. The most commonly seen vision mode is an enhanced thermal vision that greatly increases the contrast between objects from the Predator’s natural sight, as seen in the first movie, when the Predator removes its mask. This is the mode the Predators are seen to use to track humans. In the film Alien vs. Predator, the Predator again has multiple vision modes, the two it uses primarily are the thermal vision for tracking humans and an "alien vision" it uses to detect xenomorphs (in the film Aliens, it was established that xenomorphs are not visible using thermal vision). In Predator 2, the Predator switches between multiple spectral modes when it finds itself under attack from opponents who are wearing thermal camouflage, the movie suggests (due to screen coloring) that this mode could be some form of Ultraviolet spectrum; other explanations for this mode are Low-Light Amplification and Air Density Pressure (movement); but this is not specifically explained in the movie. Additional vision modes are available to determine the health condition of targets, suggesting that the Predators have a thorough understanding of human anatomy. This is shown in Predator 2 and Alien vs. Predator. The visual setting may also be modified for x-rays and microwaves, with a built-in magnetometer and a Geiger counter.

Housed within the helmet is a targeting and tracking system for any shoulder-mounted weaponry. The shoulder mounted Plasma caster uses this laser target designator which comprises three sides of an open triangle, this also has a zoom capability so the Predators can see and aim over great distances. This tracking system also allows the Predators to plot trajectories of thrown objects. In Predator, a rock thrown by Dutch was tracked back to him in this manner. There is also an extensive array of surveillance equipment within the mask including a Waveform Analyzer which can analyze and imitate previous words spoken to it in an effort to communicate with, or ambush, other life forms such as humans. The mask also is used to analyse the materials or density of a toy gun a child was holding in Predator 2, meaning the Predator was able to mark the child as harmless. The mask also seems to affect hearing as well; in Predator, when the Predator took its mask off, it heard things at a much higher pitch than before and slightly more distorted. The mask possibly has the ability to provide protection from a xenomorph facehugger as well though it is highly unlikely as there is no protection given in the Aliens versus Predator video games, as it may have be the case as Kane was face-hugged despite his head being inside a space suit helmet in the first Alien film. The helmet does have its weakness; a large EMP signature will interfere with the vision modes, potentially leaving the Predator vulnerable.

In Alien vs. Predator the thermal vision is changed from the usual blue vision that showed the body temperature to a vision that showed a more detailed vision. This is most likely to make the ritual harder for the coming of age Predators, as the blue thermal vision made its return in Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem.

In the Aliens versus Predator video games, the Predator has four vision modes, regular vision (to fit in with the first-person shooter genre), thermal (spotting regular beings like humans), electric (gives a red background, used spotting xenomorphs by their white outline), and Predator vision (gives a bright green background, helps spot other Predators by a white body, and other Predator-related technology such as smart discs). In Predator: Concrete Jungle, the Predator's mask offered four types of vision and varying diagnostic functions for each: Normal Vision, which was the same as a human and had no diagnostic; Thermal Vision, which highlighted heat signatures and could analyze health and armour weaknesses in prey; Tech vision, which contrasted energy sources and xenomorphs and analyzed a prey's weapon systems and Neuro Vision, which exposed the prey's current emotional status (calm, panicking, hostile, etc.) and, on scan, would show the target's affiliation and rank.

One final feature of the predator is its voice translator/recorder. This device can both record and play strips of audio, which a predator may use to express meaning or catch prey off guard.

Cloaking device

A Predator's stealth cloak is invaluable, but it short circuits when it comes into contact with water.

Other equipment includes a cloaking device to provide active camouflage, bending light around the wearer and projecting a semi-transparent image in front of the Predator, making it very hard to see, though not completely invisible. The overall effect is similar to that of light being bent by heat on a hot day (the mirage effect) The technology is also used to mask Predator ships moving within enemy territories. However, contact with water renders the device inoperable. The only exception to this rule is when the Predator faces off against a drug lord while standing in a puddle of water; the Predator briefly appears, but is subsequently shown cloaked in the next angle. It also doesn't seem to work against xenomorphs, possibly because the xenomorphs use their shark-like electrical senses to "feel" the Predators. This is seen in Alien vs. Predator, when a camouflaged Predator is impaled through the chest by a xenomorph's tail, and in the games Aliens versus Predator and Aliens versus Predator 2 they have a vision which outlines the Predator with a green aura (much like the Tech vision a Predator uses to view xenomorphs has a green background) as a means of sensing the targets' pheromones. Also, a Predator's cloak can be identified when the Predator is seen at close distances. Movement by the Predator tends to break up the distortions, unless the Predator is moving slowly like when he crawled past Dutch in the first Predator film.

In the Aliens versus Predator video game, the cloaking device works by making its user transparent; this is because it has been found by the developers that the game engine made the light-bending cloak too ineffective to be useful. It is also done this way so the player can still see what they are doing when playing as the cloaked Predator. It seems that androids and sentry guns can still see a Predator even with the cloak and humans often blindly fire in front of them (because of their motion sensors tracking a Predator's movements)

Medicomp

Med Kit as it appears in Predator.

The medicomp is not a weapon, but a small case that contains various medical equipment should the Predator ever be injured (although most if not all of these equipment seem to hurt as much as they help, as all the Predators that have used these tools on themselves have roared in pain soon after, a reaction that they don't have when they receive their injuries). One of the medical gadgets in it resembles a spike with a handle and contains a material that is either a powerful stimulant or a form of artificial plasma. It also contains a burner and a vial of liquid that when mixed with other materials (in Predator 2, the Predator uses broken glass and wall-tile fragments), creates a healing compound that can be used to treat and cauterize almost any wound, from minor to mortal, that a Predator may have. It has made various appearances throughout the Predator franchises including the video games.

This healing kit contains enough tools to perform minor surgery and repair superficial wounds. The healing kit also contains a shrapnel extractor, two wound clamps, which snap open and pin the wound closed with small spikes (one of these is used to close a bullet wound in Predator although this wound later re-opens), one stimulant shot, and one antiseptic tube (also used in Predator) as well as a detox probe, a hypospray, and 15 drug vials. Typical lists of drug vials include three each of: bone coral, counter-agent, healing booster, stabilizer and stimulant. The whole kit is extremely compact and takes up an area 4"x5"x9". The kit can come in a small version, a medium version, or a heavy version, the heavy version has all of the above inside of it.

The medicomp is also built with a flame extinguisher in the event that a Predator catches fire, but this is almost redundant seeing as how their plate armor is usually fireproof.

The Sat-com from AVP.

Sat-com

The sat-com is a computer which shows plans and schematics of some determined object or building, as well as working like a GPS-style positioning unit. This device is seen in use in the first and second Alien vs. Predator films. the Sat-com will also display the position of laser nets in the area, as well as their projection.

Plate armor

The Predator as it first appeared in John McTiernan's 1987 film Predator.

Most Predators wear a breastplate which doesn't cover the midsection. It is made of a very durable unknown metal able to stop bullets as well as delay the corrosive effect of xenomorph blood long enough for it to be taken off. In Alien vs. Predator, when xenomorph blood is splashed onto the plate, the Predator simply rips it off, suggesting that the plate is held together by clips attached to the backpack, which release when pulled. The plate also appears to be made of several layers resulting in better durability. Pauldrons and tassets are also featured on a Predator as well as greaves and foot armor made of the same unknown alloy. Though very light and strong, most types of Predator armor will dent if hit with a strong enough blow and can be pierced by a xenomorph tail blade.

The Aliens versus Predator video games portray the plate armor as being indestructible as a gameplay element, making the Predator the most durable player-controlled character. The plate armor won't keep a determined chestburster from erupting from the inside however; the armor shatters from the birth.

Mesh jumpsuit

Almost all Predators wear what seems to be a mesh jumpsuit made of an unknown wire. It appears to warm the Predator's body by means of electrically generated warmth. Besides this, it has also been suggested that the mesh is a part of the camouflage system. However when neither camouflage nor warmth is needed the mesh suit serves as a jumpsuit during the hunt. Another possible method of use is that the mesh may act as a storing device for trophies or weapons.

Weapons

Predator weaponry varies from hunter to hunter. It is possible that the difference in weapons between the various movies and games is more an indication of preference than anything else. Differences in clan culture may decide the difference in equipment a Predator may carry, as different clans may have different amounts of discipline in specific areas of combat, skill, or just possess a greater level of wealth or available technology. The idea of difference in wealth in a Predator clan would explain the amount of equipment carried and the advanced levels of each piece of equipment (for example, length and material of wristblades). However, it may not necessarily account for the variety carried by them throughout their encounters. It has never been officially stated that they have specific reasons for using certain weapons.

The video game Predator: Concrete Jungle rumored some or all Predator weapons to be based on Promethius technology, it is uncertain whether this means they are made with promethium or the phrase is unrelated to the element. Most fans believe that it is named after the Greek myth of Promethius who stole fire from the Gods to bring to humans, as Predators are god-like when compared to humans, especially in regard to technology.

Weapons depicted in film

It should be noted that the first Alien vs. Predator film appears to ignore all of the background information established in the numerous Alien versus Predator games, novels, and comics up to that point. This may explain the numerous differences between the two depictions.

Wrist blades

Wrist blades, normal and extended mode.

The wrist blade is the weapon of choice for most Predators and their iconic symbol. Twin or triple blades with jagged double edges are effective against prey. Using the wrist blades shows pride, because Predators prefer melee combat.

The blades range from 12 to 18 inches long and retract from a wristband. They are forged from an unknown alloy which is almost unbreakable, but not totally immune to xenomorph blood. In Alien vs. Predator, the wrist blade used by the Predator Celtic, was reversed so that the sharper end could be used more effectively in an outward swing that he used against a xenomorph, which ended up in his wrist blades being melted in half by the xenomorph's acidic blood, while in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem Wolf's blades (which are almost identical to normal wrist blades) are immune to all forms of damage including alien acid, though this may be due to the ones seen in Alien vs. Predator were for ritual and probably destructible to make it harder for the Predators, while the ones in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem belong to an experienced hunter. In the first Predator film, the Predator uses lasers to heat the blades for more powerful blows. How they are sharpened is not shown. The blades can be fired from the housing/slide in case of emergency, or reversed to execute a back-handed slash, or have them spread apart to make attacks with larger (more spread-out) wounds or to 'dissaude' prey from moving by trapping their head between the blades. These blades are often serrated to cause maximum damage when stabbing and/or pulling the blades free, double-edged, and occasionally both top and bottom are edged, removing the need for the reversing blades. Some Predators (like the Urban Hunter in Predator 2), will opt for a spear gun rather than firing their blades (which must be a last resort, unless the blades are later recovered and replaced).

In the computer game Aliens versus Predator 2, a scientist's medical report of a Predator indicates that the wrist blades wristband was grafted to the Predator's arm and removing it caused pulmonary arrest in the Predator being studied. The researcher speculates that the cardiac arrest may be an anti-tampering mechanism and comments, "What kind of society would rather have its warriors die than be disarmed?" However in Alien vs. Predator a Predator removes his wrist bomb, though his wristband was still attached to his arm.

Arm blades

Chopper's arm blades fully extended, in preperation for the hunt.

In Alien vs. Predator, only the Chopper (Gill) Predator has these arm blades. They're much longer than Scar's or Celtic's wrist blades, and can be extended or retracted at will. It could be argued that they classify as Mauls, but the design does differ.

Plasma caster

Plasma caster from AVP.

The plasma caster (also known as the "tri-cannon", "plasma cannon" and sometimes "shoulder cannon"), is a shoulder-mounted cannon. A three-dot laser sight, which appears as a triangle in the Predator's HUD, is used to show the Predator where the shot will go. The plasma caster will automatically lock on a target if the corresponding vision is activated. The three-dot laser sight can be part of the Predator's helmet. In both set-ups the plasma caster moves with the Predator's field of vision. It fires a bright, usually blue, pulse of plasma in a straight line. The pulse can be controlled to fire with more powerful charges, and the shots can burn through flesh, wood, metal, etc. There are at least three calibers, with the larger one's mounting its own laser sight. The sound made when firing changed in Alien vs. Predator from a single whip-like striking sound, to a more mellow blast with a reverbing deep pulse as the shot travels. Of course, the only caster to fire in Alien vs. Predator was a larger caliber than the first two. In Alien vs. Predator, acquiring the weapons appeared to be the trigger for the training pyramid, as none of the Predators were dropped off with one, and the pyramid maze activated after the weapons were unstowed. The three-dot sight has become the iconic symbol of the Predator films. The plasma caster can also work as part of the wrist computer. It is also removable.

In the film Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, the Predator Wolf wields two plasma casters. According to the production team, the Predator takes a second plasma caster from the corpse of another Predator killed by the xenomorphs. When Wolf uses two plasma cannons he can fire from both at the same time on different targets at once. The plasma caster could also be used as a hand-fired weapon, with the addition of a pistol grip, after the tracking servos on Wolf's shoulder mount malfunction.

As a gameplay element in the Aliens versus Predator video games, when used in conjunction with the correct vision mode, the plasma caster automatically targets an enemy and the shot is normally a guaranteed hit, (especially against human targets) provided that said enemy doesn't take cover in such situations, although fast xenomorphs may escape.

Combi stick

Combi stick from Predator 2.

In the movies the combi stick closely resembles a spear. It has the ability to cut through many materials such as body armor and steel. It is swung by the Predator and used to deliver crushing or piercing blows. The combi stick is also telescopic, presumably for easy storage when not in use. Both this and the shuriken are made of materials that are somehow resistant to the acidic traits of xenomorph blood.

Spear gun from Predator 2.

Spear gun

Spear gun "tips" from Predator 2.

A spear gun which fires small metal darts at high velocity. The spear is said to look like a "Spear Tip". The spear gun shoots the dart at such a high velocity that it completely eliminates the need for leading. It can fire in two modes: in semi and spread (fires like a shotgun). This weapon was briefly seen in Predator 2 and is available in the Aliens versus Predator video games as well as in Predator: Concrete Jungle. A speargun usually comes in the form of a telescopic rifle, while compact hand-held spearguns are seldomly seen.

Smart disc from Predator 2.

Smart disc

The smart disc (also known simply as the "disc") is an extremely sharp circular weapon that is thrown like a discus and returns to the user like a boomerang. This weapon is extremely powerful, shown to cut through half a dozen cattle carcasses and a man in Predator 2 in quick succession without any effort. It also has a hand grip for use as a slashing melee weapon as well. In the film Alien vs. Predator, the smart disc was replaced by a shuriken-like throwing star.

It is stated in the video game Aliens versus Predator: Extinction that the disc is mentally controlled by the Predator; Predators who train their mental capacity are able to do this. The discs may also be upgraded to have a rotating laser covering the edge. Also in the Aliens versus Predator first-person shooter games, the Disc had a homing device when used in conjunction with an appropriate vision mode, and could be retracted at will. Whether this is the case in the movies has never been stated, but it is most likely technological.

Shuriken

The Shuriken disc from Alien vs. Predator.

A shuriken, as seen in Alien vs. Predator, behaves much like the smart disc, however it is constructed with retractable blades. In Alien vs. Predator a Predator also uses it as a slashing weapon. It is immune to xenomorph's acid blood. It appeared again in the movie's sequel, Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, except far larger. The blade is also available as an upgrade to the smart disc in the game Predator: Concrete Jungle. It is sharp enough and fast enough to cut itself three whole inches into solid stone. The blades are also strong enough to break a xenomorph Queen's hardened head armor, though it cannot seem to actually cut it. In Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, the shuriken is able to cut through a single xenomorph without slowing down and brutally killing a human several meters behind it, with enough force to lift and pin her to a wall several feet above the floor.

Netgun

Net gun from Predator 2.

There are apparently two versions of the netgun. The first is seen in Predator 2, where it is a gun-like weapon that fires a man-sized net at its target, who is violently thrown and trapped against the nearest surface. The net then begins to constrict itself and cut apart the trapped individual inside.

A second version of the netgun was seen in the movie Alien vs. Predator, where it is seen to be a smaller version mounted on the Predator's wrist gauntlet. The net is extremely strong, shown when a character tries to cut through the net with a knife, but the net cuts the knife's blade from the handle. It is not resilient to the xenomorph's acidic blood (as the xenomorph Grid in Alien vs. Predator escapes the net but retains the grid-shaped scars) or smart discs (as seen in Predator 2).

In the video game Aliens versus Predator 2, the net only traps the victim to maintain the balance of game play. The opponents captured in nets are allowed to cut their way out with melee weapons (knives in the case of marines, claws in the case of xenomorphs, and wrist blades in the case of player-controlled Predators, the last being only in multiplayer matches).

Gauntlet plasma bolt in flight.

Gauntlet plasma bolt

A wrist-mounted projectile weapon, seen in Predator 2, fires a small plasma bolt off the Predator's left wrist gauntlet, which seems to be only effective against unarmored opponents, but still causes a reasonable amount of damage as the protagonist of Predator 2, Mike Harrigan, had to hastily remove his body armor.

Scatter Gun from AVP:R.

Scatter gun

In Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem the scatter gun is part of the plasma caster. It is used when Wolf's plasma casters are rendered useless, forcing him to use one as a makeshift pistol. In the Aliens versus Predator: Requiem game for the PSP the Scatter Gun is called the Hand Cannon and is obtained when the level "Hospital Exterior" is successfully completed. It deals a large amount of damage and fires quite rapidly.

The ceremonial dagger as seen in Alien vs. Predator.

Ceremonial dagger

The ceremonial dagger is a relatively new discovery, appearing in the Alien vs. Predator film. The Celtic Predator attempted to use this weapon against a xenomorph it had trapped in a net, but was killed when the creature freed itself.

Machete

In Predator 2, the Elder Predator is holding a machete. It is unknown if this weapon is used during a hunt, or is merely ceremonial.

The wire is the Predator's primary weapon.

Wire

Wire is commonly used by a Predator. In Alien vs. Predator, the Predator Scar uses some form of wire to kill one of the mercenaries when the team is walking down a corridor. The Predator hangs it down from above, a mercenary's head gets caught in it, and the Predator pulls him up. It is also used to hang defeated prey upside down by the ankles. The wire appears to have a cloaking effect around it similar to the Predator's.

Predator's whip from AVP:R.

Whip

The whip is another weapon previously unseen prior to it's depiction in AVP:R. When first introduced, the Predator picks up the whip in addition to other weapons before departing the planet. It is highly resistant to the corrosive property of xenomorph blood. It is also capable of cutting targets in half.

Glove

In Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem, Wolf has a new armored glove weapon. It's unfolding armor that encases his hand allowing him to punch through concrete and other such materials. The glove also appeared to be powered by some form of energy build-up, as Wolf used it to blow a hole in the roof of a sewer tunnel to the street above. The glove released some form of impact energy with explosive force.

Self-destruct device

Self-destruct device from Predator.

Self-destruct explosion.

Each Predator carries a self-destruct device mounted on their wrist computer. Once activated this device begins a relatively short countdown. Red LEDs of Predator numerals on the predator's gauntlet serve as a warning that a bomb is about to explode. The detonation of the bomb results in a small nuclear explosion which destroys everything in a baseball field-sized area. The actual bomb is located on the wrist device as depicted in the first Alien vs. Predator film when Scar detaches his from his wrist and throws it into the Pyramid's xenomorph egg hatching chamber. The device is normally used as a means of retaining honor, much like Japanese sepukku, allowing the hunter to commit suicide when he has been mortally wounded or inescapably trapped, in order to preserve his honor and remove any evidence of his existence.

There appear to be two forms of this device. In all of the Predator movies, as well as Alien vs. Predator, the devices take the form of small range nuclear devices, exploding outward and obliterating everything in its range. A similar device is found on a Predator vessel, used in Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem which uses an implosive reaction, destroying the wreck of the spacecraft before it can be found by humans. The device flashes outward, then collapses rapidly to a small sphere which winked out. There was little to no damage beyond the wreck itself, which completely disintegrated in the flash. This could be attributed to the motives of the Predator Wolf, who throughout the movie is trying to conceal all the evidence linking the infestation to the two races.

Solvent

In AVP:Requiem, Wolf salvages a vial of a blue, corrosive liquid from a fallen comrade. The chemical is incredibly potent and able to dissolve organic material, including Xenomorph carapaces, which are otherwise resistant to their own acidic blood. This substance is used to eliminate evidence such as Xenomorph and Human corpses, and also as an effective weapon against a xenomorph at one point. The substance seems to react with water in a violent, exothermic reaction. When used on organic material, the water within cells completely dissolves the surrounding cell. Further more, the initial reaction seems to cause chain reactions that spread to any water sources near it with incredible speed. A small amount of the solvent can vaporize large quantities of water (shown when Wolf poured some of the vial into a school swimming pool; upon returning to the scene, the pool is completely devoid of water).

Laser nets

The Laser Net is a flat triangular-shaped device that, when deployed, automatically secures itself against a solid surface, preventing any chance of the device falling from walls or ceilings or being moved should it be attached to the ground. When activated by remote, the device will produce multiple laser beams stretching across a spacial void until they make contact with an adjacent surface. From depictions of the device in AVP:R the lasers do not seem to damage or cut into the adjacent surfaces they touch, but do cut and slice xenomorphs (Aliens) with ease when they try to pass through the laser field. This is explained as the lasers being designed to only cut through biological tissue. When two or more Laser Nets are placed across from each other on parallel surfaces and activated, a laser "Grid" results, disallowing all but the smallest creatures to pass through. A Predator Warrior/Hunter/Cleaner places these devices behind himself to prevent any possible attack from behind while tracking prey and also has the added, if unintentional, effect of providing contrast against the surrounding area making Aliens easier to see.

Weapons depicted outside of film

Maul

A Predator holding a Maul in the game Predator: Concrete Jungle.

The maul is a very long, barbed, arrowed, blade that the Predator holds in its hands or slips onto its arm. They appeared in the game Predator: Concrete Jungle. These blades are very powerful and can easily slice humans in half. The blades can be held upside down and are longer in the back, which makes them perfect for a backwards stab. In the game, they can be used in combination with the wrist blades to make a sort of dual wielding blade. The blade is about 2 1/2 feet long.

A similar weapon made a brief appearance in the film Alien vs. Predator, being attached to the forearms of the Predator called Chopper (named after the two large blades on his forearms) by the crew of the film. Though they were seen attached to his arms through his part in the film, he never had the chance to use them as he was killed from behind by a xenomorph.

Glaive

This weapon appeared in the video game Predator: Concrete Jungle. It can be used as an alternative for the combi stick. It looks very similar to the combi stick, but with a large blade on the each end rather than strong pointed tips. In this respect it is used much like a sword with cutting blows rather than a bone crushing powerful spear like the Combi stick. It can be used as a single-handed or double-handed weapon.

Plasma pistol

A plasma pistol that acts like a hand-held mid-range version of the plasma caster but with a large area of affect. The firing mechanism differs between the two games. In the first game, the mechanism is fired in a parabolic arc like an M203 grenade, while the second game portrays it as firing in a straight line. In the second game, the secondary fire fires a burst in an arced trajectory, capable of stunning xenomorphs and even jamming electronic equipment temporarily.

Throwing mines

In the games and AVP:R, various mines, traps, and charges are shown to be used by the Predators. These include:

• Fire trap: An explosive mine. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
• EMP mine: Disables mechanical devices. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
• Sonic trap: Used to stun and temporarily paralyze an enemy or prey. Effective when needed to disable the victim without hurting the innocent or weak nearby. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
• Plasma mine: Vaporizes the flesh off the enemy, leaving just the skeleton. Featured in Predator: Concrete Jungle.
• Remote bomb: Detonated by the Predator or it explodes when in contact with a target. Can be stuck to surfaces. Featured in Aliens versus Predator 2.

Burner

Confusingly, this term has three definitions. The first refers to a flamethrower like weapon, meant for mass-effect attack strategy, that eliminates multiple aliens or humans with a 5-foot-wide, 90-foot-long line of flame which burns almost everything. It also refers to a long rifle with a button for a trigger in the Alien vs. Predator novels. This weapon is highly effective against anything up to and including a xenomorph queen, taking its head off with one shot to the neck. It is too powerful to be issued for normal hunts and is only used for warfare or queen stealing raids on alien hives. Finally, burner seems to be a blanket term for any plasma based ranged weapon as Noguchi's shoulder cannon is referred to as a shoulder-burner in Alien vs. Predator: War and Alien vs. Predator: Hunter's Planet.

Chemical sprayer

Almost identical to the burner, the chemical sprayer can project hazardous toxins or sprays of acid towards a nearby foe. Predators usually use this weapon with the intent to capture rather than kill their prey. It is most used when energy weapons are too dangerous to use, (i.e., a caustic atmosphere).

Energy fletchette

A rapid fire, wrist mounted energy weapon that fires golden plasma projectiles that do little damage but take up a considerably small amount of energy. Featured in the game Aliens versus Predator 2.

Notable Predators

In film

• "Jungle Hunter": The warrior who killed most of the special forces team in the original film, before being defeated by Dutch. He was portrayed by Kevin Peter Hall.
• "Urban Hunter": Another hunter in Predator 2 who was killed in his spacecraft by Los Angeles police officer Lieutenant Michael Harrigan. He was portryaed by Kevin Peter Hall.
• Elders: The greatest Predators that have ever lived, Elder Predators are leaders of the group of Predators that hunt the humans and xenomorphs on Earth. One of the Elders appear in Predator 2. Another Elder is also seen in Alien vs. Predator, and another briefly in the beginning of the game Predator: Concrete Jungle.
• Scar: The primary Predator and protagonist in Alien vs. Predator, Scar was killed by a xenomorph Queen. His weapons of choice were a pair of shurikens, a combistick, wristblades, and the plasmacaster. His corpse makes a brief appearance in AVP:R. He was portrayed by Ian Whyte
• Celtic and Chopper/Gill: Scar's clan brothers, they were both killed by the xenomorph Grid in Alien vs. Predator. Gill's weapons of choice were a pair of arm blades, which he never got a chance to use. Celtic's weapons of choice were the combistick, netgun, and speargun.
• Wolf: The protagonist of Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem. A veteran hunter which can be seen from both the scars on his face and his vast trophy collection, and a missing mandibul; he is a 'cleaner', ruthless and methodical, with a talent for single-handedly dealing with extreme lethal threats such as xenomorph infestations. Died in the nuclear blast set off by the military to destroy the xenomorphs and keep them from spreading. Name most likely derives from the fact that he fights all the aliens solo (i.e. lone wolf).

Expanded universe

• Yeyinde: From the Aliens versus Predator comic book. Referred to as Dachande, meaning "different knife" by other Predators, and "Broken Tusk" by humans, both due to a broken mandible.
• Topknot: Appears in several Aliens versus Predator comic books.
• Scarface: The protagonist of Predator: Concrete Jungle. Name derives from the gruesome gunshot scar on the left side of his face and also on his helmet.
• Swift Knife, Stone Heart, and Long Spear: a hunting party of "Bad Bloods" from Predator: Concrete Jungle, who are captured and tortured by Borgia Industries and are forced to fight the Scarface Predator, and all other enemies of the company.
• Ancient Nuke predator: Featured in Alien vs. Predator extinction, he is used in the final mission in the predator campaign to nuke the entire xenomorph hive.

Films

Since 1987, Predators have appeared in several films.

1. Predator (1987)
2. Predator 2 (1990)
3. Alien vs. Predator (2004)
4. Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)

Appearances in other media

They have also been involved in a number of spin-offs in a range of media that include novels, comic books and video games, most prominently Predator: Concrete Jungle.

Since Predator, the Predators have appeared in many crossovers (including a large number of intercompany crossovers) in comic books and other media such as novels and video games.

The largest of these crossovers is the Alien vs. Predator franchise, in which the Predators hunt the xenomorphs. This was an idea that came to comic book artist Chris Warner in early 1989. He and other people at Dark Horse Comics were trying to come up with a good character combo for a new comics series. Dark Horse had been publishing Aliens comic book under license from 20th Century Fox since 1987. In 1990, the first depiction of the idea in film appeared in Predator 2, when a xenomorph skull appeared as one of the trophies in the Predator spacecraft.

At Warner's suggestion, Dark Horse head publisher Mike Richardson phoned the head of Fox licensing Pam North with their idea, expecting to have a long negotiation ahead. Instead, North was immediately enthusiastic about the concept.

The deal that brought the two characters together was credited as "Deal of the Year" by Capital City Distributors, even though it only took a few phone calls (a fact Dark Horse somehow neglected to contradict).

A Predator and xenomorph meet for the first time on the big screen.

Alien vs. Predator, released in 2004 with director Paul W. S. Anderson at the helm, incorporates several elements from the comic books although it had a completely different story.

As well as Alien-franchise cross-overs, there have also been many other comic book crossovers with Superman, The Darkness, Witchblade, Magnus Robot Fighter, Green Lantern, Judge Dredd, Tarzan and Batman. In the comic Aliens versus Predator versus The Terminator they are also shown as a force of balance on a cosmic level, working to stop a flood of Terminator androids from decimating the population of the galaxy. A Predator who was constantly in stealth mode appeared in an episode of the late night animated series Sealab 2021 in the episode entitled "Predator".

A Predator was also seen in the South Park episode Imaginationland Episode 2 as one of the evil imaginary creatures released from the bad side of Imaginationland. It is formally recognised by the character Butters, with him yelling, "AAGGHH! A PREDATOR!" Butters had encountered one earlier (unseen) in "Butters' Very Own Episode".

On page 2 of Green Lantern #24, where the entire Sinestro Corps head for earth, one of the members at the bottom of the page is obviously a take on a Predator. It features the iconic mandibles, elongated head, dreadlocks, and even a shoulder cannon, along with the Sinestro corps uniform and Qwardian Power ring. A xenomorph member of the Sinestro Corps also appears fighting another Lantern elsewhere in the spread.

In Robot Chicken, the Predator and xenomorph are parodied twice in the episodes "A Piece of the Action" and "The Sack." Once in playing chess (as in the title Alien vs. Predator) ,a "male" Predator named Douglas (voiced by Phil LaMarr) going on a date with a "female" xenomorph on an episode of Blind Date and a picture of a Predator in the episode "Werewolves vs. Unicorns" when governor Arnold Schwarzenegger states how he has battled many aliens in the past.

In the 2005 Family Guy episode "8 Simple Rules For Buying My Teenage Daughter", a parody of both the 2004 film Alien vs. Predator and the 1979 film Kramer vs. Kramer is seen, entitled Kramer vs. Predator. After Dustin Hoffman yells at the Predators in a re-enactment of a scene from Kramer vs. Kramer, the predator simply shoots him.

The three cyber-ninja characters from the Mortal Kombat video game series, "Cyrax", Sektor and Smoke, were obviously heavily influenced by the design of a Predator, right down to the "dreadlock" wires on their head, and in Mortal Kombat 3, Cyrax also features a finishing move (called Fatalities) that mimics the Predator's self destruct device: Cyrax enters a combination on a wrist device; seconds later he explodes, killing himself and his losing opponent. Cyrax also reflects this influence is one of his special moves, an energy net.

The Charid race featured in an episode of Farscape featured facemasks and dreadlocks that were nearly identical to the Predators', although, the faces underneath their masks were revealed to be quite different.

See also

• Predator (comic book)
• Xenomorphs, the alien race from the Alien film series
• Hirogen, a trophy hunting race in Star Trek

References

• Predator (1987 film)
• Predator 2 (1990 film)
• Aliens versus Predator (1999 video game)
• Aliens versus Predator 2 (2001 video game)
• Predator: Concrete Jungle (2004 video game)
• Alien vs. Predator (2004 film)
• Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007 film)
• Predators (2010 film)

External links

• Predator: Special Edition
• Fan site Predator: The Hunted — covers the entire Predator universe
• Predator collectibles and kit guide
• Predator World Online hub for Predator information
• Alien vs. Predator Central Lore explanations and lists

Wikipedia

• Article at the Czech Wikipedia
• Article at the German Wikipedia
• Article at the Spanish Wikipedia
• Article at the French Wikipedia
• Article at the Italian Wikipedia
• Article at the Japanese Wikipedia
• Article at the PolishWikipedia
• Article at the Portuguese Wikipedia