Predator Fire and Stone #2 Review
Written by: Joshua Williamson
Art by: Christopher Mooneyham
Colours by: Dan Brown
Published by: Dark Horse Comics
Welcome to the good ship Perses, the happy home of the pilot Galgo and one very bad ass Predator. The issue starts off with some typical Predator machismo, battling some multi-limbed alien creatures, where the Predator gains some battle damage (all the Predator warriors know the chicks dig battle scars!).
With the pilot captured by the Predator, there is the beginnings of a bargaining session. The two characters are very different creatures but they share a rough edge. Our friendly Predator has a lofty aim, and he needs Galgo’s assistance: a return to the jolly LV-223 and a mighty prize in the head of one of the Engineers! You can appreciate the desire of the Predator, taking down an Engineer is a pretty big scalp. Galgo’s obvious reluctance to revisit LV-223 is entirely sane and reasonable. This discord is at the crux of their unfortunate relationship.
Fire and Stone is a decent, entertaining book, the art has a raw vibe and the story builds convincingly. There is also a highly dysfunctional bromance at play between the central protagonists. Williamson has crafted a satisfying read with #2, building the story and injecting the right boosts to the pace when needed. Characterization is handled well; you do engage with both the Predator and Galgo.
Christopher Mooneyham turns in a nice mix of pages, ranging from the opening pages on the alien world, to the scenes of the interior and exterior of the Perses and finally LV-223. The alien creatures and alien terrains are nicely constructed. The colors lend extra energy to the art, so a nice combination of the art of Mooneyham and colors of Dan Brown.
In the run up to the culmination of the issue you get to see the interplay of the Galgo and the Predator, and as the two begin to show some understanding Williamson drops the ending just on a high point of anticipation. This issue has been an entertaining read, a decent effort from the creative team and a worthwhile entry into the pantheon of Predator universe. Based on the evidence in this issue, it bodes well for issue 3.
