Predator: Does it even NEED a book?

Okay, so I know, Predator (the 1987 Arnold classic!) isn't based on a book. At least, not that I'm aware of. But I still wanted to ramble about it cuz it's, like, the perfect monster movie. I just keep thinking about how it uses genre expectations to its advantage. You think you're getting some standard '80s action flick with beefy dudes and bigger guns, then BAM! Alien hunter shows up and it's a completely different ballgame. I still remember the first time I saw it. I was probably way too young, but the scene where Billy (Sonny Landham) just STANDS there and laughs, KNOWING he's bait? Chills. Actual chills. And Dutch covering himself in mud? Genius. It's a brilliant, primal fight for survival that completely subverts the whole 'action hero saves the day' trope. And honestly, seeing Arnold truly struggle and outsmart the Predator is way more satisfying than any of his other action roles, at least for me. It feels earned, y'know? One thing I've noticed watching it again recently is the subtle exploration of masculinity. All these hyper-masculine characters, so confident and powerful at the start, are slowly stripped bare and forced to confront their own mortality. They're physically imposing, but against the Predator, they're just… prey. It's surprisingly thoughtful for what on the surface looks like a simple action movie. I guess I'm just nerding out, but it really stands the test of time. So, yeah, no book to compare, but Predator is a stellar example of visual storytelling. Any thoughts? Am I way off base on this one? Let me know!