(Image Source: Marvel / Greg Land)
The past few years have seen several crossovers between Predator and the Marvel Universe. Wolverine became the ultimate prey for one of the alien hunters. More recently, Black Panther defended his people from a hunting party that sought the secrets of Vibranium. Now, Peter Parker must face one of the deadliest of the Yautja, in Predator vs. Spider-Man.
The issue opens on New York City in the midst of dual heat waves and crime waves. Both have Peter Parker sweating, as he investigates a series of strange serial killings more violent than anything even he’s seen. While he hopes to cash in on the story and jump from being a photographer to a photo-journalist, he also hopes to catch the killer as Spider-Man.
(Image Source: Marvel)
However, the killer is a Predator and bloodthirsty even by the standards of his kind. Further complicating matters are a police officer who is more concerned about busting Peter taking crime scene photos without permission than stopping the killings. Throw in Kraven the Hunter deciding to join in the manhunt for the murderer and rolling blackouts around the city, and the Ol’ Web-Head has his hands full.
Predator vs. Spider-Man taking time in setting stage
For a series famed for its intense action, this first issue of Predator vs. Spider-Man is surprisingly slow-paced. Most of the issue is devoted to introducing the cast and establishing the stakes. This is not to say that Benjamin Percy‘s script is light on action. Indeed, there are several intense sequences, from Peter Parker saving children from a speeding getaway car, to the Predator killing a gang. However, fans of the Predator franchise may grow tired of waiting for the payoff.
(Image Source: Marvel)
A larger issue lies in some of the character choices in Predator vs. Spider-Man. The subplot with the police officer chasing after Peter Parker seems unnecessary. It also seems uncharacteristic of Peter to break the law by impersonating an CSI , purely for the sake of a scoop. It’s also a little odd that it is Peter who suggests printing a special edition of The Daily Bugle when they can’t update the website, rather than J. Jonah Jameson.
Disney+ Has the Best Bundle in the Business
Sign-up today for access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+
Learn More
Sign-ups support Superhero Hypevia affiliate commission
Thankfully, the artwork is (if I may be forgiven a gruesome pun) up to snuff. Marcelo Ferreira delivers a disturbing level of detail in depicting the Predator’s victims. This is further enhanced by the inks of Jay Leisten and the colors of Frank D’armata. While it may take some time to get to the blood and guts of this issue, they are impressively rendered.
(Image Source: Marvel)
I suspect that Predator vs. Spider-Man will read better in a collected volume rather than month to month. The pacing of this first chapter is a bit off, as are some of the character and story choices. However, it is still a solid start to a story that promises to capture the essence of both franchises.
Grade: 7/10
Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 23. 2025.
