[REVIEW] PREDATOR VS. SPIDER-MAN #1

It’s your friendly neighborhood Spidey against an unfriendly intergalactic alien warlord in Predator vs. Spider-Man #1.

Predator vs. Spider-Man is the latest in a series of crossovers wherein Marvel characters clash with horror icons from 20th Century Studios, appropriately as part of the company’s 20th Century branding. These stories, such as Avengers vs. Alien and Predator vs. Wolverine, are generally set within their own continuities, allowing their creators to do whatever they want with the properties. (But it is fun to imagine their potential for internal crossing-over.)

In Predator vs. Spider-Man #1, you can probably guess which characters will come to blows. Very explicitly what’s on the label. But there’s more to it than that, with a noir-ish police investigation and an infamous figure from Spidey quickly lore joining the party both also happening on the edges. (Some may rejoice in knowing Paul is not in this, though they’d perhaps enjoy seeing him get vivisected by the Preator.)

The main flaw with Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 —and it’s not totally the fault of writer Benjamin Percy— is that the title is technically false advertising, as the titular characters don’t actually clash in this specific issue. Totally understandable; the story needs to be set-up first. But anyone interested in reading a crossover between Predator and Spider-man may leave disappointed. This reiterates the question of whether or not some stories would be better suited to a standalone graphic novel format than a monthly limited series, and I’m sort of on the side of ‘yes’ there. 

But as for what Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 is setting up, it could be interesting! Percy is quite well-known for his horror stories, and Predator is a great vessel for that, especially since this isn’t Spider-Man’s first go with an evil alien. Spidey is also just a fun character to throw in a horror story, and every effort with this setup tends to be at least interesting. The art team, led by penciler Marcelo Ferreira, matches the material solidly, but it’s color artist Frank D’Aramata who really boosts the mood. This story is set during the dog days of summer, and D’Armata’s colors reflect that, with lots of warm tones permeating the page. As someone who’s been in Manhattan during the summer, it is not pleasant, but I do enjoy how that feeling is conveyed.

Although Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 may not immediately deliver on its premise, there’s definitely potential in this story, and fans of either —maybe both— would probably find things to enjoy here.

Predator vs. Spider-Man #1

5.99

6.4

Premise

6.0/10

Execution

6.5/10

Script

6.5/10

Art

6.5/10

Credits

• Writer: Benjamin Percy
• Artists: Marcelo Ferreira (penciler) & Jay Leisten (inker)
• Color Artist: Frank D'Armata
• Letterer: VC's Clayton Cowles
• Cover: Paulo Siquiera & Yen Nitro

Credits (cont)

• Editors: Sarah Brunstad, Lindsey Cohick & Martin Biro
• Publisher: Marvel Entertainment