The Predators have faced off against several different types of opponents, including Aliens, Superman, and Batman, but they have never set their sights on Spider-Man (my all-time favorite superhero that I love dearly) until now. I am referring, of course, to Predator vs. Spider-Man.
When I first heard about this limited comic book series a few months ago I wasn’t sure what to think. Spider-Man is a lot more lighthearted and a lot less violent than the brutal Predators, so I wasn’t sure how well things were going to mesh here. Even though I had my doubts and didn’t think that I would be into the series I went ahead and grabbed the first issue out of curiosity and hoped for the best.
So, after finishing the first issue was I left wanting more or did I decide that I didn’t care about finishing the series?
Keep reading to find out…
Synopsis
During a brutal heat wave in New York Spider-Man finds himself looking for a vicious serial killer that the media has dubbed “The Skinner,” unaware that he’s about to be up against one of the most feared hunters in the entire universe.
I’ve just got to say, I was blown away by the first issue. Written by Benjamin Percy (Red Hulk, Hellverine) with artwork from Marcelo Ferreira (Avengers Assemble, Moon Knight: City of the Dead), Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 surprised me by how good-and brutal-it was. I went into it not expecting a whole lot, but by the time that finished reading it I knew that I had to read the rest of the series and couldn’t wait for the next issue to be released. I had a total blast reading it and think that a lot of other readers out there will feel the same way once they check it out.
One of the things that works for this issue is that we’re not exactly sure of what point in Spider-Man’s life the events are taking place. Peter is working at the Daily Bugle (something he hasn’t done in a very long time) and is still with Mary Jane (they haven’t been together for a while now thanks to horrible executive meddling by Marvel), so it was refreshing to see these things in this series.
I miss him working at the Daily Bugle and I really miss him and Mary Jane being a couple (even if I am more of a Gwen Stacy fan), so I thought that this was a nice touch and it made me miss earlier comics from the late 80s and 90s when both the Daily Bugle and Mary Jane were constants in Peter Parker’s life. I think that it is an awesome idea to include both in this series, and I have a feeling that a lot of readers who want Peter and Mary Jane to be a couple again will feel the exact same way.
I also like that the tone is pitch black as well. While there are a few Spider-Man story arcs (such as “Torment,” “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” “Shed,” and anything having to do with Carnage) that are darker, and more horror related for the most part his adventures aren’t that bleak and creepy. Predator vs. Spider-Man, however, is quite dark, and I was a little surprised by how disturbing it was at times. The gore is cranked up to an 11 as we see some vicious, bloody murders, people being skinned, and a guy getting his face ripped off.
This Predator is hardcore and doesn’t have a problem with violently slaughtering people. This issue was good and bloody, and the bit where the Predator is running around wearing one of his victim’s face like a mask is total nightmare fuel. This comic is definitely not for kids, and as I said earlier, I was a little surprised by how gory and brutal it is.
I thoroughly dug the first issue and am looking forward to seeing how this miniseries (it’s in four parts) plays out. It’s well-written, the art is great, and I love the fact that one of Spidey’s villains shows up at the end to try his luck at taking the Predator down (if you think about it you will figure out who I am talking about as he is one guy who is a fantastic match for the Predator). If you are looking for a fun, brutal, and just all-around great read in general then I highly recommend checking this issue (and the entire series) out. You won’t regret it (and from what I understand, Wolverine is also going to be facing off against a Predator in another miniseries, which has potential to rule).
Predator vs Spider-Man #1 is now available at your local comic shop, or wherever you get your comic books.
