ADVANCE REVIEW! Archie vs. Predator #1


Is this crossover a match made in heaven? Or is it a catastrophic idea that never should have seen the light of day? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

HE’S IN RIVERDALE WITH A FEW DAYS TO KILL!

America’s favorite teen meets the galaxy’s fiercest hunter! Archie and friends hit Costa Rica for Spring Break, where party games and beach games are soon replaced by the Most Dangerous Game! What mysterious attraction does the gang hold for the trophy-collecting Predator, and will the kids even realize they’re in danger before it claims them all?

Archie vs. Predator #1 Eric Powell variantI have to admit, I’m not overly familiar with the world of Archie, as though I’ve read a few comics, it has never been something I could heavily invest in. Predator on the other hand is a character that I’m very familiar with, having been a fan of the hunter alien ever since I first saw the Arnold Schwarzenegger film. The result in this unique version of AvP is something rather strange, and somewhat amusing.

Having very little in the way of expectations going into this series, I was pleasantly surprised to find Alex de Campi‘s script somewhat interesting, as though it didn’t blow me away, it wasn’t bad. The main thing that impressed me about this comic was the way that at no point does it take itself serious, with the characters actions being as eccentric as you’d expect. On the other hand, I did find the lack of Predator rather disappointing, as though the silent, but deadly tone, and symbolic nature was nice, I’d have loved to have seen more of it. In addition to this de Campi also delivers a short tale featuring Hellboy and Sabrina, with it being brief, yet intriguing.

Fernando Ruiz‘ art was sensational, and as ever suits the world of Archie perfectly. Having a fun, yet zany flair, the artist certainly captured my attention, with the energetic pace helping to enhance the craziness of this tale. Ruiz also manages to give a chilling, yet suspenseful vibe to the Predator, and along with Jason Millet‘s vivid colours, it takes the reader into the Predator’s primal heat vision. The backup art from Robert Hack also captivated, with his detailed pencils, and deep colours merging Hellboy and Sabrina brilliantly.

Archie vs. Predator isn’t going to be for everyone, and if you’re not a fan of Archie, then it’s definitely not a comic for you. That however doesn’t stop it from appealing to this fanboy, as though I’m far from captivated, it proves to be a weirdly entertaining crossover, that I look forward to reading more of.

OUR RATING
7
  • + Wacky tale.
  • + Fun artwork.
  • - Features too heavily on Archie.
  • - Not enough Predator.

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