Geekscape Comics Reviews: ‘Archie vs. Predator’ #1
The Predator comes to Riverdale in the latest reinvention of the Archie Comics franchise. The first issue of Archie vs. Predator (AVP) is, for better or worse, exactly what you should expect.
Alex de Campi’s writing fits right into the Archie universe. The teenagers’ dialogue and behaviour feels spot on. She does a wonderful job of giving each character their own distinct charm and sense of humour. The issue is fun, and even downright silly at times. There were actually parts in this book that made me giggle out loud… yeah, I said giggle. When things start getting sketchy, Archie and crew behave like any teenagers would in a typical slasher movie, illogically. It feels alright for the most part, but there were a couple of instances where their reaction (or lack of one) are hard to accept. It’ll be interesting to see how the characters change when they become aware that they are being hunted by something that isn’t human.
Archie veteran Fernando Ruiz’s art shines throughout the entire issue. He does an excellent job of integrating the Predator into the Archie Universe. Making the Predator a cartoon does take away from its lethalness but you are quickly reminded of how vicious of a hunter the Predator can be. Ruiz’s ability to integrate violence into a universe that is not known for it will sure to be one of the high points of the series.
The first issue is much more Archie than it is Predator, so readers who were surprised by how much they enjoyed Afterlife with Archie might not have the same reaction to this. I felt Afterlife with Archie was able to open itself up a larger audience as it was a horror story that just happened to have the characters from Archie in it. So far this series feels like an Archie story that just happens to have the Predator in it. I fear this may alienate (no pun intended) readers; Archie fans will not enjoy it like they would the normal books and Predator fans won’t enjoy it because it’s too much Archie. However, there is a lot of fun to be had if you’re like me and just have a casual interest in both franchises.
What you see is what you get so far with AVP. If you hear Archie vs. Predator and think that it sounds fun, you’ll probably enjoy it. If it turns you off, this book probably isn’t for you. While I’m not clamouring for the second issue I am excited to see where the story goes. This could be the beginning of a very entertaining miniseries.
Archie vs. Predator #1 is on sale April 15th. Will it be on your pull list? Let us know in the comments below!
