The idea of the brutal, honor-bound alien hunter, the Predator, squaring off against the witty, working-class hero, Spider-Man, sounds like a fan-fiction fever dream. Yet, with the four-part miniseries Predator vs. Spider-Man (2025), writer Benjamin Percy and artist Marcelo Ferreira deliver not just a clash of franchises, but a surprisingly effective blend of superhero action and visceral horror. Following previous Marvel-Predator crossovers (like the Yautja hunting Wolverine or going after Vibranium in Wakanda), this collected edition proves that New York City is the perfect, grimy hunting ground for a very different kind of alien menace.
The story hits the ground running in a New York City absolutely stifling under a scorching heatwave and rolling blackouts: the kind of environment where tempers fray and danger brews. Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, Peter Parker, is already juggling his usual problems, trying to score a career-making photojournalist scoop and keeping the streets safe. But then a new threat emerges from the city’s shadows: “Skinner,” a rogue Predator with no code, no tribe, and a thirst for violence that’s truly disturbing, even by Yautja standards. Percy uses the heat and chaos of the city as a pressure cooker, turning New York into a character itself, struggling to survive the intense heat and a monstrous new killer.
While the series is rooted in high-octane action, the debut issue takes a surprisingly measured approach, focusing on setting the scene. This initial groundwork, although a bit slow for hardcore Predator fans eager for the first kill, pays off by establishing a genuinely dark and gritty tone. The tension ratchets up issue by issue as Skinner’s brutal methods escalate; he earns his name by flaying victims and even wearing their skin, resulting in truly gruesome and chilling visuals.
Percy skillfully juggles a complicated cast. Peter Parker remains true to himself, relying on his intellect and quick wits, constantly risking his own safety to protect New York. However, the true standout, besides Spider-Man, is Mary Jane Watson. Trapped in Skinner’s lair, she proves her heroism isn’t about powers, but about selfless determination, leading others to safety in a display of strength that’s compelling and powerful. The story also throws Kraven the Hunter into the mix, eager to prove himself against the “ultimate prey.” His instinctual, savage style of tracking contrasts nicely with Peter’s intellectual approach, leading to a vicious and highly anticipated showdown.
The biggest stumbling block in the narrative is the character of Detective LaPearl, the cop relentlessly pursuing Peter for snapping unauthorized crime scene photos. Her subplot feels underdeveloped and tonally disconnected from the escalating violence, adding little tension and mostly serving as a cliché distraction. Furthermore, some of Peter’s initial character decisions, such as pretending to be a CSI for a story, feel uncharacteristic and an unnecessary attempt to force conflict, where the looming threat of an alien hunter should have been enough. Her inclusion is a persistent weak link that takes up valuable space that could have been used to deepen the emotional stakes.
Fortunately, the visuals are flawless. Marcelo Ferreira’s artwork is a major reason this series works. He captures Spider-Man’s agility with dynamic, fluid motion, making his web-slinging feel fast and effortless. More importantly, Ferreira excels at horror, delivering incredibly detailed and grisly images. Jay Leisten’s inking adds a gritty edge, while Frank D’Armata’s colors, using harsh reds and sickly neon greens, amplify the brutality, particularly in the savage, no-holds-barred final fight between Kraven and Skinner. The artwork makes the horror pop in a way that feels uniquely suited to comics, transforming the pages of Skinner’s hideout into one of the most terrifying locations in a Spider-Man story.
The series is a relentless blend of tension, terror, and heroism that culminates in an explosive final issue. While the finale could feel slightly rushed, leaving a few plot threads unresolved (like the fate of one Predator and the ultimate setup for the future Predator Kills the Marvel Universe), it ensures that all key players (Spider-Man, Kraven, and Mary Jane) get impactful, character-defining moments. The emotional reunion between Peter and MJ after her ordeal, for instance, is one of the book’s most heartfelt scenes.
Ultimately, Predator vs. Spider-Man Collected delivers on its explosive promise. It successfully establishes a dark, gritty tone that perfectly balances the grounded heroism of Spider-Man with the raw, terrifying brutality of the Predator franchise. Despite some initial pacing issues and a distracting subplot, the relentless action, the sharp character moments, and the absolutely stunning, brutal artwork make this a thrilling collision of genres. It’s an absolute knockout that sets the stage for exciting things to come in Marvel’s ongoing Predator saga.
‘Predator vs. Spider-Man’ Collected Edition Delivers a Thrilling Collision
Predator vs. Spider-Man Collected delivers on its explosive promise. It successfully establishes a dark, gritty tone that perfectly balances the grounded heroism of Spider-Man with the raw, terrifying brutality of the Predator franchise.
