In recent years, the Predator has clashed with several Marvel heroes. One hunted Wolverine, seeing him as the ultimate challenge, while another pack of Predators went after Wakanda, only to be stopped by Black Panther as they tried to uncover the secrets of Vibranium. Now, in Predator vs. Spider-Man (2025) #1, writer Ben Percy sets his dark imagination loose on one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes: Spider-Man!
The story kicks off in New York City, which is being hit hard by both a brutal heatwave and a surge in crime. Peter Parker is feeling the pressure from both fronts as he investigates a string of bizarre and extremely violent murders—more gruesome than anything he’s ever encountered. While Peter’s aiming to land a big scoop that could elevate him from photographer to full-on photojournalist, he’s also determined to track down the killer in his role as Spider-Man.
But the real threat turns out to be a Predator—one that’s especially vicious, even by Predator standards. To make things worse, there’s a cop more focused on catching Peter for snapping unauthorized crime scene photos than actually helping solve the murders. On top of that, Kraven the Hunter jumps into the chaos, eager to track the killer, while the city deals with rolling blackouts. All in all, Spider-Man is juggling way more than he bargained for.
Credit: Marvel Comics
Despite being part of a franchise known for its high-octane action, the first issue of Predator vs. Spider-Man takes a surprisingly measured approach. Much of the story focuses on setting the scene and introducing key characters. Benjamin Percy’s writing doesn’t skip out on thrills entirely—there are some gripping moments, like Peter rescuing kids from a runaway car and the Predator taking out an entire gang. Still, longtime Predator fans might find themselves getting impatient for the real action to kick in.
The bigger problem with Predator vs. Spider-Man is that some character decisions don’t quite fit. The storyline involving the cop pursuing Peter for taking photos feels like an unnecessary distraction. Peter pretending to be a CSI just to get a story doesn’t align with his usual morals. And it’s a bit strange that he—not J. Jonah Jameson—is the one who comes up with the idea to print a special edition of The Daily Bugle when the website goes down. That kind of call feels more in Jameson’s wheelhouse.
Credit: Marvel Comics
Fortunately, the visuals are spot-on. Marcelo Ferreira does an excellent job capturing the grisly aftermath left by the Predator, with disturbingly detailed illustrations. Jay Leisten’s inking and Frank D’Armata’s coloring add even more impact, enhancing the overall intensity. Even though the gore doesn’t kick in right away, when it does, it looks fantastic.
Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 will probably shine more when read as a complete story rather than month by month. The pacing in this debut issue is inconsistent, as it spends a significant amount of time laying the groundwork. Some character choices are also questionable, particularly concerning Peter Parker. But in the end, this issue does a solid job of setting the stage. It introduces a dark, gritty tone that balances the grounded heroism of Spider-Man with the raw brutality of the Predator franchise. There’s a definite sense that once all the pieces are in place, the payoff will be worth the wait.
‘Predator vs. Spider-Man’ #1 Review: The Hunt is on in New York
While the first issue of Predator vs. Spider-Man #1 gets bogged down in setup, leading to uneven pacing and questionable character choices, it successfully establishes a dark, gritty tone that blends the two franchises and promises a worthwhile payoff once the complete story unfolds.
