Archie Vs. Predator II #1
Written by Alex de Campi
Art by Robert Hack
Published by Archie Comics/Dark Horse Comics
Retail: $3.99
(As with any review, the potential for spoilers exist. While the reviewer tried to be as spoiler free as possible, reader discretion is advised.)
I love the wide range of crossovers Archie has had with other amazing franchises. His run-in with The Punisher is the stuff of legend. Archie Vs. Sharknado was a fun-filled gory romp! But there’s something different about Archie Vs. Predator II.
You know how Deadpool is aware that he’s actually a comic book character? Well Betty, Veronica and a Predator-Human hybrid in the form of Archie, have that same kind of knowledge. They’re all quite aware of the unusual things that happen to the Archie gang. From time travel to becoming superheroes to summoning demons, this group of ageless teenagers are anything but typical.
Seeking a way to possibly undo the events of the first Archie Vs. Predator series via the Memory Lane in which Archie was able to view married life with both Betty and Veronica, the teens wind up in an alternate universe comprised of their more gritter, rebooted selves. Yes, with the existence of an Archie multiverse confirmed, the town of Riverdale is about to experience a ‘Crisis’ of DC Comics proportions when this unlikely meeting of Archies results in the return of Predator!
The opening chapter of Archie Vs Predator II was some trippy stuff. I've never really seen Archie Comics take such a risk as to having the characters acknowledge that they are part of a greater comic book franchise. I'm wondering if a mass crossover of different types of Archie's is in the works here. Could we be one day be seeing a visit from L'il Archie and Friends or Archie 3000? That would be epic!
I was blown away by the artwork of Robert Hack (Doctor Who). His pencils capture the classic Archies with a sort of pained innocence while portraying the rebooted versions as contemporary yet classic. His Predators look amazing. But there's just not enough of those alien baddies in this first issue.
There's also not enough first issue. I'm really starting to feel that for the lofty price tags we pay, I'd rather pay a little extra for 2 or 3 oversized issues than almost $4 for 5 small issues. 22-24 pages just isn't enough room in a comic book to achieve a decent pace. Especially when it comes to crossovers! Writer Alex de Campi (Smoke) has woven such a meta concept at stake into this miniseries. Unfortunately, by the time you get the hang of things, issue #1 ends without the reader ever getting anywhere.
Archie Vs Predator II is some very sophisticated stuff, what with the concepts of what is reality vs. fiction and alternate universes. It's great for fans of DC's Crisis books or Robert Heinlein. But if you are expecting a bloody sci-fi dangerous game between Dark Horse's Predator and the teens of Archie Comics, you'll have to wait until next issue. While the prospect of that conflict has gotten me ready for more, I'm disappointed that for the cover price we don't get any Predator kills in this issue.
Archie Vs Predator II debuts in print and digital formats on July 24, 2019.
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.
