Predator vs. Punisher #1 delivers exactly what you’d expect and want
FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! THE PUNISHER TAKES ON THE PREDATOR! NEW YORK CITY becomes a hunting ground when a PREDATOR arrives looking for worthy prey and finds FRANK CASTLE! As crime bosses fall, the body count rises and the streets run red, two legendary killers violently collide in a brutal showdown that has been decades in the making. Featuring a murderer’s row of underworld villains including KINGPIN, JIGSAW, SILVERMANE, THE OWL and more! Predator vs. Punisher #1 delivers the battle we didn’t know we needed but shows off potential in the first issue.
Written by Frank Tieri, Predator vs. Punisher #1 kicks off a crossover that has bloody potential but surprisingly feels like it keeps things rather reserved. Opening up with a flashback the comic teases a gang war between Jigsaw and The Owl but a Predator has other plans as well as the Punisher.
The debut issue feels like the mash-up it is with elements that feel like that dip a little into Predator 2 but for the most part is a Punisher comic. The Punisher has a mission to take out Jigsaw, The Howl, and Silvermane. And the Predator… is doing Predator things, so killing individuals it sees as a game and prize. While they don’t clash in this issue, Predator vs. Punisher #1 does set up what is to come.
Tieri though keeps things rather tame in some ways. This is a Marvel comic but things are left to some stabbings, an arm cut off, and the almost signature skull ripped out by the spine. All of that features a minimal amount of blood. The comic goes up to the line delivering a comic that’s definitely for older readers but the violence and visuals isn’t enough to be a mature comic.
Jesús Saíz handles the art and it looks good. With lettering by Travis Lanham the comic does a nice balance between it being a comic and not a rated-R film. The characters look good and there’s a bit of a frantic feel to the comic when things get rolling. It’ll be interesting to see how far the comic will go with the violence and many more kills to come as the Predator hunts but eventually clashes with the Punisher.
Predator vs. Punisher #1 is the popcorn silliness you’d expect for the comic. This is exactly what readers are expecting, if anything it’s a bit of a subdued start. But, it’s still fun and the type of comic you can just sit back and enjoy the over the top concept of it all.
Story: Frank Tieri Art: Jesús Saíz Letters: Travis Lanham
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle
