When it comes to comic books, there is one thing that I do very much enjoy besides a good story, which is a really good slugfest (Bonus points if it has both). Yes, I know this happens in comic books all the time, but sometimes there are fights that outshine others, ones that are something the reader looks forward to. There was something exactly like this while I was growing up. It was an event put together by DC and Dark Horse Comics way back in 1991. These two companies took two of my top franchises/comic titles and brought them together in a way that hadn’t been done before into three issues of pure awesomeness. I’m referring to Batman vs. Predator. This was a mini-series event written by Dave Gibbons. By the way, if you haven’t heard of him before then shame on you because this writer helped to architect one of the best and most popular stories of all time: Watchmen. Batman vs. Predator was a high profile comic to say the least with high expectations especially if you were knowledgeable of the two characters. Those expectations were definitely were definitely met.
The story began with the Predator in Gotham City doing what he is known for…hunting. It targeted first boxing champions, crime-bosses and ultimately this lead him to come face to face with The Dark Knight who barely escaped with his life. As Bruce Wayne recovered his near fatal injuries over the next week, the Predator was “owning” the city and creating a mass panic with its citizens who thought that a serial killer was on the loose. If you’ve read The Dark Knight Returns or seen the trailer for the upcoming movie Batman v. Superman, you would have an idea of the suit of armor that Batman pulls out on the rarest of occasions for particular adversaries. This put them both on near equal ground as they battled. While keeping true to both of their respective worlds, the story built up to a fantastic climax. I won’t reveal the events because I hope that you’d want to experience this story for yourself. It’s the kind of action that I enjoy, which undoubtedly has infiltrated my mind and influenced my creativity, but it’s more accurate to say that just liked it. I’m a fan of both genres and I’ve read this story multiple times over the years. For me, that’s a mark of a good story…one that you want to experience over and over again. If you have similar interests then I recommend giving this mini-series a try.
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