Predator VS… it’s a lot harder to decide an opponent for this trophy hunter than people think. The first Batman versus Predator comic is a classic, feeling like a high stakes survival action movie with lackluster sequels. In recent times, the only crossover with other characters that have come close is with X-Men’s Wolverine. But it can’t just be the grim-and-gritty stuff right? A crossover with Archie comics shows that.
Predator VS Scenarios
The Predator franchise revolves around the Yautja (Ya-oot-ja), a sapient alien species with a trophy hunting culture. Armed with high-tech weapons including their iconic stealth cloak and retractable claws, they hunt the strongest and most capable prey. Why? Best guess, it’s a way to measure self or communal worth. Once they beat their targets, the Yautja tend to take their skulls as trophies. While a lot stronger and more agile than olympic athletes, the Yautja are not unstoppable. They still bleed and sometimes have to use first-aid. That’s part of what makes them so interesting and terrifying. No one knows what a Yautja wants or why they risk themselves in the first place. They don’t seem to want to dominate whatever lands they come to… mostly. Neither do they wipe out species in their pursuits.
Let’s Start With A Classic
So when creating scenarios with these dreadlocked, mandible faced, hunters, steps need to be taken carefully. Part of the Yautja’s main appeal comes from how alien they are. They’re from cultures no one can nail down with different tribes and approaches to hunts. The best times they’re used is often in subversion and meta-commentary. Like in the first Predator film where the Yautja takes on typical action movie characters of the 80s. Unlike the machismo driven soldiers who fight guns blazing, the Predator uses guerrilla warfare to systematically take them out. Despite being a physical match for them all, the Predator isn’t trying to show off. Also with the setting in South America, there’s plenty of political commentary.
So when bringing them to comics, what’s the best thing for Yautja to hunt?
Superheroes Are Good Prey?
You’d think that Yautja would verse against demigods in the comic panels. But how do you do that with stakes? There is a reason why a Predator fighting Superman bombs. Not for nerfing Supes, but because the Predator just doesn’t fit in with him. There’s nothing to compare or contrast the two. And the plot fits more with Aliens or Prometheus than Predator.
So what makes Batman so special? Don’t take my word for it.
So yeah, Predator is about pushing the Yautja’s opponent to their absolute limits. Especially if there are more than a few ways for the Yautja to reflect that. For Batman, that’s with gadgets and fighting for dominance over Gotham, not for justice or ego but appropriating the Dark Knight’s role. Whatever laws or ethics the Yautja have, they’re incompatible with Earth’s with the Predator just imitating Batman’s pursuit of justice.
A similar thing happens with Judge Dredd… but not to the same degree. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of suspenseful events including Dredd’s final showdown with the Yautja. But unlike in say Predator 2‘s L.A., Mega City One is already a real concrete jungle. The Yautja never needed to ape the biggest, baddest, predator to thrive here.
Predator VS Projections
Then there are the latest crossovers with comic book icons. The first is one of the oddest, but most compelling. Archie vs. Predator is nothing like anybody expects. Anybody who knows Archie knows that the only similarities with a Yautja is hunting for tail. (Oh god… I feel so old!)
Ironically that’s the point of the whole thing. (Not the old part!) It turns out the Yautja hunting the Riverdale gang is a teenager. And he’s got a thing for Betty after she and Veronica get in one of their catfights.
Wait what? That doesn’t make any-
It’s Archie! Things are supposed to get crazy! Sure seeing the usually G-Rated Riverdale gang get slaughtered looks like B-Movie schlock, but there’s more. The Predator is killing off his competition and obstacles to Betty. Also despite his brutality, this Yautja is noticeably clumsy. This makes him the perfect foil to Archie Andrews, devoted to his goals, but is held back by his lack of coordination.
Not only that but in an inversion to Batman vs. Predator, Betty turns the appropriation on the Yautja. By the sequel, this Predator Archie becomes Archie Andrews boiled down. Basically a lovable buffoon acting a part for affection. In turn, this subversion opens meta-commentary on Archie Comics the original Predator did for 80s action movies. That trying to hold onto familiarity hides insecurity.
Time For Action
Finally Predator vs. Wolverine is another tale of reflections and projections. Wolverine and the Yautja have always had comparisons like honor codes and skillsets. Enough that people make videos of a match between them. With Logan’s very long life, readers see a rivalry of two great trackers trying to get one up on another. From the simple early days of kill or be killed to showing who has more patience. It’s almost like Logan is fighting a mirror, ready to face his limitations head on. Each time they fight, they’re stronger and more resilient, more in control of their identities. So when the war’s finally over Wolverine can’t help but feel empty. Does this mean that he’s peaked? Meanwhile do the Predators have anyone else to fight in the Marvel Universe?
Predator VS Perceptions
As you can guess by now, the best Predator VS titles aren’t about fighting the strongest characters, but pushing them to their limits. It’s not even about the fights, but how humanity reacts to truly alien forces. While never as intense as cosmic horror, the best you can do when meeting anything like a Yautja is earn their respect. Anytime you think you understand something about a Predator, there’s a good chance you’re in over your head. Much like the Yautja using their recorders to try to imitate human behavior, projecting anything human onto them is something they will exploit. Because in the end, self-value is tested when facing something unlike you.
Thanks for coming to the end and as always remember to look between the panels.