Comic Review: Predator vs Archie Vol 2. (Dark Horse/Archie Comics)
Sometimes comics give us thoughtful, character-driven stories. Sometimes they give us big, pulpy, “what if?” scenarios. And then sometimes… they give us Archie vs Predator II. A sequel no one expected, yet somehow we got it.
That’s right. America’s favourite teen from Riverdale is back, and once again, he’s sharing the page with the universe’s deadliest hunter. Spoiler alert: it’s as bonkers, violent, and darkly hilarious as you think.
The Setup
If you missed Archie vs Predator Vol. 1, don’t worry, so did I (once I find a copy, expect a review), but realistically, you don’t need to read it. Vol. 2 kicks things off by fully embracing the chaos of its predecessor. The gang has survived their first brush with the Predator (sort of…), but things in Riverdale are never simple. Now, thanks to alternate realities, clones, and a Predator who’s a little too interested in Betty and Veronica, the story quickly escalates into multiversal madness.
Yes. You read that right. Alternate universes. With Archie. And a Predator.
What Works
The Tone: Somehow, this series balances classic Archie-style humour with extreme gore. The absurdity is the point, and it never takes itself too seriously.
The Artwork: Clean, colourful Riverdale aesthetics smashed against brutal Predator carnage make for a wild visual clash. Think bubblegum pop meets slasher flick.
Betty and Veronica: Once again, they steal the spotlight. Fierce, clever, and surprisingly capable of holding their own against alien hunters. Honestly, this is as much their book as it is Archie’s.
The Predator Twist: Without spoiling too much, this Predator isn’t just stalking; he’s got a bizarre obsession with fitting into Archie’s world. It’s weird. It’s unsettling. It’s perfect.
What Doesn’t Quite Land
The Story Logic: Look, if you’re searching for airtight sci-fi explanations… this ain’t it. Alternate timelines, clones, weird gadgets, it’s all here, but don’t think too hard about the “how.”
The Pacing: At times, it feels like the book is sprinting through ideas faster than it can land them. Fun? Absolutely. Coherent? Not always.
The Archie Factor: Let’s be real, Archie himself is kind of the weakest part. He’s more a victim of the chaos than a driver of it. But maybe that’s the joke.
Final Verdict
Archie vs Predator II is exactly what you think it is: utterly ridiculous and absurdly entertaining. It takes the wholesome world of Riverdale, throws it in a blender with sci-fi horror, and somehow comes out with a comic that’s equal parts parody, homage, and guilty pleasure.
Is it high art? Nope.
Is it fun as hell? Oh yes.
If you’re a fan of offbeat crossovers, grindhouse pulp, or want to see Jughead face the possibility of being skinned alive by a Predator… this is your jam.
