Batman vs. Predator is AWESOME. If you are a Batman or Predator fan and haven't read it, you need to track down a copy.
Now.
Batman vs. Aliens is pretty good, as is Batman vs. Aliens II despite
Spoiler
those ***ing stupid supervillain hybrids
. The books, especially the second one, had some pretty interesting themes in them, and I actually hope for a follow-up that would resolve some of the loose ends left in them. (e.g. Batman's nightmares about the Aliens, the themes of ancient gods and horrors which are so integral to the Aliens' imagery). Plus, the writers really
get Batman and the Aliens, and thus I would definitely recommend those as well.
Superman vs. Predator...oh, boy. If there is a definition of an unbelievably silly crossover, this is it. Yet despite the fact that the book is pure fluff, despite the totally plot-convenient de-powering of Superman and the cringe-worthy dialogue, I really, really enjoyed reading it. When it's good, it's decent, and when it's bad, it's so bad it's good, in a good way.
The plot is really interesting in that it seems totally not what you'd expect. It isn't a setting that you'd expect for Superman, nor a plot for Predator (despite being a follow-up to the original film), yet both enter into the completely insane storyline almost naturally. It almost reminds me of something I'd write: a seemingly mis-matched yet fun crossover, wacky characters, cringe-worthy dialogue, great moments for the characters involved (Superman having to rely on his wits and sheer reputation against normal human mercenaries rather than his strength, and a fun, post-modern feeling of self-awareness make this a must-read for entertainment purposes alone.
It's worth noting, also, that both
BVA1 and
SVP feature the link between Aliens and Predators and ancient Mayan/Mesoamerican culture, and SVP even features the Predator firing his wrist blades from his gauntlet. I wonder if Paul W.S. Anderson gave these a read through sometime prior to making
AVP?
Overall, I've had good luck with crossovers so far, though I don't know how long that luck will last, and I encourage those such as DJ Pu$$yface (fellow Doctor Who fan!
) and Corporal Hicks to give the ones above a try.
I am wondering...I've heard that Superman and Batman vs. Aliens and Predator is pretty bad, but at the same time I'd like to know how it continues/concludes Superman and Batman's relationship with the creatures. Can anyone who's read it and the earlier crossovers between the characters save me the time and tell exactly what goes down, pretty please?
