Batman versus Predator is one of the simplest ideas for a comic series. They basically just throw the two starring characters together and have them fight. However, this comic series pulls it off in grand fashion.

In a plot reminiscent of the movie Predator II, and I don't know whether or not it had already come out yet, the Predator alien is in town to hunt. He manages to listen to people and take down some of the rather boisterous leaders of Gotham City: a prizefighter and then the mob bosses who challenge the town for supremacy. In effect, the alien is simply hunting big game. It is the human population that does not know what they are up against.

Batman versus Predator is written by Dave Gibbons. You may remember that he was the "helper" on Alan Moore's Watchmen. Some sources have cited that it was a rift between the collaborative efforts of Moore and Gibbons that caused Moore to abandon the series halfway through. Moore did not like the ending of Watchmen. Gibbons is a creative talent in his own right that makes this comic work through its attention to detail and serious handling of even a science fiction subject.

It seems a bit quick and easy how the Gotham populace and Batman himself come to the conclusion that this is the work of an alien. I'll give Batman credit for finding the strange pattern in the crimes, as he does that for his pantheon of psychotic villains. One seemingly innocuous scene comes in handy near the end of the novel. Bruce Wayne's butler, Alfred, comments about the hunting trophy heads decorating the mansion. Bruce Wayne tells him to take them down but to save the rifle. Alfred, of course, uses this rifle to stop the Predator attacking Batman down in the Batcave. That ends up being a neat little setup.

The end comes about the only way possible, which is nice. The Predator's friends come down and acknowledge that Batman does indeed defeat the Predator. He watches as the Predator commits hari kari, shaming his warrior race for not being strong enough on his coming-of-age hunting trip. This hearkens back to older folk stories and fits in a sociological profile that ends up being the Predator's way, as evidenced in later comics and movies, especially Aliens versus Predator.

As a cross-company mini-series, there is no need to worry. Many times these can be wastes of money or time, as shown a few years later in the horrible Marvel/DC Amalgam Universe. Batman versus Predator pays off for Batman and Predator fans, science fiction fans, and all comic fans. A great read. Damn, this series was good.