5 Must-See Terminator Crossover Events That Fans Need to Discover

The Terminator franchise has captured the imagination of audiences since its inception in the 1980s, seamlessly weaving together elements of science fiction, action, and horror. Central to the narrative is Skynet, a malevolent artificial intelligence that annihilates much of humanity through nuclear warfare and then deploys an army of robotic assassins known as Terminators to hunt down the remnants of mankind. To thwart this bleak future, human resistance fighters embark on time-travel missions, while Skynet sends its assassins back to eliminate key figures who could change the course of history.

Since the release of the original film, The Terminator has remained a cultural touchstone, spawning numerous sequels, spin-offs, and even infiltrating other franchises. It’s not uncommon for Terminators to clash with iconic Sci-Fi entities such as Xenomorphs and Predators, engage in battles with fellow robots like Autobots and RoboCop, or take on superheroes like Superman. Here, we explore the five most exhilarating Terminator crossovers that fans should not miss.

5 Terminators Go Head-To-Head with Other ‘80s Sci-Fi Icons: Alien & Predator

Aliens vs Predator vs The Terminator by Mark Schultz and Mel Rubi

Alien's Xenomorph, a Predator, and a Terminator standing together.

The 1980s introduced audiences to some of the most formidable monsters in cinema history, each operating within their own distinct narratives—until Dark Horse Comics united them in an unforgettable tale titled Aliens vs Predator vs The Terminator. Set in a distant future following Alien: Resurrection, this ambitious crossover reveals that the events of The Terminator took place in the past of the Alien universe. Despite humanity’s victory over Skynet, remnants of its technology survive, blending with Xenomorph DNA to spawn a new breed of monster, putting Predators on high alert as they seek to eliminate this new threat before it spreads across the cosmos.

This crossover not only delivers riveting action but creatively intertwines the established lore of all three franchises, making it a must-read for fans eager to witness epic battles featuring their favorite sci-fi icons.

4 RoboCop Plays a Fascinating Role in The Terminator Lore

RoboCop vs The Terminator by Frank Miller and Walter Simonson

RoboCop battling an army of Terminators.

While The Terminator is undoubtedly iconic, RoboCop stands as a formidable counterpart in the realm of ’80s cyborgs. Both narratives grapple with themes of corporate malfeasance and the ethics of artificial intelligence. In the gripping story RoboCop vs The Terminator, we see human rebels sent back in time, not to defend a crucial target but to eliminate RoboCop himself—believed to be the catalyst for Skynet’s creation. In this shared universe, the existence of RoboCop inadvertently paves the way for the rise of malevolent AI.

This crossover transcends mere confrontation, offering a complex narrative that intertwines the destinies of both characters. While it may not be canonical for either franchise, the remarkable storytelling and engaging plot make this a standout addition to the Terminator universe.

3 Not Even a Terminator Can Defeat the Unkillable Painkiller Jane

Painkiller Jane vs The Terminator by Jimmy Palmiotti and Nigel Raynor

Painkiller Jane pointing a gun at a T-800 Terminator.

The Terminator series is renowned for its compelling female protagonists, none more iconic than Sarah Connor. However, Painkiller Jane introduces a new layer of intensity. In Painkiller Jane vs The Terminator, a Terminator is dispatched to eliminate Jane, only to realize that she is far from an ordinary target. Possessing extraordinary healing abilities and combat skills, she proves to be one of the most formidable adversaries the android has ever faced.

This crossover, though less mainstream, showcases the franchise’s affinity for strong female characters and results in an electrifying showdown that highlights Painkiller Jane’s resilience and strength.

2 Transformers are an Even Greater Threat to Humanity Than the Terminators

Transformers vs The Terminator by David Mariotte, John Barber, Tom Waltz, and Alex Milne

A Transformer with a Terminator's skull under their cracked armor.

In the original The Terminator saga, humanity is besieged by the relentless Terminators created by Skynet. However, in the Transformers vs The Terminator storyline, this dynamic shifts dramatically. Rather than solely combating the Terminators, humanity finds itself in alliance with these robotic foes against a more formidable enemy: the Cybertronian race.

What unfolds is a narrative where all Transformers are seen as a unified threat, compelling humanity and the Terminators to collaborate in an effort to thwart the Cybertronians. The comic delivers a rich narrative brimming with unexpected alliances and dramatic storytelling, making it an essential read for fans of both franchises.

1 Terminators Receive Unprecedented Upgrades While Fighting Superman

Superman vs The Terminator: Death to the Future by Alan Grant and Steve Pugh

Superman getting swarmed by an army of Terminators.

Not only does The Terminator boast a captivating narrative, but it also seamlessly integrates with various universes, including DC Comics. In Superman vs The Terminator: Death to the Future, a battalion of Terminators travels back in time with the intent of eliminating Sarah and John Connor, yet Superman intervenes as their protector.

As the story unfolds, Superman becomes trapped in a post-apocalyptic landscape, forced to confront an upgraded faction of Terminators. This crossover illustrates the versatility of the franchise, showcasing Superman’s unexpected battle against the very creations designed to eradicate humanity. It’s a thrilling fusion that highlights the strengths of both characters and solidifies this crossover as a quintessential entry in the Terminator legacy.

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