This past week has been full of great new comic books. It's been a great year for comics in general, and even with the end of the year almost upon us, that shows no signs of changing.
Daredevil No. 16 by Saladin Ahmed revealed the face behind the Devil Wrath, more of Dario Agger’s plot was revealed in Immortal Thor No. 18. And Ram V’s New Gods made its DC Comics debut. Quite the week, right?
As amazing as those new titles were, the following comic books were the very best of the week.
The Power Fantasy No. 5 (pick of the week)
- Writer: Kieron Gillen
- Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Every issue of The Power Fantasy has ended with something that seems like things can’t get worse…and then they do. And while the idea of absolute destruction and evil can get tired, the right writer can make it beautiful and gripping.
This is what happened in issue No. 5. of The Power Fantasy. Kieron Gillen wrote a gorgeous foreshadowing of annihilation while Caspar Wijngaard made everything look lovely yet grim.
Ultimate Spider-Man No. 12
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Marco Checchetto
T’was the night before Christmas, at the Parker home. Not a villain was stirring. Not even even Electro. MJ and her sister made up with haste, while J. Jonah Jameson was looking for a date. And just when you think everything’s on the up and up, along came something horrible called the Parker Luck.
This writer won’t spoil what happened on the last page. Just know that things are bad for Spidey at this current stage.
Absolute Batman No. 3
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
The reveals in this comic book were amazing. There were possible connections to Bane, Arkham, and The Joker. But the best part was seeing young Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle and how she helped point Bruce in the right direction. Without her, he wouldn’t have become Batman.
Three issues in and Absolute Batman isn't slowing down.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 5
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Darick Robertson
The story of the mayor Hieronymus Hale taking over New York is a familiar one. Hale feels like he deserves more or wasn’t given enough notice and that New York has gone soft. Thankfully, Jason Aaron isn’t just another writer, ensuring that readers would hate Hieronymus Hale more than when they learn he's working with the Foot Clan.
As if Hale's backstory wasn’t enough, the issue ends in a way no one will see coming. If that doesn't make you detest him, nothing will.
Deadpool No. 9
- Writers: Alexis Quasarano and Cody Ziglar
- Artist: Andrea DI Vito
I never should have doubted that Cody Zigar would come through. After worrying about Wade Wilson dying, Ziglar, along with writer Alexis Quasarano, turned Ellie into a future star, furthered her character development, and added a secret that’ll be revealed in a future issue.
Plus, we got to see Ellie make fun of M.O.D.O.K. and there's hope for Wade and Valentine Vuong. You couldn’t have asked for more.
Fantastic Four No. 27
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: Steven Cummings
This issue left this writer smiling. N'Kalla (Ben Grimm and Alicia Master’s adopted Skrull daughter) felt like a monster after a school lesson about shape-shifters throughout history painted them as murderers and kidnappers. Thankfully, N'Kalla has amazing parents and siblings who remind her that she’s nothing like the lesson she's taught.
After she defeats Mole Man and his monsters, N'Kalla learns that lesson for herself.
Wonder Woman No. 16
- Writer: Tom King
- Artist: Bruno Redondo
This was the funniest comic book of the week and maybe the year. Detective Chimp harassed the Sovereign throughout the issue while getting the information needed to prove his involvement in American crimes. It also helps that Bruno Redondo did the art. He made The Sovereign’s anger even funnier.
What was your favorite new comic book of the week? Was it on this list? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter.