In our previous look at the best comic books of the week, IDW Dark led the charge with Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood No. 1 by writer Delilah S. Dawson. Also on the list was Stephanie Phillips’ Daredevil, Batman No. 9 by Matt Fraction, and She-Spawn No. 1 by Gail Simone. The hits just keep on coming this week!
Yes, this time around, there are more familiar titles, but it also had a ton of new comic books worth reading. Out of them all, here are the ten issues you don’t want to miss.
Barbara Gordon: Breakout No. 1
- Writer: Mariko Tamaki
- Artist: Amancay Nahuelpan
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
THAT is how you start a series. Barbara Gordon: Breakout kicked off with an explanation as to why Barbara Gordon chose this mission. During that explanation, readers see the danger she’ll be in, and we meet some of the inmates and guards who will be a problem for her. And then there’s a mysterious ending to get you pumped for the next issue. In short, SWEET CHRISTMAS, this was good.
Absolute Batman No. 20Â
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
- Colorist: Frank Martin
In every issue of Absolute Batman, writer Scott Snyder breaks the hearts of readers with more information on how and why Bruce Wayne became the Dark Knight. This time, readers learn that Jack Grimm (Joker) and Scarecrow may have created Batman as a joke because Bruce’s mother was in the Court of Owls. It’s incredibly vile, but brilliant storytelling.
W0rldtr33 No. 20
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Fernando Blanco
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
This issue of W0rldtr33 had a lot of Gregory Bell explaining why he’s infatuated with Undernet, but it was needed. This allows readers to truly see how evil and delusional he is. It isn’t just about control. He thinks he spoke to a god when he was in the Undernet instead of something sinister looking to destroy the world.
Blood and Thunder No. 13
- Writer: Benito Cereno
- Artist: E.J. Su
- Colors: Michele Assarasakorn
This was 24 pages of some of the best action you’ll see. Artists E.J. Su and Michele Assarasakorn flawlessly showed Blood’s skills as a fighter. It was a reminder that she doesn’t need Thunder (her gun and friend) to be a force. Meanwhile, writer Benito Cereno told the story of how Blood (and before her, Desmiox) won’t let a prisoner stay in solitary confinement without a way out.
Magik and Colossus No. 4
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artist: German Peralta
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
I wish Ashley Allen would write these characters forever. The first three issues of Magik and Colossus have been amazing, all while showcasing a bunch of cool ways of using magic. But reading about the relationship of siblings Illyana (Magik) and Piotr (Colossus) being mended is the best part of the series. It's made this special.
Transformers No. 32
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Jason Howard
- Colors: Mike Spicer
At the end of Transformers No. 30, Elita-One became Prime after Optimus opened his chest and the All Spark chose her. Now, back on Cybertron, she’s learning that being a leader isn’t as easy as she thought. Because, upon arrival, many of her team are slaughtered by Shockwave and the other Decepticons. Luckily, Elita-Prime found a weapon within the All Spark to save the Autobots who weren’t killed.
Captain America No. 11
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Valerio Schiti
- Colorist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Life imitates art and vice versa. In this case, we have General Thaddeus Ross (Red Hulk), who invaded Latveria without the approval of the United States or other leaders. If that wasn't bad enough, he was a second away from killing a kid. Sure, it was the clone of Victor Von Doom, but he's still a kid.
Absolute Martian Manhunter No. 11
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist and colors: Javier RodrÃguez
As the Green Martian fights the people who kidnapped him, John Jones is tormented by Despair-The-Zero in the most recent issue of Absolute Martian Manhunter. He tells John things about his past and present that may not be true, except for one fact. John's son died eating a poisoned Choco (Absolute Martian Manhunter No. 6). Now we just need to learn what is real and what is Martian-Vision. Hopefully, that's explained in the series finale.
Something Is Killing the Children No. 47
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Werther Dell'Edera
- Colors: Miquel Muerto
Erica Slaughter’s mentor, Jessie, was an alcoholic. It wasn’t shocking since the Order of St. George sometimes requires the hunters to kill children. What I didn’t expect was for Jessie to start drinking long before the legal age. This added more sympathy for an already sympathetic character.
Ghost Pepper No. 11
- Writer: Ludo Lullabi
- Artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
Since Ghost Pepper began, Ash has been an unstoppable force. This issue is the first time readers saw him beaten. No, it wasn’t a physical defeat. It was worse because someone he loved is the reason that he’s forgotten and not looked at as the one who saved the world. And now he's close to losing control and being overcome with rage.
Bleeding Hearts No. 4
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Stipan Morian
- Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
Seeing the relationship between Rabbit and Poke is beautiful. It shows that no matter the differences, there could be a way to find peace between two vastly different people. Even Rabbit’s mother, Cara, may be starting to warm up to them. Sadly, the ending shows that there could be something sinister around the corner that can jeopardize happiness and acceptance.
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