Last week when we reflected on the best that the world of comics, Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men No. 20 reigned supreme as the top new comic book of the week. Also on the list were Kelly Thompson’s Birds of Prey No. 25, Captain Planet and the Planeteers No. 4 by David Pepose, and many more. This week, Image produced the best new comic of the week.
Here that is, along with the rest of the greatest new comics issues of the week.
Transformers No. 24 (best of the week)
- Writer: Daniel Warren Ellis
- Artist: Jorge Corona
- Colors: Mike Spicer
Expecting big things from a comic book can negatively affect your thoughts on the issue because you want too much. Not here. Not only was this everything a fan could have hoped for, it surpassed expectations.
It wasn’t just the highly anticipated fight between Megatron and Optimus Prime (which was the fight of the week). There were a few heartwarming moments, too. One will change the way people look at a character forever.
Powers 25 No. 1
- Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
- Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
- Colors: Nick Filardi
If you’re a fan of Powers, welcome back to the greatness you missed. If not, you’re in for a treat. Issue No. 1 is off to a better start than anyone could have wanted.
The series restarts with the same mystery, cursing, and rawness of the original. Plus, the classic characters are older, new ones are being introduced, and the dangers are updated. However, another thing that remains constant is Deena Pilgrim finding herself in the middle of trouble.
Captain America No. 3
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Valerio Schiti
- Colors: Frank Martin
What happens when Doctor Doom meets Captain America (Steve Rogers) for the first time? He uses his smooth words and propaganda to get Rogers on his side. The funny part is that some of what Victor Von Doom said resonated with Cap, and maybe some of the readers.
The other part of this series tells the story of the other Captain America, David Colton, and his time becoming the newest Sentinel of Liberty. He fought a different war, and he’s a different person, but his origin mirrors Steve Rogers. However, the one difference they have is highlighted in this issue.
Absolute Batman No. 12
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
- Colors: Frank Martin
When Bane said he needed to break Bruce, he meant it. While Batman recovered, he beat the Caped Crusader's friends in ways they won’t recover from. Now, they’re twisted versions of the villains from DC Comics’ Prime Earth. He broke Bruce physically, and this move was meant to destroy him mentally.
Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta made this one of the most demented stories in the Absolute Universe. Considering what Brainiac looks like, that says a lot. Seeing how Bane took out Ozzie, Harvey, and Eddie wasn’t just brutal. It was psychologically scarring.
Imperial War: Nova – Centurion
- Writers: Jed MacKay and Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Matteo Della Fonte
- Colors: Yen Nitro
Jed MacKay and Jonathan Hickman took a powerful character like Nova and turned his power levels down. This will make him a more interesting character who will now be forced to think first, then act. Then, they proved he can piece mysteries together, showing that he’s more than the Novaforce.
Space Ghost No. 2, Volume 2
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Jonathan Lau
- Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
During my interview with David Pepose, he talked about doing one or two-and-done stories in each issue of Space Ghost. For a comic book fan like me, it’s a gift getting and good story and moving on. This issue was a perfect example of why this works.
In Space Ghost No. 2, Volume 2, readers meet a new and interesting character who makes the story feel like Batman and Catwoman chasing each other. There are also a couple of new villains and a lot of action. This may be the most fun comic book of the week.
Gargoyles: Demona No. 3
- Writer: Greg Weisman
- Artist: Frank Paur
- Colors: Robby Bevard
This is the first time readers see a complete issue of Demona as the brutal fighter from the animated series. However, even within the anger and brutality, there was honor. She did something she wasn’t proud of because she believes she’s the only one who can get the job done.
A storyline to pay attention to is Demona and her adopted daughter, Angelika. Angelika isn’t the young pupil from the first issue, and it looks like Demona doesn’t want to accept it. This could lead to them separating sooner rather than later.
Batman: Dark Patterns No. 10
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Artist: Hayden Sherman
- Colors: Triona Farrell
Batman: Dark Patterns started with a theme of fires in Gotham City. Some of it was metaphorical, but a lot of it was literal. After three fantastic stories (We are Wounded, The Voice of the Tower, and Pareidolia), Dan Watters and Hayden Sherman outdo themselves by paying off the mystery and revealing the true villain behind the blazes. I won’t say more, just read one of the best Batman stories in years.
Ultimate Wolverine No. 9
- Writer: Christopher Condon
- Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
- Colors: Bryan Valenza
Ultimate Wolverine continued the trend of turning some of our favorite X-Men into abominations. In issue No. 8, it was Warren Worthington. This time, Cyclops’ head was put in the stomach of Sentinel so his optic blast could be used as a weapon.
As sad as that was to see, it’s a constant reminder that the Maker (Ultimate Reed Richards) turned this universe into an abomination. And thanks to writer Christopher Condon, you never know which X-Man will show up and be a deranged version of what fans know.
One World Under Doom No. 7
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: R.B. Silva
- Colors: David Curiel
This issue showed Victor Von Doom as the powerful villain we know him to be. It wasn’t just that he beat a large group of superpowered people. He did it alone and countered moves he never saw - one that was so surprising that it took Doom off guard. Nevertheless, Doom remained victorious.
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