Absolute Superman and the 5 best comic books of the week
By Mark Lynch
It was difficult picking the five best comic books of the week. For example, Aliens Vs. Avengers No. 2 was phenomenal, adding to the Alien movie lore that fans loved, along with some tragic moments and well-known Marvel Comics characters. There was also Kelly Thompson’s Birds of Prey which continues to be a must-read series. Nevertheless, I had to break it down to the top five.
Let’s start with the pick of the week (another tough selection).
Absolute Superman (pick of the week)
- Writers: Jason Aaron
- Artists: Rafa Sandoval
DC Comics put the right creative team on Absolute Superman. Jason Aaron’s revision of Krypton made for a deeper take on Jor-El and Lara-El. Using the caste system to make a point isn’t something I thought I’d see in comics, but it’s undeniably good. Combine that with Rafa Sandoval’s art and you have the best book of the week.
That was just the stuff on Krypton. Things get crazier once we get to Earth as Superman (a nomadic protector of the people) fights a Peacemaker police force paid for by the Lazarus Corp. It was nice to know that no matter what Darkseid did, the Man from Krypton would still be a hero.
Ultimates No. 6
- Writers: Deniz Camp
- Artists: Juan Frigeri
The new Ultimate Universe being more dangerous than the original may have been up for debate until issue 6 of Ultimates. This is where readers see a version of the Hulk that could be the strongest there is. Not only is he in complete control of his rage, he’s mastered the ways of the Iron Fist and hitting with the force of multiple atomic bombs. If that wasn’t bad enough, Hulk’s Immortal Weapons had the same capabilities.
Avengers No.20
- Writers: Jed Mackay
- Artists: Farid Karami
Black Panther ventures to a pocket dimension to help free prisoners. It’s a pretty standard assignment for T’Challa. It's the introspective look into T’Challa’s mind that earns this one a spot on the list.
As he’s helping free people from bullies and an oppressive force, he thinks about what he’s doing and wonders if he’s creating a new kingdom in his pocket dimension. Black Panther is helping, but will it cost him his place on The Avengers and maybe on Earth.
Something is Killing the Children No. 0
- Writers: James Tynion IV
- Artists: Werther Dell'Edera
Erica Slaughter left the Order of St. George to help kids being killed by monsters her way. Depending on how you look at it, this could be considered bravery or defiance. To another group of monster killers, she’s shown more resilience than her mentor. Now she's being hunted by her original group (the Order of St. George) and another that’s looking to recruit or kill her.
Batgirl No. 1
- Writers: Tate Brombal
- Artists: Takeshi Miyazawa
The one concern I had with a Batgirl comic book starring Cassandra Cain was that it wouldn't get her get her personality right. For example, she shouldn't bounce off the walls like a goof because that's not who she is; Cassie is funny in her own way. Thankfully, those worries quickly went away on page one.
The first issue of Cassandra Cain’s Batgirl was everything a DC Comics fan could want. You can see that writer Tate Brombal knows the character inside out by how he shows Cassie’s attention to detail and Takeshi Miyazawa's art matched the storyline in a way I didn't see coming. In short, it was perfectly done.
Next. Everyone who died in The Penguin (and how they lost their life). Everyone who died in The Penguin (and how they lost their life). dark
What comic books are you reading this week? Is there a series that wasn't on here? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.