The previous must-read comic book article was the most difficult list I’ve had to make all year. So much so that I didn’t add Sorcerer Supreme No. 4 just so I could write an entire article about how Steve Orlando has become one of the best Scarlet Witch writers ever. Doing the description in just a few sentences wouldn't have done it justice.
The newest comics released last week didn’t make creating a list any easier, as Marvel, DC, and Image comics all put out bangers. Let’s begin with one of my favorite ongoing titles.
Geiger No. 22
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Gary Frank
- Colors: Brad Anderson
Issues of Geiger are almost always depressing. Considering Tariq Geiger's situation, his past, and the current state of the world, I’d say it’s justified. However, while this story wasn’t a bowl of sunshine and rainbows, there was a rare moment where Tariq was full of joy.
Tariq was reading Jack and the Beanstalk to some kids, and it was one of the few times he was genuinely happy. Later, the Northerner points out that Tariq must have been a good parent because while Ashley Arden taught the children to shoot, Tariq taught them to read.
Absolute Wonder Woman No. 18
The creative team on Absolute Wonder Woman continues to make a series that goes above and beyond the expectations of comic book fans. For example, in this issue, it wasn’t the fighting that made this special (even though it was superb). It was the conversation about love and how it can make people act irrationally. It was perfectly portrayed in how and why Zatanna fought Diana.
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Artist: Hayden Sherman
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Iron Man No. 3
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Carmen Carnero
- Colors: Nolan Woodard
This was another fantastic issue by Joshua Williamson and a shining example of how a great writer can make classic heroes more layered by making characters. In this case, there’s Luna Lucia, who seems to be bringing out a side of Tony Stark where he doesn’t have to put on an act.
Ghost Pepper No. 9
- Writer: Ludo Lullabi
- Artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
This issue started with a few people revolting, then turned into a full-on revolution. It took time and sacrifice for people to build up the courage and rage to fight back, but they did. It was something that people in real life can look to and ask, “Why not us, too?”
Harley Quinn No. 60
- Writer: Elliott Kalan
- Artist: Carlos Olivares
- Colors: Marissa Louise
I grabbed this comic book after hearing that Harley Quinn’s personalities would be separate into two people: the psychiatrist (Harleen Quinzel) and Batquinn (the grizzled and serious vigilante). Let me tell you that this was a great idea. Harley is attempting to be serious, but her new gritty personality is still funny. Meanwhile,
Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon No. 2
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artist: Luca Maresca
- Colors: Jesus Aburtov
David Colton (who made his debut in Captain America No. 1) is an interesting new character, and Chip Zdarsky putting him with Logan was a genius idea. It never dawned on me how much they had in common until this issue. But, more importantly, this issue of Wolverine: Weapons of Armageddon showed that Colton has a bright future in Marvel Comics.
Justice League Unlimited No. 17
- Writer: Mark Waid
- Artist: Clayton Henry
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
This was an important issue for the future of DC Comics because it was the first Justice League Unlimited release after DC K.O. concluded. And since the news of villains joining the ranks of heroes was announced, it had to be handled right. Thankfully, everything about this was done perfectly.
Rogue No. 3
- Writer: Erica Schultz
- Artist: Luigi Zagaria
- Colors: Espen Grundetjern
It’s cool seeing Rogue in a story where she’s doing more than flying and throwing cars. So far, this has been very much like a secret agent series. This was easily the most entertaining comic book of the week.
Another thing to mention is how Erica Schultz reminds readers that Anna Marie is more than her super strength and invulnerability. She’s gained a lot of skill over the years, and it's kept her alive and thriving.
Detective Comics No. 1107
- Writer: Tom Taylor
- Artist and colors: Pete Woods
Tom Taylor’s story arcs always begin with something to get readers pumped for what’s coming. This one (titled "Flight") was no different. A couple of mysteries will be solved, and, as a bonus, Black Canary and Green Arrow have moved to Gotham and will be a big part of this tale. This will be a banger of a story, and no one should be shocked.
The Flash No. 31
- Writer: Ryan North
- Artist: Gavin Guidry
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
Ryan North’s debut issue of The Flash started with Wally West explaining his life, family, and his powers. There are even a couple of moments when we see his abilities in action. Then, things get dangerous as someone creates a website that puts everyone in danger and forces Wally to be more vigilant than ever.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 6
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Penciler: Michele Bandini
- Inker: Scott Hanna
- Colors: Marco Lesko
Dan Watters didn’t just end this storyline with an Oroku Saki (Shredder) doing something few comic book mortals have ever done; he started a new chapter with a character (Alda Avon) who began thinking Saki was just a killer. In the end, she saw the depth he would go to protect people and his legacy. This showed that Shredder isn’t just some dime-store villain or leader. In a lot of ways, he’s a cult of personality.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media sites, Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.