In our previous round-up of the best of that week's comic books, Sigurd Jarlson was the hero of the week for standing tall for the rights of workers, the Lanterns vs the Starbreaker Corps was the best fight of all the new issues, and a tie-in to Marvel Comics’ Imperial took a spot on the list.
Now that it’s a new week, and we have more new comics to reflect on, let’s see who’s the best of the best.
Comic book of the week: Uncanny X-Men No. 20
- Comic book: Uncanny X-Men No. 20
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Luciano Vecchio
- Colors: Matthew Wilson
Everything you love about comics and reading in general is in this issue. You’re gifted action, comedy, and one of the deepest moments of the year. And this was only the first part of this story arc. Just wait until it continues, because Ransom is slowly becoming a star.
Monet St. Croix tells the Warden off
- Comic book: Uncanny X-Men No. 20
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Luciano Vecchio
- Colors: Matthew Wilson
Monet St. Croix is one of my favorite characters because she doesn’t take any mess from anyone. This was proven during her scene with Warden “Don’t call me doctor” Ellis.
Watching her let Ellis know that her time as warden was coming to an end, ripping her collar off, and then walking away was the absolute best. Nothing was going to beat that moment, and the creative team deserves a lot of praise for putting it together.
Writer of the week: Kelly Thompson
Comic books: Absolute Wonder Woman No. 11, Birds of Prey No. 25
Kelly Thompson released two phenomenal issues in one week with two different vibes. Absolute Wonder Woman was a serious look at decades-long tragedy within a maze. Meanwhile, Birds of Prey was goofy. However, within the jokes in Birds of Prey there was a moment where you learn that even the biggest and strongest can feel violated.
Heroes of the week: Lilandra Neramani, Charles Xavier, and Deathbird
- Comic book: Imperial War: Exiles
- Writers: Steve Foxe and Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Francesco Manna
- Colors: Erick Arciniega
We’re witnessing Charles Xavier’s redemption tour, and he brought his wife along with him. Together, they protected their daughter, stopped a villain from taking control, and started a revolution in space. This issue will serve as the beginning of something special for Charles.
Villain of the week: Lucian Plunder
- Comic book: Captain Planet and the Planeteers No. 3
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Eman Casallos
- Colors: Jorge Sutil
Lucian Plunder is one of the most devious villains in comic books. He walks around with a smile that could charm the spots off a leopard, then he’ll turn around and remind you that he doesn’t care about anything other than his profits and power. It’s disgusting, but well done because you can’t wait to see him fall from grace.
Artist of the week: Jorge Jimenez for Batman No. 1
There’s a lot to love about the art in Batman No. 1, but the new gadgets did it for me. There were interesting and fun takes on classic Batman tools, and some new ones that will hopefully stay, too. Especially the ones that allow Bruce to see Alfred. That is, if it’s not Bruce losing his mind.
Cover artist of the week: Davide Paratore
- Comic book: Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu No. 12
- Artist: Davide Paratore
- Colors: Davide Paratore
Just a beautiful cover of Moon Knight in his vestments that allow him to fight spirits. Besides the line work and the colors (that are both fantastic), the screaming face in Moon Knight’s hand is a nice touch. It adds to the horror of being a victim of the Lunar Legionnaire.
Underrated comic book of the week: All-New Venom No. 10
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Carlos Gomez
- Colors: Frank D'ARMATA
This continues to be a fun series, but this issue wasn't about the action. This was the first conversation Venom and Mary Jane had with each other. It gave MJ a chance to tell the symbiote how she felt and the trauma it caused her. Until now, I never thought about how she saw the suit and what it truly represented.
Team of the week: The Birds of Prey
- Comic book: Birds of Prey No. 25
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Artists: Cliff Richards
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
This issue showed a level of friendship with the Birds of Prey that some long-time groups don’t have. It was represented perfectly, from Black Canary telling Barda she understood her pain to joking about the costumes they picked for each other. They're easily a contender for comic book team of the year.
I can finally spill the news that I'm writing MAGIK! It's a dream come true and I can't wait to show you the journey we take our girl Illyana on! If you like supernatural stories with heart, I think you'll be excited for January ⚔️💛 pic.twitter.com/4hlwrdsWPw
— Ashley Allen (@_ashkallen) September 12, 2024
Fight of the week: Magik and Mirage vs The Society of the Eternal Dawn
- Comic book: Magik No. 9
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artists: Matt Horak and German Peralta
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
Ashley Allen, Matt Horak, German Peralta, and Arthur Hesli explored the creativity Illyana has with her sword, teleportation, and magic. Adding to that was Dani Moonstar (Mirage) being snarky as she easily defeated people. It was brutal and beautiful.
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