Previously, DC Comics' Absolute Wonder Woman No. 16 started a new chapter with new enemies, and in Absolute Batman No. 16, Bruce and Diana are on a journey to help Waylon Jones. Tony Stark enters a new era in Iron Man. And Mad Cave Studios' It Killed Everyone But Me had a heck of an ending. What comics made this week’s top ten must-read list? Let’s find out.
Absolute Superman No. 16
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Juan Ferreyra
- Colors: Juan Ferreyra
Jason Aaron and Juan Ferreyra continue to show how messed up DC Comics’ Absolute Universe is. Because even when someone fought for the right reasons for decades, they’re still okay with acceptable losses. It’s a heartbreaking story that’s all too familiar.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus No. 4
- Writers: Tom Waltz, Paul Allor, Sophie Campbell, Caleb Goellner, and Erik Burnham
- Artist: Omar Francia
- Colors: Luis Antonio Delgado
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus has been a dream come true for TMNT fans, but this issue was the best of them. Readers got to see three of the brothers talk to alternate versions of themselves, which was a fun moment that also led to wisdom each never knew they needed. Don’t be shocked if this experience leads to the Ninja Turtles being better heroes in Gene Luen Yang's current run.
Batman No. 6
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Jorge Jiménez
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
It’s still early in the year, but Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez are making a case for having the best comic book of the year. It isn’t just the action and adventure that’s making this flawless. There are a lot of emotional moments throughout. And as I mentioned in a previous article, we’re seeing more of Bruce outside of him being the Dark Knight, and it's glorious.
Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant No. 1
- Writer: Murewa Ayodele
- Artist: Federica Mancin
- Colors: Javier Tartaglia
Writer Murewa Ayodele returned with the vengeance of an angry Storm God. It’s fitting since this series stars the best of them. But this wasn’t a story that ends with Ororo Munroe winning the day. It concludes with her having one of the worst moments of her life. It’s sad, but it should make you wonder how she comes out of it.
Bug Wars: The Spyder Wytch Special No. 1
- Writers: Jason Aaron and Mahmud Asrar
- Artists: Mahmud Asrar, Baldemar Rivas, and David Messina
- Colors: Matt Wilson
This is the first issue since Jason Aaron ended book 1 of Bug Wars, and it was fantastic. The story of what Wysta went through, before and after being exiled, was very much like a storyline from Game of Thrones. It also properly gets readers ready for book 2 by introducing new characters to the universe. And, if this one-shot is any indication of what’s coming, the next installment of Bug Wars will be amazing.
Batgirl No. 16
- Writer: Tate Brombal
- Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa
- Inker: Juan Castro
- Colors: Mike Spicer
Writer Tate Brombal took Cassandra Cain (Batgirl) on a long journey of self-realization, but it was worth it. The storyline had surprises throughout, and it looks like they haven’t ended. After completing the first major storyline of Batgirl, this writer can honestly say that this will be a must-read in 2026.
Amazing Spider-Man No. 21
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Pencilers: John Romita Jr. and Todd Nauck
- Inkers: Todd Nauck and Scott Hanna
- Colors: Marcio Menyz
A lot of action and dialogue were packed into the conclusion of Norman Osborn playing Spider-Man, but it didn’t feel like it was rushed or that there was too much in a short amount of time. In fact, it was perfect. But what really sets this issue above others is the ending. For the first time since this began, Norman can say that he made Peter Parker proud.
DC K.O.: Knightfight No. 4
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Dan Mora
- Colors: Tríona Farrell
The Heart of Darkseid gave Bruce Wayne everything he ever wanted. Gotham City was healed, the Bat Family grew old and had families of their own, and Damian became the man he was destined to be. Bruce even got the chance to be a grandfather. Sadly, this ends with readers understanding that even winning comes at a cost.
DC K.O.: Knightfight brilliantly concluded an amazing mini-series. Unlike some side stories in crossovers, this served a purpose and was worth buying whenever it was published.
Uncanny X-Men No. 23
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: David Marquez
- Colors: Matt Wilson
Gail Simone promised monsters, and readers got them. We also see that Elsa Bloodstone is with them, and not as a monster hunter. Elsa is with them and demanding New Orleans. It was an unexpected twist, and I’m all for it. Elsa is a character who deserves more shine, and Uncanny X-Men is the right place to make it happen.
Magik and Colossus No. 1
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artist: Germán Peralta
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
Writer Ashley Allen kicked off this mini-series with a lot of action. But, even within all the magical attacks and punching, there wasn’t a lack of a storyline. Colossus continues to feel hopeless, and Magik notices that it could lead to her brother doing something rash. All the while, someone is attempting to kill innocent people and any magic user in Russia.
I was looking forward to this title, and it’s not surprising that the debut issue didn’t disappoint. Ashley Allen's ten-issue run of Magik was good, and there’s no doubt that Moonstar will be too. If and when Magik and Colossus does well, maybe it can go from a mini-series to an ongoing one. How great would it be if she became the savior of underrated X-Men?
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