In our previous must-read new comic books list, the final issue of Murewa Ayodele Storm: Earth’s Mightiest Mutant showed why the title is appropriate and deserved. Also on the list was FML No. 8 by writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, Matt Fraction’s Batman No. 10, and Hannah Rose May’s The Exorcism at Buckingham Palace No. 3.
This week, a new addition to DC Comics’ Absolute Universe tops the list with one of the best debuts of the year. Let’s start with that.
Absolute Catwoman No. 1
- Writer: Che Grayson and Scott Snyder
- Artist: Bengal
- Colors: Giovanna Niro
Writers Che Grayson and Scott Snyder bring readers into the mysterious, dangerous, and sometimes luxurious life of Absolute Catwoman, Selina Kyle. However, they also show that even someone as skilled as Catwoman has a match as Absolute Cassandra Cain makes her debut. You couldn’t have asked for a better first issue.
Blood and Thunder No. 14
- Writer: Benito Cereno
- Artist: E.J. Su
- Colors: Michele Assarasakorn
In the previous issue of Blood and Thunder, a case was made for Akeldama Bledsoe’s escape from prison being the best fight of the year. Writer Benito Cereno followed that up by making a case for Bledsoe being among the best characters of 2026. We’re seeing her personality and creative fighting style in a big way, and I truly believe this is only the beginning of her greatness.
Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event No. 2
- Writers: Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines
- Artists: Dan Jurgens, Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Stephen Sadowski, Norm Rapmund, Vincent Cecil, and Joe Quinones,
- Colors: Dearbhla Kelly, Hi-Fi, and Trish Mulvihill
Every so often, I’ll read a comic book that will highlight how I’m feeling. It happened in this issue when Galaxy is talking to Dreamer about the people in her life.
Sometimes it’s tough seeing that you have people in your life when you feel like it's not deserved. Even if your friends point it out, insecurities and imposter syndrome will step in and whisper that you don’t deserve kindness. This was perfectly told by writers Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines.
Also, I knew Amanda Waller was a monster, but this tales that to a whole new level. What she was doing to Dreamer was evil on a new level - even for her.
Mortal Thor No. 11
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Jesús Saíz
- Colors: Matt Milla
Sigurd Jarlson fought his toughest battle to date against Dario Agger, a.k.a. Minotaur. It was a fight he shouldn’t have won, and it was tougher because he had just finished his fight with the Grey Gargoyal (Mortal Thor No. 10). But, as readers have seen, Sigurd may no longer be the God of Thunder, but he’s still craftier than his enemies.
Speed Racer No. 9
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Davide Tinto
- Colors: Jão Canola
The mark of a great comic book is when it can get you emotionally invested in a character. It’s even more impressive when you’re legitimately worried about them, and they're the star of the series. That’s what happened in Speed Racer No. 9. The creative team did a fantastic job making you concerned about the future of Speed on and off the race track. I can't wait to report back next month, because there's no way Speed Racer No. 10 won't be a banger.
Bishop No. 1
- Writer: Saladin Ahmed
- Artist: Mario Santoro
- Colors: Federico Blee
I’m normally not a big enough fan of Bishop to buy a series starring him. However, I will support a Marvel Comics series written by Saladin Ahmed. As expected, this was more than worth the price. In one issue, I’ve come to appreciate the character of Bishop more, and I’m also invested on where the creative team takes me.
Supergirl No. 14
- Writer and artist: Sophie Campbell
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
This is another win for Sophie Campbell’s Supergirl. Not only did she give Kara Zor-El a new, gorgeous, and functional uniform (complete with pants), but readers saw an aggressive Girl of Steel. Fans will appreciate this as it serves as a reminder leading into the DCU's upcoming Supergirl movie - that you don’t want to mess with the people Kara cares about
Fall of the House of Slaughter No. 2
- Writer: Tate Brombal
- Artist: Adriano Turtulici
- Colors: Valentina Napolitano
Fall of the House of Slaughter is the epitome of when someone online says that the fall of something needs to be documented. In two issues, the series shows how arrogant people in charge are willing to let people be murdered so they can gain more power and prestige. It wasn’t told in a heavy-handed way either.
Also, Fall of the House of Slaughter is connecting things to the main title, Something is Killing the Children. Even if you’re not reading James Tynion IV’s main series, this series is an interesting read worth checking out.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 19
- Writer: Gene Luen Yang
- Artist: Fero Peniche
- Colors: Luis Antonio Delgado
This was one of the happiest moments I’ve ever seen from the Ninja Turtles and Splinter. It makes sense since it was the first time that they’ve been together with Tang Shen (Splinter’s wife and the boys’ mother) in years. Sadly, their joy is interrupted by General Eight Thunders and Lady Izanami, who inform Tang that she has a new job in the land of the living.
Avengers: Armageddon No. 1
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artists: Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar
- Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Normally, I’m all in on the heroes fighting enemies who are attempting to take over the world. However, this is one of the only times that I believe the heroes could be making things worse. But that’s the beauty of this first issue and this event. You won’t know who’s right or wrong until the smoke clears. Even then, this feels like a problem that’s going to linger for a long time, especially since the title for the next Avengers is “Earth’s Mightiest Survivors.”
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow’s social media pages on Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more comic book news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.
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