It’s the beginning of the year, and each comic book company has started off on the right foot. This week, Marvel and DC dominated the Bam Smack Pow top ten best new comic books. However, if you’ve been reading these articles, you know next week could have another company reigning supreme.
So, rather than keep you waiting, here are the best new comic books of last week. This article will start with one of the best creative teams producing comics.
Batman No. 5 creative team
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Jorge Jiménez
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, and Tomeu Morey take Bruce Wayne and Dr. Annika Zeller on an adventure. Bruce smoothly protects Dr. Zeller on their “not date” from ninjas and assassins. He did all of this while protecting his identity. That is, until Damian Wayne shows up and does something foolish and hilarious.
This was a fantastic issue of Batman to start DC Comics’ 2026 off right. It was a perfect example of what this creative team has brought to the table and the things we can expect going forward.
Amazing Spider-Man No. 19
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: Pepe Larraz
- Colors: Marte Gracia (w/ Marcio Menyz)
It’s shocking that it’s taken so long for Spider-Man to have a space adventure this epic. Thankfully, Joe Kelly was the one to make it happen.
Joe Kelly has shown that Peter Parker can be a hero and gain friends (and lovers) wherever he goes. For example, in this issue, you see how well loved he becomes, despite his stubbornness. Even Rocket has learned to appreciate him.
Absolute Batman: Ark M
- Writer: Frank Tieri and Scott Snyder
- Artist: Joshua Hixson
- Colors: Roman Stevens
Scott Snyder and Frank Tieri have added more to the origin of Absolute Joker (aka Grimm). Apparently, he was sick and twisted as a child. But, more importantly, he’s always been a genius in the art of manipulation. It’s why he’s been a wealthy menace for over a hundred years. As great as Absolute Batman: Ark M is, the part that shouldn’t be forgotten is that there must be more to Grimm’s story that will be told.
In December 2025, Snyder told readers the first parts of the Absolute Joker tale. That issue explained some of who Grimm is. However, there must be more left to reveal, like how he learned the secret to immortality and how he became the creature we’ve seen.
Nova: Centurion No. 3
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Artists: Matteo Della Fonte and Alvaro Lopez
- Colors: Mattia Iacono
Jed MacKay’s work in Marvel Comics has been marvelous (pun intended), and it’s continued in Nova: Centurion. In issue No. 3, MacKay reminds readers of two important aspects of Richard Rider. One, he’s a hero. Two, he has PTSD from all of the wars he fought and the people he’s lost along the way. After reading this issue, the latter will likely become a big part of this series.
Absolute Superman No. 15
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Art by: Juan Ferreyra
- Colors: Juan Ferreyra
Jason Aaron began a new storyline of Absolute Superman by continuing the trend of Kal-El learning who he wants to be. Seeing Superman’s heroics while never resting long enough to sleep or fix his tractor was deep and understandable. He’s still understanding what he’s capable of and trying to be human at the same time.
The best part of this issue was seeing him visit Ra’ al Ghul in prison. No matter how much Ra’s tried to hurt him and people worldwide, Kal-El believed there was good in Ra’s. In the end, it seems like he may have been right.
FML No. 7
- Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
- Artist: David Lopez
- Colors: Cris Peter
Kelly Sue DeConnick’s FML returned and was a reminder of why Patricia “Patty” Reynolds was one of the best comic book characters of 2025. She’s the mother who never gives up in a world that wants everyone to quit. Watching her search for her daughter and worry about her husband and son made me smile. It’s the mark of a great parent.
Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League No. 6
- Writer: Greg Rucka
- Artist: Nicola Scott
- Colors: Annette Kwok
You couldn’t have asked for a better ending than this. I’d like to say the heroes won, but they didn’t. The main characters are villains. The items Cheetah, Cheshire, Hazard, Klarion Bleak, Featherweight, and Lian Harper stole will cause the world harm. Nevertheless, what they accomplished was impressive. Who else can say that they pulled an Ocean's Eleven on the Justice League Watchtower?
Wolverine No. 14
- Writer: Saladin Ahmed
- Artist: Martín Cóccolo
- Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Wolverine isn’t just back. He’s returned wearing his brown and yellow costume and teaming up with Silver Sable to protect mutants who call themselves the New Morlocks. Until I read this issue, the team of Logan and Silvija Sablinova was something I never knew I needed. I can’t wait to see what Saladin Ahmed does with this, especially with the new character, Inspector Mira Mehta of Department H, out to get him.
Absolute Green Lantern No. 10
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Sid Kotian
- Colors: Prasad Rao
Al Ewing has continued to bring classic DC Comics characters into the Absolute Universe. Sometimes he makes them more interesting, like Sojourner Mullein overcoming injury to prevent her death. Or they’re monsters like Hector Hammond because of how he turned Todd Rice into Obsidian.
Ultimate Wolverine 13
- Writer: Christopher Condon
- Artist: Domenico Carbone
- Colors: Bryan Valenza
This issue was a break from the heartache readers have gotten from this series. It did have the unfortunate death of one of Marvel Comics’ premiere Russian characters, but it was a hard-fought and amazingly illustrated fight. Plus, you see how Illyana Rasputin (Magik) first went to Limbo.
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.