Last week, Absolute Batman Annual No. 1 surprised me as the comic book pick of the week. That says a lot considering amazing titles like Emma Frost: The White Queen No. 5, Mortal Thor No. 3, and Supernatural No. 1 were released. This week, there are more surprises and some familiar titles in the Top 10.
Let’s start with the deepest issue of the week.
Assorted Crisis Events No. 6
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Eric Zawadzki
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
After a brief hiatus, Assorted Crisis returned, and it was another deep, but heartbreaking issue. This time, it seemed like Deniz Camp was discussing some kind of cognitive degeneration. It was a difficult issue to read, but an important one nonetheless. I found myself wanting to cry, then the ending came, and it all made sense. I even smiled.
Issue No. 3 of Assorted Crisis Events was in the running for best single issue of 2025. Now, there’s another contender, and it’s from the same title. Maybe this is just the best ongoing series of the year.
Absolute Green Lantern No. 8
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Jahnoy Lindsay
- Colors: Jahnoy Lindsay
Absolute Green Lantern No. 8 was a perfect origin story for Sojourner Mullein that’s worth a reread after you're finished. You’ll find yourself feeling bad for Sojourner because she’s confused about her sexuality, thanks to how she was raised and the lessons from her father. Through this story, you can understand why things tended to go awry in her life.
DC K.O. Knightfight No. 1
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Dan Mora
- Colors: Tríona Farrell
Batman being out of the Darkseid Tournament (DC K.O. No. 1) wasn’t the end for him. Instead, he’s going on a journey that will show him a world that doesn’t need him. On top of that, Bruce sees a possible future if he doesn’t understand when it’s time to quit.
Planet She-Hulk No. 1
- Writer: Stephanie Phillips
- Artist: Aaron Kuder
- Colors: Sonia Oback
Stephanie Phillips’ Imperial: Planet She-Hulk was only the warm-up act. The official first issue is full of comedy and action and has a perfectly executed fourth-wall break. But that’s not all. Readers are given a new villain and a murder mystery. What more could you want?
Birds of Prey No. 27
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Artist: Sami Basri
- Inker: Vicente Cifuentes
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
There wasn’t a lot of silliness in this issue, but that didn’t matter. The story was fantastic, and the ending was shocking. The finale of this story arc could lead to something major, with Black Canary having to fight her sister after Sin is controlled by Megaera. Or, maybe this is where Megaera proves that she’s one of the Birds.
G.I. Joe No. 13
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Tom Reilly
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Joshua Williamson kicked off the Dreadnok War with a banger of an issue. It feels like a 1990s reluctant buddy flick. The difference is that there won’t be cake, ice cream, and beers shared at the end of this story arc. There’s no way you’ll want to miss this.
Also, it would be wise to read 2024’s mini-series, Cobra Commander and Duke. Everything that happens in both is related to the upcoming comics. Even if you don't, Joshua Williamson did a great job of doing a quick recap of the story so far.
Amazing Spider-Man No. 15
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: Emilio Laiso
- Colors: Marte Gracia
Spider-Man is traveling the cosmos and doing a good job at adapting to everything (including Rocket being Rocket). The best part may be Peter acting as if he isn’t scared to go back home and (in typical Parker fashion) finding someone attracted to him. Spidey is also learning that how he thinks isn’t always right. He’s like Star-Lord, except responsible.
Batman No. 3
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Jorge Jimenez
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
Matt Fraction’s storyline of helping Batman’s villains is great, but it particularly hit hard when the Dark Knight got to The Riddler. However, the ending shows that things aren’t what they seem. Now, readers have to wonder if Batman and Bruce Wayne have a new enemy.
It was also really great how Tim Drake’s boyfriend called out Bruce for the bruises on Tim after they return from a trip, when it’s really them being the Dynamic Duo that caused the bruises. He’s asking the questions people should when their loved ones are hurt. Readers know what’s happening, but he doesn’t. Maybe Tim tells Bernard so he doesn’t think Bruce is an awful person.
Absolute Superman No. 13
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Rafa Sandoval
- Colors: Ulises Arreola
Jason Aaron has been building Kal-El to be a hero throughout the series. Yes, he’s always been heroic. However, Kal hasn’t been Superman yet. That said, there's a moment when he removes one of his protective layers to ensure Smallville is protected, and that is the moment where we see him as Superman.
Batgirl No. 13
- Writer: Tate Brombal
- Artist: Takeshi Miyazawa
- Colors: Mike Spicer
Tate Brombal continues the evolution of Cassandra Cain (Batgirl) with a story that just had a major plot twist. Readers learned the truth about Nyssa Raatko (Ra’s al Ghul’s daughter) and her connection with Samsara. But who’s to say there isn’t more to discover? Maybe there's a third side that no one knows.
Honorable mention: Laura Kinney: Sabretooth No. 2
- Writer: Erica Schultz
- Artist: Valentina Pinti
- Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
In this issue, Erica Schultz made sense of everything going on with Laura. And while it isn’t shocking that Revelation is controlling her, it makes you wonder what else he’s made her do. Maybe taking Sabretooth’s name and dropping Wolverine was his idea. Cults are known for taking a person’s identity to steal their humanity.
Best of the week by category:
- Comic book pick of the week: Assorted Crisis Events No. 6 (Deniz Camp)
- Heroes of the week: Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, Lana Lang (Absolute Superman No. 13)
- Villains of the week: Ra’s al Ghul and Lazarus Corp (Absolute Superman No. 13)
- Fight of the week: Batman (Bruce Wayne) vs Batman (Dick Grayson) DC K.O. Knightfight No. 1
- Team of the week: The Birds of Prey (Bird of Prey No. 27
- Moment of the week: The message at the end of Assorted Crisis Events No. 6
- Writer of the week: Joshua Williamson (G.I. Joe No. 13 and DC K.O. Knightfight No. 1)
- Artists of the week: Giada Belviso and Rachelle Rosenberg (Binary No. 2)
- Cover of the week: Davide Paratore for Moon Knight: Fist of Khonshu No. 14
- Funny moment of the week: She-Hulk breaking the fourth wall (Planet She-Hulk No. 1)
- Underrated comic book of the week: Laura Kinney: Sabretooth No. 2
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