Each week, a new comic book character, team, and creator steps up. They do this by separating themselves from the rest of the pack and doing something amazing. For the week of August 18, 2025, here are the best of the best by categories.
Let’s begin with the hero of the week. If you're a fan of comic books, it won't be shocking.
Hero of the week: Batman
- Comic book: Detective Comics No. 1100
- Writer: Tom Taylor
- Artists: Mikel Janin
- Colors: Mikel Janin
We all know that Batman punches and kicks with the best of them, but these stories highlight the parts of the Dark Knight that people forget about. The ones that show his human side. Here, he saves a puppy for a kid, listens to Gotham Citizens' opinions on how Bruce Wayne takes care of their city, and more. It’s a great representation of the character.
Villains of the week: Maximus, the Grandmaster, and Black Bolt
- Comic Book: Imperial No. 3
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini
- Colors: Federico Blee
Calling Black Bolt a villain feels weird, but he’s an accomplice to his brother Maximus’ games. And, at the end of the issue, Maximus says to Black Bolt, “Let’s go get you an empire.” That leads me to believe he’s all in on the war and death Maximus and the Grandmaster caused.
Fight of the week: Lady Carolina vs Fox Mask Killer
- Comic book: Exquisit Corpses No. 4
- Writers: Che Grayson and James Tynion
- Artists: Adam Gorham and Michael Walsh
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
This wasn’t just a fight; it was personal. Fox Mask Killer wanted Lady Carolina dead for what she did to her daughter. And while it's hard to convey emotions without hearing the people talk, the writers did a great job making readers feel the intensity in the battle.
Another good thing to look for is that this may not be over. Lady Carolina hasn’t officially been eliminated from the contest. Don't be shocked if you see Lady Carolina being tortured in a future issue.
Team of the week: The New Avengers
- Comic book: New Avengers No. 3
- Writer: Sam Humphries
- Artist: Ton Lima
- Colors: Rain Beredo
This issue showed what this team can do and why this will be a good series. Sam Humphries' team feels like a combination of Brian Michael Bendis’ New Avengers (that was led by Luke Cage) and Gerry Duggan’s Savage Avengers. There’s a lot of action, snarkiness, and a group of people that you’d never think to put together. But, somehow, it works.
Moment of the week: Black Bolt’s return
- Comic Book: Imperial No. 3
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artists: Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini
- Colors: Federico Blee
It wasn’t just Black Bolt's return. It was how it happened. He came onto the page, used his powers on an elder cosmic being, and knocked him out. It was a reminder that he’s one of the baddest and most powerful characters in Marvel Comics. Plus, if he’s switched to being a villain, this was the right way to show what’s in store.
Writer of the week: G. Willow Wilson
- Comic book: Black Cat No. 1
- Writer: G. Willow Wilson
- Artist: Gleb Melnikov
- Colors: Brian Reber
G. Willow Wilson made Black Cat interesting without Spider-Man being the focus of the premiere issue. Felicia Hardy running from the cops and fighting the Lizard was exciting, but the part that made this incredible was seeing her outside of her costume. It added a personal touch. This is why G. Willow Wilson's Poison Ivy series is among the greats.
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