The previous must-read new comic books article was heavy with Marvel and DC Comics. However, Image Comics was a major force with fantastic issues like The Power Fantasy No. 16 and Void Rivals No. 27.
This week, there's still a plethora of titles from the big two, but there are appearances from comics from Mad Cave and IDW Publishing.
Batman No. 7
- Writer: Matt Fraction
- Artist: Jorge Jiménez
- Colors: Tomeu Morey
Matt Fraction’s streak of flawlessly written issues of Batman continues. And while Jorge Jiménez has created nothing but beautiful artwork in each issue, this was something special. The way he illustrated the conversation between Joker and Batman was incredible. And then there’s the foldout sequence that makes this a must-buy for comic book collectors.
Absolute Superman No. 17
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Juan Ferreyra
- Colors: Juan Ferreyra
The evolution of Absolute Superman has been incredible. Kal-El went from an insecure kid to a hero who saved Metropolis by just being an inspiration. And then, when Hawkman thought he could continue to talk down to Kal-El, the Man of Steel put him in his place. It was an amazing and defining moment for this universe’s Superman.
DC K.O. No. 4
- Writers Joshua Williamson and Scott Snyder
- Artist:: Xermánico and Javier Fernández
- Colorist: Alejandro Sánchez
DC K.O. didn’t just end the series. It was done flawlessly. There were major consequences to Superman’s victory, the villain lost without looking bad, and the conclusion hinted at a possible major crossover. You couldn’t have asked for anything more from the event’s finale. Standing ovation for the creative team.
Amazing Spider-Man No. 23
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Penciler: Ed McGuinness
- Inkers: Mark Farmer and Cliff Rathburn
- Colors: Marcio Menyz
The long-awaited moment of Peter Parker finding out that MJ is Venom was hilarious, but only part of the story. The big moment was Spiral killing the Shocker. Yes, Herman Schultz is a joke of a villain, but he’s one of Spider-Man’s oldest enemies. It’s sad that he’s gone because, unlike most characters, it’s doubtful he’ll return.
Poison Ivy No. 42
- Writer: G. Willow Wilson
- Artist: Marcio Takara
- Colors: Arif Prianto
If you haven’t been reading Poison Ivy, now is the perfect time to start. She’s the Mayor of Gotham City, and her appointed cabinet has criminals. Despite all that, Ivy does want the best for people and the green of Gotham. Sadly, it remains to be seen if being a politician will corrupt her, or if Ivy becomes the first honest mayor in Gotham.
Moonstar No. 1
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artist: Edoardo Audino
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
If anyone could make me a fan of Dani Moonstar, it’s Ashley Allen. In Moonstar No. 1, Dani became relatable, fun, and someone worth rooting for. A lot of this is because of how she interacted with her parents. Seeing them support their daughter, despite not believing her stories about Asgard, is the kind of love everyone enjoys seeing.
Speed Racer No. 6
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Davide Tinto
- Colors: Jão Canola
It was interesting seeing Speed Racer angry for an extended period. He was keeping it together, then his father was released from the hospital. The bad blood with his dad (Pops) and a new antagonist (Carl Cranem) calling out his family made Speed unrecognizable and irrational. All of this made Speed Racer No. 6 an incredible story.
Another great thing was seeing Speed in a new light. David Pepose made his lead character more interesting than ever by putting him in a position to change. It did force readers to see him in a negative light, but it's all so he can learn a lesson.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones No. 5
- Writer: Alex Paknadel
- Artists: Amancay Nahuelpan and Enid Balám
- Colors: Luis Antonio Delgado
The action was great, but that’s to be expected from a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book. The reason this makes the must-read list is the depth that writer Alex Paknadel brought to Casey Jones. He showed that Casey’s past traumas keep him from becoming a thug and a criminal. This could be something that people never knew or forgot about.
Wolverine No. 17
- Writer: Saladin Ahmed
- Artist: Martín Cóccolo
- Colors: Jesus Aburtov
Saladin Ahmed’s Wolverine has had a classic Logan feel since the beginning, but this one hit different. Wolverine was teaching mutants to survive in a world that hates them. It reminded me of Jason Aaron when he wrote Wolverine and the X-Men, and why Logan can be an exceptional teacher, and how protective he can be. Hopefully, this theme carries over to Eve L. Ewing's X-Men United.
Nova Centurion No. 5
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Artist: Álvaro López
- Colors: Mattia Iacono
It didn’t take long for Jed MacKay to bring Richard Rider and Peter Quill back together after their fallout in Imperial. As expected, it started with Rich throwing the first punch. However, Star-Lord reminded those who forgot that he doesn’t need his pistols to win a fight.
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