On the previous must-read comic book list, Absolute Catwoman (by writers Che Grayson and Scott Snyder) made its debut and rocked the comic book world. Also on this was Sigurd Jarlson outsmarting his enemy in Mortal Thor No. 11 and another fantastic issue from Benito Cereno’s Blood and Thunder (issue No. 14). This week, we start with one of the most anticipated comic book fights of the past five or ten years.
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast No. 10
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Ryan Ottley
- Colors: Annalisa Leoni
This has been a heck of a year for comic book fights, but what I just witnessed was one of the best build-ups leading to a battle in any genre. If there are any future comic book writers and artists out there, read the previous issue and this one. It’s a masterclass on how to build up an important brawl.
Redcoat No. 18
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Inkers: Bryan Hitch and Andrew Currie
- Colors: Brad Anderson
Simon Pure has been a deplorable person since he was introduced. However, in every one of his story arcs, readers see that there’s more to him than selfishness. Simon always does the right thing when faced with altruism or self-indulgence. Sadly, in this recent issue, something happens that may have turned him back into the greedy bastard that makes his last name ironic.
Redcoat No. 18 is another issue from Ghost Machine that brings depth and intrigue to its characters. Simon Pure shouldn’t be one of the best characters in comics, but he is because he’s the epitome of everything comic book fans love. He’s funny, kind-hearted, and constantly has to fight against his base instincts.
Absolute Batman No. 21
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
- Colors: Frank Martin
Everything about Absolute Batman No. 21 was fantastic. It began with action, then hit on some of the deeper moments surrounding Bruce Wayne’s friends. It all comes to a perfect end with Jack Grimm (Joker) and Batman meeting for the first time. It was especially good when Joker said he couldn’t imagine a life without Batman. It was a line plucked right out of the Dark Knight’s lore.
Uncanny X-Men No. 30
- Writer: Gail Simone
- Artist: Rogê Antônio
- Colors: Matt Wilson
This issue of Uncanny X-Men had the perfect mix of superhero and civilian stories. On the civilian side, the Outliers went to their school dance. This displayed their personalities and struggles as mutant teenagers. Especially Hotoru, who's still getting used to human emotions. On the heroic side, there was Monet Yvette Clarisse Maria Therese St. Croix. She is taking care of business in the former prison that illegally held mutants. There was more going on, but, as always, Gail Simone’s writing made the story flow flawlessly.
Justice League: Dream Girls No. 3
- Writers: Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines
- Artists: Jan Bazaldua, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, and Rosi Kämpe
- Colors: Adriano Lucas, Dearbhla Kelly, and Tríona Farrell
The streak of amazing issues continues as Justice League: Dream Girls delivers another powerful message. This time, Galaxy gets help from another transgender hero, Kate Godwin, whom the Justice League doesn’t appreciate, but they always call her when they need help.
During their talk, she tells Galaxy, “People deserve to see all of you. Even if you think they can’t handle it. And if they go? Well, their loss.” It’s a dope message from Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines that will resonate with a lot of readers.
Punisher No. 5
- Writer: Benjamin Percy
- Artist: Sergio Fernández Dávila
- Colors: José Luis Soares Pinto
Once again, Writer Benjamin Percy brings a poetic narrative to Frank Castle. As the Punisher and Jigsaw have a bloody and gruesome fight, the narration beautifully explains how both men are similar but opposites. One of them understands who and what they are, while the other (Jigsaw) is an imposter.
Deathstroke: The Terminator No. 4
- Writer: Tony Fleecs
- Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
- Colors: Ivan Plascencia
There was a ton of action in the first few issues, but writer Tony Fleecs slows things down in Deathstroke: The Terminator No. 4 reminds readers who Slade Wilson is. He’s someone who doesn’t seem to understand that his actions have consequences and that they affect the few people he loves. This is even after losing his best friend.
Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood No. 2
- Writer: Delilah S. Dawson
- Artist: Jose Jaro
- Colors: Xenon Honchar
I finished Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood No. 1 feeling bad for our main character, Sarah. Now I don’t know where to stand.
On one hand, I can’t help but understand her disdain for the people of Sleepy Hollow for making her an outcast. On the other, Mary later messes with magic and doesn't know the ramifications. She's also treating her twin sister, Mary, poorly and making her part of her dark magic experiments.
These conflicting thoughts are why Sleepy Hollow: The Witches of the Western Wood is among the must-read comics of the week. It makes you think in ways you may not have previously.
Land of Never No. 1 creative team
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Miguel Mora
- Colors: Fares Maese
Land of Never is a perfect example of finding a writer you enjoy and taking a chance on something outside of their normal stories. This issue will leave readers curious about the life of the lead character (Jim Hoke) and the antagonist behind the kidnapping. Then, when you get to the end, the connection to the names and the lore will all make sense and have you smiling.
Magik and Colossus No. 5
- Writer: Ashley Allen
- Artist: Germán Peralta
- Colors: Arthur Hesli
Talk about sticking the landing. Ashly Allen completed this mini-series and will definitely leave readers wanting more. Readers got an incredible, magical adventure, mended the relationship between the X-Men Rasputin siblings, and gave Colossus a new view on life. A perfect ending to an elite mini-series.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow and their social media sites, Bluesky, Instagram, and Twitter for more comic book, TV, and movie news, opinions, and rumors as they come out.
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