In the previous must-read article, Stephanie Phillips’ first issue of Daredevil shines brightly. It proves that all of the promotion to announce the new No. 1 was not only worth it but it exceeded expectations. There were also phenomenal issues from IDW’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones, Mad Cave’s Speed Racer, and DC Comics’ Flash. This week, a new set of challengers has appeared. Let’s begin.
Blood and Thunder No. 12
- Writer: Benito Cereno
- Artists: E.J. Su
- Colors: Michele Assarasakorn
Like each of the issues of Blood and Thunder, there was a message about fighting back against tyranny. Sadly, this one showed the side that isn’t as glorious. The part where people are beaten, arrested, and sometimes die fighting for what’s right. But, at the end, when things looked their bleakest, Akeldama laughed at her oppressors.
Last year, Blood and Thunder was ranked 21st in the must-read comics’ top 25. So far, there’s no way it won’t be in the top ten at the end of 2026.
Uncanny X-Men Annual No. 1 (2026)
- Writers: Gail Simone and Mikki Kendall
- Artist: Francesco Mortarino
- Inker: Elisabetta D'Amico
- Colors: Mattia Iacono
This is the second time that Gail Simone has written an issue of Uncanny X-Men and told a story about the uncomfortable truth about past racism in America. However, this time she was joined by writer Mikki Kendall (Swords of Sorrow), who no doubt added their perspective as a Black woman to Uncanny X-Men Annual No. 1. Together, they made one of the most emotional comic books I’ve read this year.
Wolverine No. 18
- Writer: Saladin Ahmed
- Artist: Martín Cóccolo
- Colors: Jesus Aburtov
This was one of the best issues of Saladin Ahmed’s run of Wolverine. Not only did it have one of the best fights of the year, but Logan’s internal monologue was perfect. It showed the regret Wolverine has for not being able to control himself but also that he kind of enjoys it. This creative team understands the assignment, and it shows.
Sirens: Love Hurts No. 3
- Writer: Tini Howard
- Pencilers: Babs Tarr and Xanthe Bouma
- Inker: Babs Tarr
- Colors: Miquel Muerto
The quest for the most entertaining comic book of 2026 may have concluded before the halfway mark of the year. Sirens: Love Hurts No. 3 had a ton of funny moments that range from goofy to awkward, and the fun doesn’t end there. This issue showed the beginning of Harley and Ivy’s relationship, and it was entertaining, romantic, and sexy.
Something is Killing the Children No. 46
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Werther Dell'Edera
- Colors: Miquel Muerto
Something is Killing the Children never disappoints readers. The series continues to build the lore, which will lead to the anticipation of the return to the present. In this case, readers are finding out what happened to Erica Slaughter’s mentor, Jessica Slaughter, before she died.
There’s no way the creative team is building this storyline up for it not to connect to Erica’s current journey as an outcast of the Order of St. George. Even if that is the case, it's still a must-read series.
Emperor Aquaman No. 16
- Writer: Jeremy Allen
- Artist: John Timms
- Colors: Rex Lokus
The evolution of Aquaman continues to be amazing. It started with controlling water; then he became godlike. Now, Arthur Curry is using water in ways that would make Iceman envious. And knowing that writer Jeremy Allen has a brilliant creative mind means that his skills will only improve.
Amazing Spider-Man No. 26
- Writer: Joe Kelly
- Artist: Francesco Manna
- Penciler: Ed McGuinness
- Colors: Marcio Menyz
This is the first time that readers get a real look at Torment. The biggest takeaway is that he’s not like Carnage. He prefers silence (and Carnage never stops talking). Plus, he isn’t bothered by Spider-Man’s constant talking. To Torment, it’s just noise.
Another notable thing is that if Tormnet finishes his death spiral, he may be done with Carnage. He’s noting all of the symbiote’s weaknesses, and it has to be for a reason. Maybe it’s because, technically, Carnage could be considered a relative of Eddie and Spider-Man. That means he could be part of Torment’s spiral.
Mortal Thor No. 9
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Pasqual Ferry
- Colors: Matt Milla
Sigurd Jarlson continues to be a mortal hero, defeating superhuman threats with his intelligence and will to survive. And while beating Cobra and Mr. Hyde (Mortal Thor Nos. 6 and 7) was no small feat, outsmarting the Radioactive Man was his greatest achievement so far. The best part of that is this won’t be the last incredible thing Sigurd does.
Supergirl No. 12
- Writer: Sophie Campbell
- Artist: Sophie Campbell
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
Sophie Campbell made this an emotional issue from the jump. First, by showing readers that the injuries Kara Zor-El previously sustained forced Kandor scientists to give her cybernetic implants. It saved her life but also butchered her face and body.
Then, it gets disgusting when the scientists of Kandor show their continued heartlessness. They clone their own superhero group (Team Thunder) and force them to be heroes. And then it gets worse when Bry-Zan refers to them as an “it” rather than their chosen pronouns.
Transformers No. 31
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Mike Spicer
Megatron is a character that it’s almost impossible to feel sorry for. However, in Transformers No. 19 (also illustrated by Ghost Pepper’s Ludo Lullabi), Robert Kirkman showed the trials and deaths Megatron went through to gain the Matrix of Oppression. It was brutal, but it shows the Decempticon leader's determination.
During issue No. 31, we see that the trials continue within Megatron and that finally submitting is transforming him. Into what is unclear. However, if I had to guess, I'd wager that the arrival of Galvatron is imminent.
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.
Add us as a preferred source on Google