In our previous must-read new comic books list, the final issue of writer Deniz Camp and artist Javier Rodriguez’s Absolute Martian Manhunter stood out for concluding with hope for the future of the Absolute Universe. Also on the list were an amazing issue of Marvel’s Mortal Thor No. 12, Image Comics’ She-Spawn No. 3, and IDW’s Event Horizon: Inferno No. 3.
This week, an origin story tops the list that will leave you shocked and disturbed and wanting more. With that in mind, here's everything you should be reading right now.
Absolute Batman No. 22
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Werther Dell'Edera
- Colors: Frank Martin
The story of Harleen Quinzel becoming Harley Quinn on Prime Earth was sad, but Scott Snyder’s version of Harley Quinn is something out of a horror film. Yes, in DC Comics' Absolute Universe, it is revealed that Harley's mother, Harleen Sr., is Dr. Arkham. You may know her as the one who helped create this universe’s Poison Ivy, Clayface, and Bane.
This is a truly bone-chilling reinvention of one of DC Comics' most whimsical villains, which ensures that Absolute Batman No. 22 really lands with readers on an emotional front.
Blood and Thunder No. 15
- Writer: Benito Cereno
- Artist: E. J. Su
- Colors: Michele Assarasakorn
It's extremely impressive how each issue of Blood and Thunder shows real-life oppression in a fantasy world. For example, at the beginning of this issue, Earth’s police (the IPPF) show their ignorance to people by discussing rumors that they drive backwards. This was an example of how people of how even authority can be negatively affected by hearsay.
As Blood and Thunder No. 15 continues, readers will see that writer Benito Cereno makes it a point to discuss the problems many people have with the police. Among them are cameras that, as one of the IPPF says, don’t allow them to “act freely,” because they feel self-conscious. Realistically, that shouldn't stop a person from protecting and serving.
Black Cat No. 12
- Writer: G. Willow Wilson
- Artist: Andrés Genolet
- Colors: Brian Reber
The award for the most entertaining comic book of the week goes to the creative team behind Black Cat No. 12. This issue felt like a superhero version of Looney Tunes, with The Punisher and Felicia Hardy taking turns being the victor. It was impossible not to smile as the two characters, whose personalities couldn’t be further apart, interacted with each other.
Daredevil No. 4
- Writer: Stephanie Phillips
- Artist: Lee Garbett
- Colors: Frank Martin
There’s so much to love about this issue of Marvel Comics' Daredevil, from the art to the story, but the character development is the best part. For example, the new character - Dominic Forte - comes face to face with Omen and learns that he isn’t as good as he believes. It was a harsh lesson that cost someone their life. But, hopefully, he can turn tragedy into triumph.
Supergirl No. 15
- Writer and artist: Sophie Campbell
- Colors: Tamra Bonvillain
You couldn’t have asked for a better ending to Supergirl's storyline. Kara Zor-El shows the compassion you’d expect from the Girl of Steel, but her opponent, Black Flame (Zora Vi-Lar), didn’t learn her lesson. Normally, this would end with the villain understanding why they’re wrong. Instead, she remains angry and petty.
Here’s hoping Zora Vi-Lar returns. She could be someone to battle Kara for a long time.
Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy No. 1
- Writer: Tyler Boss
- Artist: Dylan Burnett
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
I went into this thinking that this would be the complete backstory of Rascal Randy. Rather than that, Tyler Boss gave readers new and interesting characters that connect to the murderous serial killer. This will add depth to the series rather than issues of nothing but slaughter. A comic book of nothing but violence may have been gripping, but maybe not a must-read. This, on the other hand, is a must-read.
Clayface Celebrity Dirt No. 1
- Writer: Jude Ellison S. Doyle
- Artist: Fran Galán
- Colors: Patricio Delpeche
One issue into Clayface Celebrity Dirt, and I can say that this is going to be on the top list of mini-series in 2026. The writing will leave you questioning whether or not the lead character (Clayface) is Basil Karlo. Meanwhile, the artist and colorist are making sure that this resembles a horror film. And that is a nice build-up to DC Studios' upcoming Clayface movie.
W0rldtr33 No. 21
- Writer: James Tynion IV
- Artist: Fernando Blanco
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Just when it looks like things are going well for the protagonists in W0rldtr33, they go left at the end. Gregory Bell is closing in on everyone who's trying to stop him, and he’s hired the right kind of people to get the job done. Fans of this series are accustomed to cliffhangers and grim endings, but the close of this issue may leave many feeling like the world is going to end.
Speed Racer No. 10
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Davide Tinto
- Colors: Jão Canola
Speed had to race through something similar to Hell to get to the finish line. This is both metaphorical and literal; he drove through an active volcano (that artist and colorist Jão Canola made look like a fiery underworld), overcame an addictive drug, and somehow managed to win the race while saving the life of another racer.
The drama and emotion in this issue were flawless. Even though we knew that Speed was going to survive, you couldn’t help but wonder if something major would happen to him. It’s the mark of a great writer (David Pepose) who can make the readers sit on the edge of their seats despite “knowing” what will happen.
Sorceror Supreme No. 8
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Bernard Chang
- Colors: Ruth Redmond
Wanda Maximoff was forced to stop a weapon that instantly repaired itself after being destroyed. Even her infamous Chaos Magic couldn’t stop it. So what does she do? She turned the weapon sentient so she could have a conversation with it. Only the Scarlet Witch could think of something like this to stop a seemingly unbeatable weapon.
Absolute Catwoman No. 2
- Writers: Scott Snyder and Che Grayson
- Artist: Bengal
- Colors: Giovanna Niro
Action and adventure were two things I was expecting from Absolute Catwoman. I didn’t think this would become a must-read mystery story. Plus, this issue had an added something extra: A couple of classic DC Comics characters made their Absolute Universe debut.
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