Last week, Batman was our hero of the week for everything that happened in Detective Comics No. 1100. Meanwhile, Maximus, the Grandmaster, and Black Bolt were the villains of the week for their betrayal in Imperial No. 3. G. Willow Wilson took the top writer spot for Black Cat No. 1, and Image Comics’ Exquisite Corpses No. 4 had the best fight out of the new comics.
As we move onto the best comics of this week, who will win in our categories this time around? Let’s find out, as we celebrate the best of the most recent stretch of comics books.
Hero of the week: Sigurd Jarlson
- Comic book: The Mortal Thor No. 1
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Pasqual Ferry
- Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
He’s no longer Thor, but Sigurd Jarlson is still a hero. In this issue, we see that by the way he defended the rights of union workers and didn’t back down to thugs. And, at the end, he told his would-be dispatchers that he was Thor. He probably doesn’t remember who he is, but saying that was enough to terrify his enemies.
Villains and team of the week: Darkseid’s Legion
- Comic book: Superman No. 29
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Dan Mora
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
Darkseid’s Legion killed various members of the Legion of Heroes from multiple timelines. The ones who remained were beaten so badly that they lost hope. Even after Superman arrived, they didn’t believe that they could win. When the Man of Steel doesn’t fill you with inspiration, your enemies are winning.
Fight of the week: The Lanterns vs the Starbreaker Corps
- Comic book: Green Lantern No. 26
- Writer: Jeremey Adams
- Artists: Xermanico and V Ken Marion
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
The Starbreakers were winning most of their battles for the last few issues, but this was a brand-new day. With their emotions back and riding on entities that represented the emotional spectrum, the Lanterns beat the Starbreakers into retreat.
Seeing Sinestro as a Red Lantern (Rage) and Guy Gardner being influenced by the Indigo Lantern (compassion) were among the funny moments in this fight. Readers also saw brilliant strategies from Hal Jordan, while Kyle Rayner showed his control over the Emotional Spectrum.
Moment of the week: Juggernaut keeps his promise
- Comic book: X-Men No. 21
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Artist: Netho Diaz
- Colors: Fer Sifuentes
Juggernaut has been on the side of the heroes for years, but there are three things people should never forget. One, Juggy was once a ruthless villain. Two, don’t mess with the people he cares about. Three, he keeps his promises.
In the case of the latter two points, Juggernaut promised a villain that he’d twist their head off if they laid a claw on Kid Omega. The villain tested that theory and found out the hard way as Juggernaut kept his word. It was a bloody moment that no one could have seen coming. Eventually, he and Cyclops will have words about this.
Artist of the week: Javier Rodriguez
- Comic book: Absolute Martian Manhunter No. 6
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Javier Rodriguez
- Colors: Javier Rodriguez
Javier Rodriguez has a way of making bleak scenes look attractive. It sounds like a weird statement, but it’s true. No matter what was going on in Absolute Martian Manhunter, Javier Rodriguez added the right colors to make sure things didn’t get too heavy. Meanwhile, you could still tell that everything happening was horrifying.
Writers of the week: Stephanie Phillips and Jonathan Hickman
- Comic book: Imperial War: Planet She-Hulk No. 1
- Writers: Stephanie Phillips and Jonathan Hickman
- Artist: Emilio Laiso
- Colors: Matt Milla
She-Hulk comic books are supposed to be fun, smart, and, of course, have Jennifer Walters smashing. Imperial War: Planet She-Hulk No. 1 gave readers all of that with a murder mystery and an ending that was both funny and will pave the way for stuff happening in future Marvel Comics. Easily one of the best comics of the week.
Cover of the week: Lucas Werneck
- Comic book: Phoenix No. 14
- Writer: Stephanie Phillips
- Artist: Lucas Werneck
- Colors: Phoenix No. 14
The cover of Phoenix No. 14 is gorgeous, from the line-work to the colors. More importantly, it tells a story. Thanks to the fire in the background, people can see that there is conflict. However, the faces on both Jean Grey and her sister aren't angry. That plays into what’s happening within the issue.
So much is said in just one image, and it's stunning.
Underrated comic of the week: We’re Taking Everyone Down With Us
- Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
- Artist: Stefano Landini
- Colors: Jason Wordie
This comic book is like James Bond with robots, a lot of cursing, and, well, it's dirtier than anything 007 would be into. Another thing this has over most spy stories is the humor. Once an issue I find myself laughing out loud, and this week was no different.
The thing that puts this title in the top ten is the importance. It’s the penultimate issue, and it rocked. It answered a lot of questions readers may have and it also sets up the finale beautifully. Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we see these characters. There seems to be a lot more stories to tell.
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