Planet She-Hulk, Nightwing, Powers 25, and the best comic books of the past week

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus has the best fight of the week, She-Hulk’s villains show their true colors, The Power Fantasy releases another brilliant issue, and more from the best new comics from last week.
Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) © 2011 - Paramount Pictures
Chris Evans in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) © 2011 - Paramount Pictures

Last week, Sophie Campbell’s Supergirl, Joshua Williamson’s G.I. Joe, and Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men were among the top new comic books published.

This week, you’ll see the return of some familiar titles from Marvel, DC, and Image Comics, along with some new titles to make the top ten. Let’s begin with a sleeper for the best of the week.

Nightwing No. 134

  • Writer: Dan Watters
  • Artist: V. Ken Marion
  • Colors: Veronica Gandini

Dan Watters’ story of the Zanni and Olivia Pearce (aka Colombina) going against Nightwing has been an incredible ride. And this, the penultimate issue of the "Cirque du Sin" storyline, was flawless. I found myself being more emotionally invested than I thought I’d be, even though the stakes were high. But Dan Watters made things more intense after the Zanni and Colombina did something unthinkable. This is leading up to an unforgettable finale.

Planet She-Hulk No. 3

  • Writer: Stephanie Phillips
  • Artist: Emilio Laiso
  • Colors: Sonia Oback

Another incredible issue of Planet She-Hulk from Stephanie Phillips. You get to see the physical strength of Jennifer Walters while learning about her thoughts on the law and justice. It was perfectly placed since people's rights were being violated.

Plus, Korven Blackjaw and Rowan Creed show their true colors by framing an innocent man to further their goals. It was easy to guess that they were tyrants and con artists, but now there’s proof.

The Power Fantasy No. 15

  • Writer: Kieron Gillen
  • Artist: Caspar Wijngaard

The winner of Bam Smack Pow’s “Best Comic Book Series” (and "Best Character") in 2025, The Power Fantasy, is already making a case to be a two-time winner by showing that anything is possible in this universe.

In this issue, writer Kieron Gillen builds momentum to a conclusion that will leave readers wanting more. Meanwhile, artist Caspar Wijngaard illustrated his best work. Considering everything he’s done is elite, that says a lot.

This was the perfect way for The Power Fantasy to begin the new year. The Atomics, Magicians, and Extranormal Entities have made decisions that affected the world (and the afterlife), while the regular people in the middle will suffer or prosper. Unfortunately, we won’t know which until the next issue.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Battle Nexus No. 23

  • Writer: Sophie Campbell
  • Artist: Vitor Cafaggi
  • Colorist: Luis Antonio Delgado

This issue had the best fight of the month, and it will take a lot for it to be topped. Not only did the artist make this a hard-hitting battle, but the dialogue was intense and emotional. It also ends with a hilarious moment that made sure both Raphael and Alopex saved face.

Assorted Crisis Events No. 8

  • Writer: Deniz Camp
  • Artist: Eric Zawadzki
  • Colors: Jordie Bellaire

Every issue of Assorted Crisis events is a tale that will emotionally hit people in ways that comic books normally don’t. However, if you've been reading the series, this is nothing new. Nevertheless, issue No. 8 struck this writer in the heart within the first few pages with a simple sentence from the main character. “I can barely see myself sometimes.” But it doesn't stop there. The story gets even deeper as the storyline gets sadder the farther it goes.

Bring a tissue, and allow yourself to be vulnerable. Assorted Crisis Events No. 8 is a heartbreaking story that will make you question what love looks like.

Inglorious X-Force No. 1 creative team

  • Writer: Tim Seeley
  • Artist: Michael Sta. Maria
  • Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.

A Cable-led X-Force title will always be full of twists, turns, and time travel shenanigans, and Inglorious X-Force No. 1 was no different. The debut issue shows that Nathan Summers (Cable) is still keeping secrets, but this one may get the first mutant president killed. It was a glorious way to begin a must-read series.

DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam

  • Writer: Jeremy Adams
  • Artists: Pat Boutin and Cian Tormey
  • Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.

As a comic book and wrestling fan, this was incredibly goofy and fun. The creative team must have had a blast making this story and coming up with the right time to use classic wrestling moves and jargon. Sure, it wasn't as deep as the first two comic books on this list, but it was entertaining and worth every penny…bro.

Powers 25 No. 5

  • Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
  • Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
  • Colors: Nick Filardi

One of my favorite things about the return of Powers is that the creators didn’t change the recipe that made this an Eisner Award-winning series. For example, in this issue, you’re reminded that, for all of Deena Pilgrim's cursing and vulgar comments, she’s an A+ detective. That same energy (minus the swearing) is shown in the newest character, Detective Viv Kutter. Another similarity is the cliffhangers that always lead to something major happening.

Captain America No. 6

  • Writer: Chip Zdarsky
  • Artists: Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar
  • Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.

It’s great seeing Steve Rogers fighting for the rights of people the way he always has. He’s looking at things from a standpoint of what helps people instead of world governments looking for weapons. It wouldn’t be shocking if this series leads to Steve Rogers dropping the Captain America alias and becoming Nomad again.

Rogue No. 1

  • Writer: Erica Schultz
  • Artist: Luigi Zagaria
  • Colors: Espen Grundetjern

There was no way Erica Schultz’s Rogue was going to be anything but a banger. But as a fan of hers since Laura Kinney: Wolverine, even I didn’t expect this mini-series to start as good as it did. Marvel said that fans were going to get a glimpse into Marie’s past, but seeing what could be one of Marie’s biggest mistakes will have consequences that affect her throughout X-Men: Shadows of Tomorrow.

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.

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