7 new DC, Marvel, and Image comic book picks of the week (September 4)

A holiday at the beginning of the week didn’t stop Marvel, DC, and Image Comics from publishing amazing comic book issues this week. There are more additions to the Energon Universe, Absolute Power nears its conclusion, and another X-Men title debuts.

Yes, it's been quite the week. Let’s get to the best 7 picks of the week with an older pick at the end. 

Ultimates No. 4 (pick of the week)

• Writer: Deniz Camp
• Artist: Phil Noto

According to writer Deniz Camp, this issue of Ultimates will explain how Reed Richards becomes Doctor Doom. Some of his tweets have shown that he’ll explain what happened to the rest of the Fantastic Four. But, the real reason to buy this issue is his comment about Robert Downey Jr., who is set to play the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He said, “If you want to understand Robert Downey Jr. as Doom, you MUST read Ultimates 4 on Sept 4th. (or whenever it comes out)"

Absolute Power No. 3

• Writer: Mark Waid
• Artist: Dan Mora

The end of Absolute Power: Task Force VII No. 5 shows Amanda Waller bringing the Crime Syndicate from their dimension. Waller’s worked with them and knows the heroes on her Earth will keep coming after her. With that in mind, it makes sense that she’d use them. However, there’s no way she can trust them.

Meanwhile, the description for this issue on ComiXology says that the heroes will attempt to get help from the Amazons. With America banning them (Wonder Woman by Tom King), they may not care what’s happening outside of Themyscira, but the war could come to their shores.

Exceptional X-Men No. 1

• Writer: Eve Ewing
• Artist: Carmen Carnero

This is the X-Men comic book I’ve been waiting for. I’m a huge Kate Pryde fan and appreciate how much she’s evolved - especially during the Krakoan era. Now she’s molding the next generation of mutants who need guidance and protection. What’s even better is her bestie Emma Frost will be helping her.

Batman No. 152

• Writers: Chip Zdarsky and Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Mike Hawthorne

How will Batman and Catwoman defeat Bizarro, Clock King, Black Alice, Deadeye, and Gunsmith? Will Bizarro regain control of his body and help Catwoman and the Caped Crusader? No matter how it happens, you’ll want to read this issue. Chip Zdarsky has been hitting home runs in Batman since he started.

Plastic Man No More

• Writer: Christopher Cantwell
• Artist: Alex Lins

Not only is this a DC Comics Black Label mini-series, but it’s also a noir mystery too.  Something happens during a Justice League mission and Plastic Man is the only one who can solve the puzzle. Plus, it looks like Plastic Man may die at the end of this series. Before he does, he’ll try to make up for all the bad he’s done. Among that he'll make amends with his son.

Scarlett No. 4

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Marco Ferrari

Kelly Thompson’s Scarlett has been the best spy comic book of 2024. Considering how many comics are in the genre, that says a lot.

According to the description on ComiXology, “...it’s an enormous game changer for the entire Energon Universe!” I can't wait to see what new piece of the Energon Universe puzzle is revealed.

Daredevil No. 13

• Writer: Saladin Ahmed
• Artist: Chris Campana

If you had Wilson Fisk on his hands and knees in front of Daredevil saying, “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned” on your 2024 bingo card…you’re probably all-star writer Saladin Ahmed. That's only part of the important news, though. How Daredevil reacts to Kingpin's confession could change his relationship with Elektra.

8 Billion Genies (older pick)

• Writer: Charles Soule
• Artist: Ryan Browne

What would you do with one wish? How would it affect the rest of the world? Would you ask for something for yourself or someone else? Will it be an instant wish or could you wait until you think of the perfect one? These are only some questions that cause global chaos in the amazing 8 Billion Genies. Journey into a world where you see the compassion and evil of humanity. It’s a phenomenal story with a perfect ending.