Exceptional X-Men and the 5 best comic books of the week

It’s another great week of new comic books and only five can be at the top. Sadly, issues like Daredevil No. 13, Immortal Thor No. 15, and Plastic Man No More! didn’t make the list. They were good, but the five upcoming comic books absolutely stole the show.

With that in mind, let's dive into the best this week has had to offer. And let's begin with the must-read new comic book of the week.

Exceptional X-Men No. 1

• Writer: Eve Ewing
• Artist: Carmen Carnero

If you buy one comic book this week, it should be Exceptional X-Men No. 1. First, it highlights what the life of an X-Man is like. Kitty Pryde has been an X-Man for so long that she doesn’t know anything else. Now that she’s trying to leave that behind, she’s dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and stress.

Second, this is another step in Kitty’s evolution. No comic book character has progressed as well as her in a short time. You won’t want to miss the next step of her life, especially since it involves her “best friend” Emma Frost.

Ultimates No. 4

• Writer: Deniz Camp
• Artist: Phil Noto

Writer Deniz Camp teased this issue of Ultimates for weeks and the hype was worth it. The origin of Reed Richards goes from happy to tragic. You don’t just learn what happened to the Fantastic Four, you see how Reed becomes Doctor Doom. Both tales are heartbreaking and will make you hate The Maker more than ever. Don’t read this issue if you aren’t ready for an emotional story.

Scarlett No. 4

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Marco Ferrari

Scarlett No. 4 continues the trend of amazing Energon Universe stories. It’s an issue full of action, kind-hearted moments, and more action. The best part may have come when our hero Scarlett meets Cobra for the first time.

It's easy to forget this was in the early stages before G.I. Joe existed. The next issue teases the arrival of Cobra Commander. You won't want to miss it.

Batman No.152

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

This issue had the two biggest reveals in an Absolute Power side issue. First, Batman and Catwoman get the Motherbox Amanda Waller used as a power source. It became the biggest step towards what happens next in Absolute Power No. 3.

Second, and most important, taking the Motherbox notified Darksied of its location. When the Lord of Apokalips appears, Batman is terrified (an emotion people don't see from him too often). When they escape, Darkseid has a smile on his face and Bruce says that if Darkseid wanted them dead, they would be.

Darkseid’s return is the first step in DC Comics' All In and the Absolute Universe. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more on that.

Absolute Power No. 3

• Writer: Mark Waid
• Artist: Dan Mora

Lastly, the perfect penultimate issue of Absolute Power. We’re starting to see the heroes come together, but Amanda Waller is still fully in control. Things look good with Nightwing leading the charge and improving as a hero. However, it's not over yet.

Multiple tie-ins are coming before the Absolute Power's finale and things will get violent and tragic. DC Comics events don’t conclude without someone dying or disappearing. If either happens, Bam Smack Pow will be here to report it.

What comic books are you reading this week? Is there anything you'd recommend? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.