The five best new comic books to read this week

This week in the world of comic books, Hal Jordan escaped the clutches of Amanda Waller (Green Lantern No. 13). En Sabah Nur, a.k.a. Apocalypse, showed everyone that he’s different and more evolved (Heir of Apocalypse No. 3). And the Superman Amazo in Task Force VII killed a reformed supervillain (Absolute Power: Task Force VII No. 3).

As impressive as those comics were, these five are the best of the week.

Honorable mention: Get Fury No. 3

• Writer: Garth Ennis
• Artist: Jacen Burrows

The third issue of Get Fury furthers why leaders within the military wanted Nick Fury killed. It also shows Frank Castle’s ingenuity and attention to detail. Plus, the issue ends with a shocking, but not surprising, final page.

Transformers No. 10

• Writers: Daniel Warren Johnson 
• Artists: Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer 

Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers continues to be one of the must-read comic books every week. That's no different this week, except this time, they did it without fighting between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

Readers learn the deplorable habits of Shockwave and the lengths he’ll go to save Cybertron. I won’t spoil the ending, but something big happens that will affect the entire Energon Universe. Wait until G.I. Joe and Cobra see what's going on.

A personal favorite is Beachcomber’s backstory. We learn that he was on Earth long before the Autobots woke up. He let them be hoping that they could finally be at peace. While the Autobots rest, Beachcomber becomes a pacifist. Hopefully, this lasts. It would be nice to see a character who wins without fighting or dies maintaining his morals.

Avengers No. 16

• Writer: Jed MacKay
• Artist: C.F. Villa

This comic book had no business being this fun. However, it’s not shocking. This title starred Hercules, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop), Quicksilver, and Hazmat with Captain America leading the charge. Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we see this group together. Some of them aren’t on Cap’s next team (happening in Avengers Assemble), but they could be down the line.

Action Comics No. 1067

• Writer: Gail Simone, Rainbow Rowell, 
• Artists: Eddy Barrows, Cian Tormey

Gail Simone does an amazing job of using old-school storytelling as the narrator. This one reminded me of an updated version of 1950s stories. It makes sense since this was a flashback to an untold Superman tale.

It’s refreshing having a story outside of the crossover (Absolute Power). It wouldn’t be surprising if this leads to something in DC’s current continuity after it concludes. It's fine if it doesn't. We were given an amazing standalone series.

The second story is written by Rainbow Rowell (She-Hulk and Sensational She-Hulk) who's making her DC Comics debut. Like her She-Hulk comics, this was phenomenal. It highlights Lois Lane’s start as the Daily Planet’s editor-in-chief and adds a conflict I never saw coming.

X-Men No. 1

• Writer: Jed MacKay
• Artist: Ryan Stegman

If you want to see a perfect first issue, look no further than the work of Jed MacKay. His debut comic books always establish the characters’ personalities, the setting, and what to expect going forward. X-Men No. 1 was no different.

Juggernaut and Magik start as comic relief, but you can see that there will be depth to them as the story goes on. Hank McCoy is still dealing with the sins of his previous self despite it not being his fault (read Benjamin Percy's X-Force and Wolverine for that story). Temper and Kid Omega’s previous relationship during Wolverine and the X-Men cause friction on their first mission. Oya is upset that he didn’t help her escape The Pit (Sabretooth by Victor LaValle).

Of course, there’s their leader, Cyclops. Scott Summers continues to establish himself as one of the best leaders in comic books and a protector of mutants. On the field, he’s giving orders and helping his team survive. Back home, he leaves a frozen sentinel as a reminder to the people of Alaska who helped build the mutant murdering machines. It lets them know that he hasn't forgotten what they did. It's petty but justified.

Ultimates No. 2

• Writer: Deniz Cam
• Artist: Juan Frigeri

Deniz Cam gave readers a different Ultimate Captain America. This one isn’t overly aggressive and cares about people including his enemies. It helped that he saw what the Maker did to the world. Among these things is Frank Castle. It appeared that he was killing innocent people and his actions started a cult with red Punisher skulls on their clothes. This may lead to Frank Castle becoming or birthing Red Skull. 

I won’t spoil the ending, but Steve Rogers gets a sign that his team is on the right path. The reveal was shocking and the right move.

Are there other comic books that deserve to be mentioned? What have you read this week? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.