The six best new comic books of the week (August 28)

It's the final new comic book week of the month and sometimes companies save the best for last. It appears to be the case with this week’s new releases.

You’ll see more changes in Absolute Power after learning about Amanda Waller’s first outing with Task Force X. Both X-Men comic books on this list are crucial if you’re following From the Ashes or a fan of mutants. There’s also more going on in Skybound/Image Comics Energon Universe during a very emotional issue of Void Rivals.

Normally, this list is only five comics. But this week was too heavy with good issues not to add an extra one. Let’s get right to it with the best comic book of the week.

Something is Killing the Children #40

• Writer: James Tynion IV
• Artist: Werther Dell’Edera

No one creates emotionally brutal moments like James Tynion IV. This issue of Something is Killing the Children is a perfect example. When you think you know what’s going on, he throws something else at you. Be prepared to be shocked and saddened by this issue. You may even shed a tear.

The most important part of this issue was further understanding the main character, Erica Slaughter. This mission could have been the one that sent her on a different path than the one she was on. 

Void Rivals No. 12

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Lorenzo De Felici

You won’t be prepared for the emotional moments in this issue. As Darak and Solila said their goodbyes, I kept hoping that something would happen to change Solila’s mind. That moment didn’t come. It's disappointing that they're separating, but their eventual return together will be worth the wait.

There’s also the story of Promixmus. It’s difficult for a villain to go from evil to good quickly. Robert Kirkman did it smoothly and it made sense. Now I’m invested in what happens to him. Initially, he was just another antagonist under the control of the villain. Now he’s becoming sympathetic.

Absolute Power: Origins No. 2

• Writer: John Ridley
• Artist: Alitha Martinez

It’s common knowledge that Amanda Waller is a hypocrite. She hates metahumans because they’re a threat, but she’s more than willing to use them. Especially the expendable ones. Which is bad in itself. The big problem is she doesn’t care about the innocent people who get hurt. 

In this issue, Waller betrayed again. It shows another reason she closed off her emotions to anyone with superhuman abilities. However, you can't feel bad for Waller. She's consistent in her self-awareness of knowing she's a monster.

NYX 

• Writers: Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing
• Artist: Francesco Mortarino

Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing do a masterful job of showing Laura getting over her stubbornness. Unfortunately, that came after a sequence of trauma that sent her running. The good news is she learned from her mistake. In the end, she’s smiling and dancing with friends.

X-Men No. 3

• Writer: Jed MacKay
• Artist: Ryan Stegman

After years of Cyclops being in charge, his enemies still don’t understand him. They constantly underestimate his foresight and planning. X-Men No. 3 was another example of this.

While Scott Summers met a representative of the O*N*E, a group of their soldiers were sent to destroy Cerebro. Seeing the X-Men take them down while Cyclops played peacekeeper was fantastic.

Universal Monsters: Frankenstein

• Writer: Michael Walsh
• Artist: Michael Walsh

If you’re into the classic story of Frankstein’s monster, you’ll want to check this out. The artwork is amazing and has the same vibe you’d expect from a classic horror tale. Especially on the last page. Sorry, no spoilers. You’ll have to read the issue.