The X-Men's new villain, Amanda Waller's mistakes, and more comic book news

This week, Marvel Comics released the first issue of the X-Men’s newest era, From the Ashes. As expected, something major occurred during their move to their new home in Alaska. DC releases new comics tying into their summer event, Absolute Power. And Image Comics’ Transformers No. 10 bomb on readers. That’s only some of the comic book news you can check out in this article.

Absolute Power news

• Comic book: Absolute Power: Taskforce VII
• Writer: Leah Williams
• Artist: Caitlin Yarsky

Amanda Waller’s plan to steal abilities from heroes worked perfectly (Absolute Power No. 1). All she had to do was find and capture the remaining heroes. As the Superman Amazo fights Black Adam, it hesitates. Adam notices that the Amzos stole more than powers. It took the heroes’ morality as well. This will come into play in future issues of the Absolute Power crossover.

Waller’s plan is working, but she appears to lack foresight. She didn't think about or care how other countries would feel. Steve Trevor mentions that other countries are concerned about what happened to their superheroes/citizens. America took them illegally and Waller isn’t listening to the president.

If that’s not enough, everything Waller’s done is causing the stock market to crash. Waller says she has someone working on it (likely Brainiac Queen), but how long until she runs out of people to do what she needs? Or maybe this is part of her plan for world domination.

The Ultimates save America

• Comic book: Ultimates No. 2
• Writer: Deniz Cam
• Artist: Juan Frigeri

Captain America and the Ultimates learn that Midas is holding someone prisoner under the White House. During their fight, Midas tells Cap that there’s a metahuman powering parts of America against their will. After defeating Midas (by breaking his neck), it’s revealed that America Chavez was the power source.

The symbolism of beginning to save America by saving America Chavez was brilliantly done.

The arrival of Cybertron

• Comic book: Transformers No. 10
• Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson
• Artist: Jorge Corona

Shockwave made a major impact in Transformers No. 9. His arrival on Earth led to the capture of two Autobots and the death of another. This was only the beginning. Shockwave created a device strong enough to bring Cybertron into Earth’s orbit.

One of two things is going to happen. Cybertron’s arrival will begin the G.I. Joe vs Transformers war or Optimus Prime and the Autobots stop Cybertron’s arrival. One thing you can count on is more Transformers entering through the portal. After his appearance during Free Comic Book Day, fans can expect to see Hot Rod.

Amanda Waller's betrayal

• Comic book: Green Lantern No. 13
• Writer: Jeremy Adams
• Artist: Fernando Pasarin

Shocking to no one, Amanda Waller didn’t plan on honoring her deal with the leader of the United Planets, Thaaros. Thaaros wants the power source Hal Jordan uses for his Green Lantern Ring and the power ring itself. While she's interrogating Hal Jordan, Amanda Waller sees an opportunity. She’s going to take the Lanter ring for herself. Unfortunately for her, Hal Jordan is too stubborn to submit to torture. He eventually escapes and ends up in a landing bay with dozens of superpowered weapons.

No mutants died

• Comic book: Heir of Apocalypse No. 3
• Writer: Steve Foxe
• Artist: Netho Diaz

During Heir of Apocalypse No. 2, Monet St. Croix, Armageddon Girl, and Exodus were killed. Like I said after the issue was released, never trust a comic book death unless you see a body. En Sabah Nur shows Archangel that they were teleported the instant they failed. Ten years ago Apocalypse ago, would have let them die. That shows growth. It also leads me to believe that Archangel will be the Heir of Apocalypse.

After Archangel fought his former master, Apocalypse explained his plan and showed that no one was killed. This made Archangel stop. Seeing what’s happening on top of not wanting anyone to be Apocalypse may be how Warren Worthington the Third becomes the heir of Apocalypse. This would make sense since he's already been Apocalypse (Uncanny X-Force) and would take the burden so no one else has to.

New villains revealed

• Comic book: X-Men No. 1
• Writer: Jed MacKay
• Artist: Ryan Stegman

The X-Men aren't short of villains but it’s great that new ones keep popping up. In this case, there’s the mysterious 3K and the Fourth School.

3K is a secret Cabal of four people (The Zealot, The Doctor, The Means, and The Chairman). Their goal? “Prepare a crucible from which a whole new world will be born.” It’s unclear what that means, but it can’t be good. You can tell they're important by the way Marvel revealed them. At the end of the issue, there's a QR code to further their storyline.

The Fourth School is a group that was born from John Sublime. They believe that the third school was artificial intelligence so the fourth must be a combination of AI and mutants. They've taken this train of thought and decided to add mutant powers and machinery into their bodies. They will likely be the X-Men’s first big win that leads to their battle with 3K.

What other comic book moments should be on this list? Are you reading anything good? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Instagram and Twitter.