Previously, Ultimate Spider-Man, Absolute Batman, and Smile: For the Camera were among the best new comic books of the week. This time, one of DC Comics’ most influential titles leads the way as one of the most important stories in a long time. Speaking of, let’s start the best of the week with that title.
New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident
- Writers: Morgan Hampton, Joseph Illidge, Nikolas Draper-Ivey, and Stephanie Williams
- Artists: Edwin Galmon, Valentine De Landro, and Fico Ossio
- Colors: Marissa Louise, Ulises Arreola, Andrew Dalhouse, and John Kalisz
This comic book showed what happened to the characters of Milestone Comics, and it was heartbreaking. The heroes were framed, attacked, and forced to abandon their goal of protecting their home. Thankfully, within one of the darkest times, a flash of lightning brings hope back to Dakota. Welcome back, Static.
The Power Fantasy No. 16
- Writer: Kieron Gillen
- Art and colors: Caspar Wijngaard
Everything about this issue was perfect. Readers get to see the consequences of everyone’s actions and the possible downfall of another. And, in the end, something new, beautiful, and very terrifying happens. It’s great that even after sixteen issues, The Power Fantasy still manages to surprise me and get me pumped for the next issue.
Ultimates No. 21
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artist: Pere Perez
- Colors: Federico Blee
Deniz Camp’s Ultimates has been a motivational masterpiece. Yes, there’s a ton of action and some quips. However, what separates this series from others is how things within the pages relate back to the real world.
For example, the quote, “The heroes of this revolution will be those who refuse to forget their humanity, even in the face of unspeakable horror.” That is easily one of the best quotes in comics, and it rings true outside of the fiction world of Marvel Comics.
Absolute Wonder Woman No. 17
- Writer: Kelly Thompson
- Artist: Hayden Sherman
- Colors: Jordie Bellaire
Absolute Wonder Woman’s bread and butter may be magic, but Kelly Thompson reminded readers that Diana can still throw hands with the best of them. And, in this issue, Giganta learns that the hard way. Sadly, Absolute Wonder Woman No. 17 ends with a new and dangerous magical villain appearing.
Sorcerer Supreme No. 3
- Writer: Steve Orlando
- Artist: Bernard Chang
- Colors: Ruth Redmond
Steve Orlando never ceases to amaze with how Wanda Maximoff overcomes an unknown or more powerful fighter. And since starting the art in Sorcerer Supreme No. 1, Bernard Chang has illustrated it perfectly. For example, in this issue, it was Wanda vs. the telepathic, magic-wielding Queen of Limbo, Madelyne Pryor. When the fight is over, readers are reminded that the Scarlet Witch can and will fight dirty and ruthlessly if needed.
Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral No. 1
- Writers:(Al Ewing, Charles Soule, and Joe Kelly
- Artist: JesĂşs SaĂz
- Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
I wasn’t sure what to expect in this crossover, but each writer has done a fantastic job with their individual titles. With that in mind, it seemed like a no-brainer to give this series a shot. Not only was this a phenomenal read, but Amazing Spider-Man/Venom: Death Spiral No. 1 perfectly begins the crossover with mystery, a quick overview of the characters, and a cliffhanger with this series’ villain appearing.
Detective Comics No. 1106
- Writer: Tom Taylor
- Art and colors: Mikel Janin
Tom Taylor’s run of Detective Comics is the perfect example of waiting until a storyline is finished before judging it. Each issue told a story about two characters from Gotham City who were hurt by Gotham City's crime. But you don’t see the entire picture until the last page. And with that, readers get the chance to look back, see what the creative team was doing, and smile at what they accomplished.
Mortal Thor No. 7
- Writer: Al Ewing
- Artist: Pasqual Ferry
- Colors: Matt Milla
The story of Sigurd Jarlson continues to be a great one. And as the saga progresses, I wonder if the Thor we know will ever come back. Maybe the next time we see the God of Thunder, he’s not the Son of Odin. Instead, Sigurd receives the godly powers and continues his adventures as a mortal who became a deity. It would be a new take that Al Ewing would make legendary.
Void Rivals No. 27
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Andrei Bressan
- Colors: Patricio Delpeche
Void Rivals: The Quintesson War continues, and there’s finally a glimmer of hope for the Agorrians and the Zertonians. So much so that the arrogant Quintessons had to humble themselves and send in the big guns. So far, it doesn’t look like it will be enough, but this is only the halfway mark of the storyline (part three of six). Bad things will likely happen in the next couple of issues.
Infernal Hulk No. 4
- Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
- Artist: Nic Klein
- Colors: Nic Klein and Matthew Wilson
Two words describe this issue, and they are "beautiful" and "brutal." Nic Klein creates amazing panels that prove how savagery can be gorgeous. Meanwhile, Phillip Kennedy Johnson writes a script that shows the many Hulks and how even their combined might isn’t enough to defeat Eldest. Thankfully, the ending gives hope, and it comes from a character that hasn't been seen in a while.
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