In the previous must-read comic book article, there was something for everyone. If you like horror, Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV returned with a banger. Benito Cereno’s Blood and Thunder provided an action-packed issue. And if you’re looking for an emotional read, Gail Simone and Mikki Kendall’s Uncanny X-Men Annual No. 1 is what you’re looking for.
This week, there are a lot of different kinds of comics from a plethora of companies. Let’s start with a series finale from Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe.
Ultimate Wolverine No. 16
- Writer: Chris Condon
- Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
- Colors: Bryan Valenza
I was waiting for a big fight scene with Magik and Wolverine, and it didn’t happen. Instead, the final issue ended as this storyline began. I feel bad for Illyana Rasputin. It was a brilliant idea because not every rivalry has to conclude with a brawl.
At the end, Wolverine sees that the Maker is the reason why she was captured by Belasco. He may have felt bad, but then Logan made a great point. Illyana’s abuse doesn’t absolve her of the many violations against humanity.
Smile: For the Camera No. 2
- Writer: Hannah Rose May
- Artist: Miriana Puglia
- Colors: Dearbhla Kelly
The storyline of the life of a model smoothly flowed into the horror comic book. At no point did you forget that there’s a monster lurking and that someone was going to die. And, when the scary moments happen, they’re out of nowhere, which adds to the terror. It’s honestly all brilliant.
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast No. 8
- Writer: Robert Kirkman
- Artist: Ryan Ottley
- Colors: Annalisa Leoni
This issue was pure violence, and it was amazing. Ryan Ottley and Robert Kirkman reminded readers that Battle Beast is among the scariest and unhinged beings in the Invincible Universe. What's even better is that this is all building up to the fight between him and Conquest. A fight that didn’t happen in the original comic book run of Invincible.
X-Men United No. 2
- Writer: Eve Ewing
- Artist: Tiago Palma
- Colors: Brian Reber
I’m a fan of Cyclops, but Eve Ewing perfectly depicted how he can be a jerk when an idea didn’t come from him. The best part may have been seeing Emma Frost thwart his plan and then put him in his place. He (and his sidekick, Kid Omega) deserved the verbal abuse she gave him.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 7
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Artist: Sid Kotian
- Colors: Marco Lesko
As much as I enjoyed Oroku Saki (Shredder) in this issue, he wasn’t the reason Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 7 makes the list. It’s the new obnoxious antagonist, Kenji. I can’t wait for this little person to understand that his creations are nothing compared to the Shredder's might, skill, and will to survive. I also can't wait to see what Alda Avon has planned for the Earth Protection Force (E.P.F.).
Absolute Batman No. 19
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Nick Dragotta
- Colors: Frank Martin
Scott Snyder continues to make stories full of villains that are more terrifying than their Earth-Prime counterparts. This time around, it’s Jonathan Crane, aka Scarecrow, and he uses his abilities to kill one of the most beloved characters in the universe. Sadly, it’s only going to get worse for the Absolute Dark Knight before it gets better.
Storm: Earth's Mightiest Mutant No. 3
- Writer: Murewa Ayodele
- Artist: Federica Mancin
- Colors: Javier Tartaglia
Murewa Ayodele has been building up Storm as one of the most powerful beings in the universe since he took over the series in 2024. But what’s been underappreciated is how he’s incorporated a plethora of different pantheons and cosmic beings. And now, because of one of those entities, the fate of the multiverse rests in the hands of Ororo Munroe.
Ghost Pepper No. 10
- Writer: Ludo Lullabi
- Artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
I have continuously talked about the evolution of Ash throughout this series, but Ghost Pepper No. 10 was something special. Ash admits that someone he cares about keeps his rage in check, and it was beautiful. However, if you’re one of his enemies, knowing that he's a restrained, focused storm, should be terrifying.
Nightwing No. 137
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Penciler: Denys Cowan
- Inker: Norm Rapmund
- Colors: Francesco Segala
Writer Dan Watters did something that few comic book writers have been able to do. He took the smile away from Dick Grayson and kept the story interesting and true to the character. Not only that, but the Blüdhaven media has turned against Nightwing. And, sadly, he’s not sure if they’re wrong.
Batwoman No. 2
- Writer: Greg Rucka
- Artist: Dani
- Colors: Matt Hollingsworth
Greg Rucka is a writer who will always shock his readers. But even this is beyond what he’s known for. He’s turning Kate Kane (Batwoman) into something that would make the rest of the Bat Family worried. Even Jason Todd would be upset with what she’s doing. However, because of Rucka’s unpredictability, things may not be what they appear to be.
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