Spider-Man, Absolute Wonder Woman, and the best new comics of the week

This past month displayed the true power of the Sorcerer Supreme in the Ultimate Universe (Ultimate Black Panther No. 10). West Coast Avengers No. 1 shows that Ultron isn’t evil, but not exactly good either. Round 1 of Black Canary vs Lady Shiva starts in Black Canary: Best of the Best.

All of those were both interesting and great comics, but there was a lot of competition when it came to the best comic books of the week. Yes, it's been another big week in the world of comic books, and here are the best six to make their presences felt on readers.

Amazing Spider-Man No. 62 (pick of the week)

• Writer: Joe Kelly
• Artist: Ed McGuinness

In the first part of 8 Deaths of Spider-Man, Peter Parker’s first death was written as unimaginably painful. How would Joe Kelly and Ed McGuinness top that? They did so by showing how smart Spider-Man is and how quickly he thinks on his feet.

This was only the second defeat of the eight scions of Cyttorak’s. Imagine what he’ll do to the rest of them. Considering his next fight is against someone who looks like a demonic eight-year-old, it should be fun and disturbing.

Red Before Black

• Writer: Stephanie Phillips
• Artist: Goran Sudžuka

Boom Studios’ Red Before Black is bringing the next badass duo. It’s no surprise that it’s coming from the creative team of Stephanie Phillips (Phoenix and Grim) and Goran Sudžuka (Y: The Last Man).

Three issues in and the main characters Valeria and Leo have already killed someone coming after them, stolen a baby alligator from someone who shouldn’t own him, and are currently on the run from the FBI and a drug lord. That’s just the action. Writer Stephanie Phillips is slowly delving into deep topics like PTSD and sexism. There's also the story of whether or not Val's visions are real or not.

Uncanny X-Men No. 6

• Writer: Gail Simone
• Artist: Javier Garron

The action isn’t what made this issue great. This was all about getting to know the Outliers (Calico, Deathdream, Ember, Jitter, and Ransom) and seeing how they become the X-Men of the future. How did Gail Simone do that? By showing that they aren’t just random mutants brought together. They’re a family. And what's more X-Men than that?

Gail Simone started the issue with Gambit helping one of the Outliers, Becca Simon-Pinette (Calico) accept that she’s a mutant. Once she realized that she could be proud of who she was, she couldn’t stop smiling and saying she was a mutant. Later, when Jitter is being picked on, Ransom and Deathdream make sure that the guy bullying her knows to never do it again.

Absolute Wonder Woman No. 2

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Hayden Sherman

Wonder Woman doesn’t need Steve Trevor, but he’s a crucial part of her lore. In this case, Steve doesn’t wash up on the shore of Themyscira, but on the shore of the Underworld - and he's almost taken by the Hydra as a result. Since this is the Absolute Universe (that was created by Darkseid), it makes sense they'd meet like this.

Earth is lucky they met. If not, Wonder Woman would be fighting the American Military on top of another giant monster. Because, like always, insecure men in charge can’t help but be intimidated by a strong woman who does what they can’t.

Superman No. 20

• Writer: Joshua Williamson
• Artist: Dan Mora

Comic book fans know Superman can throw down with the best of them, but they're also aware he holds back. But when Doomsday comes to town, all bets are off. That attitude was amplified when Doomsday ripped the reformed Parasite in half as Sentry did to Ares in Siege.

This sent Superman into a rage that’s rarely seen. This could only be the beginning. There’s a reason Supe's Red Levels were being monitored. Is Supercorp worried about The Man of Steel losing control?

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles No. 4

• Writer: Jason Aaron
• Artist: Chris Burnham

In issue 3 of Jason Aaron’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Leonardo tells Raphael and Michelangelo they have to get to Donatello before the Foot Clan does. When they arrive, they see two things. First, Donnie can take care of himself. Second, Donnie is emaciated, has a metal artificial shell, and a dead rat on his shoulder that he thinks is Splinter. The smartest of their group is losing his mind. This isn’t a good sign since New York’s future District Attorney is working with the Foot Clan and wants the Ninja Turtles dead.

What comic books are you reading this week? Is there a series that wasn't on here? Let us know on the Bam Smack Pow Blue Sky, Instagram, and Twitter.