Storm, Transformers, and the best comic books of the week

Normally, we choose to spotlight the five best comic books of each week. But every so often, a week comes along that is so full of glorious titles and releases that it’s impossible to only choose five issues. This is one of those times.

Each of the comics on this list either teases a new future for someone, shows the growth of a character, features something amazing happening, or a moment simply occurs that changes everything throughout its respective universe. It’s a heck of a way to continue the final month of new comic books and there are still two weeks of new comics left.

So, let’s get right into it with the pick of the week and it’s not from Marvel or DC.

FML (pick of the week)

• Writer: Kelly Sue DeConnick
• Artist: David López

It’s difficult to say what’s so good about this particular issue without spoiling the story so I’ll focus on one of the main characters instead. Patty is a mother of two in a world that’s gone to Hell. She’s balancing more than anyone should be able to and is doing it better than most would in this situation. In the middle of all that, something tragic happens that sends her into shock and it’s not the first time.

Shock is something that many people understand and Kelly Sue DeConnick explains it in a way that is relatable. That isn’t surprising considering who the writer is. I recommend everyone jump at the opportunity to read this title.

Uncanny X-Men No. 7 

• Writer: Gail Simone
• Artist: David Marquez and Victor Olazab

Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men told the story of what happened before and during Cyclops’ team's raid of the Greymalkin mutant prison (read Jed MacKay's X-Men No. 8 for that story). Before the invasion, Cyclops told Rogue to stand down. Anna Marie reminded Scott that some of her teammates, Jubilee and Calico, were captured and that she wouldn’t stand down. Of course, that led to a fight. Thankfully, everyone looked good and saved face during the battle.

The action was great, but the lead into the rest of the series was the best part. There’s a mysterious door with an X on it that may have Charles Xavier behind it. However, the way it was written made it seem like that was too obvious. If this writer had to guess, Mr. Sinister may be behind the doors and perhaps even be the mysterious shadowed person on the cover of Uncanny X-Men No. 8. We'll have to wait and see.

Storm No. 3

• Writer: Murewa Ayodele
• Artist: Lucas Werneck

When Bleeding Cool released spoiler images of Storm and Wolverine making love, it seemed as if that would be the highlight of the issue. While that is a great part of the issue (perfectly drawn by Lucas Werneck) and leads to a deep conversation about their relationship, there’s more going on. Among that is Storm making her way to Latveria to meet Dr. Doom to discuss the future of mutants when he eventually rules the world (One World Under Doom).

Unfortunately, if Storm gets in trouble, she can’t use her powers. Part of the agreement made to keep her alive (thanks to Doctor Voodoo) is that Storm can't use her mutant powers for seven days. She's currently on the last day. Now, all she has to defend herself is a knife hidden in her dress. Thankfully, even against Dr. Doom, one knife is all Storm needs.

Batman: Dark Patterns

• Writer: Dan Watters 
• Artist: Hayden Sherman

Batman: Dark Patterns No. 1 was superb and it very quickly showed readers that it will be unlike the other comic books featuring The Dark Knight or the Bat Family. It was violent and dark and had plenty of terrifying imagery, ensuring that it drew us all into its vivid world. Also, the writing was stellar and the artwork fit the theme.

If that isn’t enough, there’s a mystery involving the deaths of innocent people with the killer looking like something out of a Hellraiser movie. You won’t want to miss an issue.

Space Ghost No. 8

• Writer: David Pepose
• Artist: Jonathan Lau

David Pepose has built Space Ghost up to be one of the toughest characters in comics. The character has been on quite the journey in recent months. Throughout, there are times that he would have been defeated if not for Jan, Jace, and Blip.

Now, however, Space Ghost takes his first loss and it’s bad. He doesn’t have any backup and the villain, General Metallus, isn't just seemingly indestructible, but he’s a genius too. If Space Ghost comes out of this, it will be epic.

DC vs Vampires: World War V No. 5

• Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
• Artist: Otto Schmidt

This series has been fun, but this was the issue where things turned grim. Well, even more grim since this is a world run by vampires. Towards the end of World War V, No. 5, a secret is revealed. One so big that it’ll make you hate everything that was allowed to happen.

One of the nicest characters in DC Comics was tortured and used by the former king of the vampires, Dick Grayson. It’ll make you question Barbara Gordon and her truce with the humans.

This writer won’t say who or what happens to them because it will spoil the reveal. You'll have to read the comic book to find out.

Ultimate X-Men No. 10

• Writer: Peach Momoko
• Artist: Peach Momoko

As great as Peach Momoko’s Ultimate X-Men has been, this writer has been waiting for the big moment. It finally happened in issue no. 10. And what a moment it was!

The Children of the Atom cult is starting to get violent and the public is even more worried than normal. With the close of the second volume approaching, I fully expect more intense and crucial moments to happen in this series from here on out. This is only the beginning!

The Amazing Spider-Man No. 63

• Writer: Justina Ireland
• Artist: Gleb Melnikov

Rather than attack Spider-Man with physical pain, the newest Scion (Cyrios) hurt Peter Parker with his past failures. The problem for Cyrios is that it has been done before by many of his enemies; that's why Spidey wasn’t as phased as he normally is.

Cyrios needs to realize that this is Spider-Man; he understands time travel and, as much as he regrets his mistakes, he’s done a better job about owning them instead of the other way around. 

Transformers No. 15

• Writer: Daniel Warren Johnson 
• Artist: Mike Spicer and Jorge Corona

One of the best things about Daniel Warren Johnson’s Transformers are the stakes. Characters don’t just die. Sometimes they suffer, move on, and evolve. In this case, there's Optimus Prime, Arcee, and Beachcomber.

Arcee vows to find Magnus, Beachcomber goes with her because he can’t help the Autobots after taking a vow of non-violence, and Optimus is becoming more violent (while also blacking out when that happens). Since this isn’t the Transformers we know from the movies and cartoons, we could be looking at a heel turn from Optimus - especially with Daniel Warren Johnson being a wrestling fan. It may not happen, but it would be very, very cool.

The most interesting part is how the other Autobots on Cybertron are adapting to war. They’ve become brutal and somewhat carnivorous., acting more ruthless than the Decepticons. Cliffjumper is shocked and worried, but the other Autobots tell him that the war has changed them.

Laura Kinney: Wolverine No. 1

• Writer: Erica Schultz
• Artist: Giada Belviso

The first issue of Laura Kinney: Wolverine is everything I could have wanted. It’s Laura saving mutants around the world and her first trip takes her to Dubai where she breaks up a group keeping mutants against their will.

This writer can’t help but love how this series began. Instead of leaving Wolverine's first mission on a cliffhanger, we get to see her take care of business quickly and efficiently. It’s a brilliant start to what will be a fantastic series. Not enough? The issue ends with a surprise guest from Hell's Kitchen.

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