Transformers, Ultimate Wolverine, Grim, and the best comic books of the past week

Previously, comic books like Marvel’s Planet She-Hulk No. 1, Image Comics’ Assorted Crisis Events No. 6, and DC Comics' Batman No. 3 were among the best issues.

Last week, there were a lot of challengers for the must-read new issues. Rather than belabor the issue, let’s get right into the top ten.

Ultimate Wolverine No. 11

• Writer: Christopher Condon
• Artist: Alessandro Cappuccio
• Colors: Bryan Valenza

There have been plenty of sad moments in the new Ultimate Universe, but this one ranks in the top two. Seeing all the dead members of the Opposition was disheartening, but it was Logan’s reaction that made it worse. He felt as if he had failed again. The only good thing that will come from this is how much harder Wolverine will go after Illyana and Colossus.

Mr. Terrific: Year One No. 6

• Writer: Al Letson
• Artists: Valentine De Landro and Edwin Galmon
• Colors: Marissa Louise

Al Letson stuck the landing and made this a more than just enjoyable miniseries. It's a game-changer that should give people a better understanding of who Mr. Terrific is. He seems emotionless, but, in reality, he’s a deeper character than anyone knows. Here’s hoping this leads to Al Letson writing more comics starring God d*** Mr. Terrific. 

Grim No. 25

• Writer: Stephanie Phillips
• Artist: Flaviano Armentaro
• Colors: Rico Renzi

Don’t be sad that it’s over. Be happy that you experienced one of the best and original comic book series of the past twenty years. That’s not an exaggeration. I waited until the end of the series to make that claim, so I wouldn’t jump the gun. And while I still want more, the last page left me with a smile. Hopefully, this is how other readers felt.

Batman No. 162

• Writer: Jeph Loeb
• Artist: Jim Lee
• Inks: Scott Williams
• Colors: Alex Sinclair

When the synopsis for Hush 2 was announced, this was the issue people were waiting for. Readers finally get to see how Batman would go up against his family and the lengths he’d go to fight and protect them. It was beautiful, but also disturbing. What he did to Barbara Gordon and Dick Grayson was heartbreaking. However, you understand why in the end.

Transformers No. 26

• Writer: Robert Kirkman
• Artist: Dan Mora
• Colors: Mike Spicer

The best part about this issue was seeing Optimus Prime at his best, and that’s not when he’s fighting. Optimus is among the best motivators in comics because he always wants to see the best in people. Sometimes his optimism can be naive, but it should be admired. So far, it’s cost him allies, but he and the Autobots have gained some in the process as well.

Eddie Brock: Carnage No. 10

• Writer: Charles Soule
• Artist: Jesus Saiz
• Colors: Matt Hollingsworth

This isn’t the deepest comic book on the shelves, but it’s among the five or ten most entertaining. Watching Eddie and Carnage argue about the dos and don’ts of their relationship hit a new point here, and I couldn’t stop smiling. To top it off, Jesus Saiz does a masterful job with Carnage’s facial expressions.

Batman: Dark Patterns No. 12

• Writer: Dan Watters
• Artist: Hayden Sherman
• Colors: Tríona Farrell

The conclusion of Batman: Dark Patterns continued the pattern (pardon the phrasing) of poetry within the bleakness of the story. Dan Watters gave readers a satisfying explanation of the culprit behind the fires and ended it smoothly with the possibility of a conclusion. Even if it doesn’t, hopefully you’re happy with the finale.

Rogue Storm No. 2

• Writer: Murewa Ayodele
• Artist: Roland Boschi
• Colors: Neeraj Menon

Murewa Ayodele didn’t waste any time explaining everything that was going on with Storm in the Age of Revelation. It made sense for the story and, more importantly, the character. Ororo Munroe is one of the few characters who never seems to change, regardless of the reality and the circumstances. It’s why Murewa Ayodele's run of the goddess mutant has been unmatched.

Aquaman No. 11

• Writer: Jeremy Adams
• Artist: Nimit Malavia
• Colors: Rex Lokus

If you’re not a fan of Aquaman after everything Jeremy Adams has done, I don’t know what to tell you. Forget the power upgrade (which is literally god-like). This issue in particular shows that he’s an underrated leader and hero. A great tie-in to DC KO as the crossover for the fate of the DC Comics continues.

Fantastic Four No. 5

• Writer: Ryan North
• Artist: Humberto Ramos
• Colors: Edgar Delgado

I love that Ryan North does one-and-done issues. It’s especially great when it’s stories like these. North reminded readers that, despite her greatness, Susan Storm isn’t perfect. She can be judgmental, too. Thankfully, the Fantastic Four keep their family accountable. In this case, it was Alicia. Thanks to her, they saved someone from being wrongfully accused and gained a new friend.

Best of the week by category:

1. Comic book pick of the week: Ultimate Wolverine No. 11
2. Hero of the week: Aquaman (Aquaman No. 11)
3. Villains of the week: Nicky Harris (Batman: Dark Patterns No. 12)
4. Fight of the week: Angel of Death (Wolverine) vs Omega Red (Sinister’s Six
5. Team of the week: The New Avengers (New Avengers No. 6)
6. Moment of the week: The death of the Opposition (Ultimate Wolverine No. 11)
7. Writer of the week: Al Letson for Mr. Terrific: Year One No. 6
8. Artists of the week: Flaviano Armentaro and Rico Renzi for Grim No. 25
9. Cover of the week: Karen S. Darboe for Mr. Terrific: Year One No. 6 
10. Funny moment of the week: Smelly Wolverine (New Avengers No. 6)
11. Underrated comic book of the week: Fantastic Four No. 5

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