Previously, on the Bam Smack Pow must-read new comic books list, Invincible Universe: Battle Beast No. 10 delivered a highly anticipated fight. Mad Cave Studios’ Land of Never debuted with one of the best No. 1 issues of 2026. Deathstroke: The Terminator No. 4 showed the depth of Slade Wilson but also that he’s emotionally stunted. Meanwhile, in Gail Simone’s Uncanny X-Men, the Outliers go to prom, and aliens attack.
This week, I break my rule of ten and bring eleven of the must-read comic books from June 22-25. Let’s start with something that had a happy ending.
Ultimate Universe: Finale No. 1
- Writers: Peach Momoko, Bryan Hill, Deniz Camp, Chris Condon, and Jonathan Hickman
- Artists: Peach Momoko, Stefano Caselli, and Juan Frigeri, Marco Checchetto, Bryan Valenza
- Colors: Marcio Menyz, David Curiel, and Federico Blee
After everything that’s happened to Universe-6160, it’s great to see an ending like this. Sure, nothing is perfect. There are still racists, crime, and poverty, but the people are still fighting to make the world a better place. Plus, some of the heroes who have been fighting long before the Ultimates' revolutions started are getting time to rest. But this isn’t the end. Instead, it's a new beginning.
Absolute Superman No. 20
- Writer: Jason Aaron
- Artist: Rafa Sandoval
- Colors: Vicente Cifuentes
Jason Aaron’s incredible ability to tell a story through a character’s inner voice was on display here. We weren’t seeing things through Superman’s eyes. We were reading them from the mind of someone who went from Kal-El's enemy to a believer. This showed that even in a universe corrupted by Darkseid, Superman’s never-give-up attitude is a game-changer.
Wonder Woman No. 34
- Writer: Tom King
- Artists: Daniel Sampere and Bruno Redondo
- Colors: Alejandro Sánchez
Tom King has been surprising me since the first issue of this run, and, according to this issue, he’s doing the same to the Fates. No one could have seen this ending coming, especially after such a hard-fought battle. This unpredictability is one of the reasons I will always buy this series.
Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man No. 1
- Writer: Joshua Williamson
- Artist: Leomacs
- Colors: Pip Martin
Joshua Williamson went to work on the opening issue of Universal Monsters: Blood of the Wolf Man. Readers aren’t forced to wait long to learn who the Wolfman is and that the only person in his life is kind of a jerk, but he also has a secret. It's bloody, mysterious, and keeps to the heart of the lore. In short, it's a great first issue to what will likely be a fantastic mini-series.
Captain America No. 12
- Writer: Chip Zdarski
- Artist: Valerio Schiti
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Dr. Doom and Steve Rogers teaming up is something you never knew you needed. Doom is on a mission to help damned souls move on, because an afterlife of nothing but torture isn’t right. However, while Rogers agrees and will help Victor and his partner, Veratok, he (and the readers) know Doom is up to something. Maybe he’ll become the new Lord of Hell.
Ultimate Endgame No. 5
- Writer: Deniz Camp
- Artists: Terry Dodson and Jonas Scharf
- Colors: Edgar Delgado and Terry Dodson
Once again, I find myself in awe of Deni Camp's writing. It seemed like an impossible feat for the heroes to defeat the Maker in a way that made sense. But it happened, and it was glorious. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say that both the heroes and the villains get what they deserve.
Justice League: Dream Girls No. 4
- Writers: Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines
- Artists: Ro Stein, Rosi Kämpe, and Ted Brandt
- Colors: Dearbhla Kelly
I love it when a comic book series sticks the landing. It’s even better when there’s a happy ending. The final issue of Justice League: Dream Girls gave readers a reason to smile about Dreamer and saw Galaxy get a promotion in the Justice League. Plus, Galaxy is now an intergalactic threat thanks to Guy Gardner. However, after what she did in Justice League: Intergalactic, I don’t think Guy wants those problems.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 9
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Artist: Sid Kotian
- Colors: Marco Lesko
This series continues to display the savviness of Shredder. In this issue, we see Oroku Saki understand his limits and make a plan to get the help he needed. It was a brilliant move, but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 9 ends with something unexpected. However, it may make him even more powerful.
Narco No. 4
- Writer: Doug Wagner
- Artist: Daniel Hillyard
- Colors: Dave Stewart
I love a mystery, and Narco is a damn good one. Writer Doug Wagner has been taking readers on a “who-done-it” journey, and you never see the killer coming. But once it’s revealed, you’ll look back and realize the answer was right in front of your face.
Infernal Hulk No. 8
- Writer: Phillip Kennedy Johnson
- Artist: Adam Gorham
- Colors: Matt Wilson
Infernal Hulk has been a consistently amazing series because the story has been unfolding perfectly. Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson has given readers pieces to the puzzle that will eventually lead to the Hulk War event. And while this issue didn’t have much action, it wasn’t needed. It was perfect just by furthering the story.
This issue didn’t have much action, but it wasn’t needed. It was perfect just by furthering the story.
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