On the previous must-read new comic books of the week, Absolute Wonder Woman Annual No. 1 had one of the deepest stories since DC Comics started the Absolute Universe. Also joining that list were titles like Dynamite Entertainment’s Space Ghost (Vol. 2) No. 8, Marvel Comics’ Planet She-Hulk No. 4, and Blood and Thunder No. 10.
This week, there were a plethora of comic books that ranged from deep to action-packed. Let’s begin with my favorite.
Powers 25 No. 5
- Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
- Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
- Colors: Nick Filardi
Brian Michael Bendis is slaying his continuation of Powers. In this issue, the plot of who killed the mystery victim continues, and it keeps getting good. And while it may look like it’s one person, you can never be too sure. That’s the beauty of these titles. It will always keep you guessing.
Ultimate Spider-Man No. 24
- Writer: Jonathan Hickman
- Artists: David Messina and Marco Checchetto
- Colors: Matt Wilson
All of the battles were fought and won with the honor you’d expect from Spider-Man and his son, and the villains lost everything. And just when you thought Kingpin and Mr. Negative would make a comeback, Jonathan Hickman says, “NOPE,” and leaves them getting what they deserved. In short, comic book fans couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
Ghost Pepper No. 8
- Writer: Ludo Lullabi
- Artist: Ludo Lullabi
- Colors: Adriano Lucas
It feels like this issue of Ghost Pepper has been a long time coming. Ash started talking more, he agrees to work with Loloi on the road, and readers learn that he wasn’t always a curmudgeon. Then, just when things seem happy, there’s destruction and death.
This was the best issue of the series by far, and it’s only going to get better. It was full of action, drama, and major character development.
Smile: For the Camera No. 1
- Writer: Hannah Rose May
- Artist: Miriana Puglia
- Colors: Dearbhla Kelly
IDW has a hit on their hands with Smile: For the Camera. First, it doesn’t take long to get readers invested. Second, and maybe most important, it stays true to the source material. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a long series.
X-Men No. 25
- Writer: Jed MacKay
- Artist: Tony Daniel
- Colors: Mark Morales
A great writer knows how to get readers fuming, and Jed MacKay did just that. It starts with the Fenris Twins doing their normal Nazi talk, but that ended quickly with the X-Men stomping them. It was a satisfying defeat that ended too quickly. Because, right as the X-Men are wrapping things up, a jingoistic mutant came in and was almost as frustratingly smug as the Fenris. Considering their Nazis, that should say something.
Absolute Batman No. 17
- Writer: Scott Snyder
- Artist: Eric Canete
- Colors: Frank Martin
Scott Snyder continues to find ways to make Absolute Batman bigger and bolder, while still telling a great story. For example, as much as Poison Ivy was a focal point of this issue, Bruce’s personal life is what made this a must-read.
Bruce’s friends want nothing to do with him, and he learns that his mother is in a relationship with Jim Gordon. What’s worse is that he finds this out by accident. Sadly, this is only the beginning. Things are probably going to get worse before it gets better.
Captain America No. 7
- Writer: Chip Zdarsky
- Artists: Delio Diaz and Frank Alpizar
- Colors: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Each issue of Chip Zdarsky’s run of Captain America is a reminder of why Steve Rogers is one of the greatest heroes ever. But there’s more going on in this series. First, it’s part of the road to Avengers: Armageddon. Second, you’re forced to pay attention to everything because it may come back at some point. Brilliantly done.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder No. 5
- Writer: Dan Watters
- Artists: Michele Bandini and Scott Hanna
- Colors: Marco Lesko
This needs to start off with an apology to Shredder. As Shaq said, “I was unfamiliar with your game.” Thanks to writer Dan Watters, I am now. Oroku Saki has been tearing his way through people the series, but that’s only part of what’s made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder a must-read.
During this issue, you see that even gods and cosmic beings learned that Shredder can’t be heald down. He may not have liked how he learned this lesson, or how he’s perceiving himself, but it’s made him more dangerous.
Knull No. 2
- Writers: Al Ewing and Tom Waltz
- Artist: Juanan Ramirez
- Colors: Erick Arciniega
Knull No. 2 showed the former King in Black weaker than he’s ever been, and that’s a good thing. Despite him being a villain, readers have a reason to hope he succeeds. They may even feel sympathetic to him. And while you may have seen that he becomes the light he once fought against, it won’t lessen Knull’s journey.
Generation X-23
- Writer: Jody Houser
- Artist: Jacopo Camagni
- Colors: Erick Arciniega
Generation X-23 is going to be the sleeper X-title of 2026. Wolverine (Laura Kinney) will bring seriousness and accidental humor to the series. Meanwhile, Gabby (aka Scout) is going to provide happiness and purposeful entertainment.
This also seems like a series that will make Gabby a more prominent X-Man, and it makes sense. Marvel has been pushing their younger characters like Miles Morales (Spider-Man), Gwen Stacy (Spider-Woman), and Eleanor Camacho (Deadpool). Scout is just the newest to get a push.
Terminator: Metal No. 5 (honorable mention)
- Writers: Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville
- Artist: Luke Sparrow
- Colors: Colin Craker
It never occurred to me to think about what happened to remote parts of the world during Skynet’s Judgment Day. Thankfully, writers Declan Shalvey and Rory McConville are here with answers. Unfortunately, the story may be sadder than you’d think.
In Terminator: Metal No. 5, the researchers didn’t even know the world had essentially ended. And, after getting the news, the remaining survivor could only fall to her knees in the freezing weather as she froze to death. However, her last action protected Skynet from getting the information it wanted.
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